Local artist Schizzow flaunts it

BORN and raised in Penang, 23-year-old Koh Yung Shen, who goes by the moniker of Schizzow, is having a mini hiatus from the music scene and makes a living from his talent in designing. Schizzow started his interest in rap and hip-hop music back in high school and has been writing and text-battling with other aspiring local rappers online since 2002.

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Schizzow released his first extended play album titled Back2DBasix, under the guidance of veterans Shazzy and Hokkien-rap pioneers D’Cuzzy. The album sold out 200 copies in a week in Penang.


When asked of his reaction to the sales, he responded, “The support for the first album has been overwhelming and I didn’t expect local music to be so well accepted by the people back then.” “It gave me the motivation to continue with my rap music because I realized there was a demand for it,” he said.


Encouraged, Schizzow carried on with several other home productions and recordings before forming ‘Fundamental Mentalities’ with close friend Wormy.


Their hard work over the next couple of years Finally bore fruit in the form of ‘Sentimentalities’ in 2006, a love song compilation album which featured collaborations and productions from other members of the band, including Wormy, guitarist Jean Louis Sibert, keyboardist Zhu May and vocalists Roosh and Avni.


While the other members got on with their respective responsibilities, Schizzow remained active in the music scene with his talents being featured in albums, notably Point Blanc, MC Mahadhir and Jin Hackman, to name a few. Unknown to many, even close friends, the recording of his coming album had already begun.


Typical to his low-key persona, he had just quietly gone about with his recordings. “I wanted my album to be ready before announcing it to everyone. I don’t want to have people anticipating mere hype that could never materialize until I am certain it would happen,” he explained. Schizzow’s first full solo album, ‘The Schizzowphrenic’, was released back in July 2009 in Penang, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.


The album is currently being distributed in many Rock Corner outlets. The rapper has since been fast gaining prominence and occasionally performing in gigs, often going solo but shares the stage with Rogue Squadron – a local hip-hop collective comprising of rap and hip-hop crews. Apart from his apparent gift in music, Schizzow also holds a degree in Graphic Design from UTAR.


He has also illustrated his own album cover and directed, edited and produced the music video for ‘Beautiful Imperfections’, which is available on YouTube. He also mentioned a plan for a future group project with rap outfit Phalanx.

By: Koay Chun Foong (23.09.10)