When it comes to delivering ill flows, there are few in the Korean Rap game who have consistently done it better than this month’s cover star FLOWSIK. By now, Jay Pak AKA FLOWSICK is an OG, but don’t get it twisted, FLOWSIK has been a name to be reckoned with since at least 2011, when he debuted as part of the Hip Hop trio Aziatix. After signing a massive deal with New Orleans’ Cash Money Records but being put on hold, the group left the label in 2014. FLOWSIK began his solo career in 2015 and he hasn’t looked back. He was a semi-finalist on 2016’s Show Me the Money 5 [SMTM] and has collaborated and been a featured artist on tracks with most of Korea’s Hip Hop royalty. Recently, FLOWSICK has shown that he still got the goods on the SMTM12.
FLOWSIK has been on LiFTED’s radar since we launched in 2021, so it’s truly a pleasure to sit down with one of Asian Hip Hop’s real tastemakers. Like past covers with OGs like MC JIN, JOE FLIZZOW, DABOYWAY, and MC YAN, we love to give props to the pioneers of the Asian game.
Let’s get it.
What’s good FLOWSIK? Great to have you on the March cover! What’s poppin’?
LiFTED! it is a pleasure to be here, thank you for having me.
For our readers who may not be familiar with Aziatix, you were three Korean-American artists who got together in Seoul, right? How did that happen?
Yes, we were a trio that all met in Seoul. Aziatix was formed very naturally, nothing forced. We were all solo artists at the time, each member owning a unique voice tone and we thought “Hey, how about let’s collaborate on a track and see how it turns out?” So we did exactly that, shot a video and released it. Our buzz started picking up very organically, and that was the beginning of Aziatix.
Did you move back to Korea to make music?
There are several reasons why I moved back to Korea. To make music, yes, but it was more than just the music. Back in New York, I was living very comfortably. It felt like I retired and I’m just relaxing everyday. I did not want to live like that at that time. I need to constantly challenge myself, whatever it may be. From rap, music, fitness, or my mental health, I want to break my limits and reach new levels. To me, life is all about maximizing yourself in every aspect.
What was it like getting signed to Cash Money Records for A LOT of cash money? That must have been wild.
It was a gift and a curse. Sure, we were signed to the biggest Hip Hop label at that time and the first Asian group to do this. But they didn’t release Aziatix music and we were on hold for four years. Pretty much, it stopped our entire momentum. If I had a chance to rewind time, I would not have signed with them. Money isn’t everything.
In 2016, you almost made it to the finals of Show Me the Money season 5. Is that when you really landed on the Korean Hip Hop map?
For sure. Once again, it was an opportunity for me to challenge myself, especially with the Korean language. I would have never imagined myself rapping in Korean. But going on SMTM5 brought me many, many opportunities and for that I am forever grateful.
You have collaborated with artists like Jessi, Dok2, and Sik-K among others. Is there anyone you’d really love to do a track with in Korea, or elsewhere in Asia?
I want to work with the best of the best, in any and every country. I am an international artist, and I want to make great projects with whoever else is aiming for greatness.
You’re from Queens, NY right? Did you grow up listening to G Rap, Nas, and 50 cent? Which rappers influenced you the most growing up?
Queens stand up! Yes, I am from Queens, NY. I grew up listening to Nas, 50 Cent, Jay-Z, Kanye West, Big Pun, Mase, Notorious BIG, Eminem, Busta Rhymes, and all the legends. Every one of these rappers influenced me in different ways. 50 Cent influenced me to try to make better hooks. Nas and Big Pun influenced my flow, Jay-Z, Kanye West, Eminem and Big Pun influenced my lyrics. Mase influenced the swag.
You dropped the ‘Bi-Polar Freestyle’ last year on YouTube and it’s hard AF. Do you see yourself as more of a freestyle/battle rapper?
‘Bi-polar’ was definitely a freestyle vibe. I literally punched in the bars without writing any of it. I honestly like to do it all, battles, freestyles, great records. Hip Hop is competitive. Hip Hop’s roots come from Rap, DJ, and B-boy battles. There was a lot of crime and violence in the streets during the birth of Hip Hop, and Hip Hop was a way to bring the streets together.
This year’s SMTM season 12 you came back as an OG and we saw you repping NYC hard. Is there a certain kind of respect you get in Korea for really being from New York?
There was a point in my career where I started to chase the trends. I’ve decided to stick to who I really am, with my own vibe and sound. This is why I went back to my NYC gritty style. In Korea, the respect I get isn’t from being from New York. The respect comes from just who I am, what I’ve done throughout the past, and what I’m still capable of doing now. Yes, I am slightly older, but these rappers still can’t see me, which is the reason why I’m still doing this to be honest. Besides, in Hip Hop, it doesn’t matter what age you are.
Finally, what does 2026 look like for you? Is there new music on the horizon?
Lots of projects, lots of music, lots of moves to make from 2026 and beyond. I am just so grateful that I’m still in this position to maximize myself as an artist. If there’s one thing I can tell LiFTED’s readers out there, it's don't waste any time. You have a dream that you want to fulfill? It’s never too late. Start it right now! Always aim high.
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