MC Jin: Every Day Is Chinese New Year

MC Jin, who infamously wore a mask on the show The Rap of China, was also the first Chinese American rapper to hit the American album charts. Born in Miami to parents from Hong Kong, MC Jin has found success in both Asia and America as a rapper and songwriter. Being an Asian American, MC Jin has the best of both worlds but never forgets his Chinese roots. “As a child, I think pretty much every CNY was an extra special time for me since I grew up in Miami, which at the time didn’t really have that large of a Chinese community. I say that to say, when CNY was around the corner, you could definitely sense the excitement in the air,” he says. “It’s about the food. It’s about looking forward to both receiving and giving. Most of all, it’s about family and celebrating another year of good health and prosperity,” MC Jin continues. “For my family, definitely the most important thing is the dinner gathering that everyone is expected to attend. We make sure the house is cleaned thoroughly to start the festivities, ‘cause the idea is to be rid of all the previous negative vibes from the past year.” And as for the music? “I guess I might be a bit biased but I’d have to say the ultimate theme song for CNY would be my own song, “Chinese New Year”. To me, that song is special in several ways. It’s not so much about the actual holiday celebrations, but more about the mindset of being proud of one’s identity. So the core message is really that every day is Chinese New Year for me.” Listeners will find top hits from global superstars of hip-hop, R&B, rock, and pop music on his New Year playlist. “I basically chose songs that I felt captured some of the main themes of CNY—celebration, fun times, family and hopefulness. I decided to name my playlist Every Day is Chinese New Year because to me every day should be a celebration of family and love.” MC Jin wishes all listeners the best of health. “One of my favourite phrases to wish everyone during Chinese New Year or just in general is ‘Sheng Ti Jian Kang’ which literally means to have a healthy body. All the food, festivities and traditions aside, I think that CNY is really about celebrating the most important things in our lives, which ultimately would be the health and well-being of oneself and loved ones.”