Hype Malaysia
  • Hype Picks
    • Go
    • Eats
    • Style
    • Streams
    • Concerts
  • Celebs
    • K-pop
  • Music
    • Reviews
    • Interviews & Features
  • Movies & TV
    • Movies
    • TV
    • Features
  • Lifestyle
    • Tech
    • Travels
    • News
No Result
View All Result
Hype Malaysia
No Result
View All Result
Home Music

Keeping It Real With adidas Originals

by Lainey
August 13, 2012
Share on FacebookShare on Whatsapp

Thanks to adidas Malaysia, we were given the opportunity to speak to three of the world’s most talented hip hop icons and influentials DJs last Friday.

DJs and turntablists in their own right, DJ Ali Shaheed Muhammad (A Tribe Called Quest/Lucy Pearl), DJ Maseo (De La Soul), and DJ Shortkut (Beat Junkies/I.S.P/Triple Threat) tells us about the changing times in music, about what they really think of hip hop, and about their other secret passions in life.

Check it!

Hi guys! How you feeling? When did you guys get in?

Maseo: “We got in just..the day before yesterday.”

Have you seen much of Kuala Lumpur yet? Because right now you’re already at the place to be – our landmark, the Petronas Twin Towers.

Shortkut: “Yeah!”

Ali: “I went to the mosque at Masjid Jamek yesterday. I’m fasting right now.”

So you guys are traveling a lot, right? What have you guys been listening to, what’s on your playlist?

Maseo: “For me, I’ve just been gearing myself up for this. Thinking about, and knowing that there would be freedom to play what we want to play. So I’ve just been getting a hold of music to cater to all y’all. I’m really excited about being here with Ali and Shortkut – this is like an extension of a dream. We’ve played together before but never as a trio. We’ve performed together especially in the Bay Area but never as a trio.”

Gone were the days where hip hop was constantly linked to, you know, “ghetto” and “gangsta”. How else do you think hip hop has changed over the past two decades?

Ali: “For me, and this is something that I noticed from DJing – I think what’s missing in the music now is love. You could watch the energy shift not just from the music or the sound of the music, but also the lyrics. It was a lot more love-driven back then. But now, the lyrics are now just about how ‘fresh’ or ‘dope’ an MC is. I don’t know what it’s attributed to but it’s just something I’ve noticed.”

Shortkut: “The record labels that put this stuff out, I mean, I feel like sometimes they need to be responsible for the content of these music that they’re putting out to the youth. It’s making someone who’s 10 years old listen to these lyrics. They’re growing up too fast, numsayin’?”

Maseo: “Hip hop these days, it’s highly pornographic and a lot of drug usage. Or exemplification of drug usage. It’ll make a transition eventually, I’m sure.”

That’s true. Music’s always changing! Speaking of which, with so many sub genres coming out every year, how would you as a DJ and an artiste stay relevant to the changing times of music?

Maseo: “I’ve always remained a student to this art form. I’ve always stayed in the position of learning. And behind learning, you learn what to do and what not to do.”

Shortkut: “Especially as a DJ, it’s sometimes a struggle to keep up with the times and stuff. As the years go by, I grow with the music. I try to learn and at the same time, I’m a student but also a teacher.”

Ali: “The best way I’ve been able to stay relevant is to stay true to myself and stay real. As long as you have integrity and sincerity and you’re passionate, that tends to reign supreme over everything else. I try to be open-minded and also make sure that I’m playing for people who are open-minded.”

Aside from being a world-renowned DJs and hip hop icons, what else are you guys passionate about?

Maseo: “My children. Absolutely. I’ve been a parent since the beginning! (laughs)”

Shortkut: “Absolutely!”

Maseo: “When I go back home, I’m a serious parent. I’m a serious father, entrepreneur, and I take care of business. You know, as a disc jockey, our challenge is to make you dance. We’re the ultimate masters of the ceremony. It’s a good feeling, you know what I mean?”

Ali: “I’m passionate about education. I don’t have children so..you know..”

Maseo: “(laughs) But he’s grooming! He’s passionate about education!”

Yeah Ali’s getting there!

Ali: “Yeah! I’m passionate about education and unity. And you know, for speaking out against oppression. There’s a lot going on in the world so, because I don’t have children, I try use my music to channel that passion to people, bridge people, and bring people together.”

Shortkut: “I’m pretty much..I mean, I’m a father as well. I’m just thankful to make a career doing what I love and take that back home, you know?”

Alright. We’re almost done and I’m down to my last question so, complete the following sentence, “If I wasn’t a DJ, I would be..”

Maseo: “I would’ve probably gone to the military and the marines. Or be some big time general (laughs). And I’d most likely end up brainwashing or dictating some kids on how they should be in the marines – but I’m glad I didn’t make that choice (laughs).”

Shortkut: “I would probably be a cook. My family comes from a long line of cooks so I would’ve probably done that. Something like that. Yeah!”

Ali: “You know, I was on my way to being a lawyer. That was something I was striving towards. My mom didn’t have a lot of money so I was putting money aside to go to law school. But I got a recording contract and..”

And you’re doing well, Ali!

Maseo: “Yeah!”

Ali: “Yeah!”

So legendary, so dope. It was truly inspiring to have met three of the world’s biggest names in hip hop. Thank you, Maseo, Ali, and Shortkut for keeping it real and for speaking to us. Honoured!

For more pictures from the event, click!

For more information on adidas Originals’ “Breathe and Stop” tour, here.

adidas Originals MalaysiaBreathe And Stopfeatures
https://lomp.at/tkdz6
Share2SendTweet2Share

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook or Telegram for more updates and breaking news. 

FOLLOW THE HYPE

Music

Malaysian Nasyid Group UNIC Makes A Comeback With “This Is UNIC: Live In Concert”

by Dean Zaini
October 23, 2025

If you grew up singing "Hanya Tuhan Yang Tahu" during school assemblies, get ready for some major nostalgia. Malaysia's beloved...

Read more
Source: IG/mileycyrus, YouTube/Avatar
Celebrity

Miley Cyrus Teases New Song For “Avatar: Fire & Ashes”; Fun Facts About The Upcoming Single

When an artist finally earns a Grammy, they either continue to chase that same success or take a more authentic...

Read more
by Afiq Amin
October 23, 2025
Music

American Singer Madison Beer Softens The Edges With New Single “Bittersweet”

Just days after lighting up the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show stage, the pop auteur returns with "Bittersweet"—a smooth, melancholic track...

Read more
by Dean Zaini
October 22, 2025
Source: Facebook/instytut.chopina, YouTube/Chopin Institute
Celebrity

Malaysian Pianist Vincent Ong Makes History With International Chopin Competition Win

It’s astonishing that only a handful of Malaysian stars have achieved global recognition. Thankfully, with the help of social media,...

Read more
by Afiq Amin
October 22, 2025
Music

Trip.com & Live Nation Make Concert Travel Easier For Malaysian Fans

Concert travel is officially the next big thing in Asia, and Malaysians are getting in on the action. Fans are travelling...

Read more
by Dean Zaini
October 20, 2025
Music

Joji Is Back To Break Our Hearts Again With “PIXELATED KISSES”

The king of sad pop has returned—and yes, he's still making us feel things. After teasing fans earlier this week,...

Read more
by Dean Zaini
October 17, 2025
Source: IG/yawnzzn
K-pop

“NO LABELS: PART 01”: What We Know So Far About TXT’s Yeonjun’s First Solo Album

A couple of months ago, it was reported that Tomorrow X Together (투모로우바이투게더) member Yeonjun (연준) was working on his...

Read more
by Afiq Amin
October 17, 2025
Music

Langkasuka Makes Their Return With Heartfelt New Single “Baju Yang Baru”

After months of quiet, local indie collective Langkasuka is stepping back into the spotlight with their brand-new single “Baju Yang...

Read more
by Dean Zaini
October 16, 2025
Load More


TOP STORIES TODAY

  1. 1

    “Please Protect My Children”: Korean Influencer Speaks Out On Indonesian Wife’s Cheating Allegations

  2. 2

    “Just For 1 Day!”: ZUS Coffee Closing Operation This Thursday In Celebration Of Latest Milestone

  3. 3

    Major Road Closures As Kuala Lumpur Enters Total Lockdown For ASEAN Summit 2025

  4. 4

    ALPHA: Meet The 7 Members Of Astro’s New Boy Group From “Big Stage Alpha”

  5. 5

    Aaron Kwok & Moka Fang Announce Birth Of Third Daughter; Shares Photo Of Newborn

Malaysia’s live-wire for the latest news, trends, and entertainment is finally here. We are your calendar, your grapevine, your comic relief, your post-event coverage, and your celebrity stalker. Did we also mention that we are also your gateway to the world?



Contact us: newsdesk@hype.my



  • About
  • Advertise
  • Jobs
  • Terms
  • Privacy Policy

©2025 Vijandren Ramadass. All Rights Reserved.

No Result
View All Result
  • Hype Picks
    • Go
    • Eats
    • Style
    • Streams
    • Concerts
  • Celebs
    • K-pop
  • Music
    • Reviews
    • Interviews & Features
  • Movies & TV
    • Movies
    • TV
    • Features
  • Lifestyle
    • Tech
    • Travels
    • News

©2025 Vijandren Ramadass. All Rights Reserved.

No Result
View All Result
  • Hype Picks
    • Go
    • Eats
    • Style
    • Streams
    • Concerts
  • Celebs
    • K-pop
  • Music
    • Reviews
    • Interviews & Features
  • Movies & TV
    • Movies
    • TV
    • Features
  • Lifestyle
    • Tech
    • Travels
    • News

©2025 Vijandren Ramadass. All Rights Reserved.