Korean Reggae artist Skull has been described by DJ Bobcat as, "Incredible, he defines what Hip Hop Culture is all about!" Mariah Carey said of his debut single, Boom Di Boom Di, "The song is really hot!" So who is Skull? Rashmi Shastri spoke to YG Label Exec and Mariah's brother, Morgan Carey to find out more about the new sensation who's bringing the heat in 07.
How did you become involved with the music industry?
I was trying to help my sister, Mariah Carey, break through at the beginning and get her into the game. A good friend of mine, Gavin Christopher, cut her first demo and I later hired Ben Marguiles to work with her. They went on to write a number of the hits on her first album together. I actually walked her by the hand up to Seymour Stein's office at Sire with that demo. Back then I knew a lot of industry people from having worked in the clubs so I played her stuff for anybody I knew who would listen; Billy Idol, Nona Hendryx, Tina B, The System, etc. Not long after, Mariah and Tommy (Mottola) got together and it went where it went.
I never really had any interest in working in music, it just kind of happened, I was engaged to this woman, Kiyomi who wanted to choreograph so I tried to make it happen for her, started created this Boy Group called Quo, we groomed them for about 8 months and then signed them to Michael Jackson's record company. The group was great but it fell by the wayside for reasons that the people in the know are privy to. I had several other heartbreaks working in artist development and got out with a bad taste in my mouth. I've always looked at that period as my formal education. YG's passion for music brought me back into the business.
Tell me about YG Entertainment.
I had a friend Jason Roberts who had mixed YG Entertainment's (a record label in Korea) records for many years and he'd been telling me about the owner, Hyun Suk (everybody calls him YG) how he was somebody I'd really hit it off with, and if I went to Korea we should meet. I went to Seoul about a year ago for a wedding, emailed YG and introduced myself. I got to my hotel in Seoul and there was a Corniche Limo waiting for me. I was whisked off to ND, one of YG's Hip Hop clubs (he owns like ten in Seoul, and restaurants in Toronto).
When I got to the club, I randomly ran into one of my sister's dancers and I knew I was right where God meant me to be. YG and I speak two different languages but both prize loyalty, honesty and are passionate about art. We vibed, and the rest is about to be history, World History... watch!
When were you told about Skull?
When I got back to the States there was a huge box of CDs and other products waiting for me. At first I was kind of like, "Yeah right" but then, I sat down for the better part of a whole weekend and listened to everything. The Asian market is very different, and while YG has some very successful, talented artists, there wasn't much that was really tailored for this market. Skull was part of this Reggae group, and he really stood out. "Star" was written all over his voice and his image was on fire. I got curious.
When did you decide to become involved with Skull?
YG and I had a series of conversations, he knew that I was very taken with Skull and YG was very clear about his dream of making it happen in the States. At that time I was in no way interested in working in music, I was developing several film and television properties and still was soured on my experiences.
YG invited me to Tokyo for one of the shows on their world tour. Skull's group was the warm up band, and they killed it for like 10,000 fans, who, couldn't understand a word of Korean, didn't know these guys, but with in minutes the girls were throwing their panties. Skull's vibe before and after the show was surreal, in a very approachable way though. He's very spiritual, and has a sincerity and air of peace about him, which really strikes you.
Tell me about the K-Town project.
I told YG that Skull would be perfect for a part in our movie, K-Town. Mariah (Carey) will be playing a part in it, and I thought it would be a great way to introduce YG Entertainment to the U.S. My plan is to release the soundtrack through YG Entertainment, and have a few tracks from YG artists. It's an action driven drama with cross-cultural dilemmas at its core. I can't really say anymore, you'll just have to see it when it comes out.
Do any particular things about Skull stand out to you?
The first time I saw him in Japan was when he was sitting in the lobby of the hotel meditating. You know, generally if I saw someone meditating in public I'd be like, "give me a break" but he was just doing his thing. There was also a time we were at a music convention and they double booked the hall with some rock artists so their audience was still inside with the hip hop audience waiting outside so everyone was ready to fight and wanted to see somebody they knew. Skull got up on stage and some these kids were like "where you from, chink" but by the second chorus, hands were in the air and heads were bopping.
Afterwards he sung No Woman No Cry acappella, you could have heard a pin drop. Afterwards he said to the audience, "I'm so happy to be here, and I really want to be your friend." I couldn't believe it; this hard-core hip-hop audience ate it up! There's so much haterism in the music business but he can win over any crowd and that's because he's that authentic.
Where did Skull get the idea for Boom Di Boom Di?
It was originally written and released in Korean by Skull and then Mystic rewrote the lyrics in English. Skull's been in the States for about four months now and he's picking up the language real well.
Has MySpace been useful so far?
Yes, Myspace is THE global phenomenon of the day! They are truly an empowering voice for the independent artist. Myspace has really embraced Skull, he was a featured artist, and has been fortunate enough to be prominently featured on www.myspace.com/dj which features all the top DJs from around the world.
What are you working on with him now?
We are launching the animated ringtone in January and then, in keeping with our philosophy of exploiting the mobile space, we'll be dropping Boom Di Boom Di video, also by the same animators who brought you, Creed, Bullets, Mech Warriors and the Lara Croft game.
What will be different about the way Skull is marketed from other Asian artists?
When an Asian artist is promoted in the States they are normally presented to the Asian demographic. From day one I wanted Skull to be seen as a global phenomenon and not just a Korean or Asian artist. There's a big Asian artist who wanted to collaborate with Skull but I told them no because I don't want the public's perception to be that he's just another Asian artist. He's an incredible talent, has integrity and a raw sex appeal that resonates across the board.
There has never been an Asian artist in history to cross the cultural divide and speak to all people. I believe that Skull will be that artist. I truly count myself blessed to be working with an artist and for that matter, a team with this level of talent, work ethic, commitment, and dedication. I truly am happy to get out of bed every morning to go to work.
(360X - by Rashmi Shastri)
Happy Holiday season, I guess to be more than politically correct. But oh well.. I celebrate Christmas so I guess it's okay. So we believe in different things.. big deal. Get over it. Any way.
ONE Events Limited, the promoter of the Mariah Carey Hong Kong concert, has confirmed to cancel the event effective immediately. Patrons who purchased tickets through the promoter (ONE Events Limited), should secure refunds directly from them, starting on November 3.
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