Asia Nalani Vernimo-Kovacs (née Vernimo; born February 11, 1990), known professionally as Asia Cruise, is an American R&B singer. In 2008, she became the first artist of Asian descent to be signed to Hitz Committee/Jive Records
Asia Cruise | |
|---|---|
 Kovacs performing on MTV's Total Request Live in 2008. | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Asia Nalani Vernimo[1] |
| Born | February 11, 1990[2] Jacksonville, Florida, |
| Origin | Jacksonville, Florida, U.S. |
| Genres | R&B, Pop |
| Occupation | Singer |
| Years active | 2006-2019 |
| Labels | Hitz Committee/Jive |
| Website | www.myspace.com/asiahitz |
Early life and education
editOriginally from Jacksonville, Florida, Asia Cruise is of Filipino, Caucasian, and Native American descent.[3] She is the daughter of Cecilia "Cissy" Cenizal Vernimo (died 2023)[4] and Arlen Vernimo. She has two younger siblings, Max (born in 1991) and Alyssa (born in 1998).[5] She had earned a degree in English at University of Florida.
Career
editSigned to Jive Records in 2007, Cruise released her debut single "Selfish" in 2008 by revealing her face only after the music video was released.[2] "Selfish" became a modest hit in the United States; peaking at number 33 on the Rhythmic Songs airplay, it spent nine weeks on the chart. Cruise also appeared in the music videos for Huey’s single “Pop, Lock & Drop It”, apl.de.ap's charity single "We Be Workin", Huey’s single "Tell Me This (G-5) Remix" featuring MempHitz and T-Pain, and Huey's single featuring Lloyd, "When I Hustle ".[6]
Cruise retired from the music industry after experiencing racism from record label executives and constant criticisms over her body weight.
Personal life
editShe now lives with her husband and two sons in Alachua County, Florida. [7]
Discography
editAlbums
edit| Year | Title |
|---|---|
| 2008 | Who Is Asia Cruise?
|
Singles
edit| Year | Title | Peak chart positions | Album |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. Rhythmic | |||
| 2008 | "Selfish" | 33 | Who Is Asia Cruise? |
| "Boyfriend" | - |
References
edit- ^ "Asia Vernimo (@asianalani) | Twitter". Twitter.com. Retrieved 2020-03-06.
- ^ a b Jones, Steve (2008-03-31). "Five young R&B artists to watch". USA Today. Retrieved 2009-02-02.
- ^ "Asia Cruise | Listen and Stream Free Music, Albums, New Releases, Photos, Videos". Myspace.com. Retrieved 2020-03-06.
- ^ https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/jacksonville-fl/cecilia-vernimo-11124825
- ^ "Cecilia Arias Vernimo". Dignity Memorial. Retrieved 2024-08-21.
- ^ "Who Is Asia Cruise? by 24 Hour Hip Hop". 2008. Retrieved 23 December 2014.
- ^ "Asia Cruise - Who Is Asia Cruise?". Retrieved 17 August 2024.