DNA - DANYE N' A-KID CINA

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IG: @ammardanijel / @akidcina

DNA is an experimental project made of 2 artist/producer and a total of 16 tracks that caters to the urban & trendy youth. Their previous single titled “BANK$” has been met with positive reviews and radio plays in local station such as HITZ and Era.

The album has also been praised as many- sided, eclectic production, honest and unique to the lyrics written in local online blog and social media.

DNA - the album was made to create 16 tracks then later equally divided into two parts, which became DNA Side A and DNA Side B. DNA side A is more bold, aggressive, and competitive when it comes to the lyrics and rap flow, meanwhile DNA side B speaks of mellow yet groovy, thoughtful, spacey and relaxed tunes

DANYE

Any fan of the local music scene in Malaysia would’ve heard of Perak-born artist Danye or more commonly known as DaneyOnTheBeat. Fans might immediately associate his name to that of American rapper Kanye, whom Daney looks up to. He’s usually found performing his homemade tunes at underground events held at places like The Bee. Born and raised in Perak, Daney might seem like a guy who’s always out and about but truth is, he’s a bit of a homebody.

“I prefer to dedicate my time working on my music and projects,” he says. “Mostly, I’m just at home in my room.”

For 20-year-old Daney, music became a form of refuge from the mundane life he was brought up to live.

“I wasn’t a very bright student back in school. I always had more interest in things that weren’t taught in the classroom,” he explains. “But of course, academics are important too. Ever since I knew that, I carved out the path I wanted.”

Besides crafting songs and rapping, Daney also has a knack for producing tracks. He’s worked with big names in the industry such as Zizan Razak, DJ Fuzz, Eyza Bahra and more on chart-topping hits (Kaki Licik, anyone?). His songs have also been aired in local radio stations, television programs and even stadiums.

Daney credits Vince Staples for influencing his sound. “He inspires me to be honest in making music; it keeps me driven and helped me be comfortable in my own skin,” Daney said.

Like other local artists who are striving to make waves in Malaysia, Daney admits it’s a tough life for a musician here. “It’s hard for me to pave the way for others after me,” he says. “I feel that it’s important to not corner myself and to constantly be exposed to all kinds of music. I want my music to be well-developed, innovative but still reflects who I am.”

No doubt, he’s well on his way to building a name for himself. With his skills, a positive mindset and huge faith in his work, Daney can get to anywhere he wants to be.

“There’s no limits to what we can come up with,” he insists. “Be honest in your work and be you.”

A-KID CINA

The music industry in Malaysia is a slow but growing one. There are the legends of course, but what of the new ones? One of the names to remember is A-Kid, whose real name is Akid Lim. He's well-known for his incredibly catchy, fun tunes such as Ada Awek and Apa Lagi Kita Mau.

On a normal day, you can find the 26- year-old hip hop talent in Cheras (playing Mobile Legends somewhere) or writing and recording music in the studio.

"I'm always 
working towards finding a new sound that I can share with people," A-Kid
says. "Otherwise, I'd love to go have some coffee or go for a movie."

At first glance, A-Kid comes across as someone cool and aloof. But he's more than just an on-stage presence. He's a kid (get it) with big dreams. "I've always loved music and thanks to my friend and producer Aziquebeats, I actually get to make it. He's the one who introduced me to the industry and taught me much about it," A-Kid says.

Making music and being successful at it in Malaysia is definitely no walk in the park. The Ampang-born rapper admits that getting people to understand the art of making music is the biggest challenge.

"People think there's no career in music if you're doing it here in Malaysia," he says. "I think that's the most misunderstood aspect of the profession."

With over 1.1 million views on his latest music video 'Gaji Masuk', appearances on 16 Baris, as well as performing at international stages like Good Vibes Festival and local conventions like Sneakerlah, A-Kid is definitely proving lots of people wrong. When asked about his music influences, A-Kid names his crew, the Krayziesoundz. "They be keeping me on my toes," he says. As the industry blooms with more upcoming artists (a spill-over from the SoundCloud crowd), A- Kid only has once advice to give: "Just empower yourself and trust the process."