Stretching back to its foundations, Hip-Hop has often put the spiritual beliefs of its makers front and center. Whether it is adherence to the basic tenets of Islam, the Five-Percent Nation, Rastafari, Pan-African-inspired mysticism, or Christianity, one of the genre's key aspects is the way MCs seek to merge the... Read more

Two qualities define and distinguish the two-decade-plus career of Fresno, California MC Planet Asia. First, his central role within the independent Hip-Hop scene on the West Coast (he is credited with helping reinvigorate the movement back in the late '90s), and his bold production choices. Planet Asia’s 2017 collaboration with... Read more

Apollo Brown and Planet Asia have struck again with a second single "Aura" from their upcoming album Anchovies. The songs serve as a formidable addition to one of Detroit's best beat-smiths and the Cali Agent MC's mutual catalog and further displays their undeniable synergy. On A Great Night For Cali,... Read more

Detroit, Michigan producer Apollo Brown has become a noteworthy crossroads for the MCs he meets in the studio. From O.C. to Ras Kass, Skyzoo to Guilty Simpson, Brown's grabbing Soul samples and hard drums bring something distinct out of MCs in their catalog. Like 9th Wonder was to Buckshot and... Read more

Planet Asia's career benefited greatly from Sway & King Tech's The Wake Up Show. When P.A. (along with Jurassic 5) were Interscope Records label picks from the West Coast Hip-Hop Underground, they got massive spots on 1999's This Or That, the hallmark album from Sway, Tech, and DJ Revolution. In... Read more

Low key, one of the stronger groups of the Underground Hip-Hop glory years are touring together this summer—and we don't even mean Jurassic 5 (who is also doing a set of dates). The Cali Agents are celebrating the 15th anniversary of How The West Was Won, with a series of... Read more

February brought some saddening news to many Heads. Zion I, the veteran duo of Zumbi (f/k/a MC Zion) and partner Amp Live are parting ways. The split is amicable, and seems more related to creative directions and geography than anything. However, the Oakland, California group stems out of the 1990s,... Read more

For the second time in 10 weeks, Planet Asia gives his faithful another free EP of music. This time, one-half of the Cali Agents teams with regular collaborator DirtyDiggs for 2010 A.D. The four-track effort is sparse beats, textured deliveries, and that sharp Fresno, California insight. Is Planet Asia one... Read more

When Planet Asia eloquently stated "My mind shine harder than your chain" back in 2000, on Dilated Peoples' "Ear Drums Pop," it was clear that the Fresno, California MC was special. Trading an Interscope Records deal for full creative control, this Cali Agent has achieved strong independent success. Late in... Read more

Rah Digga has been on a tear throughout the last month. Jersey City's star MC makes another poignant statement, this time witnessing the decline in the musical art-form, industry and outlets for artists. Before Digga comes in strong, Fresno's Planet Asia kicks a detailed, rugged verse that is among his... Read more

Mello Music Group loves MC/producer tandem projects—especially combining complete strangers. They took veteran D.I.T.C. MC O.C. and introduced him to Detroit, Michigan producer Apollo Brown for 2012's Trophies. In the last 12 months, they took Fresno, Cali vet Planet Asia and linked him with New Yorker Gensu Dean for Abrasions.... Read more

"Cha Cha Cha"-meets-"Cha, Cha, Chain" as Planet Asia and Killa Kali recreate MC Lyte's 1989 King Of Chill-produced single. Over three years removed from the group's Chain Of Command album, Asia—fresh from successes with 2012's Black Belt Theatre and this year's 360 Waves with his other, other crew, Durag Dynasty.... Read more

Planet Asia has had quite a run in the last two years. After resonating with many on Black Belt Theatre, Fresno's finest formed Durag Dynasty with Alchemist, and made a hazy LP earlier this year. Now teaming with Frank The Butcher & Paul Mighty for "Go You Slavia," the MC... Read more

Here's a new video from West Coast underground OG, Planet Asia. Check out Inspiration. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zersOpYxUG0&feature=player_embedded And here's one of my favorite joints from Planet Asia and Rascoe (aka Cali Agents) from back in the day. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-GHQwlgJc4... Read more