The biggest challenge posed to artists is thinking out of the box and paving their own way. This is what Rap Is A Martial Art wants to do, finding success through music and – get this! – martial arts.
Rap Is A Martial Art, born Philippe Prosper, characterizes these two forms of art as “tools of expression,” both defining him as a person and personality in the entertainment industry. Raised in Haiti with a family of military generals, words and war were both instilled in his DNA. The artist Rap Is A Martial Art seen today is the result of years of training and preparation – e.g. during most of his formative years, he spent 5 to 7 hours a day training in Shaolin Hung Fut Kung Fu, winning an International Kung Fu Grand championship, and becoming one of a handful of disciples of famous Shaolin Kung Grandmaster Yim and mastering his crafts.
In martial arts, “all parts of your body are trained to be used as weapons,” he said. In a similar manner, “the tongue can be the ultimate weapon.”
When asked about the parallels between martial arts and rap, Prosper said: “My words are my sword and words can start revolutions. Rap and martial arts are similar in so many ways – but to me, they are one.”
Can’t imagine the merging of the two? Check out Rap is a Martial Art at work.
In the end, “while each artist has their own aspirations and goals to accomplish, (my) intentions are clear — I want to make art to spiritually connect with people.”
