Folk Music

Released in 2006, Folk Music serves as the debut full-length statement from Far East Movement, predating their global 'Like a G6' fame by four years. While the group is now synonymous with the EDM-pop explosion of the early 2010s, this album is a foundational hip-hop record. It heavily features the influence of the Los Angeles underground scene, blending traditional boom-bap aesthetics with pop sensibilities. The title refers to the group's mission to create music for 'the folks,' specifically highlighting the Asian-American experience in urban environments. Tracks like 'Round Round' gained significant traction after appearing in 'The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift,' marking the group's first major commercial breakthrough. Sonically, the album is characterized by its use of soul and funk samples, rhythmic scratching, and a collaborative spirit, featuring various local LA artists and interludes that provide a narrative structure to the listening experience.