MTV Asia announced that global DJ, producer and model, Kim Lee and Singaporean rapper and songwriter, Yung Raja will co-host the Asian edition of the legendary hip-hop franchise “YO! MTV Raps.” The premiere source of all things hip hop, “YO!” has been revived for hip hop fans in Asia with each of the multi-hyphenate hosts bringing their distinct energy and flair to the series, which will premiere in mid-April.
“Our “YO! MTV Raps” will celebrate the explosion of hip hop culture across the region — the music, the talent, the fashion and the lifestyle. We’re pumped that this celebration will be led by hosts who bring a crazy-cool mix to the party. Yung Raja combines his unique energy with a sparkling take on hip hop in the region, while Kim Lee is a huge hip hop fan who will add her own style and glamour,” said Abhishek K Rao, Senior Director, MTV Brand, Southeast Asia.
“YO!” will feature flash regional acts, emerging artists, in-studio and custom performances, as well as special segments to discover compelling stories, people and trends within the Asian hip hop scene. Also running segments of the show will be uber-cool rappers Joe Flizzow (as the Cypher Boss) and Zamaera (as The Game Master). As a destination for current and new fans to discover the best in rap music and hip hop culture, “YO!” will be a diverse and widely distributed linear and digital series across MTV Asia’s platforms.
Kim Lee said, “Hip hop is all about ‘the culture’, and I can’t wait to be part of a show that will showcase the true expression of the Asian experience of hip hop.”
“I’m psyched to come back a second time to host the biggest, dopest hip hop show in Asia. We are bringing more beats, more rappers, so get ready to discover some new, exciting music and have a blast,” said Yung Raja.
This series is on the back of MTV Asia’s “YO! MTV Raps” special which aired in June 2018, featuring 11 Asian hip-hop artists from Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand. The top performing 5-artist Cypher* video garnered over 1.2 million video views in Southeast Asia. The special was also awarded the ‘Best Music or Dance Programme’ at the Asian Academy Creative Awards in December 2018.
Additional details and hip hop artists will be announced at a later date.
After its debut 30 years ago on August 6, 1988, “YO! MTV Raps” became the premiere destination for all things hip hop. The advent of the series was crucial to the rise of rap music, and created a global passion for the genre and greater hip hop culture, which has since become the most dominant force in mainstream music and pop culture worldwide. In addition to MTV Asia’s “YO! MTV Raps” edition, MTV International will premiere local versions of the legendary hip hop franchise for the UK, Germany and Africa this year.
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