Rappers fusing cultures

Determined to make it

"Told my Mom I'm gonna make it. It's hard but I gotta face it!"

As the group repeated the refrains of their song Make It in a recent concert in Beijing, the enthusiastic crowd, consisting largely of the city's international high schoolers, cheered, gyrated, and sang along.

Unabashed about asserting their musical ambition, the young rap ensemble, brimming with passion and creativity, seems quite clear about what ingredients they need for making it.

Love is a must. "It takes true love and passion or making music can drive you crazy," said Laurence, who mentioned hours after hours spent on recording and editing music videos are part and parcel of his hobby.

Practice and dedication are another two key ingredients. "A rap artist is so much like a kungfu practitioner," Khairi said. "They both need to keep sharpening their craft every day."

However, like many other aspiring young artists, the rap group is looking for platforms to shine.