Magnetic North hit the ground running in 2003 when emcees Derek Kan and Theresa Vu came together to write a song for an Asian American rally in Berkeley, California. The piece, titled “We Will Not Be Moved”, was an ode to their heritage – a mix of refugee war stories and reflections about skin color and stereotypes. Their mix of refreshingly honest rhymes and organic beats has since become the duo’s trademark as they went on to rock stages and move hearts at hundreds of venues nationwide. Derek, the mastermind behind their instrumentals, draws upon his classical roots to create beats heavy on melody and acoustic stylings. He tops off his production with insightful lyrics and a uniquely versatile flow that make his vocals as much an instrument as a message. And then there is T-Vu, a female emcee with no need for the “female” qualifier. A wordsmith of rare caliber and presence – she’s known for her precise delivery and no-nonsense rhymes.
Since their debut album release in 2006, Magnetic North has turned heads from execs at Universal Records to renowned civil rights activist Yuri Kochiyama. They’ve also collaborated with a number of artists including Jin, Vienna Teng and Wong Fu Productions, who produced their AAIFF award-winning music video “Drift Away.”
In the summer of 2010, Magnetic North finished their second LP, “Home:Word,” a collaboration album with their good friend and fellow emcee, Taiyo Na. The trio have since been on a tear, racing to the #2 spot of Japan’s hip hop charts with their title track “Home:Word” which will be followed by a full album release overseas backed by label Goon Trax. Without devaluing their concert tours, music videos or newfound international success, Magnetic North & Taiyo are proudest of their Holla Benefit Concert Series 2009′s Home for the Holla’Days, 2010′s Home for the Holla’Days II and 2011′s Holla For Japan) which have collectively raised over $35,000 in charity. Collaborating with other like-minded musicians to put on concerts to aid urgent causes have brought their passions for music and social responsibility together in the most fulfilling of ways. MN’s website:
www.magnetichiphop.comTAIYO NA
Honored by Governor David A. Paterson and the State of New York for his “legacy of leadership to the Asian American community and the Empire State” in May 2010, Taiyo Na is a singer, songwriter, MC and producer. His debut album Love is Growth (Issilah Productions, 2008) established himself as “a multidimensional talent with a unique creative voice that fuses the rhythms of the city that raised him with the soul of the Asian immigrant culture that birthed him” (Okayplayer.com). The album features the song “Lovely To Me (Immigrant Mother),” whose music video to the song was heralded by MTV Iggy as “the realest thing seen in a while.” His website:
www.taiyona.com
Blue Belt is an indie hip hop collective based in Brooklyn, NY, comprised of rapper/producers Rob Rusli, Andrew Rusli, and Jared Arnold. Starting as Rob’s solo project at Wesleyan University, he released Positively Positronic, a hip hop concept album that contemplates the robot apocalypse. Now in Brooklyn, Blue Belt has expanded into a trio and garnered significant online buzz after releasing their debut album in 2011.
“Dismissing most hip-hop convention, the group discusses everything from Brian Eno to vocoded gchat conversations in their verses, while turning loops from Asian instruments like the Koto and Shamisen into a backdrop as smooth as anything Tribe Called Quest has produced. A welcome surprise of showmanship and detailed composition, listening to Blue Belt is an immersive experience. Come prepared to forget what you thought you could do with a sample.” -NYC Deli
