Planet Asia: The Gold Chain Godfather (Documentary)

Summary

Planet Asia, a trailblazer in underground hip-hop, has shaped the genre for over 25 years. From his early days in Fresno to his influential role in the West Coast scene, his career spans numerous albums, collaborations, and mixtapes. Known for his authentic lyricism, he helped resurrect reality-based hip-hop through projects with groups like Durag Dynasty and solo releases under his own label, Gold Chain Music. Planet Asia's work continues to influence the underground scene, with his consistent quality and dedication setting the tone for a culture-wide revival of realness in hip-hop.

Takeaways

• 😀 Planet Asia is a foundational figure in underground hip-hop, particularly for his role in resurrecting reality-based lyricism and simple, head-nodding beats.
• 🎤 Planet Asia's 25-year career includes dozens of mixtapes and albums that have defined what it means to be a true MC.
• 🌍 Born Jason Green in Fresno, California, Planet Asia’s upbringing deeply influenced his music, shaping his authenticity and hard-hitting style.
• 💿 Planet Asia made a significant early impact with his 1998 EP, 'Planet Asia,' which was self-pressed and distributed before being picked up by Fat Beats.
• 💡 He played a key role in shaping the West Coast underground scene, alongside groups like Durag Dynasty and Gold Chain Music.
• 🚶‍♂️ Planet Asia started rapping as a teenager and was already performing by the time he was 15, receiving recognition from industry legends like DJ Premier.
• 🔥 Through his career, Planet Asia released multiple projects with top-tier producers such as Madlib, The Alchemist, and Apollo Brown, maintaining high-quality output despite a prolific release schedule.
• 🏆 Planet Asia was nominated for a Grammy in 2002 for his work with Mystic, showing his crossover appeal even in mainstream circles.
• 🎧 His collaboration with Apollo Brown on 'Antroves' (2017) is a standout, showcasing his chemistry with producers to create a unique, old-school yet fresh sound.
• 📅 Planet Asia continues to release a significant volume of music in the 2020s, already dropping 20 albums in just four years, proving that his impact on hip-hop endures into his third decade.
• 🤝 His influence extends beyond just his music, as Planet Asia set the tone for a generation of underground artists, influencing how artists release and distribute music today.

Q & A

What role did Planet Asia play in the resurgence of underground hip-hop?

Planet Asia is considered a key figure in the resurrection of reality-based lyricism and simple, head-nodding beats in modern underground hip-hop. His work, particularly through collaborations and his solo projects, laid the foundation for the current wave of artists gravitating towards this sound.

How did Planet Asia get started in hip-hop?

Planet Asia, born Jason Green, fell in love with hip-hop at an early age in Fresno, California. He started rapping as a teenager and initially went by names like Asiatic J and Asiatic X before settling on Planet Asia, inspired by his love for the Wu-Tang Clan and the superhero aesthetic.

What was the significance of Planet Asia's 1998 EP?

Planet Asia's 1998 'Planet Asia EP' was a breakthrough project, showcasing his signature blend of street sensibility and knowledge. Despite initial hesitations from major labels, he self-funded its production and distribution, a move that became a hallmark of the underground hip-hop scene.

How did Planet Asia contribute to the West Coast underground scene?

Planet Asia was instrumental in shaping the West Coast underground sound, not only through his solo work but also as part of various groups like the CI Agents and later, the supergroup Durag Dynasty. His collaborations with prominent producers helped define the underground scene on the West Coast.

What was the significance of Planet Asia's first collaboration with Peanut Butter Wolf?

Planet Asia's appearance on Peanut Butter Wolf's 1999 album 'My Vinyl Weighs a Ton' marked his first major national placement, boosting his recognition across the U.S. and setting the stage for his subsequent rise in the underground hip-hop community.

What did Planet Asia achieve during his time with Interscope Records?

While Planet Asia signed with Interscope Records after the success of 'How the West Was Won' in 2000, his time with the label was brief. He didn't release an album under Interscope but received a Grammy nomination in 2002 for his work on Mystic's song 'W.'

What was the significance of Planet Asia's Gold Chain Music label?

Planet Asia founded his own label, Gold Chain Music, as a way to maintain creative control and release music independently. This move allowed him to continue producing a vast body of work, setting a precedent for artists who wish to manage both their artistic direction and business ventures.

How did Planet Asia's productivity compare to other artists in the 2000s?

Planet Asia's productivity in the 2000s was unparalleled, releasing numerous projects and maintaining high quality despite the volume. While most artists followed a 2-year album cycle, Planet Asia was consistently releasing multiple projects per year, influencing the standard for underground hip-hop artists.

What is the significance of the 'Durag Dynasty' album '360 Waves'?

'360 Waves,' released by the group Durag Dynasty in 2013, is considered one of Planet Asia's best works. With production from The Alchemist, the album showcases the trio's electrifying chemistry and solidified Planet Asia as a central figure in West Coast underground hip-hop.

How did Planet Asia's collaboration with Apollo Brown on 'Anchovies' stand out?

Planet Asia's 2017 collaboration with Apollo Brown on the album 'Anchovies' achieved a perfect synergy between his raw, realness-filled style and Brown's soulful, hard-hitting production. The album stood out for its timeless feel and dynamic chemistry between the two artists.