Interview with Carlos Galvan

“… My life it’s a very long story, how did I survive ever since I was shorty, my moms Korean pops Mexican, mix it all together and what do you got…” – Cali-Mexci aka Carlos Ricardo Galvan from the track “No Mo’ Cry” on Uptown’s 5th Album, Testimony (2006).

Carlos Galvan has been at the forefront of the Korean Hip Hop movement since its early stages dating back to around 1996-97 when he was part of the group Uptown. It was introduced by many influential K-Pop (Korean Pop music) groups such as Seotaiji & Boys, DJ DOC, Solid, and others; but, one can say that Hip Hop music in Korea didn’t have much resemblance to “real” Hip Hop until groups like Uptown came around. Uptown is considered to be one of the pioneers of Korean Hip Hop & R&B and were able to succeed and sell millions of albums in a very selective Korean music market where cutesy looks and boy-band/girl-band groups dominated the charts. Another part of Uptown that made them unique within the industry was that the group was composed of two half Koreans, Carlos (Korean/Mexican American) and Tasha Reid (Korean/African American). At the time of their debut, there were not many (if any) mixed Koreans of their age/generation in the music industry.

Even with the popularity and acclaim, a scandal nearly derailed Uptown. There was a major falling out between them and Drunken Tiger, another major Korean Hip Hop pioneer, in 1999/2000 due to legal issues in Korea that involved members of both groups (including Carlos). Things were even more complicated due to the fact that Tiger JK (of Drunken Tiger) had been dating Tasha (of Uptown) at the time. The friendships and relationships between and within the two camps had dissolved and the end result was Uptown was banished and not allowed to perform in Korea.

After 4 solid albums, it looked as though Uptown was finished. But, in 2002, as things began to calm and settle, Carlos and Steve Kim (an original member of Uptown) embarked on something that had not been done before; a crossover attempt by a Korean-based artist/group to America. They were a duo now known as Uptown 3000 and seemed poised to make some noise. The album Same Book… Different Chapter was released initially to Asian markets to capitalize on the success of Uptown in Korea. Unfortunately, the transition to the American market was practically dropped after mismanagement occurred and the release stalled.

In 2006, Uptown reformed in Korea with 3 of the original members (Carlos, Steve & Chris Jung) along with a new female lead singer/rapper and released a 5th album, Testimony. In what could be considered a surprise due to the length of time between albums (6-7 years; which could be considered an eternity in the music business and especially in the Korean industry), the album was received quite well and it looked as though Uptown was back and had shaken all the problems of the past off. Unfortunately, after the latest album the group has dissolved again and looks to be finished forever.

Now, in 2009, Carlos has moved forward with the release of his first solo album, Still Standin’. He’s starting to generate some buzz and was even able to cross-promote with American R&B artist Ne-Yo by hosting his concert after-party in Seoul. His first single, “U R My Girl”, has already started charting in Korea and he’s looking to reclaim his rightful spot near the top in the Korean Hip Hop community.

HalfKorean.com was able to catch up with Carlos for an interview and take a peek at his personal and professional life.

Please note that HalfKorean.com comments/questions are in BOLD.

Background: The Basics on Carlos

Where and when were you born?
I was born in Savannah, Georgia on February 5th 1978.

Where have you lived and been raised?
I have lived in Georgia, Korea & in California. But, I was raised in La Puente & Marina Del Mar (Monterey), California.

Where do you currently reside?
I currently reside in La Puente, California, but plan to buy a house in San Diego.

Do you split time between Korea/USA?
As a matter of fact I do… I would say about 50/50.

So do you carry dual citizenship (Korean & American)?
Is that what you meant? I thought you meant if I travel back and forth a lot. No… I’m a US citizen. I would never be a Korean citizen. I LOVE THE US!

Oh no, I was just wondering if you carried dual citizenship since you spend so much time in both countries.
So, how did your parents meet?
My parents met in Korea in 1975. Well it’s a funny story; my Dad (U.S. ARMY) was stationed in Uijongbu, Korea but he worked in Kimpo, Korea so everyday he would drive to and from work. Late at night he would always stop by Myoung-Dong for some food. Right next door was a boutique, where my Mom worked at. He would always see her and offer her a ride, but got turned down 3 times. Then, one day, she was waiting for a taxi and my Dad offered her a ride again and she got in. That was the day they started seeing each other. They got married and 2 years later, I was born. Persistence is the key.

Do you have any brothers and/or sisters?
I have two younger brothers, Jonathan & Michael Galvan. I had 2 little sisters that passed away when I was younger… Sylvia and Maria Galvan (R.I.P – Miss You Girls).

Since you spend a lot of time in Korea, you must be fluent in Korean, right? Are you also fluent in Spanish as well?
I’m very close to being fluent in Korean. I would say about 95 percent. My first language was Korean. Spanish is another story… I was pretty fluent when I was younger but, things change when you have a Korean mother speaking Korean all the time to you. I would say I know some Spanish; about 35 percent. LOL! I’m still trying to learn.

Did you grow up around other half/mixed Koreans (or people of mixed heritage)?
Yeah… as a matter of fact, I did. When I went to school in Korea on the Army base, most of all my friends were all mixed. My closest friends are half Korean.

Did you go to schools in the US or Korea (or both)?
I went to school in Korea at Seoul American High School, International Christian School & Bassett Adult School (La Puente, CA).

Did you ever experience any racism/prejudice growing up as a person of mixed heritage?
All the TIME… people use culture as an excuse.

Were there any identity issues while growing up that you had to deal with?
At first, but not really! I’m proud to be Half Mexican & Half Korean. I got the best of both worlds; what else can I say? But, I have had people tell me “you’re Korean” or “you’re Mexican” and trying to label me as ONE. But I’m not… I’M A KOREXICAN. I have BOTH cultures and I’m lovin’ it.

Music: Korean Hip Hop Star

Let’s first take a look at your break into the music industry.
How did you first get involved in the Korean music industry?
Well when I was 14 I got hooked up with a Korean modeling agency and modeled for ARMANI suits and I also was featured in a couple of magazines & videos. Until, one day my Coordinator (make-up lady) asked if I wanted to meet this guy who’s doing music. The reason why she asked me is because I would always be listening to my CD player and rapping.

Being that it is now 2009, do you think that mixed-Korean artists/entertainers/talent still hide their ethnicity? My examples would be actress Lee Yoo-Jin who “came out” in 2003 or how other artists such as singer Insooni would mask their biracial features with hats, etc. when she was first starting out in the late 1970s. It seems that there are more and more people of mixed Korean ancestry that are becoming celebrities, etc. in Korea than ever before.
I believe some do, because in Korea they are all about helping their own kind. I’m considered as an outsider who’s only half. Even at my showcase (club performance), some Koreans were saying “Why doesn’t he just stay in the US and do his music there… that half bastard”; that was overheard from one of my friends, whom is Korean. I think the reason why there are more mixed Korean celebrities nowadays is because of Me and Yoon Mi Rae (Tasha); we were focused on more because we were half Mexican and half African-American. We paved the way for the new entertainers/actors/talents today.

I agree that you and Tasha sort of continued the growth started by the elders and definitely paved the way for other mixed Koreans who came after you two.
You’ve been in the music industry for about 10 plus years; have you seen any progress in terms of mixed Koreans entertainers in Korea (more openness, etc.)?
Also, since you’ve spent considerable time in Korea before and during your career, do you see that same progress for the general mixed Korean population in Korea (more opportunities, less racism, etc.)?
I have seen progress over the years… but, still there is a little racism that comes along with it. The Koreans here think all the mixed or Koreans who grew up in the USA are bad. People still look at me like if I’m about to hurt them or rob them… LOL! It’s crazy…

Have you met and/or worked with any other half/mixed Korean artists (older artists such as Insooni, Yoon Soo-Il, etc. or any of the newer artists from your generation)?
Yeah, I met Insooni nuna and talked with her a little. She’s a real cool person; down to earth. Also, I’m real cool with my favorite dong-seng (lil’ sis) who is a DJ for Arirang Radio Station and also is a recording artist, she is half Caucasian & half Korean. She is having problems because of her being a half breed. To me that’s really messed up. But, they let a Russian girl come out with an album and that’s no problem! To me that’s really f*cked up… can’t believe they are still like that. They are sketchy about taking a chance.

I agree on Insooni nuna; she was very nice and generous and I enjoyed hanging out with her a couple times back in the summer of 1999 (Note to self: I really need get back in touch with her!).
Is the dong-seng you are referring to, Isak (Ida Simmons), formerly of the K-pop group Isak N Jiyeon? What type of problems was she having?
Her company is not trying to release her album at all. They are very sketchy about releasing it. Because they don’t know if she will do good or not and they don’t want to take a chance with her (to me that’s really messed up). She is just on the shelf waiting to do something. That’s why I told her that me and her will do something soon. Work on a song together… ya know, got to help out the half Koreans!

I hear you on that; maybe you should put together a super group filled with mixed Koreans! I haven’t really kept up on the K-pop scene, who was this Russian girl/artist you mention?
There’s this girl named Jamila who is Russian and she dropped an album… that sh*t sucks to be honest.

In my opinion (as well as most others who followed/listened to Korean music during the mid to late 90s), Uptown was one of the first/originators of a more American style version of Hip Hop/R&B (only other one I can think of was Solid at that time). What does it feel like to be considered one of the originators of true Hip Hop in Korea?
I feel HONORED and Proud! That a HYBRID being half Korean and did this (ME)… originated hip-hop in Korea. People tell me that I’m a LEGEND. But I’m still far from it. But, I’ll tell you this, there’s no one else that can follow my shoes and did what I did for hip-hop!

What is it like to see hip hop “blow up” in Korea? It seemed to get real popular in Korea around the time that Uptown started and gained popularity. And, from what I can tell, is very popular still if not more so than before with different levels (similar to the USA, with commercial, underground, etc.).
Even though we started the whole trend for HIP HOP, I’m glad that these people who come out have their own style and music. It feels good… some hip hop cats come up to me and say “we studied your music and learned from it.” So you know, hip hop got real big and still is big out here in Korea. I’m just glad to be a part of it.

That must make you feel real proud to hear that from the young ones just entering the game and to know that you still have that respect from them.
Regarding your versatility; since you are pretty much tri-lingual, what language do you feel most comfortable when performing/recording (Korean, Spanish, English)? To be able to rap and/or sing in 3 languages is awesome and I’m not sure anyone else can make that same claim!
I got to say English… it’s always more comfortable. I know… don’t know anyone that can claim that!

What’s your take on other “hip hop” or “hip hop-related” artists from your time such as Jinusean (& other YG Family), Yoo Seung Jun, Jo PD, etc. I know there are some others too, but I’m referring to the more popular/well-known ones out at the time of Uptown’s peak; just want to see what you think about the ones who would be considered a little more “pop” than you and/or Uptown back then?
I give all of them props for doing what they do… but I wouldn’t consider them equal to me. The reason is, for you to do hip hop you got to live hip hop, feel hip hop, breathe hip hop and be hip hop. You can’t just want to do it because everybody’s doing it. Like Jinu, before he came out he was a pop artist and all of a sudden he wants to do hip hop?! And, Yoo Seung Jun to me ain’t hip hop either; he’s a K-pop artist.

Yeah, I know most “informed” fans wouldn’t really consider Yoo Seung Jun a hip hop artist, but I threw his name in there because of his first album with all the “Westside” he was throwing around and, oh, you can’t forget the “Parental Advisory” tag on the front of the cover; It was kind of funny to hear that from a K-pop artist. I’m sure a lot of that had to do with his management/label trying to use that gimmick at the time.
When performing, what differences do you see in the crowds in Korea in comparison to the USA (like in LA, etc.)? In general, do you think the typical Korean hip hop fan is as knowledgeable these days as a typical hip hop fan in America?
NO… The hip hop fans in the states are more into the lyrics and beat. The average Korean hip hop fan is more into the looks. That’s what I’ve been telling reporters when I do an interview. In the states, you get famous because of your music and skills like 2pac and Biggie. In Korea, you get famous because everybody thinks you’re cute. Do you think a big man like Biggie would ever be famous in Korea? I don’t think so… it’s all about looks out here.

Do you think the popularity of MP3s (whether legal or illegal) has affected sales in the Korean music industry the same as in America?
MP3 has affected both the US and Korea. But, I would say Korea more. It’s a smaller country and it is part of Asia… the leaders of technology. I think it gets affected a lot more. In the states, people still buy CD’s; but, in Korea, hardly ANYONE buys any at all.

Have you done, or are interested in doing, any acting or other types of entertainment? I just bring this up as it seems fairly typical for Korean artists to have some crossover between music and acting, etc.
I wouldn’t mind acting at all. I’ve been considering it. I had this talent company call me and asked me if I wanted to act? I was like… I’d love to, but I’m working on my album. How about after the album drops? They said OK, so, look for me in the Korean dramas.

Well, we can’t wait to see you working on those acting chops. You’ll have to let us all know when that happens!
Hahaha… LOL

Now that we’ve learned a little about your break into the business and your thoughts about certain aspects lets discuss your solo career.
With the solo album now out, what are your goals/accomplishments you’d like to do with this album?
My goals are to show the fans that I have a different style of music, not like my old group; but mainly to get my entertainment business up and going and sign new artists to my label. I have a new artist waiting; he’s making his demo as we speak. His name is “Big Shot” and he raps like me in Korean, Spanish and English! Hahaha… it’s weird seeing a fan turned into an emcee and speak three languages also.

Is “Big Shot” also half/mixed Korean?
Naw… he’s full Korean, but he lived in South America.

That’s awesome; you two will have to have some tracks together where you just mix it all up in all 3 languages!
On this solo album, what kind of sound/influence were you aiming for? What would you compare your sound to and describe the theme of this initial solo album?
The sound that I have on this solo album is mainly a combination of west coast meets dirty south. Since I was born in Georgia and was raised in California, I combined my music as one… and I call it DIRTY WEST!

For both Uptown fans and people new to your music, how would you describe your album/music? Will the Uptown fans be in for any surprises or changes in your style?
The way I would describe it is I’m straight to the point… I speak about real situations… you know, like falling in love, beef issues with other rappers, it all comes down to making good music at the end. All my tracks bang harder than my old group. A lot of my friends tell me that they like me more as a solo artist then when I was in the group. They will be in for a surprise when they listen to the CD. Because, this is the first time I got a chance to make music. But I still have my same style… with better music.

How about your future career plans/goals; do you plan to continue solo and/or would you look to be part of a duo/group again?
My future goals are simple; run my own entertainment company and own properties. If I do record music, I’d probably keep going solo; maybe a duo, but never a group again. Too many problems!!

Which record label are you with now?
I’M INDEPENDENT!! My OWN (I have a partner and his name is Suh Yoong Keun). The reason why I did it indie is because I want to profit from my own stuff and not have the company get first grabs. That’s the way it works here in Korea… How much they (record company) put in for promotion and money spent for making of the album, videos, food & travel, they want it back first… then we “artists” get ours after they get theirs; catch my drift?

Do you do any music production (beats, etc.) and/or have any interest in that? How about on this solo album; who do you have doing production?
Funny you should ask! All the songs you hear on my MySpace page are as follows: produced/written/arranged/directed by Carlos Galvan and Suh Yoong Keun, vocal/chorus/background chorus by Carlos Galvan, “U R My Girl” & “Beautiful Lady” sung by Carlos Galvan; except “Beautiful Lady” sung by: Carlos Galvan & Jonathan Galvan (my brother).

I see that your brother, Jonathan, is credited on this new album. Is he involved in the music industry?
No, he’s not in the industry but you never know. Monkey see, monkey do… hahaha But, yeah, since he sings I had him help me with the hook and choruses. He also writes too.

Well, hopefully we’ll hear more from him in the future!
What other artists/musicians do you respect or that have influenced you as an artist (Korean or elsewhere)? Is there anybody out there that you’d like to work with that you haven’t already?
I’ve worked with a lot of people already. I want to work with half Korean artists. That would blow their mind… hahaha

Well, you should put out a compilation album full of mixed Korean artists and/or make that super group like I mentioned earlier! haha
I know you hosted the after-party for Ne-Yo’s recent Korean concert; any possible collaboration with American artists (or anyone outside of Korea) in the future?
Yeah, I hosted Ne-Yo’s concert after party in Korea… It was off the hook; he told me that he really appreciated me doing it for him. Collabos, yeah… definitely soon in the future. Look for me, aight.

Is there any possibility for another crossover attempt to the USA (or elsewhere)?
I’m taking it a step at a time… but that’s what I want to do. As for a crossover into the US, I already made a lot of connects with producers in LA.

What is the album release date and will this album be available at any internet stores (such as Yesasia.com) or in K-town stores in USA (like Music Plaza in K-Town LA)?
The album release date is set for January 30th 2009. This is a digital album, so it’s only sold on the internet / online. The reason why is because people nowadays download music and don’t buy CD’s at stores. And I don’t want them to be selling my fake CD’s…

I hear you on bootlegs; so where can it be purchased online in MP3 format?
Bugs.co.kr, Melon.com, Muz.co.kr, Maxmp3.co.kr, Mnet.com; But I believe it would be on Yesasia.com as well.

Okay, now you know we have to discuss the approximate 10 years you spent with the group Uptown. Can you describe how Uptown was originally created and how were you involved in the creation?
Uptown was originally founded by me and so was the name. I’m the one that brought Tasha Reid and Steve Kim in to the group after I met up with Chris Jung.

Did you know the other original members prior to Uptown?
Of course; I went to school with them (except Chris Jung).

What was the reaction like from Koreans when Uptown debuted. I’m referring to the fact that you guys were probably the most “American”-sounding/styled group at that time and just happened to also have two half Koreans members?
At first people were like “They’re not Korean?!?” But after the people / fans/ other artists, heard our music they were all impressed that these teenage kids came out like this.

Okay, so was there any hesitation from your management/record label during the beginning/creation of Uptown; especially with there being two half Koreans in the group?
A little, but after they heard our music they was like NICE… lets do this. But that’s not the whole story… there’s more. First, we tried to come out from a little label. But, during the middle of recording a big company stepped up and wanted to talk to us about leaving the small company and go to there. Basically, how it came down was the BIG company bought us from the SMALL company for half a million dollars. After that… the rest was history!

In your opinion, how did the 5th and last Uptown album (released in 2006) Testimony do?
In my opinion, it did pretty good… it could have been better!

Just to resolve a rumor; Wikipedia’s listing for Uptown states that originally the female lead for the Testimony album was to be a half Korean rapper named “Say”. Is that the female rapper in the “My Style” music video and is she really half Korean?
Ok, I will finalize it… Say is NOT half Korean; she is half white and half black. And, yeah, she was in the “My Style” video. The reason why she didn’t continue to do TV, shows etc. is because she was too Americanized and not open to Korean food, manners and the way of life here. We also had to translate what everyone was saying. Haha It was a headache.

Thanks for clarifying that; the Internet is great at both spreading truth and rumors and it goes to show that information on Wikipedia and similar sites can’t be completely trusted. So, regarding Say; how did she become part of the group? Was that a management decision or did one of you know her personally? Also, did she leave on “bad” terms with you and/or the group?
Well, I met Say in LA through a recording engineer at a studio. We decided that we needed a girl vocalist so we had Say do a song acappella and we liked her. She left on bad terms with Chris Jung & Steve Kim, but not with me… we’re still cool and we still talk.

Do you think that there was any drop off to Uptown’s popularity upon release of the come back album, Testimony, in 2006 due to the long period between albums?
I thought people forgot about us, until we came back and found out they were all waiting for us the whole time. That made me very happy.

So, what’s your current status within Uptown? What about with Tasha?
I haven’t spoke with Tasha in a long time. And the other original Uptown members I don’t want to talk too… they’re both shady (Steve and Chris). Even though DT and UPTOWN had beef, I’m cool with DJ Shine from Drunken Tiger.

What are your thoughts about Tiger JK (Drunken Tiger) & Tasha’s relationship and then eventual marriage?
First off, I introduced them… Anyways, glad they both got married and they have a son together… I wish them the best. But, that’s it; I don’t really care…

What are your thoughts on “Movement Crew”? Was Uptown (or yourself) ever part of that crew?
“Movement Crew”… “Master Plan”… NO COMMENT. UPTOWN was never part of “Movement Crew”. We didn’t want to be affiliated with underground rappers.

What is your current relationship with the original Uptown members?
I don’t speak with none of them!

Do you think that there is any chance for the group to come back in the future; either as the original group and/or with new members?
I DON’T WANT TO… NOT WITH THEM!

When you say “NOT WITH THEM” about reforming Uptown, are you only referring to Steve & Chris?
Yeah, I’m referring to THEM!!!

So you are still cool with other past members or affiliates (such as Jessica, Danny, etc.)?
I talk with Jessica & Danny (former member of K-Pop group, US) all the time.

Through the years with Uptown, which track and/or album are you most proud of or is your favorite?
That’s a hard question because I’m always the worst critic with my own work. I’m a perfectionist. I always grade myself as a “GRADE C” because I want to do and be better.

Now, there is one more part of your career we have not covered yet; Uptown 3000. Before the fifth Uptown album, Testimony, you and Steve Kim came out as Uptown 3000 and were poised to create some buzz/noise in the US hip hop market. You performed at numerous events, including Kollaboration 2003, and also were featured in a PBS documentary Los Angeles Now.
Where did the Uptown 3000 concept come from?
Well we got signed with a label out in Atlanta… and we were supposed to come out as a group.

So, why was the name “Uptown 3000” instead of just Uptown?
The company came up with 3000 because all of our fans knew us as Uptown. So we wanted to keep the name.

How did the Uptown 3000 project do in the USA (in terms of both sales and what you set out to accomplish with the project/album)?
Well, that’s the thing; we performed at the Staples Center (in LA) to a sold out crowd and as things started getting busier, our company and the investors tried to hustle each other before we even got on TV, radio, newspapers, etc… so I saw that they were shady. So I just got up and left Atlanta and went back to LA. So our record was on hold… but, some of it got out to the Internet and people’s hands. I didn’t even get a percentage out of it.

I’m sure it is obvious with your current status with the other members of Uptown, but would you consider another Uptown 3000 album in the future?
NO WAY!!!

With the experience you had with Uptown 3000 in the US market; do you think there is still some apprehension to accept Asian or Asian-American hip hop artists into mainstream hip hop? I know there are many very talented artists through the years like the Mountain Brothers, the Skratch Piklz and other DJ/turntablists and many others but there hasn’t been that “one” break-out artist yet that is able to get both the commercial and critical acclaim.
I know, huh? The reason why Asians can’t break through in the hip hop industry is because people ain’t ready for it yet. They say that they are, but really they ain’t. But, I feel in time they’ll be ready and waiting with high expectations!

Random thoughts with Carlos

What is your current relationship status and do you have any children?
I’ve been in a relationship for a long time. It’s time to get married. No kids yet! I want a bunch of kids, maybe 6 kids!!!! My girl tells me “good luck finding that girl” hahaha

Does your girlfriend live in Korea or the States? What does she think of your career in the music business?
She lives in Los Angeles. She is fully supportive and proud that I have come out with my solo album. She says that this album is so different from all of my previous work & is truly a reflection of my own style and is evident in the tracks, lyrics & punch lines. She always reminds me that it’s my time to shine and give the “new school” a taste of OG Hip Hop.

Do you have any hobbies or interests that you do to relax (other than music)?
I’m an internet gamer and somewhat of a golfer… mostly I like chillin’ at home.

What kind of gaming do you do (consoles and/or pc)?
Sudden Attack (PC game) / Playstation / Xbox 360

Are you on Xbox Live? If you are, we should get some gaming on!
I’m on Xbox Live sometimes playing NBA LIVE 2009. We should definitely play….I’m going to beat you! LOL!!!

Is there anybody you specifically respect/look up to (family members, friends, other artists, etc.)?
I look up and respect my Dad. If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t be the man that I am today.

In general, do you think that the Korean & Korean-American communities are accepting of Koreans of mixed heritage (half/mixed Koreans)?
I believe they do. The reason why is that more and more half Koreans speak the language and they like that…

Do you think you have ever experienced negativity from the Korean & Korean-American community?
Sometimes, but not really; they trip because I’m famous and what am I doing there. I tell people I’m just like you but have a different job that’s it.

So, do you get recognized easily in Korea? How about back in the States?
People recognize me all the time. So I have to be careful what I do or what I say! Yeah… also in LA or wherever I have been in the Korean community they know who I am. It is best when I go to the restaurant and order they be like “Your CARLOS from Uptown.” They be giving me service. That’s real cool, ya know?

What is your favorite food?
In-N-Out Burger… that’s the best!

What about your favorite Korean food?
Galbi & Sam Kyup Sal (3 layer pork).

Those are probably the two most favorite meat items for all of us Koreans! haha Now those two foods go real well with soju. Do you drink and/or like soju?
I love SOJU! Can’t get enough… that’s my weekend drink! None of that lemon stuff like Tony Akins. LOL~!! Me and my friends drink soju all the time.

Nice little rib on Tony Akins! But, I got to admit I sometimes like the cocktail ones like lemon or yogurt soju.
Either now or in the past, have you had any preferences in dating and/or general attractions?
Of course; in high school… LOL!

How do you feel about other prominent half/mixed Koreans and have you met any of them?
Yeah, I worked with Tomika Skanes (Korean/African American model); she was in my video for Uptown 3000. She knew my friends in Atlanta. I met Crystal Kay (Korean/African American Japanese pop singer) in Korea. Also, my boy from high school… we grew up together. He’s half black and half Korean and plays football for the Seattle Seahawks; Wesly Mallard #53 LB. You guys don’t have him listed on HalfKorean.com!! What’s up with that!?! Just playing, David… haha My DJ is also half Korean and half Caucasian; Lane Thomas Jones a.k.a DJ TomSLick. He has opened up for The Roots, De La Soul, Naughty By Nature, B-Boys & some other underground cats.

Yeah, I did not know about Wesly Mallard; thanks for the info! And that is awesome that your DJ is half Korean as well; sounds like he’s got an impressive resume opening for those top Hip Hop acts! Is there anyone else you know of that HalfKorean.com should know about (whom we don’t have listed already)?
There is… I just remembered my high school friend, Angie Goff who is a Washington D.C TV Reporter for Channel 10 News. She’s half Korean as well.

I will have to look into her and add her to the prominent people section.
So, what was your take on Korea’s reaction to Hines Ward after he was the MVP of Super Bowl XL?
They overreacted a little. I know he’s half Korean, but he ain’t that good. I’m a Dallas Cowboys fan and a 49ers fan!!

I agree; Looking back, the country did seem to overreact and looked as though was only really willing to accept him after he had accomplished something like winning an MVP (i.e. only willing to claim him as “Korean” after the fact).
But, I’m sure your opinion of his skills is probably a little skewed by your football team preferences but you have got to give him some credit for his social work with the Pearl Buck Foundation and also his own Hines Ward Helping Hands Foundation. Have you had any opportunity to work with that organization at all (if not, possibly in the future)?
Alright… Alright… my bad. What he’s doing… is great. I’m glad to see him helping people. I admire him for that, a lot! No, I’ve never worked with that organization. I would love to lend a hand. I always love helping people in need. I believe, the more you give… the more you receive.

Do you get on the Internet often?
Everyday…

So what are some of your favorite websites?
Here’s my top 5: 1. Myspace.com 2. Facebook.com 3. Halfkorean.com 4. Yahoo.com 5. Netmarble.net

How did you find out about HalfKorean.com and what did you think about HalfKorean.com when you first saw it?
I found out about the site after I was famous. One of my friends just happened to come across it and was like, “You’re on there man.” Ever since then, I’ve been on there looking for old friends to see if they were listed. I’ve been telling all my half Korean friends about your site! That they need to check it out because it’s made by a half Korean guy… and what he’s doing is great. Finally, we (half Koreans) have a site. For reals… good looking out for us. If it wasn’t for you, us half Koreans wouldn’t get or be noticed at all. Much respect David!!

Any parting words that you would like to pass on to the community?
Just be yourself… don’t try to be this or that and things will be straight. Be proud that you’re half Korean!

I want to personally thank Carlos for his time for this interview and hopefully we can catch back up with him in the future as well. I appreciated his honesty and openness and truly wish him continued success. Again, his solo mini-album is titled Still Standin’ and is available on various Korean MP3 sites for purchase (as noted above in the interview). You can listen to his music on his MySpace here: www.myspace.com/carlosizsolrac

Interview by: David Lee Sanders

Posted: 2/5/2009

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