No, no not for me.  That's a loooooong ways away.  Congratulations to Jimmy and Tiffany for getting engaged!  They're the first of my close friends to get engaged.  Jimmy has been my homie since we were little kids in 3rd grade playing tetherball and Tiffany was my first homecoming date, way back in freshman year of high school.  You can see why I'm really happy to hear this.  *snff sniff* *tears of joy*  Haha. 

For real though, my boy, Jimmy, made some smooth moves.  The day after Tiffany graduated from Western, he took her on a scavenger hunt under the pretense of a giving her a graduation present.  Little did she know how big the present was.  The scavenger hunt culminated with a private dinner at the Salish Lodge.  Jimmy started reading some heartfelt poems he wrote and then finally got on one knee, proposing.  The ring was perfect.  Too bad I didn't take a picture because I know you girls like to see that kinda stuff.

I went out to dinner with Jimmy, Tiffany, and a couple other friends last night.  It was sort of sad to hear about everyone's plans for the future.  People will be getting married, starting careers, going to law school, and going to graduate school.  It seems like an end of an era; we're becoming real adults now.  It's scary, but at the same time, exciting.  Of course, there will be a little delay for me before that happens, as I will become a Super Senior next fall, but that's a story for another day.  The time will come soon though and I'll have to make one of the biggest transitions of my life.

++++

As a sidenote, are you doing anything Saturday?  If not, come join us at Premier.  I've talked to a lot of people that said they're gonna be going, so it should be crackin'.  If you wanna go, hit me up.

Entry originally posted on Xanga

No, no not for me.  That's a loooooong ways away.  Congratulations to Jimmy and Tiffany for getting engaged!  They're the first of my close friends to get engaged.  Jimmy has been my homie since we were little kids in 3rd grade playing tetherball and Tiffany was my first homecoming date, way back in freshman year of high school.  You can see why I'm really happy to hear this.  *snff sniff* *tears of joy*  Haha. 

For real though, my boy, Jimmy, made some smooth moves.  The day after Tiffany graduated from Western, he took her on a scavenger hunt under the pretense of a giving her a graduation present.  Little did she know how big the present was.  The scavenger hunt culminated with a private dinner at the Salish Lodge.  Jimmy started reading some heartfelt poems he wrote and then finally got on one knee, proposing.  The ring was perfect.  Too bad I didn't take a picture because I know you girls like to see that kinda stuff.

I went out to dinner with Jimmy, Tiffany, and a couple other friends last night.  It was sort of sad to hear about everyone's plans for the future.  People will be getting married, starting careers, going to law school, and going to graduate school.  It seems like an end of an era; we're becoming real adults now.  It's scary, but at the same time, exciting.  Of course, there will be a little delay for me before that happens, as I will become a Super Senior next fall, but that's a story for another day.  The time will come soon though and I'll have to make one of the biggest transitions of my life.

++++

As a sidenote, are you doing anything Saturday?  If not, come join us at Premier.  I've talked to a lot of people that said they're gonna be going, so it should be crackin'.  If you wanna go, hit me up.

Entry originally posted on Xanga

Note: Entry originally from March 24, 2004 on Xanga.

In the latest Details Magazine, there's a piece with the title, "Gay or Asian."  You can check it out right here:

For a larger version, go here.

[ Article text - courtesy of Angry Asian Man ]

GAY OR ASIAN?

One cruises for chicken; the other takes it General Tso-style. Whether you're into shrimp balls or shaved balls, entering the dragon requires imperial tastes. So choke up on your chopsticks, and make sure your labels are showing. Study hard, Grasshopper: A sharp eye will always take home the plumpest eel.

1 DIOR SUNGLASSES: Subs as headband and amplifies inscrutable affect.

2 RYAN SEACREST HAIR: Shellacked spikes, just like that crazy cool Americaaaaaaaan!

3 DELICATE FEATURES: Refreshed by a cup of hot tea or a hot night of teabagging.

4 DOLCE & GABBANA SUEDE JACKET: Keeps the last samurai warm and buttoned tight on the battlefield.

5 WHITE T-SHIRT: V-neck nicely showcases sashimi-smooth chest. What other men visit salons to get, the Asian gene pool provides for free.

6 LADYBOY FINGERS: Soft and long. Perfect for both waxing on and wacing off, plucking the koto, or gripping the Kendo stick.

7 LOUIS VUITTON BAG: Don't be duped by ghetto knockoffs. Every queen deserves the real deal.

8 EVISU JEANS: $400. A bonsai ass requires delicate tending.

9 METALLIC SNEAKERS: When the Pink Lady takes the stage, nothing should be lost in translation.

++++

When I first saw this article, I was in disbelief that something that blatantly racist would be printed in a mainstream magazine.  What are they trying to insinuate, that you can't tell Asians apart from gays?  Thanks for trying to perpetuate the effeminate Asian male stereotype.  Also, in the headline, it's asking "gay or asian?"  So if you're a gay Asian, does that mean you better stop waffling and make up your mind on which one you want to be?  I know this is supposed to be a joke and I'm always down for a good laugh, but this is riduculous.  Asian fingers are "perfect for both waxing on and wacing off, plucking the koto, or gripping the Kendo stick?"  Get your bullshit cliche'd stereotypes out of here.  It's like they're thinking, "oh, we don't have anything creative to write about this month, so we'll just make fun of Asians."  I hate it how it's the chic thing to do to bash on Asians.  If the media did the same to other races, people would be calling for heads.  We have to put a stop to this kind of discrimination.

Thoughts?

Entry originally posted on Xanga

Note: Entry originally from March 24, 2004 on Xanga.

In the latest Details Magazine, there's a piece with the title, "Gay or Asian."  You can check it out right here:

For a larger version, go here.

[ Article text - courtesy of Angry Asian Man ]

GAY OR ASIAN?

One cruises for chicken; the other takes it General Tso-style. Whether you're into shrimp balls or shaved balls, entering the dragon requires imperial tastes. So choke up on your chopsticks, and make sure your labels are showing. Study hard, Grasshopper: A sharp eye will always take home the plumpest eel.

1 DIOR SUNGLASSES: Subs as headband and amplifies inscrutable affect.

2 RYAN SEACREST HAIR: Shellacked spikes, just like that crazy cool Americaaaaaaaan!

3 DELICATE FEATURES: Refreshed by a cup of hot tea or a hot night of teabagging.

4 DOLCE & GABBANA SUEDE JACKET: Keeps the last samurai warm and buttoned tight on the battlefield.

5 WHITE T-SHIRT: V-neck nicely showcases sashimi-smooth chest. What other men visit salons to get, the Asian gene pool provides for free.

6 LADYBOY FINGERS: Soft and long. Perfect for both waxing on and wacing off, plucking the koto, or gripping the Kendo stick.

7 LOUIS VUITTON BAG: Don't be duped by ghetto knockoffs. Every queen deserves the real deal.

8 EVISU JEANS: $400. A bonsai ass requires delicate tending.

9 METALLIC SNEAKERS: When the Pink Lady takes the stage, nothing should be lost in translation.

++++

When I first saw this article, I was in disbelief that something that blatantly racist would be printed in a mainstream magazine.  What are they trying to insinuate, that you can't tell Asians apart from gays?  Thanks for trying to perpetuate the effeminate Asian male stereotype.  Also, in the headline, it's asking "gay or asian?"  So if you're a gay Asian, does that mean you better stop waffling and make up your mind on which one you want to be?  I know this is supposed to be a joke and I'm always down for a good laugh, but this is riduculous.  Asian fingers are "perfect for both waxing on and wacing off, plucking the koto, or gripping the Kendo stick?"  Get your bullshit cliche'd stereotypes out of here.  It's like they're thinking, "oh, we don't have anything creative to write about this month, so we'll just make fun of Asians."  I hate it how it's the chic thing to do to bash on Asians.  If the media did the same to other races, people would be calling for heads.  We have to put a stop to this kind of discrimination.

Thoughts?

Entry originally posted on Xanga

Note: Entry originally from March 15, 2004 on Xanga.

Over the last year, I've developed this really bad habit when it comes to studying.  No matter how much work I have to do, I end up doing everything possible except the task I have to accomplish.  Now I've always been a procrastinator, but this is just taking it to new levels.  For example, instead of writing my 25 page paper, I'll go eat, take a shower, change the colors on my Xanga, chat, fill out my NCAA bracket -- anything but actually write the paper.  It's getting so absurd that I'll actually do stuff I hate doing instead of write my paper.  Oh, my mp3s aren't all named right?  Looks like it's about time to rename EVERY SINGLE ONE of them.  My car hasn't been washed in months?  Oh ok, I'll wash it in the butt ass cold.  Not only that, I'll make sure to replace my windshield wipers and go out of my way to buy new floormats while I'm at it!

I go to the library to try to get away from the distractions, because I mean you can't really do much there except study, right?  Wrong!  It's finals week, so everyone, their mom, and their momma's uncle's cousin's baby momma's homegirl's boyfriend is there.  I can't walk more than 10 steps without running into someone I know.  Then I start socializing and that's all the excuse I need to stop studying.

Call it senioritis, call it procrastination.  Whatever it is, I have to snap out of it!  It's gotten so bad that if I was given the option of studying or watching a woman's bodybuilding contest, I'd probably tell em to bring on Big Bertha!  Well, I guess I should finish up this Xanga entry now.  It's time to go study.

Entry originally posted on Xanga

Note: Entry originally from March 15, 2004 on Xanga.

Over the last year, I've developed this really bad habit when it comes to studying.  No matter how much work I have to do, I end up doing everything possible except the task I have to accomplish.  Now I've always been a procrastinator, but this is just taking it to new levels.  For example, instead of writing my 25 page paper, I'll go eat, take a shower, change the colors on my Xanga, chat, fill out my NCAA bracket -- anything but actually write the paper.  It's getting so absurd that I'll actually do stuff I hate doing instead of write my paper.  Oh, my mp3s aren't all named right?  Looks like it's about time to rename EVERY SINGLE ONE of them.  My car hasn't been washed in months?  Oh ok, I'll wash it in the butt ass cold.  Not only that, I'll make sure to replace my windshield wipers and go out of my way to buy new floormats while I'm at it!

I go to the library to try to get away from the distractions, because I mean you can't really do much there except study, right?  Wrong!  It's finals week, so everyone, their mom, and their momma's uncle's cousin's baby momma's homegirl's boyfriend is there.  I can't walk more than 10 steps without running into someone I know.  Then I start socializing and that's all the excuse I need to stop studying.

Call it senioritis, call it procrastination.  Whatever it is, I have to snap out of it!  It's gotten so bad that if I was given the option of studying or watching a woman's bodybuilding contest, I'd probably tell em to bring on Big Bertha!  Well, I guess I should finish up this Xanga entry now.  It's time to go study.

Entry originally posted on Xanga

Note: Entry originally from March 13, 2004 on Xanga.

It's so close to Spring Break, but there's so much to do until then!  I have a 25 page group paper for Informatics due on Monday, a Comm presentation on Tuesday, and finals for Informatics and Databases on Wednesday.  Ever get the feeling when you have so much work that you can't accomplish anything because you don't know where to start? 

Argh, I had to miss out on most of my buddy's 21st birthday yesterday because I had freakin' homework I had to finish and turn in before midnight.  We went to Todai's for dinner and then I was gonna go home real quick to finish my homework, turn it in, and meet up with them at Fox Sports grill to watch the Husky game.  Too bad it wasn't quick and I ended up missing out on the rest of the night. Boooooo on schooool!

Anyways, time to think happy thoughts... like spring break.  What are you guys doing for spring break?

Entry originally posted on Xanga

You guys probably get tired of these posts about the games I go to, but oh well, here goes another one.  Like how November's Apple Cup was the funnest football game I've ever been to, yesterday's basketball game versus Stanford was by far the most fun I've had at a basketball game.  It's been a while since the Huskies have been good at basketball, but this year it has different.  We've won 12 of the last 13 league games to move in to 2nd place in the Pac-10.

Stanford was #1 and undefeated, trying to make history.  The Huskies were the 2nd place team, trying to get the big win necessary to propel them into the NCAA tournament.  It was a record crowd at Hec Ed yesterday and much like the Apple Cup, it was pandemonium as we won the game.  We were in the student section at the top of the arena, but it was still hella loud up there.  With 30 sec left and the win virtually guaranteed, we made our way down to the lower entrance of the court and counted down the last seconds of the game.  As the clock hit 0.00, there was mad rush as all of us students trampled down the stairs to storm the court.

It was like a mosh pit on the floor of Hec Ed and everybody was rowdy as hell.  I think I almost knocked over a cheerleader in trying to get to the party in the middle of the court.  The lone senior player, Curtis Allen, was lifted up by the students.  It's moments like this that make being a fan of a team so worth it.

Click here for video of us storming the court after the game. (courtesy of Dawgman.com board)

After the game, I went to my friend Nikki's Barrio Fiesta over at Seattle U.  Barrio is a night that celebrates Filipino culture with a dinner and performances.  It was quite the contrast from the game.  I was still so pumped up that I wanted to scream, "YEEEEEEEEAAAAHHHH!" when the MC asked the crowd if we were ready for dinner.  I eventually settled down a little and enjoyed the rest of the night at Barrio.

Here's some pics from the game:

This is our view of the court from the upper student section.

Me and my name twin, Don #2 sporting our Dawgheads.  Aren't they badass?  They gave em out to all the students at the game.

Huy and Steve dig the Dawgheads too.  We must've looked rediculous walking into the computer labs after the game.

About to take it to the house on Stanford.

Students partying on the floor after we won.

Brandon Roy and Mike Jensen getting mugged for postgame interviews.  Even Jensen thinks the Dawghead is sexy.

Huskies 75, Cardinal 62.  That's right bitches, you're 26 and 1!

And since I'm already posting pics, I might as well post some pics from the ASC talent show a few weeks ago.

Me and Sophia.  I'm purposely putting up this picture since she said she doesn't like it when people post pictures without her permission.  Haha, sucka!

Susan and Jackie.  That's Dan in the background prolly checking out some girl.  Smooth move by Sophia to cover up Jackie's face with the program.

Nikki shaking her groove thang on stage at the talent show.  I have a picture of her groove thang bending over too.  Wanna see it?

On another note, my long lost brother, Parry Shen now has a Xanga.  It's interesting to know what goes on in the head of a movie star.

Entry originally posted on Xanga

You guys probably get tired of these posts about the games I go to, but oh well, here goes another one.  Like how November's Apple Cup was the funnest football game I've ever been to, yesterday's basketball game versus Stanford was by far the most fun I've had at a basketball game.  It's been a while since the Huskies have been good at basketball, but this year it has different.  We've won 12 of the last 13 league games to move in to 2nd place in the Pac-10.

Stanford was #1 and undefeated, trying to make history.  The Huskies were the 2nd place team, trying to get the big win necessary to propel them into the NCAA tournament.  It was a record crowd at Hec Ed yesterday and much like the Apple Cup, it was pandemonium as we won the game.  We were in the student section at the top of the arena, but it was still hella loud up there.  With 30 sec left and the win virtually guaranteed, we made our way down to the lower entrance of the court and counted down the last seconds of the game.  As the clock hit 0.00, there was mad rush as all of us students trampled down the stairs to storm the court.

It was like a mosh pit on the floor of Hec Ed and everybody was rowdy as hell.  I think I almost knocked over a cheerleader in trying to get to the party in the middle of the court.  The lone senior player, Curtis Allen, was lifted up by the students.  It's moments like this that make being a fan of a team so worth it.

Click here for video of us storming the court after the game. (courtesy of Dawgman.com board)

After the game, I went to my friend Nikki's Barrio Fiesta over at Seattle U.  Barrio is a night that celebrates Filipino culture with a dinner and performances.  It was quite the contrast from the game.  I was still so pumped up that I wanted to scream, "YEEEEEEEEAAAAHHHH!" when the MC asked the crowd if we were ready for dinner.  I eventually settled down a little and enjoyed the rest of the night at Barrio.

Here's some pics from the game:

This is our view of the court from the upper student section.

Me and my name twin, Don #2 sporting our Dawgheads.  Aren't they badass?  They gave em out to all the students at the game.

Huy and Steve dig the Dawgheads too.  We must've looked rediculous walking into the computer labs after the game.

About to take it to the house on Stanford.

Students partying on the floor after we won.

Brandon Roy and Mike Jensen getting mugged for postgame interviews.  Even Jensen thinks the Dawghead is sexy.

Huskies 75, Cardinal 62.  That's right bitches, you're 26 and 1!

And since I'm already posting pics, I might as well post some pics from the ASC talent show a few weeks ago.

Me and Sophia.  I'm purposely putting up this picture since she said she doesn't like it when people post pictures without her permission.  Haha, sucka!

Susan and Jackie.  That's Dan in the background prolly checking out some girl.  Smooth move by Sophia to cover up Jackie's face with the program.

Nikki shaking her groove thang on stage at the talent show.  I have a picture of her groove thang bending over too.  Wanna see it?

On another note, my long lost brother, Parry Shen now has a Xanga.  It's interesting to know what goes on in the head of a movie star.

Entry originally posted on Xanga

I saw this over at hiphopmusic.com and thought it was pretty cool idea.  Here's the deal:

Your instructions
Step 1: Open your MP3 [CD] player.
Step 2: Put all of your music on random.
Step 3: Write down the first 20 songs it plays, no matter how embarrassing.

1. Boa - Kiseki
2. Destiny's Child - Temptation
3. Alicia Keys - Diary (ft Tony Toni Tone)
4. 50 Cent - Many Men
5. Jay-Z - Dirt Off Your Shoulder (9th Wonder Remix)
6. Memphis Bleek - Everything's A Go (ft Jay-Z)
7. Evanescence - Taking Over Me
8. Young Gunz - That's Right
9. Common - The Sixth Sense (Soul Supreme Remix)
10. Xscape - Understanding
11. Maroon 5- Through With You
12. Shai - If I Ever Fall In Love (Acappella)
13. Utada Hikaru - Addicted To You (Up In Heaven Mix)
14. Royce Da 5'9" - Duck Down
15. Goodie Mob - Get Rich To This
16. 112 - Na, Na, Na (ft Method Man)
17. Linkin Park - Faint
18. Nappy Roots - One Forty
19. Jin - Eeny Meeny
20. Stacy Orrico - More To Life

Hmmm... interesting mix.  Let's hear your playlist!

Entry originally posted on Xanga

I saw this over at hiphopmusic.com and thought it was pretty cool idea.  Here's the deal:

Your instructions
Step 1: Open your MP3 [CD] player.
Step 2: Put all of your music on random.
Step 3: Write down the first 20 songs it plays, no matter how embarrassing.

1. Boa - Kiseki
2. Destiny's Child - Temptation
3. Alicia Keys - Diary (ft Tony Toni Tone)
4. 50 Cent - Many Men
5. Jay-Z - Dirt Off Your Shoulder (9th Wonder Remix)
6. Memphis Bleek - Everything's A Go (ft Jay-Z)
7. Evanescence - Taking Over Me
8. Young Gunz - That's Right
9. Common - The Sixth Sense (Soul Supreme Remix)
10. Xscape - Understanding
11. Maroon 5- Through With You
12. Shai - If I Ever Fall In Love (Acappella)
13. Utada Hikaru - Addicted To You (Up In Heaven Mix)
14. Royce Da 5'9" - Duck Down
15. Goodie Mob - Get Rich To This
16. 112 - Na, Na, Na (ft Method Man)
17. Linkin Park - Faint
18. Nappy Roots - One Forty
19. Jin - Eeny Meeny
20. Stacy Orrico - More To Life

Hmmm... interesting mix.  Let's hear your playlist!

Entry originally posted on Xanga

Thanks to all y'all for wishing me a happy birthday.  My 22nd birthday was a blast!  First we went to swanky restaurant and bar called Tap House Grill in Galleria.  There were about 30 people in my party so it was like an "Asian Invasion."  Afterwards, some of us went to karaoke the night away at SBK.  I did my William Hung impersonation there and performed "She Bangs."  It was dope.  Too bad I didn't get any pictures of it.

I have a consolation prize though.  Here's some video that Gigi (who knows how to work my camera better than me) took.  The lighting sucks, but oh well. The first two clips are Sam and I fumbling with the words or melody to the songs.  The last one is my homeboy, Craig, stealing the show.  Yes, ladies, he is single.

It's sorta big, so you're prolly better off saving it to your hard drive first before you watch it.
mp4 video (better quality but might not work on all computers)
avi video (same video, not as good quality, but probably will work on your computer)

Here's some assorted pics from the night.

Here's the table with the people who came early enough to actually get to sit by me.

Another table at my party.

Me and some more friends.

Me and my new gangsta friend, Homie Da Bear.  Thanks Annie and Susan for my favorite present!

Some of the people karaoking it up at SBK.

Angela wakes up from her drunkenness just in time to sing Hotel California.

Me and Craig posing for one last pic before we leave SBK.

I have a bunch more pictures at my photo gallery.  They're bigger too.

Entry originally posted on Xanga

Thanks to all y'all for wishing me a happy birthday.  My 22nd birthday was a blast!  First we went to swanky restaurant and bar called Tap House Grill in Galleria.  There were about 30 people in my party so it was like an "Asian Invasion."  Afterwards, some of us went to karaoke the night away at SBK.  I did my William Hung impersonation there and performed "She Bangs."  It was dope.  Too bad I didn't get any pictures of it.

I have a consolation prize though.  Here's some video that Gigi (who knows how to work my camera better than me) took.  The lighting sucks, but oh well. The first two clips are Sam and I fumbling with the words or melody to the songs.  The last one is my homeboy, Craig, stealing the show.  Yes, ladies, he is single.

It's sorta big, so you're prolly better off saving it to your hard drive first before you watch it.
mp4 video (better quality but might not work on all computers)
avi video (same video, not as good quality, but probably will work on your computer)

Here's some assorted pics from the night.

Here's the table with the people who came early enough to actually get to sit by me.

Another table at my party.

Me and some more friends.

Me and my new gangsta friend, Homie Da Bear.  Thanks Annie and Susan for my favorite present!

Some of the people karaoking it up at SBK.

Angela wakes up from her drunkenness just in time to sing Hotel California.

Me and Craig posing for one last pic before we leave SBK.

I have a bunch more pictures at my photo gallery.  They're bigger too.

Entry originally posted on Xanga

So this is gonna be one of those super-packed weeks.
Monday: Get bitch slapped by databases midterm
Tuesday: Get bitch slapped on other cheek by informatics midterm, go to VSA/VSL meeting.
Wednesday: Go learn some cha cha cha-ing skills with Lily (maybe?)
Thursday: My official 22nd birthday, maybe some family stuff
Friday: The big 22 birthday bash.  Out to dinner, then either partying or karaoking it up.  Hit me up for details.

Oh yeah and besides that, I gotta worry about going to class, working on our big online store databases project, and going to work.

I'm turning 22 on Thursday.  It feels soooo not special.  In fact, I feel like I'm getting too old.  I might as well wear cardigan sweaters and go to bingo night.  No longer can I call Angela a "granny" for being 22.  It's the age where everything starts going downhill and you no longer look forward to your birthdays.  I'm supposed to be a full fledged adult right now, ready to step into the real world.  So why do I feel like I'm not any closer to that goal than I was a year ago?

Can someone give me a reason I should be excited about my birthday on Thursday?

Entry originally posted on Xanga

I guess the real question is was this planned? They're all denying it, but I ain't having that. Just look at it. Before the show, Janet said that there would be shocking moments. That's for sure. I mean listen to what Justin's singing in the song, "I'm gonna have you naked by the end of the night." Maybe he just couldn't contain himself. He probably fantasized about Janet when growing up. So was it planned? I'm not sure, but I have my suspicions. Whatever the case, it made a boring Super Bowl halftime show worth talking about. What do you think? Planned or accident?

Bigger pic here, if it's not down already.
And another one here.

I guess the real question is was this planned? They're all denying it, but I ain't having that. Just look at it. Before the show, Janet said that there would be shocking moments. That's for sure. I mean listen to what Justin's singing in the song, "I'm gonna have you naked by the end of the night." Maybe he just couldn't contain himself. He probably fantasized about Janet when growing up. So was it planned? I'm not sure, but I have my suspicions. Whatever the case, it made a boring Super Bowl halftime show worth talking about. What do you think? Planned or accident?

Bigger pic here, if it's not down already.
And another one here.

1. Kast XL - Triad (ft Kristine Sa)
2. Black Star - Definition
3. Kanye West - Get Em High (ft Talib Kweli, Common)
4. Twista - Overnight Celebrity
5. Outkast - Jazzy Belle (Remix)
6. Youngbloodz - U-Way (Remix ft Lil' Wayne)
7. Busta Rhymes - Shorty (ft Chingy, Fat Joe, Nick Cannon)
8. Memphis Bleek - Everything's A Go (ft Jay-Z)
9. Jurassic 5 - Great Expectations
10. The Roots - The Next Movement (ft DJ Jazzy Jeff)
11. Black Eyed Peas - Fallin' Up
12. Kelis - Millionaire (ft Andre 3000)
13. Nick Cannon - I Used To Be In Love (ft Joe)
14. 2Play - So Confused (ft Raghav)
15. Usher - Yeah (ft Lil Jon, Ludacris)
16. Britney Spears - Toxic
17. Christina Milian - Dip It Low (ft Fabolous)
18. Beyonce - Me, Myself, and I (Bama Boys Sexy Mix)

Those were the words that greeted my inbox a few days ago. They proclaimed the coming of a new Asian American emcee, one that promised to rock the landscape of Hip Hop. Bold words for a relative unknown. It was easy to talk the talk, but could they back it up?

There had been a lot anticipation about this release, anticipation that had been compounded by a couple delays. I actually got a chance to preview the tracks before the release date. Being a fan of Nemesis Records and their unique Asian American vision of music, I was excited to hear the release.

Triad

The song, "Triad" was hyped as the cornerstone to Kast's debut and so naturally, it was the first song I chose to listen to. As I plugged my headphones into my Powerbook, I read the description of the song: “'Triad' is hard Hip Hop from a brand new perspective. Featuring the beautiful voice of fellow Nemesis Records artist Kristine Sa, the track is a gun opera taken to the most dramatic heights. Inspired by Hong Kong gangster movies, ”Triad” is sonic cinema." Hmm, sounds interesting.

I hit play on the song, and was greeted by the sound of a plucked/string instrument playing an Asian melody. Not bad, I thought to myself. The instrument quickly faded out and gave way to the moans of the poetic Kristine Sa. Soon after, the beat dropped in. As expected, it had an Asian feel. The beat was solid, but didn't really stand out in my mind.

Then, I heard Kast for the first time. Whoa. The voice was definitely unexpected. It was low and the flow was slow. I would be lying if I said I liked it at first. But like a lot of things that are different, it ended up growing on me. Lyrically, Kast was pretty good; the rhyme structure in the beginning of the second verse was straight precision. I liked the chorus, Kast XL rapping over a vocal aura set by Kristine. It had a dramatic feel that complimented the theme of the song.

Obviously this is a concept song, so Kast isn't really pretending to be a triad (asian gangster). The concept is one of those Hong Kong gangster movies and since I generally don't watch those types of movies, I didn't really get the numerous references in the song. Also, turns out that this isn't really Kast's flow. He only rapped that way because it goes better with the concept of the song.

Overall, I think this is a nice debut song. Like me, you might not feel it at first, but if you give it a chance, you might find it to be pretty hot. Besides, if you're looking for something new, it's a definitely unique perspective on hip hop.

Remember Hip Hop

The other big song that Kast released was "Remember Hip Hop." Unfortunately, this one is currently only available in the cursed Real Player format. Too bad Kingmin didn't fall for me trying to sucker him into releasing an mp3 version. This song had a vastly different feel than "Triad". It's more the standard hip hop song. That would make sense, since it is after all, an ode to Hip Hop. Once again, the first thing you notice about this song (besides the beat), is Kast's flow. This time, it sounds less forced than it did on "Triad". With his natural flow, Kast sounds a lot better. Lyrically, Kast comes on point. I like the way he shows his appreciation for hip hop on this song. The only drawback is that the beat sounds sort of cheesy to me. This is most apparent at the hook when the funky keyboard hits. I've heard that a lot of girls are diggin' it though, so who knows?

Other Songs

The other two tracks that were released are two battle tracks. These were from when he was still unsigned. On some parts of them, he has a delivery and voice that is reminiscent of the young Eminem. That's all I'm going to really say about them for now. You can check them out at his website.

The Verdict

So back to the question at hand. Can Kast XL claim the title of Chinatown king? The Verdict: It's too early to crown anyone. If Kast continues to work hard at improving his skills though, don't be surprised if you see a throne carried into the Nemesis offices.

Those were the words that greeted my inbox a few days ago. They proclaimed the coming of a new Asian American emcee, one that promised to rock the landscape of Hip Hop. Bold words for a relative unknown. It was easy to talk the talk, but could they back it up?

There had been a lot anticipation about this release, anticipation that had been compounded by a couple delays. I actually got a chance to preview the tracks before the release date. Being a fan of Nemesis Records and their unique Asian American vision of music, I was excited to hear the release.

Triad

The song, "Triad" was hyped as the cornerstone to Kast's debut and so naturally, it was the first song I chose to listen to. As I plugged my headphones into my Powerbook, I read the description of the song: “'Triad' is hard Hip Hop from a brand new perspective. Featuring the beautiful voice of fellow Nemesis Records artist Kristine Sa, the track is a gun opera taken to the most dramatic heights. Inspired by Hong Kong gangster movies, ”Triad” is sonic cinema." Hmm, sounds interesting.

I hit play on the song, and was greeted by the sound of a plucked/string instrument playing an Asian melody. Not bad, I thought to myself. The instrument quickly faded out and gave way to the moans of the poetic Kristine Sa. Soon after, the beat dropped in. As expected, it had an Asian feel. The beat was solid, but didn't really stand out in my mind.

Then, I heard Kast for the first time. Whoa. The voice was definitely unexpected. It was low and the flow was slow. I would be lying if I said I liked it at first. But like a lot of things that are different, it ended up growing on me. Lyrically, Kast was pretty good; the rhyme structure in the beginning of the second verse was straight precision. I liked the chorus, Kast XL rapping over a vocal aura set by Kristine. It had a dramatic feel that complimented the theme of the song.

Obviously this is a concept song, so Kast isn't really pretending to be a triad (asian gangster). The concept is one of those Hong Kong gangster movies and since I generally don't watch those types of movies, I didn't really get the numerous references in the song. Also, turns out that this isn't really Kast's flow. He only rapped that way because it goes better with the concept of the song.

Overall, I think this is a nice debut song. Like me, you might not feel it at first, but if you give it a chance, you might find it to be pretty hot. Besides, if you're looking for something new, it's a definitely unique perspective on hip hop.

Remember Hip Hop

The other big song that Kast released was "Remember Hip Hop." Unfortunately, this one is currently only available in the cursed Real Player format. Too bad Kingmin didn't fall for me trying to sucker him into releasing an mp3 version. This song had a vastly different feel than "Triad". It's more the standard hip hop song. That would make sense, since it is after all, an ode to Hip Hop. Once again, the first thing you notice about this song (besides the beat), is Kast's flow. This time, it sounds less forced than it did on "Triad". With his natural flow, Kast sounds a lot better. Lyrically, Kast comes on point. I like the way he shows his appreciation for hip hop on this song. The only drawback is that the beat sounds sort of cheesy to me. This is most apparent at the hook when the funky keyboard hits. I've heard that a lot of girls are diggin' it though, so who knows?

Other Songs

The other two tracks that were released are two battle tracks. These were from when he was still unsigned. On some parts of them, he has a delivery and voice that is reminiscent of the young Eminem. That's all I'm going to really say about them for now. You can check them out at his website.

The Verdict

So back to the question at hand. Can Kast XL claim the title of Chinatown king? The Verdict: It's too early to crown anyone. If Kast continues to work hard at improving his skills though, don't be surprised if you see a throne carried into the Nemesis offices.