Biography
Born in Singapore, Masia One became a fan of Hip Hop after stumbling upon a bootleg copy of Public Enemy’s “It Takes A Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back” at the age of 8.
After moving to Vancouver Canada at the age of 9, Masia developed a keen interest in graffiti and break dance however It was not until she started studying architecture at The University of Toronto that she began writing rhymes and performing. There began her journey into the music world.
Masia One’s debut studio album “Mississauga” was released in 2003. The album was well received and the music video for the lead single “Split Second Time” was nominated in the category of best rap video by the Much Music awards. Masia’s second studio album, “PULAU” was released in 2009. The album attained the number one slot on the Canadian College Radio Charts as well as charting on both CBC Radio 3 and South East Asian Radio.
Masia has also released several remix EPs on Muti Music. The EPs feature collaborations with artists such as Ill Gates & Bassnectar. These records exposed her sound to Dance Music crowds and were featured on Electronic Music sites such as Beatport where a few of the singles charted.
Masia has developed into a well rounded multi-genre artist. Her sound reflects inspiration drawn from touring through North America, Jamaica and Asia and sharing the stage with acts such as The Roots, Floetry, Mos Def, DJ Neil Armstrong, Lady Saw & Ron Sexsmith.
Courted by Grammy Award-winning Aftermath producer Che Vicious (Produced for Lauren Hill, Kanye West and 50 Cent to name a few), Masia began working on what would later become the album “Bootleg Culture”.
“Bootleg Culture” was released in September 2012 on Muti Music and featuring collaborations with artists such as Wu-Tang’s The RZA, Thunderheist’s Isis Salam, Uh Huh Her’s Cammy and Idle Warship’s Graph Nobel (Black Molly).
The Bootleg Culture Album Sampler features an unreleased version of the album track “Errrybody” which features Pharrell and The Game.
In February 2013 Masia One won three South East Asian VIMA Music Awards. Best Hip Hop Song (Warriors Tongue), Best Collaboration (Errrybody feat. Pharrell, The Game & Isis Salam) & Thank You For Existing Highest Honor Award.
She was nominated in eight categories, including nominations for Best Overall Female Act and Best Pop Song – “Make Up”.
In May 2013 Masia One got the opportunity to perform for the first time in Europe. Did shows in Germany and Sweden as well as working with Swedish producer team Musicano.
Bootleg Culture is currently nominated for “Urban Recording of the Year” by the Western Canadian Music Alliance.
Also of note Masia, together with The 411 Initiative for Change, tours through over 200 high schools each year working with young people by teaching them about the arts, woments rights, HIV/AIDS awareness and promoting the importance of education.
