In the Spotlight: MC Jin

Jin Au-Yeung, better known as MC Jin, was the first Asian solo rapper to be signed to a major record label, Ruff Ryders. Raised in Miami, Florida, after high school, Jin moved to Queens, NY, and became a more active artist on the streets, getting his big start on BET's Freestyle Friday. Signed, now, to the Universal Music Group in Hong Kong, Jin permanently resides there and graciously agreed to answer a few questions.

TC: How would YOU define what you do?
JIN: What I do is take everything in my life: surroundings, experiences, thoughts, opinions, views, etc... and convey them in various artistic ways such as music, arts, etc.

TC: Where and when did you get your start?
JIN: I started experimenting with the art of rapping and writing lyrics around the age of 13. This all took place in Miami, Florida. As far as where: everywhere.

TC: How did your family feel about it? And what did you do to ease it in for them?
JIN: My parents were not thrilled about my passion for Hiphop culture at all. There was nothing I could do to ease it in for them at the time. As the years passed by, they become more open minded... as did I.

TC: From where do you draw your inspiration?
JIN: The world and everything in it.

TC: How do you prepare yourself for each competition/show? What do you do when you're nervous?
JIN: There really is no particular method of preparation. I try to stay relaxed and focused at the same time. Balance.

TC: What is your favorite color and why?
JIN: I have no favorite color because every color is just as special.

TC: Is there a certain theme your work revolves around? If yes, then what?
JIN: My work.. more specifically my music, has always been very reflective of my mentality and way of life at the time. 16 year old Jin was young and in school.. That's what his rhymes reflected. 21 year old Jin was fresh in the music business and wanted to prove he was the best at what he did.. That's what his rhymes reflected. 27 year old Jin is growing spiritually and hoping to better his life in God's eyes. That's what his rhymes reflect.

TC: If you weren't presently doing your craft, what do you think you'd be doing?
JIN: It would be safe to say, not this interview... cause you probably wouldn't have wanted to ask me these questions.
[Hahaha.]

TC: What can we hope for in the future for you?
JIN: Good health, peacefulness and happiness.

TC: Are you any different from on stage to in-person?
JIN: I am like any other regular human being with various emotions.

TC: What was the biggest trial you had to overcome that affects who you are and what you do?
JIN: I think the biggest trial is just starting to unfold... Come along for the ride.

TC: Who do you want/hope to reach out to with your music?
JIN: If I can make a positive impact on the world, that'd be great. Maybe that's not my mission.. Maybe I'm only here to reach a select group of individuals. Maybe it's one person.

TC: How did accepting Christ change your music?
JIN: Accepting Christ didn't change my music. I accepted Christ as my savior at a relatively young age. Although it set a great foundation for my walk with the Lord, it was not until around 2 years ago that I finally established what I feel is truly the most important aspect of being a Christian. That is the 1 on 1 relationship that we each have with God. In a nutshell, accepting Christ didn't change my music. It changed me. Naturally my music is a reflection of me and my thoughts.

TC: Given the recent progression and trends of hip hop as a whole, what are some criticisms you might have about the state of your craft? Which artists do you respect?
JIN: Criticizing is not something I'm fond of doing. I respect any artists who are doing what they feel passionate about. Are there some artists who's material I may not personally be too fond of? Sure.. but that doesn't necessarily take away from my respect for them.

TC: Finally, do you have a personal message to fans and aspiring artists who look up to you?
JIN: As much as I appreciate the love and support of those who admire what I do, I must say that I am no one to be looked up to. Believe in yourself and what you do. Someone who you can truly look up to God.

Special thanks to Jin and, for more information on this artist, please check out his personal website, Youtube, Myspace, and Twitter pages.