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What’s the first thought that comes to mind when you hear the words native elements? Can it be you on an island, sipping on a sweet, fruity drink and rocking away on a hammock to the sounds of a groovy-kind-of-funk? Well, being on an island away from work may be just a daydream but Native Elements has something very real to offer. With a myriad of musical influences ranging from classic R&B/Soul to the deepest tradition of Jamaican and English dub, Native Elements delivers a dynamic sound that appeal to all music lovers. The culturally diverse music scene of the San Francisco Bay Area has fueled their creative flow from the start. After explorations with rock, funk, blues, and R&B, Native Elements has set their repertoire firmly in the roots-reggae tradition. They combine their colorful influences into an amalgamation of positive, vibrant music that speaks from the heart. Even some of the most discriminating Jamaican ears have found Native Elements sound to be as authentic and genuine as their staple of music back home. That’s probably the very reason they have been nominated for a San Francisco Weekly, Local Music Award (Wammie) and BAM Magazines, Bay Area Music Award (Bammie) for Outstanding World Beat/Reggae Club Band. You can listen to the fans latest favorite Sensi All Day on their website at www.myspace.com/nativeelements.

We can totally relate to the fans responses to the song. We only had to listen for the first 20 seconds and already, we were hooked! You can take music like this anywhere. Seriously, anyone want to relax a little? The easy beats and velvety voices will be sure to keep your blood pressure at an even flow and take your imagination to heavenly places. Put THAT in your morning coffee and see what happens. You’ll be IRIE all day! If you want more, you can also get a sneak peek of their third album which is in the works now so go ahead and start your wishful thinking. Wherever your imagination decides to take you, Native Elements will be sure to make it all worth while.

School Boy Duke - Yes, so his song Ayy How You Make Me is almost the sweetest thing ever. Staying true to his given name School Boy Duke, this guy definitely takes you back to the good ol’ days when love wasn’t so complicated and crushes were something you wanted to sing about in the locker room. But as smooth as he sounds and as cute as he is, it was his attitude towards life and music that has turned us into fans. When asked about the most difficult part of his journey as an Asian American artist trying to break into the industry, he candidly states that just being an Asian rapper was the hardest part of all because people would just shut him out saying, “Oh, he’s Asian”. But he remains hopeful, telling us that he will, one day, break into the industry and make head way as an Asian American rapper that deserves recognition. And judging by the difficulties he’s been through with his family and his bright outlook on his past tribulations as a new artist “trying to make it”, you can tell his determination isn’t just empty words. It comes from his character and it comes from his courage; maybe with a touch of naïveté that keeps hopeful hearts focused on their goal rather than being jaded by the struggles they must overcome. And it gets a bit hard to believe that with such a positive outlook on life already, he’s only just shy of reaching the big 2-0.

If that kind of drive doesn’t get you anywhere but gaining the respect of others, we’d say that’s half the battle. So why not let this school boy teach you a lesson or two? It doesn’t matter how old you are because the messages here are ageless: Never give up, no matter how hard it gets and always stay humble. He doesn’t forget to mention his fellow Asian American artists in respect, telling America that “we are the next big thing”. And after all that he says, he doesn’t forget to express his thanks, saying that even if he had only one fan, he’d still make his music for that one fan and have pleasure doing it. How great is that? Now go log onto www.myspace.com/schoolboyduke for some more feel-good tracks and tell him he’s got a fan in you!

Masia One - Born in Singapore, Masia One became an early fan of hip hop after stumbling upon a bootleg copy of Public Enemy’s It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back at the age of 8. But it wasn’t until her time at the University of Toronto pursuing an Architecture degree, that she took scribbled rhymes to the stage and began her fast-pace journey into the life of an emcee. Masia One’s butter smooth flow debuted in 2003 with her independent release Mississauga. Four videos, international bookings and countless media appearances later, the emcee is ready to release the story of her journey, Pulau. The album title comes from a Malaysian word that means The Islands and it reflects influences of the South East Asian culture along with heated dance hall tempos of Jamaica and the easy going flow of California’s West Coast. To complete this record, Masia One reconnected with her long time friend, DJ SARASA a.k.a. Silverboombox from Tokyo to contribute her unique style of scratches and cuts to various songs.

Masia One is a mainstay of international hip hop, working with producers & artist from Europe (Nicolay, DJ Vadim), North America (Apani B Fly, BBA Muzik), Asia (DJ Sarasa) and the Caribbean (Jubba; Mighty Diamonds). The inscription of her new album states: “The poetry of Pulau has been inspired by the cycles of time, space, strategy, companionship and faith that naturally define our progression in this life. In these days of extreme confusion between truth and untruth, the origin of the artist’s inspiration is compromised, and the catalyst that once compelled the need to create has been dampened. Naturally things will unfold thereby that which is good, pure and seated in truth will rise like a star to Heaven. All things that end begin a new – building momentum toward a Culture Foundation”. Respected for creating a universal sound, look for her sophomore album Pulau to be released in the summer of 2008. You can see what she’ll be up to in the meantime by checking her website at www.masiaone.com.

10 – Mukundha Mukundha Album / Film: Dashavtar
9 – Pyaar Ke Liye Album / Film: Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic
8 – Kyon Hai Mujhe Album / Film: Khushbloo
7 – Bheegi Bheegi Teri Sulfein Album / Film: Hastey Hastey
6 – Khwaja Mere Khwaja Album / Film: Jodhaa - Akbar
5 – Dil Haara Album/Film: Tashan
4 – Kabhi Kabhi Aditi Zindagi Album/ Film: Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na
3 – Kyun Album / Film: Woodstock Villa
2 – Ishq Ada Album / Film: Ada…A Way of Life
1 – Judai Album / Film: Jannat

There were two extremely important shows that took place over the last seven days: First, there was a fund raiser for China and Burma that took place in New York City featuring the performances of Kevin So, Abe Chang and more. Second, ill-Literacy was featured at the Spoken Word Summit that took place on the other coast, Oaklandm, California.

Hip Hop with Nuz 'n' Nak: Monday-Friday, 3-4pm EST, Online Only They're more fun than a suitcase full of spider monkeys. You must check out their new hip hop grooves!

NiteLife Radio: Wed, 8-10pm EST, Online Only What's new, hot, and very debatable? Hear it on this show!

Fill in the conversation bubble and we'll select the best answer. The lucky winner will receive an ever-intriguing mystery gift bag! Want to find out what secrets lie hidden inside? Then send your answers to radio@iatv.tv with 'Caption Contest' in the subject line.

Send us your poetry, spoken word, short skits, and spoofs. The best one of the week will be produced and wired on ImaginAsian Radio! You will also win a set of CDs and t-shirts (another nice little goodie bag)!

Kevin So – Saturday, June 21st, 2008
Clearwater Music Festival – Croton Point Park, Weschester County, NY
Cost: Not Available

Emm Gryner – Monday, June 23rd, 2008
Vanity Fair Ballroom – King Eddy Hotel, King St, Toronto, Ontario
Cost: Free

PaperDoll – Saturday, June 21st, 2008 6pm
Waterside Plaza – 30 Waterside Plaza (25th St.& FDR Drive), NYC
Cost: Free

Far East Movement – Sunday, June 22nd, 2008 3pm
Rosewood Royale Instore – 14329 Woodruff Ave, Bellflower, CA.
Cost: Not Available

Janaka Selekta – Saturday, June 21st, 2008 10pm
Sonoteque – Chicago IL.
Cost: Not Available

Putnam Hall – Monday, June 23rd, 2008 10:30pm
Chain Reaction – 1652 W. Lincoln, Anaheim, CA.
Cost: $10

Bamboo Shoots – Tuesday, June 24th, 2008 8pm
Red and the Black – 1212 H Street, NE, Washington D.C.
Cost: $8

Kite Operations – Saturday, June 21st, 2008 4pm
Astoria Park (Great Lawn) – Astoria, Queens, NYC
Cost: Free

Bayadera – Friday, June 20th, 2008 8pm
Castle Park – 3500 Polk Street, Riverside, CA.
Cost: $20

Dengue Fever – Saturday, June 21st, 2008 4pm
Make Music Pasadena – 79 South El Molino Ave, Pasadena, CA.
Cost: Not Available