Too Phat

Too Phat is Malaysian Top Hip-Hop duo that has brought Malaysian Hip-Hop scene to greater heights. The group consist of Joe Flizzow (Johan Ishak) and Malique Ibrahim.

The Duo

Joe and Malique's first recorded collaboration won so many fans that the producers quickly began work on a new and better album Plan B. At last count, Plan B had sold 45,000 copies and garnered a double platinum award. Recording label Positive Tone, a subsidiary of EMI International, saw it fit to produce a re-issue of the album. Called the Plan B Platinum Edition, the CD pack includes a music video CD featuring home video footages and two new songs "Clap to This" and "Last Song". The lyrics of the songs have also been included in the Platinum Edition.

The first time around, they weren't. For good measure, Too Phat has thrown in never before released photographs of the boys. Meanwhile, cellular communications operator Maxis has taken a chance on this very new concept of rapping Malaysian style. The company has linked its prepaid service Hotlink with Too Phat's latest music, "Just a Friend". The video that debuted on ntv7 is contemporary, slick, bold and relevant. It was innovative to have the collaboration of Maxis Hotlink, and cameo appearances of artistes M. Nasir and Fauziah Latiff, track hero Watson Nyambek and singer Ferhad on the music video. Brave because for the first time on Malaysian video and on national television (with scenes shot at locations in Kuala Lumpur) the issue of homosexuality was addressed.

It is bolder than the strong hint of a gay relationship in Spinning Gasing, Malaysia's first English language movie. The audience received the hint of homosexuality in the movie with rip-roaring laughter. How sad. It begs the question what people are actually laughing at; the slapstick antics of the parties in the relationship, or the relationship itself. "Just a Friend" is brave but admirably tactful, smoothly nonchalant, yet entertaining. Kudos to Pegasus Film's Sean Chan, whose directing gave a sensitive portrayal of the two young men's frustration over the complexities of love. No derogatory remarks or insinuations were made on that other relationship. Just hair-tearing disappointment for the supposedly hip Joe and Malique when they discover that they've been had.

At the video launch, Joe and Malique's stomping enthusiasm elicited guffaws from the audience. Having broken new ground by dealing with a controversial issue, Too Phat must now prepare for the feedback. Fans and industry watchers appreciate their audacity. Even critics may want to consider the refined manner in which Too Phat has presented a facet of life. If their brave approach is accepted, Too Phat will ride the crest of popularity to untold heights.

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