Head in the Clouds

Prior to this 17-track compilation, the New York-based multimedia collective/label 88rising made their name as one of the foremost champions of Asian youth street culture. In no small part responsible for the viral successes of South Korean rapper Keith Ape’s “It G Ma” and Indonesian rapper Rich Brian’s “Dat Stick,” the brand's tastemaking website became recognized as both a well-connected hip-hop curator and an incubator of bleeding-edge Asian talent. The crew’s first group album pairs artists from 88rising’s increasingly diverse roster with similarly buzzing American talents (BlocBoy JB, 03 Greedo, Yung Bans), reaffirming founder Sean Miyashiro’s vision for carving out a bigger and more noticeable space for Asian artists worldwide. The energetic rap flows of China’s Higher Brothers sit next to Japanese social media star Joji’s alt-R&B, Rich Brian’s signature baritone, and Indonesian singer NIKI’s relatable girl power. “To build a culture, you have to have the right peers in place,” L.A.-based singer AUGUST 08 said of the label’s collaborative spirit to Beats 1. “And 88rising are the people creating those platforms for those kids.”