The Queen of Japanese Hip-Hop, Awich, is leading a new wave of Asian rap with her latest powerhouse cypher, ASIAN STATE OF MIND. Released on February 28, the collaborative track brings together some of Asia’s most influential hip-hop artists: South Korea’s Jay Park, India’s KR$NA, China’s Masiwei (leader of Higher Brothers), and Cambodia’s VannDa. This historic collaboration blends multiple languages and cultures, showcasing the strength and diversity of the Asian hip-hop scene while uniting under a shared artistic vision.
A Landmark Collaboration in Asian Hip-Hop
On ASIAN STATE OF MIND, Awich and her fellow MCs seamlessly fuse their native tongues with English, each delivering fierce verses that highlight their unique lyrical styles. The track isn’t just about competition—it’s a celebration of Asian identity, culture, and musical prowess. With a beat that bridges traditional hip-hop elements and modern production, the song makes a bold statement: Asian hip-hop is here to dominate.
The impact was immediate. The music video, shot in each rapper’s home country, amassed over a million views within 24 hours of release, drawing over 20,000 multilingual comments from fans worldwide. As the title suggests, ASIAN STATE OF MIND is more than just a song—it’s a movement that amplifies the voices of Asian artists on the global stage.
The Powerhouses Behind the Track
- Awich (Japan) – Hailing from Okinawa, Awich has cemented herself as Japan’s leading female rapper. Recently appointed as a global ambassador for JORDAN (Nike), she continues to expand her influence beyond Japan, making waves in both fashion and music.
- Jay Park (South Korea) – As the founder of AOMG, H1GHR MUSIC, and MORE VISION, Jay Park is a true industry leader. The first Asian artist to sign with JAY-Z’s Roc Nation, his collaborations and diverse discography have made him a global icon in hip-hop and R&B.
- KR$NA (India) – The Delhi-based rapper is a lyrical force in India’s hip-hop scene, gaining widespread recognition with his hit Vyanjan. With a reputation for complex wordplay and sharp storytelling, KR$NA has solidified himself as one of India’s most respected MCs.
- Masiwei (China) – As the leader of Higher Brothers and a successful solo artist, Masiwei has been instrumental in putting Chinese hip-hop on the map. In 2023, he teamed up with Japan’s Satomi Shigemori for the track LION (feat. MASIWEI), further bridging the gap between Asian music markets.
- VannDa (Cambodia) – Born in Sihanoukville, VannDa is a trailblazer for Cambodian hip-hop. His hit Time to Rise made history by becoming the first Cambodian music video to surpass 100 million views on YouTube. Recognized by Forbes’ 30 Under 30 Asia-Pacific list, he also performed at the 2024 Paris Olympics closing ceremony, showcasing Cambodia’s vibrant music scene to the world.
The Future of Asian Hip-Hop
With ASIAN STATE OF MIND, Awich and her collaborators are proving that Asian hip-hop is more than just an emerging genre—it’s a dominant force with global appeal. By bringing together top-tier talent from different countries, this track sets a new precedent for cross-border collaborations in the hip-hop industry. As Asian artists continue to break barriers, the world is watching—and listening.
