Tasty hip-hop with a pinch of Asian-American MSG…

I recently discovered ‘The Notorious MSG’ on a giveaway dvd in my last subscriber issue of the US-based Giant Robot magazine. MTV launched a new channel called MTV CHI in December 2005 and the dvd was to promote it with some intro’s, stings, idents, videos and interviews – you know, the usual MTV mix.

The Notorious MSG are hilarious! They’re the “original Chinatown bad boys, serving up deep-fried beats straight from the Chinese ghetto”. They play up to much of the stereotyping East-Asians get in a Western world, and formulate hip-hop inspired tracks that reflect on Chinese kitchen toiling, food delivery boys and discrimination.

Technorati Tags: Chinatown, hip-hop, MTV CHI, music, Notorious MSG

Their first album (more forthcoming) is ‘Die Hungry‘ and you can listen to clips on iTune’s music store. Tracks like ‘Straight Out of Canton‘ and ‘Streets of Chinatown‘ showcase deep beats with accented-raps and sit alongside slow jams like “Dim Sum Girl“. Its a refreshing and forward-thinking mix that busts out of confident Asian-America.

“Their video, Straight Out of Canton, was downloaded 92,691 times in the first two weeks following their licensing deal with Comedy Central.” So they’re popular, but don’t take them too seriously. They’re MSG, maaan – they’re bad for you!. Bring on the pairs of wonton and egg rolls!

Find out more on : www.notoriousmsg.com

“MTV CHI is a music-based channel dedicated to serving young Chinese Americans and those interested in Chinese pop culture. MTV CHI showcases the best of Chinese culture while providing a platform for Chinese American talent.” Its a shame that you can only get the channel in the US…

Find out more here : www.mtvchi.com