Here’s dope interview with DJ Neil Armstrong. He give advice to up and coming young DJs. So if you a young DJ, listen up to what this 5th Platoon member and Jay-Z’s tour DJ has to say about what you need to do to make it in the industry. Learn more about his tips:

Practice
Don’t do it for the money
Sacrifice and have patience

That’s some solid advice for someone doing it 15 years. Recently, he even got a deal with Adidas. Be sure to check out his mixtape DNA of the Blueprint.

DJ Neil Armstrong advice to young DJs

Meet the Man Behind Far East Movement, Jin,and Many More…

Behind every great artist is an even greater businessman. In the entertainment field, especially in the Asian-American market, that man is Carl Choi.

Once a senior executive at Lions Gate Entertainment and Andersen Business Consulting, Carl then branched out to form his own business. He is now co-founder and CEO of Plan C Group, “the next generation in Asian Pacific American marketing”, and Catch Adventures. He managed and molded Far East Movement, a group who is now taking over the airwaves with Like a G6. In addition, Carl Choi is the man that won the battle of labels to sign web sensation, Joseph Vincent. In addition, he is the manager of platinum rapper, Jin the MC. It seems like a pretty big list of accomplishments, but I have yet to even scratch that surface.

This man did something that many view as almost impossible, as only a select and gifted few have done it. He broke into the entertainment field, music and movies, and then created numerous successful companies, signing various artists and making them stars. After speaking to this man, I decided, during our discussion, to eliminate one question – who was his mentor? Because this man seems like a born leader. He doesn’t demand it, but he carries a certain presence that commands attention. What seems to balance him as the ultimate businessman is his intelligence, respect, and passion to helping our youth.

Meet Carl Choi, the man behind the music.

When you were little, what did you want to be?
When I was a young boy in Hong Kong, around seven years old, I knew I wanted to be in entertainment. I just didn’t know what I wanted to do there.

Tell me about some of your role models when growing up.
When I was growing up in Hong Kong, it was Chow Yun Fat and Steven Chow. Then when I moved to America, it was Jean Claude Van Dam, Guns N’ Roses, Van Halen, and Led Zepplin.

So how did you get started in the entertainment industry?
It was by accident. When I was a kid in America, I used to look for Asian actors in television shows because they were so sparse. I reached out for that. So I knew I wanted to be in entertainment and bridge that gap. When I was 16 years old, everyone used to congregate at the clubs. I was amazed when I went there. I loved it, but I was the only Asian kid there so I brought out my other Asian friends. And they were just amazed by it too. I used to throw parties at USC. Eventually, one thing led to another. My party promotion experience and love of the clubs turned into promoting parties at the club.

How did you and rapper, Jin, go from friends to a professional relationship?
I went to a show and saw Jin before he was even signed. I was so excited that I was just jumping around like a kid. Once I left, I found that my phone was gone so I called it and someone picked up. They said to meet them in front of the club to get the phone. I pull up in front and Jin was the one who handed me back the phone. [Exchanging numbers], I started booking Jin for the parties I would throw. [Shortly after], I became his booking agent and traveling the world with him.

Far East Movement has been making quite a splash in the United States. Tell me about the journey from their beginning to the status they hold now.
[When they were starting out], Far East Movement asked me to promote and mange them. We went through a lot of evolution. My company released two albums and two mixtapes for them. By the time they were ready to be signed, every label executive knew who they were. They ultimately signed with Interscope Records.

What has been the most memorable moment in your career?
[Pauses] There have been too many. I have been through so much. Some of them include walking the Great Wall of China and traveling through Asia with Jin.

You have been called the “Asian Russell Simmons”. How do you feel about that?
I just want to be the Asian Carl Choi. (Laughs) No, I really respect Russell Simmons, but I want to have my own identity.

You are certainly a force in the Asian-American market. I’ve heard you say that “the Asian face will be the global face of the future”. Can you elaborate on that statement?
[The Asian population is the largest in the world and growing everyday.] I think the media should reflect the growing number of Asians.

You are also in the movie industry as co-founder of Asian Digital Ventures Network. What made you want to get into so many avenues of entertainment, from movies to television to music? Do you plan on dabbling in other professions as well (clothing line, endorsements, etc…)?
Fashion has always been my hobby but I have been careful. I usually turn my hobby into my way of life. My brand becomes my business. Partying used to be my hobby. [So with fashion], I am hesitant because I want to be careful when I state it.

If there was an aspiring individual who wanted to be in the entertainment industry, what would you tell them?
I’m going to say what someone once told me. He asked what I wanted to do and then if I had a plan. I said I was going to try to take them to the top. And he said, “Don’t try. Did Nike try? What did Nike do?” I replied, “Just do it”. So that’s what you have to do – just do it. [Also], this is not about a 9 to 5. Do not expect to break a [big] profit in the first five years. It may happen later. It may happen earlier, but it will happen. This is a real career that comes down to you persistence and passion. It’s about persistence, timing, and divine intervention.

Tell me some of your ultimate goals, professionally and personally.
Professionally, I would like to be part of a global brand. Personally, I want to be there when the good guys win.

With “one leg in Hong Kong and one leg in the United States”, how do you fit personal time in?
I do want down time, but this [work] is my personal time. I’ve come to accept that this is my life. I understand it and I am passionate about my work. This is not your average 9-5. I have already traveled to Hong Kong sixteen times this year.

Guilty pleasure?
Shopping

Favorite place in the world?
It was Brazil, then Australia, but I’d have to say [now] L.A.

Last words?
God Bless and be good.

Carl Choi interview

An Exclusive with Jin:
From Freestyle Champ and Ruff Ryder to Multi-Platinum Status

When Jin walked onto the stage of 106th and Park, there had to be almost a feeling of triumph from his rap rival. Here was this Asian kid coming on stage and he was going to battle rap? Then Jin opened his mouth and some of the wittiest freestyle lines you ever heard were coming out of it. At one time or another, he spit something that made you go, “Ohhhh!”. We know the rest of the story – freestyle champion with seven consecutive wins, signed to Ruff Ryders, making him the first Asian rapper signed to a major label, and then what? Where did he go?

For those wondering, Jin made moves. Literally.

He moved to Hong Kong with the release of his Chinese album, ABC (American-Born Chinese). This was an album that went platinum within a week and broke all sorts of records in the country. He was featured in movies, television, and commercials. And in July of 2010, Jin released another Chinese album, Buy 1 Get 1 Free, which is also climbing the charts. Well, that’s great and we’re happy for him, but what about the Jin fans here who want another album? Does he ever plan on releasing some more music in the States? And is he that same mesmerizing kid who won us over on B.E.T. almost ten years ago?

Granting a second interview with yours truly, we remember Jin’s past, talk about his present, and look forward to his future.

So let’s start with some personal inquiries about Jin.

Favorite Musical Artist (other than yourself)?
It’s hard to pick one favorite out of all the incredibly talented and amazing artists out there.

Favorite TV Show?
Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.

Favorite food? I heard they’re chicken wings….really???
I do love chicken wings… and a good steak.

Name someone you look up to and why?
I don’t know if I can say I look up to him, but I truly admire Will Smith as an entertainer and all around individual. I can’t say I know him personally, but he just seems like a real cool dude who, even at his height of stardom, gives off just an overall awesome aura.

Guilty pleasure?
I don’t feel guilty about it at all, but some people may not know I am a big fan of both Backstreet Boys as well as N’Sync.

Your HK album, ABC (American-Born Chinese), went platinum within a week and broke records. In addition, your new album with singer, Hanjin, Buy 1 Get 1 Free, has been doing very well. Tell me about some opportunities that have come your way from such success. (For instance, I heard you were on TVB – tell me about that.)
TVB is basically the leading television channel in the whole of Hong Kong. Simultaneously, it is quite a powerhouse media platform in China as whole. Currently, I am the host of a music program that airs once a week on the channel called Jade Solid Gold. Also, I am one of the main hosts on a talk show called Big Boys Club that airs five nights a week on TVB’s subsidiary channel, J2.

We also talked about releasing some more music in the States if the given the chance, especially since this is where your family resides. If this opportunity were to come, tell me about some producers or artists, if any, who you would like to collaborate with.
I have to admit, I use to be one of those artists that would naturally want to collaborate with the biggest and brightest. You name it, Eminem, Jay-z, Dr. Dre, Neptunes, etc.. I mean, these are all individuals that I admire and at the end of the day, I am a fan of. Nowadays, I look at it more from a perspective of “who would I actually make some classic music with?”

There have been rumors that you are going to be a Christian rapper. Is there any truth to that?
What I can say is the absolute truth is that God is doing something really major in my life. As my relationship with Him continues to grow and mature, as well as my spiritual growth, it’s inevitable that it will spill into all aspects of my life. Naturally, that includes my music. To really answer your question, I’d have to digest what you define as Christian rapper. Quite honestly, I’m still a bit perplexed by the notion of a Christian rapper. It seems to be quite a paradox. It probably isn’t, but being that it’s a whole new experience for me even as I continue to step forward in this direction with my artistry, I am just following the Holy Spirit.

You got your big break freestyling on 106th and Park, but lately you have laid off of battling. Why?
My drive is not in battling anymore. To stay sharp and on point in the competitive world of freestyle battling requires a certain way of thinking as well as active participation in it. Although I may not battle anymore, I definitely still have a respect and admiration for the individuals who are not only keeping the craft alive but also constantly pushing the envelope to evolve it.

Since you are now residing in Hong Kong, do you still follow up on what’s going on with rap in the States? If so, do you have a favorite artist(s) that is burning up the charts right now?
There’s lots of incredibly talented individuals doing music right now. In terms of the new wave of artists in the last 2 yrs since I’ve made the move to Hong Kong. Just guys that I feel are putting a lot into their craft. You can feel the passion they have for the art. J. Cole is a good example. Diggy Simmons is so ahead of his time. He’s got that Hip Hop DNA though.

What do you see your next English album being focused on?
Sharing with everyone through my music what my life’s been like since finding the Light.

Do you plan on singing on any future projects?
Who knows? I never planned on doing music Cantonese. Look at what’s happened now. “Never say never” is the lesson I suppose.

I have heard that you would also like to release an English/Cantonese album. Any truth to that? If so, tell me about it.
The plan next year for 2011 is to release both an English album and a Cantonese album separately. The English album will be my first since the last one in 2006, which is I Promise. The Cantonese project will be my second one since moving to Hong Kong.

The last time we spoke, you have the chance to partake in two Hong Kong produced films, Split Second Murders (comedy/drama) and Gallants (action/comedy/drama). Now you have the honor of being in the movie, Bruce Lee, which is a movie about his teenage years where you play one of his childhood friends. Tell me about your role, this experience, and what it has been like so far.
The experience has been nothing short of amazing. For me to be able to contribute to a film of this nature and caliber is beyond my wildest imagination. I play a character named Unicorn Chan. That’s actually his real English name. In real life, he is an actual childhood buddy of Bruce Lee. Together they got into acting at a young age and spent most of their time together on the various film sets. It’s also noteworthy to point out that when Bruce did go back to Hong Kong after his big break in the United States, he actually met back up with Unicorn and they did more acting together. The Bruce Lee story has been told before, but I believe what makes this film unique is that it is one of the first to really give the world an insight into the early years of this extraordinary individual.

The script for the movie, Bruce Lee, is written in Chinese. As someone who can speak Chinese, yet not read it, how did you work this out?
I pretty much handle all of these scenarios in the same way. I have a good friend who will read the script together with me once thru and I will use a style of translating called “pingyin” which is basically spelling out the Chinese text phonetically. It can be quite overwhelming sometimes, especially with full on movie scripts. However, it is also efficient and ultimately the most applicable resolution.

Now that you have done bi-lingual music (Cantonese and English) as well as movies and television, is there any other avenue you’d like to pursue?
I guess you can say my focus at the moment is to just work hard and make sure I put 110% into all the wonderful opportunities the Lord has placed in front of me.

What’s going to be your message, if any?
The realization as a young man that the world is only temporary and acknowledging the fact that I’ve really been lost all these years. [It was] time to find my way back on track.

Tell me about Jin Super Group.
Jin Super Group is the name of the official fan club of mine in Hong Kong. It was started by a bunch of supporters of mine. I try to be as interactive with them as possible. It’s growing slowly.

You have accomplished a lot and are doing so much right now. Where do you see yourself ten years from now?
Hopefully healthy and happy. Beyond that I don’t really have too much more to ask for. Wherever or whatever, I am sure that God has His plans for me. It’s just a matter of continuing to seek Him.

Now for my ladies…describe your perfect soul mate. Do you have time to pursue any personal relationships?
My perfect soulmate would be someone who I believe will make me a better person. Of course, if I could do the same for that person as well.

Any last words?
God bless you all and thank you for the support.

Thanks, Jin.

Jin Au Yeung : The Story

You can get Jin’s albums on or Amazon.

More about Jin Au-Yeung
Jin Au-Yeung caught the attention of the music world when he battled his way to become 106th and Park’s Freestyle Friday Champion. He crushed the doubters when he signed to Ruff Ryders, making him the first Asian rapper on a major label. Now he’s everywhere in Hong Kong, creating platinum hits, commercials, movies. He has broken barriers and he did it all with people doubting him the whole way. You can call him a lot of things, but you certainly can’t call him a fake. Jin is a true hip hop head who loves the culture and hones his craft. Check the resume. This man is the real thing…in any country.And the rest is history.

Zoey Flowers’ first interview with Jin can be found at: http://www.examiner.com/hip-hop-music-in-fort-lauderdale/an-interview-with-jin-from-freestyle-champion-to-ruff-ryder-to-platinum-rapper