Chan 'Showing Love' To Asian Americans 09.27.2006 12:06 PM EDT

It's been five long years in the making, but Politickin', Vol. 1, the newest release from Chan (otherwise known as Snacky Chan), has finally dropped. His fans and supporters are thronging to snap up the latest from the first major Korean-American rapper.

But how did Chan get his start in an industry where Asian-American musicians are far and few between? It simply stemmed from a desire to be different, the artist said.

"There weren't many Koreans in the States that were doing anything besides [becoming] doctors, lawyers, whatever. So it made me want to do something that was a little different," Chan said. "I ended up being a rapper of all things -- a Korean parent's worst nightmare."

It may have been a nightmare for his parents, but for Asian-Americans in hip-hop, Chan is breaking stereotypes.

"The amazing thing about Chan is that he totally transcends any stereotypes that you want to put on Asian-Americans and hip-hop," said Hot 97 radio host Miss Info (an Asian-American herself).

And while his fans are counting on him to overcome the stereotypes and call him (along with Jin the MC) "Hip-Hop's Great Yellow Hope," Chan doesn't pay much attention to the label he gets as an Asian-American artist.

"I'm trying to have all types of people down with my music," Chan explained. "But Asians naturally gravitate towards my music. They're showing me love so I'm going to show them love right back."

Chan's so interested in "showing love" to the community that even amid touring and releasing albums, he said he plans to devote more energy to his label, Dynasty Muzik, so he can promote other talented artists.