Sonny Bonoho is one of the local hip-hop scene’s most eccentric MCs. He often sports Dr. Zhivago-style hats–furry, cylindrical numbers more common in Moscow than Beacon Hill–that simultaneously make him easy to spot and amp up the enigma. (Like, who’s that guy, and what the fuck is that on his head?) He’s also equipped with an oddly soothing, meditative voice that trails zephyrs of Eastern cool and sonorous swagger. And, though he’s both a talented rapper and singer, Bonoho doesn’t take himself that seriously–he’s too much of a comedian. Yeah, Bonoho is an interesting dude (he could easily replace that graying Dos Equis spokesman), and, naturally, he’s got a lot of interesting things going on right now. On Friday, Oct. 23, he’s hosting the Seattle installment of the Asian Hip Hop Summit, an annual confab/concert designed to bring L.A.’s Asian hip-hop artists into contact with those of other cities around the country, at The Rendezvous. (For more info, hop the jump.) In addition, he’s performing at a benefit show for Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Puget Sound on Halloween at Club One 3 One. And, finally, besides gearing up to release his sophomore LP, Phone Phreak (listen to two of the album’s cuts here and here), he will be performing on the Priceless Productions bill Nov. 6 at Nectar. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The 3rd annual Asian Hip Hop Summit Seattle will take place on Friday, October 23, 2009 at”The Grotto” at The Rendezvous in the Belltown neighborhood of Seattle. Produced by Asiatic Empire, hosted by Sonny Bonoho, and showcasing the elite of Los Angeles and Seattle hip hop artists of Asian descent, this year’s Asian Hip Hop Summit continues a vital community tradition of progressive cultural activism.

Local hip hop standouts, such as female rappers Canary Sing, Vietnamese rapper Nam, Chinese rapper Know Choice, and the Filipino live hip hop band Lions Ambition, will share the stage with touring Southern California talent, including Korean rap battle champion Dumbfoundead and master freestyler Lyraflip, products of the Project Blowed open mic in South Central Los Angeles. This early show, kicking off at 7pm with a $5 door charge for a 21+ audience, is a gathering of several of the most important leaders of the West Coast Asian arts subculture, providing cross-regional dialogue and re-affirming a belief in Asian excellence in the arts.

The full schedule for the Asian Hip Hop Summit North America Tour 2009 can be found at www.asiaticempire.org or www.myspace.com/asianhiphopsummit.