The Break Presents: Sonny Bonoho

Recently featured on a track with Bizarre of D12, this Asian American MC is ready to push further the "weirdo" movement in hip-hop. Get familiar with another rising MC out of the Northwest.

Standout: "Cougars"

Also check out: "Just Met Her Last Night"

And: "The Vag"

Name: Sonny Bonoho

Age: 27

Hometown: Tacoma, Wa

I grew up listening to: I was heavily influenced by several phenomenal artists growing up like Jody Watley, Depeche Mode, Information Society, Pat Benatar and Expose. They all played a part in the way I write and produce my music. The way they arranged each track or used instrumentation were all aspects of their music that I appreciated.

Most people don't know I: Have a knack for design and illustration. I oversee my own design company/firm called Twentyfifty. I'm also into fashion—retro and modern, different textiles and prints.

My style's been compared to: I haven't really been compared to anyone; people always tell me that I'm a different type of artist. It's still hip-hop but with the Sonny Bonoho approach. I try to create songs that have concepts behind them and mean different things to different people.

My standout records and/or moments to date have been: I recently performed at SXSW and my performance was well received by people in the audience. I met some really great people out there and many opportunities have come about from that performance.

My goal in Hip-Hop is: To be an artist that's able to influence people with my style of music and what I bring to the table as an individual. Not in the terms of a role model but more trying to influence people to be themselves.

I'm gonna be the next: One of my goals is to create a recognizable brand through my music and individuality as an artist. I have a loyal following of fans that are extremely supportive of what I'm doing and I just want to continue to give them my best.

To check out more of my music go to: Follow me on Twitter @sonnybonoho