Jazz Library: A – M

Alyn Shipton explores which recordings should form the cornerstone of any jazz collection in the complete podcast editions of Jazz Library from BBC Radio 3. Please note, this podcast is only available in the UK.

- For show bookings, please contact vg454bookings@gmail.com

A seasoned artist familiar with releasing masterpieces, throughout his career Thai has centered his music on expressing raw emotion and truth. A supremely gifted wordsmith, Thai holds nothing back in the booth, and he is the first to attribute his success to the tremendous heart beating inside of his chest. With two albums and an EP under his belt, Thai has his focus on the top spot, ready to unleash his ability as the most complete, most lyrical musician alive.

Born Thai Minh Ngo in Nashville, Tennessee, Thai spent his early childhood growing up in San Jose, California, before moving to Portland, Oregon at the age of 12. With his single mother working two minimum wage jobs, Thai found himself hanging out with the street gangs of Portland. At age 13, he was arrested in conjunction with a gang-related shooting that took place in broad daylight. He was faced with 9 years of prison, but luckily was let off with only probation. Right there, Thai released the severity of his behavior, but with few alternatives available to him, Thai continued living his street lifestyle.

At the age of 16, Thai took the nation by storm when he released the songs “Vietnamese Gang” and “Around My Town” on the internet. Millions of listeners were introduced to a rapid spitting, passionate soul that went by the name of Thai Viet G. Thai dropped the Viet G from his moniker and capitalized on his newfound success by releasing his first EP, “Portland Love,” a studio project revolving around the city he called home. A year after this release, Thai found his life to be in peril again, when a rival gang let off 40 rounds into a house that Thai was partying in. When Thai attempted to fire back, he felt a bullet go into his arm and shatter his bone.

This incident motivated Thai to focus on his solo debut album, “Together We Rize.” The theme of this album was street unity, and it aimed to uplift and empower the various Asian gangs, who were segregated by nationality. The album enjoyed nationwide success and Thai’s passionate, reflective flows drew parallels in the minds of listeners between him and Tupac Shakur. After his debut album, Thai moved to San Diego, California to work on his follow-up album. DJ Slim offered to produce all of the tracks on “My Life and Rhymes,” giving Thai’s second album a unified sound and west-coast feel.

Today, Thai is living out his vision of Asian unity under the label 454 Life Entertainment.  With 454, Thai is determined to release his finest album to date, a project that will resonate with listeners and showcase Thai’s ability as a transcendent rapper. With his heart separating him from his competition, and his work-ethic over the years culminating in greatness, Thai is on top of his craft and the industry must better beware.

Penny Chong is following