Best-loved for their take-no-prisoners, fast-paced Asian hip-hop tunes and cool beat-box technique, Poetic Ammo is cutting a bold path in the Malaysian music scene. Flush with the success of winning two awards (out of six nominations) at the recent Anugerah Industri Muzik (AIM) '99 Awards, piping hot favorites KRU, things are looking up for this home-grown group who are slowly but surely changing the face of Malaysian music. What used to be a realm dominated by smoochy ballads, pop, and rock, is now getting a new lease of life with Poetic Ammo's fresh, winning sounds. The message they're sending out is - "It's okay to be different, just be yourself."

My fist encounter with Poetic Ammo was at the star-studded launch of Versace's V/S fragrance a few months ago and I have been a fan of their catchy brand of music ever since.

We arranged to meet for an afternoon interview and photo shoot at downtown studio and while waiting for the guys to show up, we were chillin' by listening to tracks from their hot debut album. Before you knew it, the entire crew were tapping their feet and swinging to the infectious beat.

Then, immediately recognizable from their high-energy performances and wicked album cover titled 'It's a Nice Day To Be Alive,' Poetic Ammo - clad head-to-toe in Adidas with Point Blànc sporting his trademark long hair (sans cyber blue streaks) - shuffled in, sleepy-eyed and looking the antithesis of an energetic, full-of-zip hip-hop group. They looked as if they'd just woken up! Still, each managed a lazy smile and a 'hey' and only after liberal helpings of pizza and Coke were they up to facing the camera.

Comprising of four lads, Yogi B, C.Loco, Land Slyde and Point Blànc, from Sentul, Kajang and Ipoh, Poetic Ammo's roots are simple and they remain refreshingly unfazed by their fame and fortune. All are still very attached to their families and maintain their hard-working grit and close ties that have helped them stick together through thick and thin.

"We are proud of who we are, where we're from…our music is all about us, about life," says Land Slyde - the group's tiniest member. (Looks can be deceiving. Slyde holds a black-blet in Taekwondo.)

"We signed up Poetic Ammo for their unique music. They're the first Malaysian group to produce a multi-lingual album. They're highly creative and original and we don't want to change that," says Leilaton Layali, promotions manager at Positive Tone, Poetic Ammo's recording label.

Taj, of the popular local R&B group Innuendo, also under Positive Tone, has only kudos for Poetic Ammo. "These guys are doing something they've always wanted to do. They are not followers but pioneers. They simply do what comes naturally and do it well…very well."

"We all knew from an early age that we wanted to make music," says frontman, yogi B - a big, cuddly bear of a guy and devout Hindu who smears thinurur (holy ash) on his forehead and wears the Om (eternity) symbol on a chain around his neck. "We've always wanted to sing - it's something we're always know. And though none of us had any formal training or voice lessons, we're glad with what we've achieved so far. And winning the AIM awards tasted really sweet. It took eight long years to et where we are and I guess things are beginning to look up for us."

What's also surprising is hat the boys (with the exception of siblings Slyde and Loco) met independently via auditions. From the way they muck about and work together as a team, you would've thought they were life-long buddies. "To tell you the truth, when we fist started five years ago, we had a lot of differences and fought constantly. We quarreled about everything…attitude, work style, you name it. But after a while, we sort of 'shook down' and learnt how to communicate and understand one another. Now, we're family for life," confesses Yogi with a laugh.

It has so far been an interesting five years for the 'Ammo' boys. What with public appearances, being mobbed by fans, hounded for autographs, acclaimed public performances, (most recently at the KLTA Vision Four Florathon) and even an overseas stint at London's Hippodrome club, they've come a long way from school talent shows and singing in church.

"You know, It's been a rough road. Things weren't always perfect and sometimes they were downright difficult. But the thrill of performing and having people appreciate your music in indescribable," says Loco. "What's even better is when fans come up and ask you to autograph your own album inlays…that's really something," adds shy guy, Point - the youngest in the group at 20 years.

Just recently, their music video Everything Changes was nominated for 'Southeast Asia's Viewers Choice' in the 1999 MTV Video Music Awards. And it'll be an even better day to be alive for Poetic Ammo should they win. Selected by music industry poll, the group will be competing against world-class music makers in the region. If all goes well, they'll be off to wow New York in September at the MTV Video Music Awards gala. Says Yogi, "We're hopeful of our chances but our motto is 'Prepare for the best, but expect the worst.' It'd be a grand if we win, so we can take Asian hip-hop to the USA. They should be pretty responsive. After all, Americans do appreciate talent!"