88Rising is less like a band and more like a … collective? While we know, that doesn’t clear it up for everyone. It’s the best word we can come up with. To put it a different way, they’re kind of like Young Money. It’s a group of artists and a label that was started by Sean Miyashiro and other Asian artists. They curate Asian and Eastern rap talent, a little like Lil Wayne used to curate artists like Drake and Nicki Minaj. That’s not to say the collective doesn’t perform together, they do – but they’re individual artists as well. Still, confused? All you really need to know is that they sound good – and allow you to expand your rap playlists with multiple artists at once.

Who Is Part of 88Rising?

This is going to be a long list, so stick with us. The collective and label was founded by Sean Miyashiro, Rich Brian, Keith Ape, and the Higher Brothers – in no particular order. That was their OG crew, but they’ve signed at least an artist (if not more) a year since then. Recent additions Brian Puspo, Johnatan Park, Josh Pan, and Joji.

What Do They Do?

Simply, they put out music. Most of their songs are in-house collaborations, but they’re not afraid to reach out. For example, they have a remix that features A$AP Ferg and Waka Flocka Flame. That remix went viral and showed that the group wasn’t afraid to add in some American flavors to their Asian group.

As of today, the group is getting into the K-Pop talent scene, which isn’t easy. K-pop groups are highly and tightly controlled, though 88Rising may be a way for K Pop to get a little more independent. We’ll have to wait and see if that’s true. If you want to see what 88Rising really has in store – get tickets to one of their shows. You never know who they’ll bring and which new-to-you artists you’ll discover.