I.A. The Kama'aina Classic

When you think of Hawaii, what comes to mind? It could be everything from the beautiful beaches, crystal clear water, cool breeze, coconut trees, and everything that comes along with the island culture. Now, imagine a mix of Hawaii and the genre of hip hop. It seems somewhat ironic. I.A., a Hawaiian based rapper opposes the thought. Born Jordan Salud, in 1985 on the island of Oahu, I.A. is the son of the World Champion boxer Jesus “The Hawaiian Punch” Salud, who is a local icon to Hawaii.

At a young age I.A. was exposed to music. “My mom would always play music for me when I was young. Everything from Prince, The Jets, Steely Dan, and Jodie Watley,” says I.A.. “LL Cool J and Michael Jackson were my favorite artists at the time,” I.A. adds. Throughout time, I.A. now looks up to artists like Rakim, Big Daddy Kane, Notorious B.I.G., and Jay-Z as his favorite MC’s. At age six, I.A.’s uncle started a local hip hop crew, and was later offered an audition for the movie “House Party 3”. I.A.’s interests in hip hop were greater after his uncle’s accomplishments. In 8th grade, I.A. began to write his own lyrics to instrumentals of popular songs. Soon after, I.A. started a group with classmates in high school named “The Otherz”, and recorded numerous songs in his homemade studio in his bedroom. From engineering to producing his own music, I.A. would soon venture to his own solo projects to make his passion a profession.

In August of 2007, I.A. released his first album “The Kama’aina Classic”. The album sold out locally in Hawaii in 2 short weeks being distributed in mega stores Wal Mart, K Mart, Borders and Best Buy. The album’s 2 singles “DAT ISLAND SOUND” featuring B.E.T. & “808 Party” garnered heavy local radio rotation and both were charted on the BDS scan. The album would go on to be nominated for a Hawaii Music Award & a Na Hoku Hanohano Award(The Grammy’s of Hawaii). In July of 2008, I.A. followed his critically acclaimed first album with his sophomore release “Another Day In The H.I.”. The albums first single “Do Whut I Like” quickly caught fire in the clubs and on the airwaves helping him sell out in stores in Hawaii a second time with the new album. Adding to the success of his 2 independent albums, I.A. has created a buzz through his mixtapes The Prequel, and The Ohana Mixtapes 1 & 2. Altogether, I.A. has moved well over 10,000 Albums and Mixtapes combined. Outside of Hawaii, I.A. is gaining a fan base from Las Vegas, California, and Washington.

I.A. has made a local buzz performing in several of Hawaii’s hip hop events. I.A. has opened for national acts such as Chris Brown, Lupe Fiasco, Playaz Circle, E-40, Yukmouth, Baby Bash, Lauryn Hill, Bone Thugs n’ Harmony, Paul Wall, Mya, Brooke Hogan, Frankie J, Nina Sky, The Jabbawockeez, Kabba Modern, DJ Heavy Grinder, Hot Import Nights, and Halftime at an AND 1 Basketball Game. I.A. has 5 music videos currently in rotation in many local television shows seen on Oceanic Time Warner cable Hawaii. In 2007, I.A. inked a ring tone deal with Mobi PCS selling his hit singles as ring tones making him the first Hawaii hip hop artist to release his music in the ring tone market through a corporate retailer. I.A. has been featured in many publications such as The Honolulu Weekly, The 808 Scenezine, Dis-N-Dat Magazine, and the cover of The Midweek which is delivered to every home on Oahu.

I.A. is in pursuit to bring Hawaiian hip hop to national and worldwide attention. “You have every region of the U.S. and different countries using hip hop to express their culture. I feel that it’s time for Hawaii to shine. There is so much talent out here and I want to help revolutionize the Hawaiian hip hop sound,” exclaims the anxious rapper. “My dad was the champ in the ring, but I want to be champ on the mic!”