AArisings: A-Profiler: Shin-B

This A-Profiler we bring you rapper Shin-B, who has collaborated with some of hip hop's elite. Find out how this Korean American MC is breaking boundaries, how her parents reacted to her wanting to be an MC, and what personal goals she has set for herself.

Your site URLs:
www.myspace.com/shinb

Can you describe yourself using the chorus from your favorite rap track?
I've dealt with a lot of hardships trying to make a visible presence in the industry. There's one particular song called "Stronger" where I address this issue. The chorus goes "you might attack me again, you might condemn me again, but I will say this... ain't bringin' me down. I have got to get over this, you my Lord are my witness." Whatever stones may be thrown, I've learned to shield myself and to stay strong. It's cliché, but whatever doesn't kill you, indeed makes you stronger. I leave my life entirely in God's hands. I've learned to let go and to completely trust that things happen for a specific reason. If it's His will, it'll be.

What kind of sensations do you get when you kick a rhyme? Do you battle other MC's?
It's a complete adrenaline rush when you're performing LIVE on stage and the audience is completely interacting with you. You feed off their energy and it makes you more hype. The energy of the crowd makes a performance even better. It's also kind of weird; I'm completely confident rhyming for strangers, but if a family member asks, I get nervous. I used to battle in my earlier stages, but not as much anymore. I've evolved. Battling was a way for me to build my foundation. It helps artists build confidence and create witty lyricism. It also gets you a lot of initial attention.

What does hip hop mean to you?
Hip hop is entirely different from rap. Rap is rhyming a few verses at a karaoke bar or at some random frat party. Hip hop is a culture. It's global. It's the 4 elements: breaking, tagging, the MC, the DJ. It's what I do on a daily basis. I can't imagine going a day without music. It's my outlet, my therapist, my peers, my philosophy, and so much more. It's my way to channel my emotion and thoughts into words. It's that hunger I feel inside to want to make music that's relatable to my audience. It's being honest and totally vulnerable in your lyrics. It's that drive that pushes me to keep going even when I get tired and want to stop. It's who I am today. It's who I'll be tomorrow.

Do female MC's have any misconceptions or stereotypes associated with them?
Most definitely. Female MC's are a rare breed. Sure, there's a lot that "try" to rhyme by mimicking what's on radio or what was taught to them by some male counterpart. Sure, there's a lot that "try" to rhyme karaoke style just to look cool and trendy. However, there aren't many who are actually legit and know their history. It's hard when you get typecasted into that category. People tend to prejudge you and discredit your ability and capability. They refuse to take you seriously. You have to constantly grind just to prove yourself. I'm a little tired of hearing the same high pitched, over sexualized, female MC. I'd like for people to look past my gender and to actually pay more attention to my lyrics and the music I spew out. Each track is a page off my diary.

How are Asian Pacific Americans viewed in hip hop?
They're pretty much typecasted, as well. There's a lot on the come up now, but it's still a struggle. You see a lot of Asian Americans in acting and comedy, but you don't see very much in music. The reason for this is because it's still too high of a risk for labels to invest in. Another problem is that Asian Americans kind of like to blend in and adapt to the mainstream. We easily camouflage ourselves because we are that "model minority." We don't set ourselves apart enough to actually have a clearcut approach on music, especially hip hop. I don't think labels are looking to sign an "Asian version of an Eminem or Jay-Z." This is why I always say to create your own sound. You have to be distinct and blatantly unique. This is what will get you noticed. It will give you respect and longevity.

How did your parents react when you told them you wanted to be a MC?
They were against it for the longest time. It wasn't until recently that they finally accepted it. You know how Korean parents are. Once they saw me on the Korean newspaper, that's when I officially landed (according to them). One they saw me on the LA Times, that's when I officially landed (according to them). My mom is actually a pretty prominent and well-known figure in the Korean community here in LA. She's helped me get connected to some big industry figures and constantly pushes my name whenever she's at a community meeting. My mom is famous, haha.

What do you consider is an easier feat for you free styling or writing out your rhymes?
I like to do both. When I'm in the process of writing a new song, I first freestyle a skeleton for it. I'll hum a melody and freestyle whatever emotion I'm feeling. Freestyling helps me get creative without any added pressure. It allows me to completely reveal whatever's in my heart and mind. I do it without reservation so that's why it's pretty beneficial. After that, I'll write it out and move on from there. I wouldn't say one is easier than the other. It's about equally the same and equally necessary.

Best Korean BBQ in Southern CA? Best late night after the club eatery?
Chosun Galbi. It's the priciest, haha. Best late night eatery would have to be BCD! I love my tofu! Nothing beats a nice steaming pot of tofu. It's perfect! I always get the seafood one, mild.

What's the one Korean dish you constantly crave for? What's the one Korean dish you rather pass on?
Kimchi, for sure; especially the ones with oysters in it. I always fish out the oysters and eat them all and everyone hates me for it. You snooze, you lose. I love it! BCD has some bomb kimchi. Sometimes I'm on the road for gigs so I can't get access to it, and I'll feel some sort of withdrawal. I'll start feeling gross and weak inside.

Have you been to Korea before? What are some of the differences and similarities between Korean and Korean Americans?
I've been to Korea many times for music and just to visit. I'm a bilingual MC so I'm fluent in Korean, as well. I perform in Korea and do radio gigs there so I'm very familiar with the area. Koreans are more traditional and rowdier! Yeah, I know... kind of contradictory. Koreans also have a lot of what I call "jung." They like to form bonds right off the bat and become a little needy. Korean Americans are more open minded and laid back.

What's a guilty pleasure you hate to admit to?
I love game shows, reality shows (The Amazing Race, Hell's Kitchen), cooking shows (Food Network), and travel shows (Bizarre Foods, No Reservations). I'm also kind of greedy when it comes to food. I don't like to share, haha. I only offer out of courtesy, but deep down inside, I'm hoping they refuse.

When you're not dropping a verse what other activities can we find you doing?
I love traveling, playing basketball, swimming, dancing, working out, eating out, and spending time with family and friends.

Can you describe your first public performance? What was it like?
It was for my elementary school's Christmas play. I sang lead with one other girl. I forgot which song it was, but I remember being totally shocked when the teacher asked me to represent. It was bad though because on the day of the show, I got really sick and ended up vomiting right after I performed. Ah hah. In pictures, you can totally see that I wasn't feeling well. Priceless.

Who are some of your musical influences? What rapper would you pay to watch today?
The Roots, A Tribe Called Quest, Zion I, Braille, Moby, Chicane, Havoc, De La Soul, The Procussions, Timbaland, Stargate, Lauryn Hill, Giant Panda, Mike Relm, Nas, Styles of Beyond, Linkin Park, movie scores, etc. I have a lot of influences from all over. I'd pay to watch Black Thought of The Roots and Eminem. That would be sick to watch them do an interactive ment bouncing off one another.

What are some of your personal goals you hope to accomplish?
Just to be respected and seen as an MC, not as a female MC. I'd also like to eventually open up my own label and help young and upcoming females who want to pursue a career in hip hop. I didn't have much help when I was coming up and basically did everything by myself. I'd also like to work with some of the artists I mentioned above and expand more globally into Europe and not just Asia. I also want longevity.

What's the most over used word you use? Do you notice yourself using this word constantly?
"Oh really" and "uh." I say "oh really" a lot out of habit. It's not even like I'm particularly in disbelief or amazed at what someone said or did, but it just comes out. I say "uh" a lot when I'm rhyming out of habit, as well. I have to stop that.

What came first the MC or the DJ?
DJ. The MC was the dude that decided to talk to the crowd while the DJ was spinning hot music. The MC would involve the crowd and do a direct call and response to pump up the party.

Most memorable childhood past time?
In the summer, my sister and I would go up to Seattle where my grandma lived and take these ridiculous swimming lessons that went on everyday. After flopping in the pool for 2 hours, she'd come pick us up and head on over to Safeway to get lunch. She'd let us buy the junkiest food possible. We'd leave the market with bags of mojo potatoes and fried chicken and pop tarts. Then, we'd drive to the nearest video store and I'd rent the most scariest movie that was out. Another favorite past time is the time spent with dad. My mom was always working so my sister and I would be with our dad a lot. He'd bake us some amazing cookies and heat up some awesome pre-made fish sticks, haha. I loved those Van de Kamp fish sticks with tartar sauce. I also loved those Kraft singles. I'd eat like 10 per sitting. My dad would also take me to the driving range. He wanted me to become a Seri Park. I'd feel so embarrassed hitting with all these old men around me. It was fun though.

Most surprising event in 2009?
Collaborating with a lot of hip hop's elite. I have a mixtape album coming out soon produced by KRS-One and Supernatural's DJ, Silent John. Then, I have an album coming out soon after that produced by Illmind (G-Unit), Symbolyc One (Strange Fruit Project), Keelay & Zaire, and Japan's DJ Tonk. They are all heavy hitters in the hip hop bracket.

Thanks for taking time out your schedule to answer my questions, do you have any words you like to leave your fans?
Thank you for the interview. I appreciate it. Please check me out at www.myspace.com/shinb and www.facebook.com/shinbhiphop. You can email me personally as well to shinbmc@gmail.com. Be on the lookout for the mixtape and album. To all those wanting to achieve goals and dreams, don't stop. Keep going and it'll happen. With each closed door, comes another opportunity and a higher percentage of succeeding bigger. Colonel Sanders of KFC and Michael Jordan failed a thousand times before hitting it big. Let that be a testament to you.

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This issue of A-Profiler is brought to you by Ray Lam.
Special thanks to Shin-B.