Dubbed the godfather of Malaysian hip-hop, Joe Flizzow is an award-winning veteran rapper and one of the pioneers of the local hip-hop scene. He is also the managing director of US hip-hop label Def Jam's Southeast Asia division.

Flizzow first came to prominence as half of legendary hip-hop duo Too Phat in the late ‘90s with his friend Malique, whose runaway hits included Li’l Fingaz and Too Phat Baby. After four studio albums, the duo decided to embark on solo careers, when Flizzow released the highly acclaimed albums President in 2008 and Havoc in 2013. After a seven-year break, he recently released his third album entitled Johan.

In 2005, he founded his own record label, Kartel Records, under which he not only released his own music but also represented a slew of emerging hip-hop artistes that were inspired by him. He has been a mentor and a strong supporter of up-and-coming hip-hop talents, including co-producing and hosting the popular rap cypher show 16 Baris, which provides a platform for Southeast Asian rappers to freestyle and showcase their talents.

Besides the music business, Flizzow has also made inroads into F&B with Joe’s Kitchen as well as the popular hairdresser Joe’s Barbershop. The recent years have been especially momentous for the Malaysian rapper. In 2018, he received the award for Best Southeast Asian Act at the MTV Europe Music Awards. In 2020, he married his long-time girlfriend Marini Ramlan, whom he met 15 years prior.