The episode begins with an introduction to Pak Joko and the Bootleg Kev podcast, followed by announcements for the show's syndication on iHeart Radio in various cities like Honolulu, Tucson, Tampa, Richmond, and Bakersfield. The host also introduces Pak Joko, highlighting his viral hit "IE IE."
Pak Joko, from Chino Hills, shares that he started taking music seriously in 2022 but has been making music since he was 15. His first EP, 'New Stories,' helped him gain traction. He discusses how living with an Oakland roommate in college influenced his Bay Area sound and how his song "IE IE" went viral on Instagram Reels after he posted a video of himself hanging shirtless out of a car window.
Pak Joko reveals he was born in LA, lived in Chino Hills until he was four, and then grew up in Portland, Oregon. He moved back to Chino Hills at 14 to live with his grandma, which is when he started experimenting with music. He mentions keeping his old music on SoundCloud as a testament to his growth.
Pak Joko discusses his song "Chingal Migra," which many people assume is from a Mexican artist due to its immigration-themed lyrics. He clarifies that he is Indonesian and that the song's concept came from overhearing his Mexican friends say 'chinga migra.' He confirms his girlfriend is legal and that a music video for the song is coming soon.
Pak Joko explains his strategy of releasing singles before considering remixes. He intends to drop a third single soon. He also mentions the energetic crowds at his college shows, particularly at Cal Poly Pomona. He talks about potential interest from managers and labels. Z, the producer, discusses working with artists like Drummer Boy and Alexis Via, emphasizing his preference for creating beats from scratch in the studio to capture the artist's vibe.
Pak Joko last visited Indonesia in 2018 and describes it as beautiful but highlights strict drug laws. He confirms Bali is part of Indonesia and is a popular tourist destination. The conversation also touches on the robust hip-hop scene in places like Thailand, with artists like Stupid Young gaining popularity.
Pak Joko teases his upcoming third single called "Stink," which he describes as a club banger. He shares some humorous and wild lines from his lyrics, enjoying the process of writing and recording them. He expresses interest in working with other Asian artists like P-Lo and Lil Toe, envisioning an all-Asian artist show.
Pak Joko clarifies a lyric in his song, explaining 'checks my checks straight Taiwanese' refers to his job at a Taiwanese restaurant, where he works as a cashier. He attended college in Monterey for Communications, a major that allowed him free time to pursue music, leading him to realize his passion for it.
Z, the producer, mentions using Ableton for beatmaking, noting its initial difficulty but eventual efficiency. Pak Joko concludes the interview by promoting his social media, specifically Instagram (pakjoko), and encourages listeners to check out his music. Z also promotes his services for aspiring rappers.