Aziatix: Cash Money Records' Secret Weapon For Asian Domination

As K-Pop begins to get international attention many idol groups and singers are trying to break into the American market. In an unprecedented move, major US label Cash Money Records, with newly signed R&B hip-hop trio Aziatix, is set to take the Asian market by storm.

Aziatix was formed back in 2011 when expert producer Jae Chong brought together three then solo artists Nicky Lee, Eddie Shin, and Jay "Flowsik" Park. The group was an instant success gaining critical acclaim and fans across Asia and the rest of the world. They have won many important distinctions including the Mnet Asian Music Award for Best New Asian Artist Group and their records have been seen atop the charts in the US and Japan.

Earlier this year they became the first Asian group to sign to a major US record label (with an astonishing multi-million dollar deal) and are soon going to release their new single and album.

So what does Cash Money have in store for Aziatix and their Asian takeover?

During a recent photo shoot in Miami, the group sat down with KpopStarz to talk about their new label and upcoming single, album, and promotional plans.

"When [Cash Money] first heard our music, they really thought we had a cool unique sound to us," said Nicky. "I think that comes from we grew up here, out here in the States, but we've been working out in Asia and all different parts of the world, and I think our sound reflects that. And when they heard our music, they thought it was very unique and special so we're very grateful that they heard that in us."

Sitting down with producer Jae Chong and Cash Money co-founder Ronald "Slim" Williams, it is easy to see they have big plans for Aziatix - not just stateside, but as a way for Cash Money to integrate themselves in the Asian market.

Having Aziatix in the family opens up a whole new arena of possibilities for Cash Money. They already have a worldwide fan base and are well received in Asia, as individuals and as a group. They may not necessarily be 'K-Pop' - but Aziatix could be that perfect bridge between the music industries in the East and West.

In Miami, at the photo shoot's wrap, Slim went through the work that had been done during the day to give his approval. He was pensive as he clicked through the individual head shots and group pictures. Finally, he sat back in his chair, looked at the team standing around him and very cooly said, "Find the best online person and get them promoting in Korea, Japan and Taiwan."

Talking about their upcoming single "Take it All" during their interview, the group members reiterated this point. "We're going to first launch some release parties in Asia - Japan, Taiwan, Korea - pretty much all over the place," explained Flowsik. "We're just going to be traveling and letting everybody know about this single and what we're planning on doing."

Sitting in front of a computer screen a short while later with Jae Chong, Slim watched a handful of popular K-Pop music videos on YouTube. "The energy in these videos is insane," he remarked, mesmerized by the catchy beats and perfectly choreographed dance moves.

It is doubtful fans will see Aziatix in any of their videos wearing matching outfits flanked by backup dancers, but it would not be at all surprising to hear some Korean lyrics thrown in to the mix. In just the way a lot of Korean artists add English verses to their songs or record English-language versions, an American group like Aziatix who is looking to dominate the market in South Korea and Asia would naturally want to incorporate the language into their songs.

"Fifty million?" Slim said in disbelief as he was shown a more kitschy bubblegum pop-type song and video. Switching tunes to a more hip-hop centered track, it was then explained that the Korean market is a mixed bag and there is room for all sorts of styles.

"Well they're going to have to move over, 'cause we're about to move in," Slim declared as he stopped the video - a statement that resonated with the others in the room.

Aziatix, their producer, and the rest of the Cash Money family know that this is just the tip of the iceberg for them. This talented trio of Korean-Americans are at the forefront of the label's Asian domination and their unique style will fit in nicely among the others in the diverse K-Pop industry and help pave the way for other artists on the label to spread to the Asian market.

And in case you missed the KpopStarz exclusive interview with Aziatix:


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