Rap, an Afro-American inner city musical phenomenon, was slated as a short-lived fad when it took shape in the Seventies.

But it just grew and grew in popularity, until it is now enjoyed and practiced all over the world.

And now local rappers Poetic Ammo want their brand of rap to be exported overseas.

The group comprises Yogeswaran D. Veerasingam @ Yogi B, 26, Chandra Kumar Balakrishnan @ Land Slyde, 28, his brother Sashi Kumar @ C.Loco, 26, and Nicholas Ong Chong Quen @ Point Blanc, 21.

Idealistic? Perhaps. But from unknowns just two years ago, they have already won AIM Awards and, at the rate they are going, anything is possible.

Indeed, many were flabbergasted when they first watched local hip-hop group Poetic Ammo's award-winning futuristic music video 'Who Be The Player?' screened on television last year.

Some couldn't believe they were a local act due to their polished rapping and stylish performance.

But the hip-hop quartet showed that they were for real when they sang the song 'live' at Anugerah Industri Muzik (AIM) 2000 complete with great dance stunts.

Yes, Poetic Ammo are indeed for real. No wonder they bagged the Best Video award at the prestigious award event.

As a sign of their growing stature they were featured in a Digi Communications advertisement.

In addition, early this year, Poetic Ammo was signed by Coca-Cola Far East Limited (CCFEL) for an initial multi-year contract.

They were picked for the Coca-Cola endorsement as they represent young talent with active lifestyles.

But all these are just steps to their ultimate aim - to promote Asian hip-hop.

Yogi says Poetic Ammo's win at this year's Anugerah Industri Muzik (AIM) has opened up the hip-hop market.

"Since we bagged the Best Video award at AIM, many have shown interest in our album and started buying them," revealed Yogi.

Like the previous album, Poetic Ammo are hoping that their new album will be released in Southeast Asia countries, and beyond.

They have performed in many venues overseas and have received strong support from the local audiences, which gives them hope promoting themselves beyond local shores.

Now that their debut multi-lingual album It's A Nice Day To Be Alive has surpassed gold status, Poetic Ammo are determined to capture a bigger market with their new, soon to be released, album.

Signed up to independent label Positive Tone, their first single Everything Changes was responsible for pushing Poetic Ammo onto the forefront of the music scene.

Their debut album It's A Nice Day To Be Alive, clinched the Best Local English Album and Best New English Artiste awards at AIM 99.

Their latest achievement - winning the Best Video award at more fame and popularity as well as setting new standards with its futuristic flavor.

"It's has been two years since we came out with our debut. We're excited to be back with fresh new materials to please our fans out there," says Yogi B.

The album, which is expected to be released by June 26, will be produced by Paul Moss. Interestingly, it will feature seven original tracks and three cover versions of songs from the 80s.

"The group decided to try out 80s music because, when we first started, we sang a lot of songs from that era. One of the songs will also feature Bahasa lyrics."

Pre-production for the yet-to-be titled album kicked of in December last year. Recordings is presently being held at Synchrosound Studio in Petaling Jaya.

Yogi says, this time, Poetic Ammo have invited guest singers from their recording label Positive Tone to add color to the album.

"We want to give more feel, life and project a happier mood into the album by featuring our fellow singers such as Ferhad and Reefa as well as our friends Jams and Moods of the Alliance. We are including them in this effort because they are our good friends and very talented."

The group was initially called Poetic Ammunition, or PMO for short, in 1993 when Yogi B and his school friend MC Ena, both 18, decided to form a rap group.

The group did well, winning several rap competitions and making a name for themselves among the urban youth.

At a chance meeting in recording studio in Petaling Jaya with Paul Moss and Kenny Tay, the two teenagers did an impromptu audition which got them signed to Positive Tone.

The group did a single with Paul Moss as the producer. Yogi B's talent shone through the recording and was displayed for all to hear in the single Only You, a rap raggae version of the Flying Pickets' big hit. The single received good airplay and critical success.

MC Ena left the group in 1995 but Yogi B was determined not to let his dream fade away and began advertising for rappers to join the outfit. Through auditions, he met brothers Land Slyde and C.Loco from Kajang who once took part in Asia Bagus!

The five years they've been together, Poetic Ammo have had the distinction of being opening acts for Shaggy in 1996 followed by Colonial Cousins, where they received rave reviews.

"We are hip-hop fighters and we want to popularize hip-hop to a larger audience. The market for hip-hop is probably somewhat limited but it will never dampen our enthusiasm to put Asian hip-hop in the world map," says Yogi B with great determination.