Fat Panda Tuan is an innovative Vietnamese American Hip-Hop artist with no plans to slow down. In 2020, he aims to create exciting projects for his fans.
(Maryland, United States) – With the atmosphere that has been created around the globe due to Covid-19, Fat Panda Tuan is fully geared to roll out exciting projects to keep his fans entertained during quarantine and make their social distancing experience a bit less difficult. For 2020, the Vietnamese American rapper and hip-hop artist has planned to work with some bona fide artists in the music industry, which will add to his already impressive body of work and his discography. In the past, he has collaborated with renowned artists such as Chxpo and Manny Wave, while also working with coveted platinum producers which includes the likes of Prod by Alexx and Kid Ocean.
Official IG: www.instagram.com/fatpandatuan
1- When and Why did you start doing music?
My family has an artistic background. My Mother is a professional pastel artist and my dad is a professional keyboard player. I was influenced by many genres of music when I was young but hip hop and r&b was my go to genre around junior high. I invested in my own recording equipment when I was young and I started off recording with Cool Edit Pro and Adobe Audition. I started rapping and singing because I’ve always admired the hip hop culture and the whole process of creating art.
2- Which famous musicians do you admire? Why?
I admire all types of genres of music but my favorite genre is Hip Hop Rap. I am a hip hop nerd. I first started listening to rap and r&b in the 2000s. Instantly fell in love. I was young and hip hop was refreshing and interesting. Out of interest and curiosity I went back and studied the music and the generation of dope Mc’s before me. I went back to the 90s golden era rap as well as the 80’s. I made sure that I did my homework before stepping into the music industry.
3- Were you influenced by old records & tapes? Which ones?
My father was a musician and he introduced me to all types of genres in the 90s. Rock, Jazz, Samba, new swing, tango, pop, r&b, classical music, reggae and so on. The fugees were authentic and dope and their music is timeless. I love Sade and how smooth and talented she is. I still play Sade to this day. I remember flipping cassettes over to side B. Rewinding cassettes and sometimes they would Jam up.
4- What rappers are in your top 5? Do you have any favorite Hip-hop Groups?
My top 5 changes all the time depending on the day. I really don’t have a top 5 but growing up I was heavily influenced by Eminem, Jay-z, Nas, Biggie, Big L, Tupac, Big Pun, Shyne, Royce da 5’9, Elzhi, the list goes on. I love hip hop groups like the Slaughterhouse Pharcyde, Heltah Skeltah, CNN, Red & Meth, The Lox, Dipset, Camp Lo, Outkast, UGK, the list goes on.
5-How did you come up with your artist moniker?
It’s simple. Fat is my nickname. Fat stands for Flavor and Talent. Pandas are my favorite animal. And Tuan is my government name.
6- Let’s Talk about your music style. How would you describe your style?
My music a is a mixture of singing and rapping. I would say my style is wild. It’s free, confident, lit and fun. I am fusing elements of hip hop culture with popular Asian culture like anime, video games, food. Etc. Every studio session is lit. Always have a smile on my face because music is supposed to feel good. I like having all sorts of different types of vocals on my records. I like having fun and being free on records because I want the record to naturally come.. nothing forced. When I’m cooking, the Kitchen got to smell like Iron Chef on Food Network. Everything has to be Fat full of flavor and gourmet.
7-Let’s talk about your creative process. Could you take me through a studio session?
When I’m at the studio I make sure that there is no time to waste. I go straight to the booth to give my engineer as much ammunition as possible. My recording process is Intro, hooks, verses, bridges, adlibs, and dubs and highlights afterwards. I make sure that I put in work with the recording process at 120% before I sit back and relax and smoke a nice wood. The most enjoyable part is the sitting back after you’ve worked hard recording and enjoying the mix and master of your painting.
8- What is your favorite project? Tell me more about it.
My favorite project is Shinobi Tempura. It’s a 14 track project produced by Kid Ocean beats. It’s my favorite project because I was able to put pen to paper about my trip to Japan. I was able to infuse elements of popular Japanese culture and my adventures.
9- What your goals for the future?
I will continue to grow the FAT brand and my goal is to become a big name internationally. I will tour as a successful independent international artist in Asia. I want to be able to connect with people that love hip hop from all over the world.
10- One word that describes you best?
Fat. Flavor and Talent.
M.T.V.rock 