User:Carlos Galvam/sandbox

 Carlos Ricardo Galvan  (born February 5, 1978 ) is a hip hop artist who is the founder/member of the Korean hip-hop group Uptown He's known better by the alias "Cali-Mexci" & "SoLRaC". One of the influential rappers in Korea. He's known for his catchy rhymes and trend setting styles. But he's more of a battle emcee that love a good competition every now and then.

He was born in Savannah, Georgia at St. Josephs Hospital, to a Mexican-American Military Father (Richard Galvan) and a Korean Mother (Pok Nyo Galvan). He also has two brothers whos names are Jonathan and Michael.

==MUSIC CAREER IN KOREA==

Carlos Galvan has been at the forefront of the Korean Hip Hop movement since its early stages dating back to around 1996-97 when he was part of the group Uptown. It was introduced by many influential K-Pop (Korean Pop music) groups such as Seotaiji & Boys, DJ DOC, Solid, and others; but, one can say that Hip Hop music in Korea didn't have much resemblance to "real" Hip Hop until groups like Uptown came around. Uptown is considered to be one of the pioneers of Korean Hip Hop & R&B and were able to succeed and sell millions of albums in a very selective Korean music market where cutesy looks and boy-band/girl-band groups dominated the charts. Another part of Uptown that made them unique within the industry was that the group was composed of two half Koreans, Carlos (Korean/Mexican American) and Tasha Reid (Korean/African American). At the time of their debut, there were not many (if any) mixed Koreans of their age/generation in the music industry.

Even with the popularity and acclaim, a scandal nearly derailed Uptown. There was a major falling out between them and Drunken Tiger, another major Korean Hip Hop pioneer, in 1999/2000 due to a drug possession charge in Korea that involved members of both groups (including Carlos). Things were even more complicated due to the fact that Tiger JK (of Drunken Tiger) had been dating Tasha (of Uptown) at the time. The friendships and relationships between and within the two camps had dissolved and the end result was Uptown was banished and not allowed to perform in Korea.

After 4 solid albums, it looked as though Uptown was finished. But, in 2002, as things began to calm and settle, Carlos and Steve Kim (an original member of Uptown) embarked on something that had not been done before; a crossover attempt by a Korean-based artist/group to America. They were a duo now known as Uptown 3000 and seemed poised to make some noise. The album "Same Book... Different Chapter" was released initially to Asian markets to capitalize on the success of Uptown in Korea. Unfortunately, the transition to the American market was practically dropped after mismanagement occurred and the release stalled.

In 2006, Uptown reformed in Korea with 3 of the original members (Carlos, Steve & Chris Jung) along with a new female lead singer/rapper and released a 5th album, "Testimony". In what could be considered a surprise due to the length of time between albums (6-7 years; which could be considered an eternity in the music business and especially in the Korean industry), the album was received quite well and it looked as though Uptown was back and had shaken all the problems of the past off. Unfortunately, after the latest album the group has dissolved again and looks to be finished forever.

Now, in 2009, Carlos has moved forward with the release of his first solo album, "Still Standin'". He's starting to generate some buzz and was even able to cross-promote with American R&B artist Ne-Yo by hosting his concert after-party in Seoul. His first single, "U R My Girl", has already started charting in Korea and he's looking to reclaim his rightful spot near the top in the Korean Hip Hop community. He also featured in these albums 1999 대한민국(daehanminkook) - Girlfriends 1집 - 간종욱(kan jong wook) 1집 - Bae Seul Ki 1집 - KCM 4집 - Allstars 겨울바다

Galvan has been an ambassador of hip hop who has not looked back, His first taste of fame came in the late 1990s as part of the Korean hip hop pioneers Uptown. His ability to rap in three languages (English - Korean -Spanish) has galvanized his audiences and left his peers and rivals in awe.

His West Coast flava and Asian roots is what separates this artist from the rest. Holding eight albums under his belt, Galvan has only one thing to prove at this stage of his career - hip hop is not dead - it is alive and he is flippin it.

Coming in early 2010 his project mix-tape "South-Cide Vol.1"

He is also a member of the Notorious JIGGYFELLAZ crew in Korea.

1997: UPTOWN 업타운 (1st LP) - Represent

1998: UPTOWN 업타운 (2nd LP) - Represented... Now Believe

1998: UPTOWN 업타운 (Mixed LP ) - Mutual Best

1999: UPTOWN 업타운 (3rd LP)  - Chapter 3 in History

1998: UPTOWN 업타운 (collabo LP) - Absolute Power

2000: UPTOWN 업타운 (4th LP) - Verbal Medication

2000: UPTOWN 업타운 (Greatest Hits/MV) - History

2006: UPTOWN 업타운 (5th LP) Testimony

2009: Carlos  카를로스 (1st Solo LP) - Still Standin'

2010: Carlos  카를로스 (Mixtape LP) -South-Cide Vol.1 - Hustle

Carlos has featured and worked with a lot of young up and coming artist in Korea.

==Notes==

You can check out his music @ www.myspace.com/carlosizsolrac

==See also==

* List of hip hop artists

* List of Korean Americans

이현수 (가수)