| Only Won | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Baldwin Chiu |
| Genres | Christian hip hop |
| Labels | LOG Records |
Only Won (born Baldwin Chiu, May 17 in San Francisco, California) is a hip hop artist who has been writing, performing, rapping, beatboxing and singing as well as acting and performing stunt work. Only Won started rapping seriously in 1991 after being influenced by hip hop pioneers Run DMC, Will Smith, dcTalk, and T-Bone. Because he started rapping in both English and Cantonese, some consider him to be the first Chinese American bilingual rapper.[1] "This Chinese American rapper has a refreshing and unique sound with a message born out of experience, having been in the game since '91."[2] At one point, he was labeled the "Christian" version of "Jin the MC" until Jin became a Christian as well.
Among these things, Only Won is also a professionally licensed mechanical engineer with a PE License deeming him the "Lyrical Engineer".[1][3] The title track of his LP (The Lyrical Engineer), provides an exposition of the life and livelihood of a professional engineer. It demonstrates Only Won's technological acumen as well as his lyrical wit and dexterity. Only Won is also a favored guest speaker at conventions, schools, and youth events challenging and encouraging the next generation to pursue their dreams and passions while maintaining an education and focus on God.[4][5]
Signed in 2009 under Los Angeles record label, LOG Records. Only Won has appeared on JCTV and has been featured on collaboration albums. Only Won's newest release, "The Lyrical Engineer" is produced by Grammy nominated group Dynamic Twins,[6] Billboard winner Maximillian and Larissa Lam. The music video was directed and edited by Emmy Award winning director, Marlon Jones. Only Won and Larissa Lam launched a viral music video title "Cantonese Boy"[7] which was a parody of the Grammy winning song American Boy by Kanye West and Estelle. After being seen performing "Cantonese Boy" in Chinatown, Only Won was asked to perform at the 2010 Green Globe Film Awards as they honored Asians in film and entertainment.
Only Won (as Baldwin Chiu) is also an actor and member of SAG and appears in many feature films such as The Matrix Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutions, xXx2: State of the Union, Twisted, and Pursuit of Happyness.[8]
He is also an advanced level martial artists having trained under the lineage of Kanbun Uechi and Wong Doc-Fai. He is a 3 time UC Berkeley Wushu Champion in tai chi, weapons, and push hands [9] and teaches Tai Chi in Hollywood. He has used some of his skills in choreographing fight scenes in movies and doing stunt work for Ang Lee in the movie Hulk.[10][11]
On April 29, 2010 California State University, Sacramento, honored high-achieving alumni at an annual award ceremony called the "Distinguished Service Awards". This is the highest recognized award for CSU Sacramento. Baldwin was recognized for his contributions in engineering, his performances as Only Won: The Lyrical Engineer and other entertainment industry endeavors as well as his work with youth.[12] He received this award along side KXTV ABC News anchor Cristina Mendonsa.[13][14]
Contents |
| Cat No. | Artist | Title | Date | Configuration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Only Won | First Impressions | 1997 | EP |
| 2 | Channel 3 | Channel 3 Anchormen | 2001 | Single |
| 3 | Minister RMB | When the Storm Comes | 2006 | LP |
| 4 | Only Won | Glory EP | 2006 | EP |
| 5 | Hip Hop International | H2i Mix Tape | 2009 | LP |
| 6 | Only Won | The Lyrical Engineer | 2010 | LP |
Tai Chiu Music was set up in 2008. After moving its location from Sacramento, CA, TCM joined forces with LOG Records and producer Larissa Lam in Los Angeles.
In 2011, Only Won released a "Geeked out" remix video of the hit song Billionaire (song) titled, "I Wanna Be An Engineer"[15] which was a parody that reached viral status and caught the attention of CNN, Discovery Channel, The Pentagon, and FIRST Robotics Competition. This song became the anthem to those in the engineering, technology, and science community.[16][17] It also reached No. 2 on Reddit.com on the viral hits list gaining over 400,000 views in less than 2 weeks.
LOG Records issued the 2010 release of Only Won-The Lyrical Engineer tracks for download, through major outlets (Amazon, iTunes, CD Baby, Nimbitmusic, etc.). Also featured with Holland music collaborating with One Truth.
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | True Crime: Hong Kong | Musical Artist | Video Game - Activision |
| 2011 | I Wanna Be An Engineer Music Video | Principle Musical Artist | WEB |
| 2010 | JCTV Christmas Special | Featured Rap Artist | TV |
| 2010 | Lyrical Engineer Music Video | Principle Musical Artist | TV |
| 2009 | JCTV Top 3 | Musical Guest | TV |
| 2008 | Cantonese Boy Music Video | Principle Musical Artist | WEB |
| 2008 | JCTV Christmas Special | Beatbox | TV |
| 2006 | Pursuit of Happyness | Intern | FILM |
| 2005 | xXx2: State of the Union | Navy Officer | FILM |
| 2004 | Twisted (2004 film) | CSI Photographer | FILM |
| 2003 | Hulk (film) | Swat & FBI | FILM |
| 2002 | The Matrix | Zion | FILM |
2010 - Distinguished Service Award 1st ever Rising Star Award [18][19][20]
Only Won has worked with the community and uses his platform as an entertainer and engineer to encourage people to continue to seek out their dreams without giving up their education.[21] He strives to use his music to bridge a culture that needs to hear and feel the love of God.[22]
