Joe Flizzow

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 the US hip-hop label Def Jam's Southeast Asia division.

Flizzow first came to prominence as half of the 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 embarked on solo careers, with Flizzow releasing the highly acclaimed albums President in 2008 and Havoc in 2013. After a seven-year break, he recently released his third album titled Johan.

With 1 million views in its first week of release in 2021, his hit track Ciao—which features MK and Jay Park—has accumulated over 10 million views on YouTube. In 2023, Joe Flizzow held a solo concert titled This Is Johan, which was a sold-out success, showcasing a staggering setlist of 37 songs performed live, backed by an orchestra. Additionally, he released a new single, Berlian and also collaborated with Snoop Dogg for JDT’s official anthem Pioneers and is on Snoop’s track Alright.

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 artists who 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. 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.