Stay true to yourself
The first Asian-American solo rapper to be signed to a major record label, Jin Au-Yeung has one wish while he's in Hong Kong: 'I want to practise my Cantonese,' says the star, better known as MC Jin.
Although he can speak some Chinese, rapping in the language is a struggle.
'I have to remember every line by heart. If I had a wider vocabulary base, I could express my ideas more precisely.'
Nevertheless, he is keen to make a mark in the home of his ancestors.
'My latest album ABC is in Cantonese and the storylines take place in Hong Kong,' he says. 'It only makes sense for it to be released in a Cantonese market.'
Recorded two years ago, his 'experimental project' ABC isn't aimed at a particular audience.
'It's just about my life as an ABC [American-born Chinese], being excluded from both American and Chinese communities and finding the strength to accept my own identity,' the 26-year-old says.
In the album, Jin uses hip hop, a western invention, to talk about the Chinese - and specifically American Chinese - way of life, and hopes the combination can bridge the gap between the cultures.
While a lot of Hongkongers may not be able to relate to the life of overseas Chinese, Jin says he is less concerned about album sales than being true to his craft and himself.
'Rapping is about revealing your identity and telling your stories and experiences.' He says if he rapped about the same things as local hip hop group Fama, it wouldn't be real.
Born to traditional Chinese parents who associated rap with drugs and guns, Jin had to work extra hard to convince them to let him pursue his passion.
'When I decided not to go to university, they were angry and disappointed, and thought rapping had ruined my future,' he says.
However, his induction into the Freestyle Friday Hall of Fame, an honour granted to rappers On popular US TV show 106 & Park, and a Billboard Top 100 album - debut album The Rest is History reached #54 on the US chart - reversed his parents' opinions.
His mother is now not only a fan of his music, but of the whole hip hop genre.
'It's a major achievement. If I can convert my parents, I can change the whole world's perception of hip hop' he says.
Whether they're interested for fun or future occupation, Jin advises hip hop lovers to learn about and respect the history of the culture. 'It's a journey of discovery,' he says. 'Just don't lose your own identity on the way.'
To Jin, hip hop is more than just a hobby and way to earn a living.
'It's my love, my life, my best friend, my redeemer,' he says.
'Hip hop means the world to me.'
