LAST YEAR WAS a busy one for Brandon Ho (aka Ghost Style). Having produced two albums with local band Site Access and three solo albums, one of which - Alias - was the first English rap album produced in Hong Kong, he collaborated with DJ Godfather and Lebron James (LBJ's Chamber of Fear Asian Tour), and broke into the film industry by providing the soundtrack to blockbuster Initial D.
Now, with the release of his sixth album (MIC - Message is Complete) and the establishment of his own independent studio, Rebel Studio, Ho could be excused for feeling a little smug.
'I started thinking about MIC in the summer and bumped into Dan F [aka Dan Findlay, producer and managing director of Yumla nightclub]. He offered to help with the production as we both had some free time.
'We managed to record and mix about one song a day over a two-week period, with the help of 89268, an independent label who helped with the distribution.
'Around the same time I started Rebel Studio with the guys from 89268, who have helped keep things smooth. I've done collaborations before, but this was the first time things ran so seamlessly - it felt professional. Dan really cleaned it up, tweaking the sounds and ironing out any bumps.'
Those familiar with Ho and his sound will agree: the additional production and other collaborations have created a unique, clear blend of street-smart lyrics and urban grooves.