Jay Park talks ‘Soju’, Roc Nation and representing Asian hip hop
The Asian-American rapper launches his first US single with 2 Chainz
When Jay Park signed with Roc Nation last July, it made headlines. Among the label’s impressive roster of artists, Park stands out as the only and first-ever Asian-American. His boyish looks – thanks in part to his Korean genes – might have added to the drama and surprise that he is in fact a 10-year veteran in the industry. To those of us living under a rock and unaware of his accomplishments in Asia, the 31-year-old is not only a singer, rapper and performer, but also an avid entertainment entrepreneur. His founding labels AOMG (‘Above Ordinary Music Group or ‘Always On My Grind’) and H1GHR (read as ‘higher’) Music have rooted themselves as two of the most influential entities in Asian hip hop.
How a b-boy from Seattle-turned-K-pop sensation caught the attention of Roc is not what you think. It’s not his sultry looks, voice or dance moves, nor is it his ethnicity. It’s the combination of them with his undeniable American-ness and ability to ride on the current hip-hop trend. Park is not just a Korean rapper trying to make his way Stateside, but is an American with meticulous K-pop training and good timing. There hasn’t yet been a successful Asian artist with the potential to make it in mainstream America, and he breaks barriers, bridges gaps in a way unprecedented by the Korean musicians who tried before him. Park is taking his first step with the ironically named single Soju (a Korean alcoholic drink made from sweet potatoes), hailing none other than 2 Chainz. In our interview, Park talks Jay-Z, his journey with Roc Nation, and where he sees himself in hip hop.
How do you feel about entering the US market with ‘Soju’?
2 Chainz is featured on the song and H1GHR Music’s Woogie produced it. 2 Chainz heard it through Roc Nation and he liked it. I think it turned out well.
Any stories you’d like to share from the making process?
We recorded the song separately so there’s no real interesting story, but the biggest thing is that he is featured on my song. When I heard he was going to feature, I was amazed. I waited for him every day for two months. I remember being so excited.