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now the gloves are off
and the heat is on
and the arm is strong
and the march is long
Hip hop is global now and there’s a lot of talent worldwide connecting with fans of the music and getting their message out on a grassroots level.
We’re always looking for what’s going on outside of the states and this time around we find ourselves taking a look at an artist from Brisbane, Australia.
Tu P has an interesting background for a hip hop artist being of Vietnamese decent from Australia and actually studying to be in the medical field and completing a residency.
He’s using his hip hop platform to talk about freedom, conflict and poverty from the perspective of developed and developing countries.
He connects with fellow artist Sickmind on his latest single “March is Long” which focuses on the protest in May that led 10,000 Australians to march across the country in protest of the government policies.
Tu P shared the video with us which you can catch below and also took a moment to chat with us for our Indie Spotlight Series.
Q & A w/Australian Hip Hop Artist Tu P
What does your name mean?
My artist name is short for my real name, Tu Pham (it’s Vietnamese).
Who is your favorite artist?
My favorite artist (at present) is Macklemore, because of the level of passion he puts into his vocal delivery.
Describe your music for those who have never heard it.
My music is conscious hip-hop, that draws influence from my experience in a refugee community and in the field of medicine.
What inspired you to pursue music?
I was inspired to pursue music by artists like 2Pac, Common and Lupe Fiasco, who used hip-hop as a medium to bring about social change.
What has been your greatest career accomplishment so far?
My greatest career accomplishment was releasing my debut record when I finished my medical residency.
What has been your biggest challenge?
My biggest challenge has been overcoming the stereotypes associated with being an Australian and Vietnamese MC.
