Asa (rapper)

Matti Salo (born 1980), professionally known as Asa and previously as Avain, is a Finnish rapper. He is also a member of a hip hop and reggae group Jätkäjätkät.

Asa
Asa in 2015
Background information
Birth nameMatti Salo
Also known asAvain (1999–2003)
Asa Masa
Born1980
OriginHelsinki, Finland
GenresRap, Political hip hop , Folk
Occupation(s)Rapper
InstrumentsVocals
Years active2001–present

Career beginnings

In the early 2000s, Salo was signed to Warner Music Finland. Under his initial stage name Avain, he released his debut album Punainen tiili (The Red Brick) in 2001. With its socially conscious lyrics, the album is considered to be one of the most important Finnish hip hop albums of all time. Soon after its release, Salo parted ways with his record company and went on a few years hiatus.[1][2]

Later career

While the rights to his former stage name remained at Warner Music, Salo emerged in 2004 with his current alias Asa.[1] To date, he has released nine studio albums, two of which have reached number two on the Finnish Albums Chart, along with three albums with the group Jätkäjätkät.[3]

Personal life

In 2006, Asa was fined for possession of marijuana, cocaine and hash.[4]

Selected discography

Solo albums
Year Title Peak position
FIN
[5][6][7][8]
2001 Punainen tiili 5
2005 Leijonaa mä metsästän 3
2006 Terveisiä kaaoksesta 7
2008 Loppuasukas 4
2011 Jou jou 2
2012 Foetida – Use Your Illusion III 11
2013 Rapsodia 16
2015 Love 2

With Jätkäjätkät
Year Title Peak position
FIN
[9]
2010 Ykstoist ykstoist 6
2011 Jatkojatkot 8
2013 Marian sairaala 3

References
  1. Leppänen, Janne. "Asa: Roihuvuori ja Punainen tiili". Yle. Retrieved 30 August 2015.
  2. Tervo, Toni. "Asa kaataa hallitsevan luokan rakkaudella". Helsingin Uutiset. Retrieved 30 August 2015.
  3. Jansson, Panu. "Jätkäjätkien kulkurikaravaani kulkee festareilta toiselle". City. Retrieved 30 August 2015.
  4. https://www.is.fi/kotimaa/art-2000000182576.html
  5. "Asa". Musiikkituottajat – IFPI Finland ry. Retrieved 30 August 2015.
  6. "Asa & Toverit". Musiikkituottajat – IFPI Finland ry. Retrieved 30 August 2015.
  7. "Asa Masa". Musiikkituottajat – IFPI Finland ry. Retrieved 30 August 2015.
  8. "Avain". Musiikkituottajat – IFPI Finland ry. Retrieved 30 August 2015.
  9. "Jätkäjätkät". Musiikkituottajat – IFPI Finland ry. Retrieved 30 August 2015.


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