Asian News

Asian Hip-Hop Stirs Politicos

Though hip-hop is enormously popular throughout Asia, homegrown rappers often come under fire for their outspoken lyrics.

The Fabulous Cats, a Malaysian foursome, released its debut album May 10 hot on the heels of the single, "Papa Jahat" (Bad Papa), which is the most played song on the radio and a favorite ringtone download.

The song is so ubiquitous that it became the subject of a debate in Parliament, where some legislators warned that the song’s lyrics might lead Malaysian youngsters to disrespect their parents.

Though the song has no clear meaning, in includes lines in colloquial Malay that can be translated as "Don’t be a bad papa" and "Papa promised not to do it again." Some politicians have said that criticizing one’s father is a contradiction of Islamic principles.

The band’s manager said critics have completely misinterpreted the song. The parents of the band’s leader, Farish Ramli, are divorced, and the manager said he simply wanted to remind everyone of family issues; Malaysia’s divorce rate is on the rise.

Though no one has advocated banning the song, Malaysian law is strict about broadcast content. Madonna’s "Erotica" cannot be played, nor Hong Kong pop singer Faye Wong’s relatively tame "In the Name of Love."

Meanwhile, in Taiwan, rapper Jeff Huang of the L.A. Boyz was acquitted of libel for accusing two politicians of corruption in one of his songs.

Huang, who is credited with popularizing American-style hip-hop in Taiwan, praised the May 11 verdict in Taipei District Court, saying it shows Taiwan’s authorities support freedom of expression.

In the song "Retribution," Huang implied that two lawmakers took bribes to propose amendments to the copyright law that would "murder" Taiwanese music.

 

Short Notes

It was recently announced that L’arc en Ciel, Japan’s biggest "visual-kei" (pop metal) band, will headline day two of South Korea’s biggest music event, the Incheon Pentaport Rock Festival July 27-29. It is the first time a Japanese artist has ever filled a headlining position at a Korean music festival.

In mid-May, Smash Corporation announced the Beastie Boys would headline the Fuji Rock Festival’s day two, thus completing the headlining assignments (July 27: The Cure, July 30: Chemical Brothers). Other additions to the lineup recently announced include The Album Leaf, The Durutti Column, and Electrelane. Guns N’ Roses have rescheduled the Japan concerts postponed in April because of bassist Tommy Stinson’s hand injury. The concerts will take place July 14-15 at Makuhari Messe outside Tokyo, July 18 in Nagoya, and July 21 in Osaka.