Tag, You’re It! – Far East Movement

“FM in the da house! We in da house! Right here, right now!” Anyone remember this from FM’s early days? If you dunno what I’m talking about… click here (0:19).

So this is my third “Tag, You’re It!” blog. And well, it’s appropriate to write about these guys since they are so freakin’ HOT right now. Far East Movement: truly making moves in the mainstream American music industry and beyond! I just watched the clips of them on Lopez Tonight and Entertainment Tonight… and daaang, I am super proud!

So “hello, hi, how ya doing? We’re the Far East Movement!” Haha… oh man, memories! I first met these guys back in 2004. I remember chillin’ at Kev Nish’s apartment slash their “studio”… they were in the process of recording “Audio Bio”… I remember thinking back then that Kev was really into his music, James (Prohgress) had a loud ass laugh, and J was super chill (haha, I don’t think any of that has changed). From then, I got to know the guys a bit… and I’ve seen nothing but hard work on the back end and a lot of growth through their struggles – whether it was juggling a day job, school, or whatever. They’ve come a long way.

From 2004 through 2007, FM and a buncha other Asian American musicians (Nemo aka Red Team Go, Ken Oak, Chan, Burning Tree Project, Invid, Big Phony, etc.) came together to cultivate a very homegrown LA community-based event called “Talk of da Block.” I had the privilege of being a part of the making of that. Actually, I was so inspired by what was going on with FM and these Asian American artists at the time, that I had to document it (“Future Rock Stars of America” back in 2004-2005… Present Rock Stars of America in 2010!):

Well, due to the happenings of life, “Talk of da Block” dissolved… BUT FM kept it going when they formed an alliance with Wong Fu Productions and gave birth to ISA (International Secret Agents)! And wow, after going to ISA LA this year and seeing FM live for the first time since I saw ‘em headlining at the Roxy last year… I gotta say, they just keep upping their game.

For all of you who have followed FM’s career since their early days, we all know that the music has changed. “Girls on the Dance Floor” and “Like a G6″ may not be “Western” or “Blue Collar Blues”… but from what I do know about these guys, I know that the mission is the same. You can’t deny that they’re doing something monumental for Asian Americans.

For me, it’s really amazing to see what has happened since 6 years ago and now! And well, as the happenings of life occur, I’m not as tight with the guys now… but all I gotta say is that I am dang proud of what these guys have accomplished and I’m truly excited to see what more is to come. Definitely praying for these guys. For them to stay true to themselves. That they continue to transform media and culture. And that they continue to inspire and influence in a positive way! Most of all that God will use them to boomshake the cities!

P.S. – Kev Nish deserves a little credit for me being “Peachies” today. I remember back in the day he had told me to stick with the name and that if I ever became a TV personality… that I should use it! (Well, I’m not quite a TV personality… but you get the point).

Official Bio:

To stay up to date with all the latest, go to fareastmovement.com.