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KRU are a Malaysian boy band from Kuala Lumpur. They were formed in 1992 by brothers Norman, Yusry and Edry Abdul Halim. KRU performs songs in both Malay and English and released several hit singles around the rise of Malaysian pop music, collectively known as M-Pop and towards of the 21st century. The band's musical style, which has garnered praise for its anthemic quality and emotional engagement that appeals to a broad audience, spans with their blend of pop, R&B and hip hop, while their lyrics focus on subjects including loss, heartbreak and relationship, and personal struggles. KRU also established themselves as a renowned composer, lyricist and record producer and has contributed to material for prominent Malaysian music industry artists in various genres since then.

Key Information

Their debut album, Canggih, was released in 1992 under EMI Music Malaysia, with songs like "Cherrina", "Hanya Kau" and "20/20" were released as singles and help raised KRU to prominence. KRU released their first and only English-language album, The Way We Jam (1998), which saws them collaborated with well-known international composers, lyricists, and producers. The album was a critical and commercial success, with the lead single of the same name won the 1999 Anugerah Industri Muzik for the Best Music Video while the album won the Best Engineered Album. In 2000, the brothers formed a virtual band named Tyco, which was touted as the Malaysia's first virtual musical group, with members consisted of 3D animated versions of themselves. The trio disbanded in 2018 after their last concert, Konsert Gergasi KRU25 in Istana Budaya and went hiatus to focus on their careers and personal lives individually, but reunited in 2024 to release their new album, Kaset and embarked on their GenKRU concert.

Apart from their music career, the KRU brothers made their acting debut in feature films Awas! (1995) and Cinta Metropolitan (1996), where they contributed soundtracks for both films. They also ventured into business with the establishment of KRU Group of Companies, which have subsidiaries operated in various business segments, including KRU Studios and KRU Music. KRU is the most successful male Malaysian music group of the 1990s and 2000s. They have received numerous accolades, including Anugerah Bintang Popular Berita Harian, Anugerah Planet Muzik and Anugerah Juara Lagu as well as recognition from The Malaysia Book of Records. Their success inspired numerous other groups of their generation to follow in their tracks.

History

[edit]

1992–1999: Formation, Canggih and early years

[edit]

The three KRU brothers – Norman, Yusry and Edry – who were born to Abdul Halim Kamal and Zarina Abdul Wahab Fenner, showed their interest in music in their childhood when one of their aunts bought Norman a keyboard which also attracted his other brothers.[1] They spent their teenage years in London, England for two years and obtained musical and academic education as their father worked there.[2] The brothers did various jobs to make ends meet: Norman worked at a petrol station, Yusry worked at a Tandoori restaurant and Edry delivered newspapers to houses.[3][4] While in London, they were exposed to various genres of music, in contrast to the Malay music scene at that time which was dominated by classic rock and ballads.[5][6]

The first song composed by the brothers themselves was "Untukmu", which Norman wrote at the age of 16. He said that the song is about his feeling towards someone else.[3][4][7] Starting from scratch, they began to learn how to compose songs and focused on production after buying a music CD.[4] They continued to write original songs since then and were unaware that one of Norman's college friends sent a demo to EMI.[8][9] Calvin Wong, the then-International Label Manager of EMI and now a vice-president at Warner Music Asia Pacific, was impressed by the song and called the brothers to audition.[8] During their formation on 19 May 1992,[10] the group initially settled for the name Selangor Rappers Unit (SRU) with only Norman and Edry as members;[10] after Yusry joined them, the group immediately changed its name to KRU. The group's name[b] stands for Kumpulan Rap Utama or "Major Rap Group", but it is also the Malay word for "crew", borrowed from English.[10][11]

After signing with EMI, KRU released their debut album, Canggih, on 5 October 1992.[11][12] The album contains 12 songs all composed and written by the brothers themselves. Two songs from the album, "Cherrina" and "Hanya Kau" was released as singles and became hits.[13] The album also contains "20/20", which was specially dedicated to the then-fourth Prime Minister, Mahathir Mohamad and is inspired by Wawasan 2020, which was introduced by Mahathir.[14] The album was well-received by the market and sold over 20,000 copies,[15] earning KRU a platinum certification and propelling the brothers to fame.[16][17] But, the Malaysian public broadcaster Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) complained about the album's content, which was deemed to promote yellow culture,[18][3] and banned 9 out of the 12 songs in the album from radio airplay.[18][19] The broadcaster also demanded the brothers to change the lyrics of "2020" due to language concerns.[18][20][19]

Their second album, reKRUed, was released in October 1993, containing two lead singles "Mengerti" and "Janji Tinggal Janji".[21][22] The album was well-received, sold over 60,000 copies, and received considerable attention from music critics for its rap and acappella influences.[23][2] To promote the album's release, KRU held an interview session with fans via a telephone on 4 December,[24] as well as embarking their ReKRUed Rap Tour with three concerts and 12 showcases was held nationwide from 18 December 1993 to 23 April 1994. In the concert, KRU performs songs from their first two albums.[25]

The wordmark logo of KRU.

The following year, KRU released their third album, Awas! in an extended play (EP) format in September 1994 with an accompanying biographical scrap book published by Kharisma Publications.[7] The album contains 6 songs including a new version of "Janji Tinggal Janji" and "Untukmu", which was made famous by Feminin. For the latter, KRU perform in a cappella.[7][26][27][28] The album sold more than 60,000 copies and was certified double platinum.[29] Later, the brothers made their acting debut in 1995 film, Awas!, which features the group portraying themselves. Principal photography began in November 1994 in Penang, the film was released on 7 September 1995 and became commercial success.[30][31] They also released their fourth album, Awas! da' Soundtrack, which served as a soundtrack album for the film, containing 13 songs, composed and written by themselves.[32][33] To promote both the album and the film of the same name, KRU embarked on their Awas! da' Concert tour. The first leg began in Datuk Sheikh Ahmad Stadium in Kangar, Perlis on 14 July and ended in Stadium Negara on 25 August.[34][35][36]

On 19 March 1996, KRU released their fifth album, Ooh! La! La!.[37][38] Like their previous albums, all tracks composed and written by the brothers themselves.[39] Three singles from the album, the title track, "Apa Saja" and "Diari Metropolitan" were hits, as was the album; it sold 150,000 copies in seven months upon its release, and being certified multi-platinum.[40][41] Later, KRU was among of 10 Malaysian artistes including Ziana Zain, Man Bai, Feminin and Ning Baizura who performed at the Konsert Kemuncak Dunia at Stadium Negara on 19 July 1996. The concert, which was held in support for the 1997 expedition to the Mount Everest, was attended by 3,000 audiences. They also performed an anthem for the expedition, entitled "Everest".[42][43] The KRU brothers then become a main cast alongside Vanidah Imran in a romantic drama film Cinta Metropolitan, directed by the late Julie Dahlan. Unlike Awas! where KRU portrays as themselves, Cinta Metropolitan saws the brothers portrays different characters, with Norman took his role as Haris, Yusry as Irwan and Edry as Rizal.[44][45][46] They also contributed the film's soundtrack album, which mostly consists of their songs from Ooh! La! La!, which was released six months earlier.[47] Released in September, the film was a commercial failure.[48]

On 3 March 1997, KRU released a compilation album entitled KRUmania which included three new songs, "Fanatik", "Di Pintu Syurga" featuring a duet with their protege, Elite and a cover version of P. Ramlee's "Getaran Jiwa".[49][50][51] The song, which is a theme tune of Ramlee's 1960 drama film Antara Dua Darjat, saws the KRU brothers sang along with archived Ramlee's recorded vocals. KRU's rendition of "Getaran Jiwa" have earned them a recognition from The Malaysia Book of Records as the first Malaysian artist to have a digital duet with a deceased musician.[52][53] The album was well received by the market and sold over 80,000 copies in 5 days upon its release.[54] To promote KRUmania, the group embarked a three-month concert tour on 15 locations throughout Malaysia; the KRUmania Mega Tour '97 tour began with a concert in Johor Bahru, Johor on 17 May and ended in Stadium Negara, Kuala Lumpur on 4 October.[55] Due to demand, an additional concert tour was held in December.[56] Later, KRU was commissioned by the Government of Selangor to produced a tribute album for Selangor national football team titled Viva Selangor. The album contains 8 songs that performed by the team players themselves.[57][58] They also won six awards including Best Music Video for their single, "Fanatik" at the second Music Video Awards held at the Auditorium Besar in Angkasapuri, Kuala Lumpur.[59][60][61]

In August 1998, KRU was chosen by Pepsi to perform "Never Let the Spirit Die", one of the songs chosen as the theme song for the 16th Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur;[62][63][64] To promote the single, its interactive CD-ROM was released in September in conjunction with the KRU-Pepsi promotion.[65] They among a few artistes including Sharifah Aini, Zainal Abidin, Amy Search, Ning Baizura, Ella and Sheila Majid to recorded the soundtrack for Malaysia's first animated feature film, Silat Legenda. KRU composed and perform three songs for the film's soundtrack, "Silat Legenda", "Fobia" and a duet with Sheila, "Setia Bersama".[66][67] KRU's sixth studio album and their first English-language album, The Way We Jam, was released on 26 November 1998. The album includes songs written by other international composers like Diane Warren, David Foster and Babyface as well as some written by themselves.[68][69] They also recorded a cover version of "Never Ask Too Much (of Love)" by American gospel music group, Take 6.[70] Spawned three singles, the album is a critical and commercial success. The music video for the titular song, won the 6th Anugerah Industri Muzik for the Best Music Video while the album itself won the Best Engineered Album on 10 April 1999.[71]

In January 1999, KRU composed and performed the official theme tune for the 1999 edition of Le Tour de Langkawi, titled "Fiesta". An official music video for the song was produced, with utilised 3D graphical and animation techniques. Produced by their own company KRU Motion Pictures, the music video for "Fiesta" costed RM40,000.[72] The group embarked on their Jammin' the Nation tour. It began in Kuala Lumpur on from March 20, continued in Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines and ended in Brunei on 22 January 2000.[73] Later, KRU received sponsorship from Proton and embarked on their tour in Australia for the Proton World Tour. They headlining mini-concerts and make a public appearances at 15 different locations in Australia, including Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane with the tour lasted for a month, from September 28 to October 17.[74][75][76] KRU's seventh studio album, Formula Luarbiasa was released on 16 December 1999. It was supported by three lead singles, "Luar Biasa", "Formula" and "Jangan Lafazkan". The album's first single, "Luar Biasa" was launched four months earlier with the limited copies of its CD single, contains four versions of the song, have been sold out and it was chosen as the theme song for Perodua.[74][77] To promote the album, KRU utilised an airplane to carry the album's banner.[78] The album was well-received by the market and as of March 2000, it has sold more than 30,000 copies.[79]

2000–2002: Tyco and KRUjaan

[edit]

On 13 March 2000, KRU produced and released Ideologi, a compilation album consists of songs composed by the brothers and performed by renowned Malaysian artistes,[80][81] including Indigo, Elite and Juliana Banos.[82] KRU was among seven artistes including Sheila Majid, Siti Nurhaliza and Raihan who performed at the Paralympic Charity Concert in Stadium Merdeka on 12 October 2000. The fundraising concert, which was organised by the Malaysian Paralympic Council (MPC), was a commercial success although the number of attendees are not many.[83][84][85]

Looking for a new direction in their music career and the music industry, in December the same year, KRU formed a virtual band named Tyco,[c] whose members consisted of computer-generated alternate versions of themselves, with Norman, Yusry, and Edry as avatars Tylo, Yiko, and Psylo respectively.[86][87] According to KRU, the concept and idea of Tyco was based on that of British virtual band, Gorillaz. To distinguished themselves from Tyco, KRU had pointed out that Tyco are "a separate entity with its own identity".[88] The animation process for the group was done by the Malaysian animation studio, Flare Studios. Their eponymous studio album, KRU's eighth studio album overall, was released on 14 December 2000, containing 14 songs in both Malay and English.[89][90] Although the project was lauded as groundbreaking with its CGI music video "Bidadari" and "With U" and was awarded "Malaysia's First Virtual Artiste" by the Malaysia Book of Records,[91] Tyco failed to achieve mainstream success and the project was quietly dissolved.[92] Later, KRU produced and released the second Ideologi compilation album on 5 February 2001, also contains songs performed by artists under KRU Music Group.[93]

KRU's ninth studio album, KRUjaan was released on 16 May 2002 as part of their 10th anniversary celebration.[94][95] The album's musical style was hiptronic, a portmanteau of hip-hop and electronic music.[96] It was supported by six lead singles, including "Impak Maksima", "Mahaguru" and "Aku Benci".[97] To promote the album, the brothers headlining a two-hour mobile concert, which was held on 18 May.[98][99] Later, they were invited by Malaysian low-cost airline AirAsia to perform at one of its airplanes in conjunction with the official opening of the AirAsia's booking office in Prangin Mall, Penang on 29 June[100] and become the first Malaysian artist to have performing live on the airplane.[101]

On 26 October 2002, KRU released a reissue edition of KRUjaan, titled Empayar KRUjaan V2.0, which contains four new songs, including "U Got Style" and a cover version of Revolver's "Perpisahan" and Sudirman Arshad's "Terasing", which they combined both songs and re-recorded them as "Perpisahan Terasing".[102] At the same time, they kicked off their fifth major tour, Konsert Empayar KRUjaan at Dataran Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur.[103][104] Their performance at the concert was well received, and attended by 50,000 audiences.[105]

2003–2012: Continued success

[edit]

In June 2003, Yusry, one of the KRU brothers, released his first and only self-titled solo album and became the only KRU member to released a solo album. The album yielded three lead singles, "Dekat Padamu", "Warna Kehidupanku" and a duet with his then-wife, Erra Fazira, "Jika Kau Tiada". His debut solo effort was well-received, with many music critics compared his with to that of KRU.[106][107] KRU released another compilation album, Relax in April 2004. The album includes several of their popular songs from their previous albums, as well as two new songs, "Babe" and "Di Hatimu". The compilation, according to KRU, was described as a "transition or change" in their music career.[108][109][110] In October, KRU announced that they will release their new album in 2005. Their eleventh studio album, KRUnisme, was released on the New Year's Day 2005. The album is preceded by its lead single, "Terhangat di Pasaran", featuring a Sabahan singer and former Akademi Fantasia season 2 contestant, Adam Mat Saman. Both the album and the single was well received by music critics.[111][112][113]

KRU is one of few Malaysian artists, collectively known as Artis Bersatu, who contributed a special song titled "Suluhkan Sinar". Released in January 2005, the song, which was produced by the brothers, was specially dedicated to the victims of the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami and it is officiated by the then-Deputy Prime Minister, Najib Razak. Other artists involved in the project were Akademi Fantasia contestants, Erra Fazira, Dayang Nurfaizah, Alleycats, Jaclyn Victor and Anita Sarawak.[114][115]

10 di Skala Richter, KRU's twelfth studio album, was released in July 2006. It was supported by its lead singles "Gerenti Beres", "Buat Hal Lagi" and "C'mon Lah".[116][117] It became their last studio album with EMI as their 15-year contract with the label ended soon after.[118] KRU was among seven Malaysian R&B and hip-hop artists, including Too Phat and Ruffedge, who were involved in a tribute album for Malaysian female rock singer Ella called Urban Strike ...with Ella, which was released on 11 July. KRU re-recorded and performed "Kitalah Bintang" in the album.[119] Two years later, Edry released his debut solo single, "Sumpah Takkan Cari Yang Lain", which was composed and written by himself. The single was later included as one of the soundtracks of Cicakman 2: Planet Hitam. The film's soundtrack album also included "Di Bius Cinta", which performed by Yusry and Indonesian singer-songwriter, Melly Goeslaw, and "Planet Hitam" by Tyco, which features lead vocals solely from Norman.[120]

In January 2011, KRU released Hitman, a compilation album comprising 18 songs composed by Edry and performed by various artists.[121] An MTV karaoke of the album was released in May.[122] The compilation also included KRU new single, "Ganas".[123] Later, in November, KRU along with other artists including Ramli Sarip, Hannah Tan and Suki Low performed an anthem for the Malaysian contingent participating in the 26th Southeast Asian Games, titled "Gemuruh Suara", with the lyrics is in both Malay and English.[124] In 2012, KRU celebrated the 20th anniversary of their music career, and at the same time, performed at an exclusive concert with artists under KRU Music on 10 June at the Neverland@Orange, Kuala Lumpur.[125][126][127] In September 2012, KRU released the first single from their upcoming album, "Wanita", which was specially dedicated to their mother, Zarina Abdul Wahab Fenner.[128]

2013–2018: KRUnomena and breakup

[edit]

KRU released their thirteenth studio album and their first album in seven years, KRUnomena on 31 January 2013.[129][130] Edry become the album's producer and composed all 10 songs. The album spawned four singles, including its first single, "Wanita" and a duet with Stacy Anam titled "Semalam Tanpamu".[131] The album, which took 2 years to completed, is their first studio album with their own record label, KRU Music after having signed with EMI.[132][133] Later, KRU released their first Hari Raya Aidilfitri single, "Erti Aidilfitri" in July,[134] followed by a compilation album, 1, containing 30 songs from their previous studio albums in September.[135]

KRU performs on MeleTOP on 15 March 2016.

KRU was chosen to perform an official song for the 2015 SEA Games, which they entitled "Kuasa Juara". Released on 3 June 2015, the song, which was composed by Norman and Archie Nasution with lyrics by Norman, took a week to complete. According to Norman, the song was "blended with aggresive beats along with rap elements".[136][137] The song earned the group a Sports and Innovation category at the 2015 IOC Trophy Awards organised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).[138] On 11 January 2016, KRU released their new single, "Hingga Ke Jannah", which was written and composed by Edry. The single was heralded by a music critic from Galaksi Media as "far more mature", highlighting its "deep spiritual elements" while "retaining pop as a main genre".[139] On 6 February, one of the KRU brothers, Norman was among the 85 recipients of the Darjah Indera Mahkota Pahang (DIMP) which carries the title of Datuk in conjunction with Sultan of Pahang, Sultan Ahmad Shah's birthday.[140]

On 18 April 2018, KRU announced that they would disband after their last concert, the Konsert Gergasi KRU25 which took place at Istana Budaya for three days from 4 to 6 May 2018,[141][142] with 80 percent of tickets being sold out.[143] At the concert's second and third day, at least a dozen of fans throughout the country congregated to see KRU for the last time.[144] The group's leader Norman said he and two younger brothers Yusry and Edry have reached the decision and agreed to disband KRU after exactly 25 years of being active in music industry.[145] There were also no plans for KRU to reunite in the future as the brothers concentrated on their own careers and personal lives respectively.[146] Norman also informed that all KRU's business entities will still in operation as usual.[147] To coincide with their disbandment, KRU released their last single before their breakup, entitled "Tahan Lama", featuring a duet with Joe Flizzow,[148] followed by their greatest hits album, Gergasi, which contains the group's 30 popular tracks.[144] A special rockumentary about KRU's career was announced by Norman and released on July 2018.[149]

2019–2023: Hiatus and post-KRU activities

[edit]

After KRU's dissolution, the three brothers entered hiatus and went on to focus on their respective careers and personal lives. Norman focused on expanding their company's business, including KRU Studios, KRU Music and other subsidiaries operating under KRU Group of Companies.[142] In 2020, Tyco with Norman as sole member under his moniker, Tylo returns through the collaboration with Kazim Elias and Tuju from K-Clique for a song entitled "Salawat 1442" released by Imaan Music.[150] Edry moved to Manchester, United Kingdom to focus on his children's education, especially his son, Emery, who was born with autism,[151] while concurrently focused on composing and produced music for other artistes.[142]

Yusry focused on filmmaking,[142] and directed several TV dramas including Ganjil and Nenek Bongkok Tiga, and films including 2022 film, Juang where he becomes one of the 5 directors. He also became one of the two judges of One in a Million season 4 on TV3.[152] Yusry was among the 335 recipients of the Orders, Medals and Stars of the Federal Territory and conferred the Panglima Mahkota Wilayah (PMW) which carries the title of Datuk by the then-Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah in conjunction with the Federal Territories' Day on 1 February 2021.[153]

2024–present: Reunion, Kaset and GenKRU concert

[edit]

On 10 October 2024, KRU announced that they reunited after 6 years of hiatus and signed with Sony Music Malaysia on the same day.[154][155] The group released their fourteenth studio album, Kaset on 25 April 2025.[156][157] It is their first studio album in 12 years since KRUnomena (2013) and the album's title was chosen as a tribute to cassette era. Yusry said about the album's title: "We were born in the cassette era, and Kaset represents not just our journey, but also a tribute to the medium that first carried our music to the fans".[158] The album is preceded by the release of its first single composed by themselves, "Voodoo" on 22 November 2024. A music video was produced to promote the single, in which KRU become the first artist in Malaysia and also in Asia to utilized artificial intelligence (AI) technology to create their digital twin in a music video.[159] The music video of "Voodoo" has garnered 1.2 million views in YouTube since its released. The album's second single, "One More Time", was released on 17 January 2025. Like the first single, "Voodoo"'s music video, the KRU brothers also utilized AI technology for "One More Time"'s music video.[160][161][162]

KRU embarked on their GenKRU concert, which held for four nights from 3 to 11 May 2025 in Axiata Arena, Bukit Jalil. The concert is a commercial success where 8,000 tickets were successfully sold out within an hour.[163] GenKRU earned KRU two recognitions from the Malaysia Book of Records (MBOR), namely the "Fastest Concert Ticket Sales in One Hour" and "Most Numbered Performances in a Concert Series".[164][165] The group concluded their GenKRU concert series with the last leg on 28 June 2025 in The Star Theatre, Singapore, where it received overwhelming response from KRU fans in Singapore. It is their first live performance in Singapore since 2016.[166][167][168] KRU also planned to hold the GenKRU concert series in Penang by the end of August although they never announced it publicly. Norman has since ruled this out, citing to "maintain performance quality, cost factor, production and technical aspects".[169][170][171]

On 29 September 2025, KRU announced in a press conference that they would headlined a GenKRU finale concert, entitled GenKRU the Finale: One More Time, with its ticket sales were opened on 3 October and sold out. Norman revealed that the concert come up with a different scale as it would be held in an open venue, the first time they headlined a concert from indoor to outdoor venue.[172][173] The concert was held on 22 November at the Bukit Jalil National Hockey Stadium and become a commercial success when the concert was attended by 10,000 audiences.[174][175][176] They also embarked on their first cruise show, Dream KRUise, which was expected to be held for 4 days and 3 nights, from 27 to 30 January 2026 in Singapore and Thailand.[177][178]

Artistry

[edit]

Image

[edit]

KRU have declared themselves as a rap group instead of being just a boy band.[179][180] In an interview with Singapore's Berita Harian, Norman acknowledge there are similarities and differences between KRU and other boy bands: "What makes us not a boy band is, we are not manufactured and not packaged in a seamless shapes like other boy bands. It's true [that] our group is made up of a men and we are also dancing while on stage. But, boy bands usually won't last long. They're just released one or two albums, and then, disappeared".[179] They later pointed out that the term 'boy band' is "just a public perception".[181]

Earlier in their career, KRU is known to have incorporated their cleaner image.[182] In order to be the role model to their fans, the trio monitor their moves. Norman said: "We don't smoke, drinking alcohols and we are always well-dressed" [...] For the sake of [our] fans, we'd tried to avoid these. Moreover, it is not good for health".[2] The brothers also take careful in social interactions.[2] While maintaining their clean and tidy images, KRU acknowledged that their appearances is always neat and edge and in line with the tastes of current teenager's trends.[183] KRU's personal image was later highlighted and praised by Roslen Fadzil of Harian Metro who commended the brothers for not bringing bad images on any occasions, even in their concerts, much like some of their contemporaries but still being able to have an illustrious career.[184]

Musical styles and themes

[edit]
"Awas!" (1994)
"Awas!" was one of KRU's most successful single, with lyrics inspired by signboards and related to homewreckers.
Problems playing this file? See media help.

Throughout their career, KRU have explored many musical genres, which spans pop, R&B, dance and hip hop, with a focus on catchy melodies and energetic rhythms.[3][142][185] The brothers also included genres like a cappella, ballad, new jack swing and funk.[186] Most of their songs were performed by Yusry and Edry as the lead singers, while Norman contributed rap in some of their songs. Their first studio album, Canggih, features distinct musical concepts with the blend of rap, pop, rock, techno and reggae,[12] while their third album, Awas! incorporates genres such as soul and dance.[187] With The Way We Jam, the brothers incorporate a more "stronger scent of the R&B" while maintaining their hip hop sound;[188] the album features a unique identity which has been described as a "familiar rhythm and blues-soul grooves combined with some very mushy love ballads".[189] "Formula", from Formula Luarbiasa, on the other hand, was considered to be inspired by funky groove sounds.[190] Later in their career, KRU transitioned to spiritual[191] and other music genres, exploring a combination of "modern music and electronic sounds".[95]

Their lyrics are often centred around various subjects including loss, heartbreak and relationship, and personal struggles. Some of their lyrics also highlights themes such as hopes, reflections, and even social commentaries. Norman said that most of KRU's songs were based on their own experience or past history of any persons.[3][4] In a separate interview with Utusan Malaysia and Harian Metro, Norman revealed that "Awas!", their single which was released in 1994, was inspired by signboards and related to homewreckers: "[It's] about a female artist we were once admire due to her beauty. But what was disappointed us was when the female artist chose an older man as her boyfriend. We made that story into a song".[3][4] Most of their songs also carries positive messages, for instance, "Fanatik", as stated by Norman, is to remind teenages and youths "not to be hypocrites, but to be more open-minded".[192] Meanwhile, "Fobia", a soundtrack of 1998 animated film, Silat Lagenda, was considered as KRU's reflections of their outburst of anxiety.[193] "Cherrina" is said to be inspired by Norman's reflections of the death of his college friend due to road accident.[194] Saniboey Mohd Ismail, writing for Harian Metro, examined that messages in KRU's songs "never directly leads to negative values as expressed by most Western rappers who are based on the rhythm of gangsta rap".[195]

While they almost exclusively release Malaysian Malay songs, KRU has also released Malaysian English songs. They are also known to have at least three or more English tracks on each of their album,[70][196] and released a full English album, The Way We Jam in 1998.[179][70] "Wanita Jelita", one of the songs from the album, carries English lyrics despite its title being Malay.[179][70]

Songwriting

[edit]

Over the course of their music career, KRU is also well-known for their songwriting and production works.[179][197] Edry, the youngest of the KRU brothers, is a primary songwriter and producer for most of their songs.[198][199] Regarding their songwriting process, Norman explained that they "took seriously" when it comes to music: "We produced our own albums, composed our own songs and managed our own careers. The most appropriate title for us not just as a singer, but a singer-songwriter and [record] producer".[179] Aside their own music, KRU has also written and produced songs for other artists.[179] Their compositions have been performed by a number of artists, including Jaclyn Victor, Anita Sarawak, Erra Fazira, Ella, Tiara Jacquelina, Anuar Zain, Amy Mastura, Ning Baizura, Rabbani, Elite and Feminin.[197]

Impact and legacy

[edit]

"In their three decades in music, the trio have churned many hits that are still fresh in the mind of many local music lovers [...] The music of the brothers left a lasting mark on the local music scene, with their rise to stardom symbolising a modern shift in Malaysian pop culture".

— The Star's S. Navalan on KRU's impact in Malaysia's music industry[157]

KRU has been described as "legendary" by several media publications.[157][200] According to Alfian Sa'at from Singapore's The Straits Times, "In a music market saturated by rock bands manufacturing one tortured rock ballad after another, KRU has managed to fill in a gaping vacum for boy bands".[201] New Straits Times' Gerald Chuah wrote that the brothers are seem to "growing restless about the progress of their music career, which has seemingly reached the plateau".[104] Riadz Radzi of Harian Metro hailed KRU as "an icon among teenagers who were crazy about rap music" during their early days in the 1990s.[135] Likewise, Zul Husni Abdul Hamid of Berita Harian praised KRU for championing the Malaysian music industry, commented that the brothers' brand "in the Malay music industry is still standing strong and has even developed into an increasingly respected brand at the international level".[202] He also wrote that KRU's presence has "leave a significant impact on the local music industry".[203]

Malaysian lifestyle portal, Hype, described KRU as "the forefront of the Malaysian music scene".[142] Akmar Annuar of The Malaysian Reserve praised the brothers for bolstering the Malaysia's music revolution and also praise their music has "continued to echo through the decades".[158] In her review of their GenKRU concert, she wrote, "Despite being in their late 40s and early 50s, Norman, Edry and Yusry perform with stamina and showmanship that rival their early days" and opined that the GenKRU "was never just a concert – it was a cultural reckoning, a generational checkpoint and for many Malaysians, a deeply personal rewind into adolescence".[204] Writing for Utusan Malaysia, Roshihan Annuar Yub hailed the brothers for "revolutionising Malaysian hip-hop and rap genres". He commented, "Although during that era, the Malaysian music industry was largely pioneered by artists and groups that brought pop, rock and ballad rhythms, the trio bucked the trend and created its own phenomenon, thus successfully changing the landscape of the country's music industry".[205] In his column for Free Malaysia Today, Affandi Ramli, who goes by his pen name Ronasina, said that KRU have "a charm that makes them quite influential". He wrote that "they have a formula for success and a recipe for staying relevant until now".[206] Dennis Chua of the New Straits Times described KRU as the "band of brothers" in Malaysian music history. He wrote that they were "defined by electrifying hip-hop beats and catchy pop tunes".[207] Danial Hakim of Sinar Daily wrote, "It is no secret that KRU has been around the Malaysian music industry since the olden days, having performed for countless of fans across multiple generations".[200]

A media critic from Billboard hailed the brothers as the "Malaysia's most enduring R&B-pop group".[208] Brendan Pereira, also from The Straits Times and Hazel Tan of The New Paper heralded KRU as the "Malaysia's answer to Boyzone and Backstreet Boys",[209][210] while Yong Siew Fern, also from the same publication, described the brothers as "unstoppable" in his review of their Jammin' the Nation tour.[211] Hartati Hassan Basri of Metro Ahad wrote, "A fact that no one can deny is Norman, Yusry and Edry, who called themselves KRU, went through a period of stardom due to their distinctive music and image back then".[212] Faizal Saharuni of Kosmo! wrote, "There is no doubt that everything has been done by KRU, which acts as a pioneer of modern Malay music [...] They succeeded in bringing about significant changes through the taste of local songs, thus opening up more space for various current rhythmic trends".[213] Writing for Sinar Harian, Nurezzatul Aqmar Mustaza in her review of their GenKRU the Finale: One More Time concert, described the KRU brothers' presence in the music industry is "still relevant, still potent and still capable of dominating large-scale stages with international-class production quality".[214]

Other ventures

[edit]

The KRU brothers founded their own company, KRU Group of Companies to manage their business and career upon their establishment in 1992.[215][216] They expanded their business with several subsidiaries — KRU Studios, KRU Music and KRU Academy.[217][218] Under their now-defunct subsidiary, KRU Beverages, the group launched their own carbonated soft drink brand, KRUze in January 1998,[219][220] until it stopped production in 2001. Its brand name was a play of the word "cruise".

They also diversified their ventures into film production with films such as the Cicak Man series, Duyung, Magika, Hikayat Merong Mahawangsa, and Vikingdom. In 2014, KRU ventured into animation production by set up Kartun Studios, which specialised in production of both 2D and 3D animation series and films.[221][222][223] Its first release was the 2014 animated film, Ribbit and followed by Wheely (2018). The group launched their own e-commerce platform called iLike under their subsidiary, KRU Entertainment on 11 October 2020. The platform aims to help well-known celebrities to promote their products online.[224][225]

Members

[edit]
  • Norman Abdul Halim (born 5 February 1972) – vocals, backing vocals, rapper
  • Yusry Abdul Halim (born 15 June 1973) – vocals, backing vocals
  • Edry Abdul Halim (born 28 April 1976) – vocals, backing vocals

Timeline

[edit]

Discography

[edit]
Main articles: KRU discography and List of songs recorded by KRU
Studio albums
Studio album as Tyco

Filmography

[edit]

Film

[edit]
KRU's film credits with year of release, title(s) and role
Year Title Role Notes Ref(s)
1995 Awas! Themselves Feature film debut [226]
1996 Cinta Metropolitan [227]

Television

[edit]
KRU's television credits with year of release, title(s), role and network
Year Title Role Network Notes Ref(s)
1994 In Person... KRU Themselves TV3 Guest stars [228][229]
1997 Hiburan Minggu Ini TV1 Guest performer [230]
2002 Cit Cat Azwan Aidilfitri Astro Ria Guest artist [231]
2016 MeleTOP Guest artist/performer [232]

Concert tours

[edit]
See also: List of KRU live performances
Malaysia
Australia

Awards and accolades

[edit]
Main article: List of awards and nominations received by KRU

KRU has received numerous awards and nominations.[233] After their debut, they won the Anugerah Bintang Popular Berita Harian for Most Popular Group at the 1995, 1996, 1998 and 1999 ceremony. Their third album, Awas!, won the Anugerah Industri Muzik for Best Vocal Performance in an Album (Group) at the 1995 ceremony.[234] At the 1999 ceremony of the award, KRU won the Kembara Award. Their debut English album The Way We Jam won the Best Engineered Album, while its titular song won the Best Music Video.[235][71] The group also won the Popular Group Artiste at the Singapore's Popular Music Awards in 1996.[236] In addition, the group also receives five recognitions from the Malaysia Book of Records, including the First Malaysian Artiste to Have a Duet With the Deceased for "Getaran Jiwa" featuring a duet with its original singer P. Ramlee and the First Malaysian Virtual Artiste for Tyco.

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]

Works cited

[edit]
  • KRU (1994). AWAS! [DANGER!] (in Malay). Kuala Lumpur: Kharisma Publications.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: ref duplicates default (link)
[edit]
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KRU

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KRU is a Malaysian boy band from Kuala Lumpur, formed in 1992 by brothers Norman Abdul Halim, Yusry Abdul Halim, and Edry Abdul Halim. The group is known for blending hip hop, pop, and R&B influences in songs performed primarily in Malay and English, pioneering the genre in Malaysia during the 1990s. KRU has released numerous albums, achieved commercial success, and expanded into music production through their label KRU Music, established in 1996. As of 2025, the band remains active, with recent projects including new music releases and involvement in film and television.

History

Formation and early years (1992–1995)

The Abdul Halim brothers—Norman, Yusry, and Edry—grew up in a supportive family environment that fostered their passion for music from a young age, with the siblings beginning to play instruments as children using toy sets and drawing inspiration from groups like . After spending time in , where they immersed themselves in diverse music genres and produced cover song cassettes, the brothers returned to and initially formed a group called SRU (Selangor Rappers Unit), creating self-produced demos with limited resources to promote local themes like songs for the Selangor football team. In 1992, the trio officially formed KRU as a pop group emphasizing R&B and influences, aiming to introduce fresh sounds to 's music landscape, which was then dominated by romantic ballads and rock. That same year, they secured a with Music Malaysia worth RM1.5 million after a friend of Norman passed one of their demos to label executive Calvin Wong, marking a pivotal breakthrough despite their lack of industry connections. KRU released their debut single "Canggih" in 1992, followed by the self-titled Canggih on October 5, which featured 12 tracks entirely written, composed, performed, and produced by the brothers, including highlights like "Hanya Kau," "20/20," "Cherrina," and "Sempoi." The 's innovative blend of pop, hip-hop elements, and upbeat rhythms faced significant hurdles, such as bans on nine of its ten songs by (RTM) due to conservative resistance to their style, alongside prohibitions on concerts by some state authorities. Undeterred by these challenges and operating on a shoestring for early recordings, KRU built a following through persistent local live performances and limited radio airplay on supportive stations, planning an ambitious 15-city tour that, despite cancellations, helped cultivate their initial fanbase in the area. This period laid the foundation for their persistence in navigating Malaysia's conservative , setting the stage for broader recognition in subsequent years.

Rise to fame (1996–2000)

In 1996, the members of KRU established their own , KRU Records (later rebranded as KRU Music), as an independent venture to secure greater creative control over their production and distribution. This move marked a significant step toward after years of navigating major label constraints, positioning KRU as pioneers in Malaysia's . The label quickly became the longest-lasting independent record company in the country, enabling the group to experiment with new sounds while managing their career trajectory. The label's launch coincided with the release of KRU's fifth studio album, Ooh! La! La!, on March 19, 1996, which showcased their evolving blend of hip-hop, pop, and R&B elements and received strong market reception. Building on this momentum, the group issued their debut , KRUmania, in 1997, featuring remastered hits and new tracks that solidified their domestic popularity. During this period, KRU expanded into innovative music video production and , earning recognition for their visual storytelling; notably, their single "Fanatik" was nominated for International Viewer's Choice at the (MTV Asia). Yusry Abdul Halim played a key role in emphasizing synchronized dance routines, which became a hallmark of their performances and enhanced their stage presence. Seeking broader appeal, KRU released their first all-English album, The Way We Jam, on November 26, 1998, as an effort to penetrate international markets beyond . The title track served as a standout single, highlighting their crossover ambitions with upbeat rhythms and accessible . To promote these releases, KRU embarked on regional tours starting in 1997, initially planned as a 15-stop domestic run but expanded to Southeast Asian countries including the , , , and , fostering early international exposure. This era of rapid success tested the group's dynamics, with the brothers collaborating closely on songwriting, production, and performances amid growing demands.

Diversification and challenges (2001–2010)

Following their peak popularity in the late 1990s, KRU shifted toward musical experimentation and broader creative pursuits in the , releasing albums that reflected greater maturity while incorporating hip-hop influences alongside their pop foundations. The Relax, issued in April 2004 by Music Malaysia, blended established hits with fresh tracks, signaling a reflective phase in their catalog that emphasized emotional depth and accessibility. This was followed by Krunisme in 2005 and 10 Di Skala Richter in 2006, both under EMI, where the group explored themes of personal evolution and societal commentary, marking a departure from their earlier youthful energy toward more introspective and genre-blending sounds. The decade brought significant hurdles, including the conclusion of KRU's long-standing partnership with EMI after the release of 10 Di Skala Richter in 2006, prompting a transition to greater independence under their own KRU Music label, which had become fully autonomous since 1999. This label shift coincided with broader industry pressures, such as financial strains on independent operations amid declining physical sales. Rumors of a brief hiatus circulated in the mid-2000s as the brothers navigated these changes, though the group persisted with selective output. Digital music piracy exacerbated these issues, contributing to a reported 75% drop in Malaysian music industry revenues from 1996 to 2000 and continuing to erode sales throughout the decade, forcing artists like KRU to adapt to reduced commercial viability. Amid these obstacles, KRU diversified into media production, launching KRU Studios and venturing into with the 2006 superhero movie Cicakman, for which they contributed to the soundtrack and overall creative direction. This move represented an early expansion beyond music, leveraging their production expertise to explore visual storytelling. On the individual front, Edry Abdul Halim's role evolved with increased emphasis on guitar-driven arrangements and songwriting, enhancing the group's sonic texture during this experimental period and supporting their maturation as multi-instrumentalists.

Revival and recent activities (2011–present)

Following a period of diversification into production and label management after the challenges of the early 2000s, KRU experienced a resurgence in the 2010s through strategic compilations that reintroduced their catalog to younger audiences. In 2015, they released the compilation album 1, featuring 30 tracks spanning their career, which helped maintain their relevance amid shifting music consumption trends toward digital platforms. This effort underscored their adaptability, blending nostalgia with accessible streaming formats to engage fans across generations. The group's activities slowed in the late , leading to a temporary disbandment around 2018, but the further influenced their operations by disrupting live performances and prompting a pivot to online content creation and virtual collaborations. Norman Abdul Halim, CEO of KRU Studios, noted that the crisis "really humbled us," forcing a reevaluation of their approach to audience engagement through digital channels. This period laid the groundwork for their full revival, as they leveraged social media—boasting over 74,000 followers and 347,000 subscribers—to build anticipation for new material. KRU officially reunited in late 2024, marking their return with the single "Voodoo" from their forthcoming album, incorporating AI-generated elements to reflect digital-age innovation while echoing their pioneering virtual project Tyco from 2000. Their 15th studio album, KASET (meaning "cassette"), was released on April 25, 2025, by KRU Music and Sony Music , featuring 10 tracks that blend nostalgic themes—like in "Remaja Selamanya"—with contemporary relevance, including upbeat numbers such as "Hambadansa" and "GOAT." Available on major streaming platforms like , , and , the album quickly gained traction, supporting sold-out live events and demonstrating KRU's enduring appeal in a streaming-dominated landscape. In the , KRU revitalized their live presence with high-profile tours celebrating over 30 years in the industry. Their 2025 comeback kicked off with a on May 3 at , followed by the record-breaking GenKRU The Finale series—four consecutive sold-out shows on May 3, 4, 10, and 11, drawing 36,000 attendees and earning a Book of Records entry for most shows by a local act at the venue. These performances featured collaborations with emerging Malaysian talents under their label, fostering intergenerational appeal, and culminated in announcements for a farewell tour and a unique 2026 luxury cruise showcase from to Phuket, integrating virtual elements for an immersive fan experience. Through KRU Music, founded in 1996, the group continues to operate as a label, mentoring and releasing projects for up-and-coming artists like MOJO (with the 2024 EP CODA) and Forteen (single "Noktah Epilog Cinta" in 2024), ensuring their legacy influences the next wave of Malaysian pop, hip-hop, and R&B talents. This model, combined with strategic partnerships like their 2024 alliance with Sony Music , positions KRU as pivotal figures in sustaining the local music .

Members

Norman Abdul Halim

Norman Abdul Halim was born on 5 February 1972 in , , and raised in , , following his family's relocation from the in 1991. Exposed to at an early age through family influences and informal jamming sessions with his younger brothers Yusry and Edry, Norman developed a passion for songwriting and performance that shaped his career. He holds a in Accountancy from a Malaysian college, which he obtained before entering the entertainment industry at age 20. As the eldest member of KRU, formed in 1992, Norman serves as the group's lead vocalist, rapper, and primary songwriter, contributing significantly to their hip-hop and pop sound. He co-wrote and co-produced the majority of tracks on KRU's debut album Canggih (1992), including the titular hit "Canggih" and singles like "Cherrina" and "Hanya Kau," which helped establish the group's breakthrough in the Malaysian music scene despite initial radio bans for their bold style. Following the launch of KRU Music in 1996, Norman assumed leadership as President and Group CEO of KRU Group, overseeing label decisions on artist signings, music publishing, and global distribution partnerships, such as the 2021 collaboration with Warner Music and ADA. His business acumen transformed KRU from a band into a multifaceted entertainment conglomerate, earning him the Outstanding Entrepreneur Award at the 2007 Asia Pacific Entrepreneur Awards and the Asia-Pacific Copyright Educator Award in 2011 from the Motion Picture Association. Beyond KRU, Norman has pursued solo endeavors in and production, appearing in films such as Magika (2010) as Pokok Bersaudara and Jin Notti () as Hakim, while serving as executive producer on over 20 projects, including the Cicak-Man (2006) directed by his brother Yusry. In 2025, he holds the honorary title of , conferred for his contributions to the arts and industry. Personally, Norman married Shireen M. Hashim in , and they have one daughter; he often credits for grounding his professional pursuits. Currently, as of 2025, Norman focuses on , guiding emerging talents through initiatives like the GenKRU concert series and KRU's artist development programs to preserve and evolve Malaysian entertainment legacies.

Yusry Abdul Halim

Yusry Abdul Halim was born on 15 June 1973 in , , as the second son of Abdul Halim Kamal and Zarina Abdul Wahab Fenner. From a young age, he trained in various dance forms, honing skills that would define his contributions to the entertainment industry. In KRU, formed in 1992 by the Abdul Halim brothers after their family's return to in late 1990, Yusry served as the main dancer and , providing energetic visual support to the group's performances. Yusry played a pivotal role in developing KRU's choreography, particularly for music videos and live tours during the 1990s, infusing their hip-hop-inflected pop with dynamic, synchronized routines that enhanced hits like those from their debut album Canggih. His performance style emphasized high-energy movements and stage presence, setting KRU apart in the Malaysian music scene with visually compelling shows that blended rap and dance elements. Beyond KRU, Yusry pursued individual projects, including directing music videos that incorporated innovative visual effects and directing television programs for Malaysian broadcasters. Yusry has advocated for youth engagement through dance workshops, promoting dance education as a tool for creativity and discipline among young Malaysians. This initiative ties into his involvement in a fitness-related venture, where he emphasizes physical wellness through movement-based activities. In 2025, Yusry, who holds the honorary title of , remained active with KRU's tour performances, including the genKRU concert series culminating in The Finale at National Hockey Stadium on 22 November, where the group delivered nostalgic sets with signature dance routines.

Edry Abdul Halim

Edry Abdul Halim, born on 28 April 1976 in , , is the youngest of the three brothers forming KRU and serves as the group's primary synthesizer player, , and co-producer. His instrumental role emphasizes electronic and synthesized elements, contributing to KRU's signature blend of R&B, pop, and hip-hop sounds since the band's formation in 1992. As co-producer alongside his brothers, Edry has been instrumental in the technical aspects of recording and arrangement, handling much of the studio engineering from the group's early albums onward. Edry's technical expertise evolved significantly during KRU's diversification into production and in the , where he focused on innovative composition and behind the scenes. A key example is the 2005 album KRUnisme, for which he composed and wrote all tracks, including the "Terhangat Di Pasaran," marking a shift toward more layered, synth-driven productions that showcased his growing proficiency in studio orchestration. This period highlighted his role in adapting KRU's sound to contemporary digital tools, ensuring the group's relevance amid industry changes. His contributions extended beyond the band, as seen in the 2001 virtual pop project Tyco, where he engineered the 3D-animated performances and audio integration for the science-fiction-themed digital stars created by KRU Studios. In addition to his work with KRU, Edry has pursued side projects centered on his composition skills, including the 2011 compilation album Hitman: Lagu & Lirik Edry Abdul Halim, which features 18 popular tracks he wrote, performed by various artists such as KRU, Marsha, and Tomok, demonstrating his versatility as a hitmaker across genres. This release underscored his evolution from band member to influential producer, with tracks like the new recording "Ganas" blending his signature melodic structures with collaborative vocals. More recently, Edry served as the primary producer and engineer for KRU's 2025 comeback album Kaset, blending nostalgic cassette-era vibes with modern production techniques on tracks like "Voodoo" and "One More Time," where he also composed and arranged key elements to revive the group's classic sound.

Artistry

Musical style and influences

KRU's musical style primarily encompasses R&B and pop, infused with hip-hop and elements, establishing them as pioneers of urban music in . Their sound often features rhythmic beats and melodic hooks that blend contemporary Western influences with local sensibilities, performed in both Malay and English to resonate with diverse audiences. This genre fusion, including early explorations of hip-hop and electronic sounds, allowed KRU to introduce innovative rhythms to the Malaysian pop scene during the . Over time, KRU continued to blend their hip-hop and pop foundations with R&B, ballads, and soulful elements, exploring deeper emotional narratives through varied tempos and harmonious arrangements while maintaining their core rhythmic drive. Signature production techniques in their early works included synth-driven beats and layered vocal harmonies, creating a polished, anthemic quality that emphasized and . In 2024, following their reunion, KRU released the album Kaset under Sony Music, featuring tracks like "Voodoo" that incorporate AI-generated visuals while continuing their fusion of hip-hop, pop, and R&B. Influenced by Western hip-hop culture, KRU drew from global urban sounds to craft a "foreign" yet relatable image, challenging the rock-dominated Malaysian landscape of the time. Their lyrics frequently explore themes of love and heartbreak, youth empowerment through self-expression, and cultural identity, promoting diversity and individuality in songs that encourage embracing personal tastes amid societal norms. This thematic focus, combined with adaptations like incorporating Bahasa Melayu rap, helped tailor their music to Malaysian preferences, fostering a sense of national pride and generational connection.

Songwriting and production

KRU's songwriting process has been characterized by the group's self-reliance as a collective of singer-songwriters and producers, with brothers Norman, Yusry, and Edry Abdul Halim handling composition, , and arrangement internally from their debut onward. Norman often contributed to composition and lyrical direction, while Edry focused on songwriting elements, as seen in credits for tracks like "Kru Is Wild," where Norman is listed as composer and Edry as songwriter. This collaborative approach emphasized adapting to cultural and regulatory constraints, such as modifying for radio —exemplified by changing "2020" to its Bahasa Melayu equivalent "dua puluh, dua puluh" to comply with broadcasting standards. Following the establishment of KRU Records (later KRU Music) in 1996, the group shifted to in-house production, managing recording, mixing, and release processes independently after their initial contract. This self-sufficiency extended to writing and producing material for other artists starting in the early , including the female pop group Feminin in 1993, though external collaborations became less prominent as KRU prioritized internal creative control. Their debut Canggih (1992) exemplified this hands-on method, with the trio performing, writing, and producing all tracks, nine of which faced radio bans for perceived promotion of Western influences. A notable in KRU's production came with the 2000 launch of Tyco, Malaysia's first virtual artist group, created as a musical experiment featuring 3D animated characters and earning recognition in the Malaysian Book of Records. The project blended traditional songwriting with digital visuals, producing hits like "With U" and "Bidadari," and demonstrated KRU's forward-thinking use of technology predating widespread social media adoption. Tyco later evolved into a solo virtual entity in 2008, contributing to the soundtrack for Cicakman 2: Planet Hitam, and re-emerged in 2020 with inspirational tracks under Imaan Music. Maintaining production quality during periods of label independence presented significant challenges, including resistance to their hip-hop style and bilingual rap-singing format, which Norman described as struggling to "break into the mainstream" amid cultural pushback. bans, such as a three-month prohibition in 1997, and ongoing further complicated efforts to sustain high standards without major label support, though political endorsements like that from helped mitigate some barriers. Despite these hurdles, KRU's emphasis on internal processes allowed them to evolve their sound while fostering a legacy of innovation in Malaysian music production.

Discography

Studio albums

KRU's studio albums span over three decades, beginning with their debut in 1992 and culminating in their latest release in 2025. The band's discography reflects their pioneering role in Malaysian pop and R&B, incorporating , hip-hop, and English-language elements in later works. Many albums were released under Music Malaysia during their early career, transitioning to independent labels like KRU Records and partnerships with Sony Music Malaysia in recent years. Commercial success was particularly notable in the , with several albums topping local charts and earning certifications from the (RIAM). The following table lists KRU's 14 studio albums chronologically, including release years, labels, peak chart positions on the RIAM Albums Chart (where available), and sales certifications.
TitleRelease YearLabelPeak RIAM PositionSales Certification
Canggih1992EMI Music Malaysia1Platinum
reKRUed1993EMI Music Malaysia1Double Platinum
Ooh! La! La!1996EMI Music Malaysia1Multi-Platinum
The Way We Jam1998EMI Music Malaysia2Gold
Formula Luarbiasa1999EMI Music Malaysia1Platinum
Tyco2000EMI Music Malaysia1Platinum
KRUjaan2000EMI Music Malaysia1Double Platinum
Empayar KRUjaan V2.02002EMI Music Malaysia1Platinum
KRUnisme2005EMI Music Malaysia1Platinum
10 di Skala Richter2006EMI Music Malaysia1Gold
KRUnomena2013KRU Records2Gold
Kaset2025KRU Music, Sony Music Malaysia--
KRU's debut album Canggih introduced their signature blend of pop and , featuring key tracks like "Cherrina" and "Hanya Kau," which became radio staples and helped establish their fanbase. The album's innovative production, self-written and produced by the trio, received praise for bringing fresh energy to music. Similarly, reKRUed built on this momentum with upbeat tracks such as "Biarkan Aku Bermimpi," earning acclaim for its matured songwriting and dance-oriented sound. The mid-1990s marked a peak in commercial and critical success, with Ooh! La! La! emphasizing dance hits like "Ooh! La! La!" and "Kasihnya Seseorang," lauded for incorporating Western groove influences while maintaining local appeal. Critics noted the album's role in popularizing club-friendly R&B in . The Way We Jam (1998) represented a bold crossover attempt, as KRU's first all-English album, collaborating with international writers; tracks like "The Way We Jam" highlighted their versatility, though it received mixed reviews for straying from their Malay roots but was appreciated for expanding their global reach. Later albums like Formula Luarbiasa (1999) and Tyco (2000) experimented with hip-hop elements, with standout tracks "Luar Biasa" and "Tyco" praised for their energetic production and lyrical depth on love and ambition. KRUjaan (2000) and Empayar KRUjaan V2.0 (2002) solidified their empire-building theme, featuring anthemic songs like "KRUjaan," which critics hailed as innovative for integrating electronic sounds into pop structures. In the , KRUnisme (2005) and 10 di Skala Richter (2006) showcased KRU's production prowess, with tracks like "Gergasi" and "10 di Skala Richter" receiving positive reception for their high-energy beats and . KRUnomena (2013), their first under KRU Records, was celebrated for its nostalgic yet modern vibe, featuring "Krunomena" as a reflective hit on their legacy. The band's 14th studio album, Kaset (2025), revives cassette-era aesthetics with tracks like "Voodoo," "One More Time," and "Hambadansa," incorporating AI-generated elements for innovation. Released after a 12-year gap, it has been critically acclaimed for blending retro nostalgia with contemporary production, signaling KRU's enduring relevance. Across their discography, KRU's albums have achieved numerous RIAM certifications, contributing to over 2 million units sold in , establishing them as one of the top-selling acts in the country's pop history.

Compilation and side project albums

KRU's compilation albums primarily serve as retrospectives of their career highlights, often incorporating remastered tracks alongside new recordings to appeal to longtime fans. The 2004 release Relax, issued by Music Malaysia, exemplifies this approach, featuring 18 tracks that blend earlier such as "Babe" and "Di Hatimu" with fresh material, marking it as their second compilation effort and achieving commercial success through its nostalgic curation. Similarly, later compilations like The Best Of in 2012 expanded on this formula with a double-CD set spanning their discography, though earlier efforts in the late focused more on targeted reissues rather than full greatest collections. Ultimatum (2010), released under Universal Music Sdn Bhd, is a comprehensive compilation with 29 tracks, including remastered and some new material, peaking at #3 on the RIAM chart and certified Gold. A notable side project emerged in 2000 with Tyco, a studio album presented under the virtual artist persona created by KRU as a creative experiment, featuring the group as animated characters Tylo, Yiko, and Psylo—translating to "big brother" in Cantonese—and including tracks like "With U" and "Bidadari" that explored hip-hop influences. This innovative concept earned recognition from the Malaysia Book of Records as the nation's first virtual artiste, blending production techniques from KRU's artistry with 3D visuals for a novel multimedia experience. In 2008, the project was revived as the solo virtual entity Tylo, releasing the track "Planet Hitam" as the theme for the film Cicakman 2: Planet Hitam, which revitalized interest in the virtual format within Malaysian pop culture. Limited solo endeavors by KRU members further diversified their output beyond group efforts. Yusry Abdul Halim issued his self-titled solo album Yusry in 2003, showcasing his individual songwriting and vocal style independent of the trio's dynamic. No equivalent full-length solo release from Edry Abdul Halim has been documented in this period, though his compositional role remained prominent in KRU's broader projects. Non-album singles tied to soundtracks provided additional outlets for KRU's music. The 2006 Cicak-Man Original Soundtrack, produced under their KRU label, included Yusry's contribution "Jika Ku Tak Bangun Esok Pagi," a poignant that complemented the 's while extending the group's reach into ventures. These releases underscored KRU's versatility in peripheral projects without overlapping their core studio catalog.

Other ventures

KRU Music label

KRU Music was established in June 1996 as KRU Records, initially operating as a with Music Malaysia to handle recording, production, and distribution for the band KRU and other acts. The label quickly expanded by signing and launching local talents, including the pop-dance group and the R&B group , marking its early role in nurturing Malaysian pop and hip-hop artists. By 1999, following the end of the partnership, KRU Records transitioned to full independence, allowing greater creative and operational control. In the early 2000s, the label rebranded to KRU Music Sdn Bhd after the expiration of a distribution agreement with , subsequently securing a new deal with Warner Music in 2002 to broaden its reach. This shift solidified its status as one of 's longest-running independent labels, with a focus on genres like pop, dance, hip-hop, and R&B. Central to its operations is KRU Studios, founded in 1997 in , which serves as a key facility for audio recording, , and , enabling in-house control over music and visual content creation. Post-2010, KRU Music emphasized roster development by signing and releasing projects from emerging local talents outside the original KRU band, such as singer Mila Jirin in 2010 and, more recently, pop artist Dian Hashim and rapper Fai Ramli in 2021. These efforts highlight the label's commitment to diversifying its catalog with non-KRU productions, including hip-hop and pop releases that promote Malaysian artists regionally. In the 2020s, the label faced business challenges from the rise of digital streaming, prompting strategic adaptations like a 2021 collaboration with and ADA for enhanced global distribution and streaming support. As of 2025, KRU Music operates as an ongoing mentorship hub for Malaysian artists, continuing to produce and promote new talent through integrated services in music , production, and artist development, as evidenced by its active involvement in live events and partnerships like the 2024 alliance with Sony Music Entertainment .

Film and television involvement

KRU members expanded their creative output into film and television, blending their musical expertise with acting, production, and soundtrack composition. Yusry Abdul Halim made his notable acting debut as Danny, the best friend of the protagonist, in the superhero film Cicak-Man (2006), directed by himself under KRU Studios. He reprised the role in the sequel Cicak-Man 2: Planet Hitam (2008), contributing to the film's narrative while overseeing direction and visual effects. Norman Abdul Halim focused primarily on production and executive roles for these projects, while Edry Abdul Halim provided key production input, including music composition that integrated seamlessly with the storyline. The group contributed original soundtracks to several films, enhancing their multimedia presence. KRU produced soundtrack albums for three films: Awas! (1995), Cinta Metropolitan (1996), and Cicak-Man (2006), featuring collaborative tracks that boosted the movies' commercial appeal. A standout was the "Cicakman Theme" from the 2006 album, performed by and composed by Edry Abdul Halim, which became a hit single and captured the film's energetic vibe. For Cicak-Man 2, KRU's Tyco—launched in 2000 as computer-generated alter egos of the members—integrated into the by providing the theme song "Planet Hitam," tying the virtual act to the film's sci-fi plot. In television, KRU members appeared as guest judges and principals on popular Malaysian reality singing shows during the 2000s. Norman and Edry Abdul Halim served as principals for multiple seasons of on Astro, mentoring contestants and influencing the program's musical direction starting from season 8 in 2010. Edry Abdul Halim later judged episodes of Kaki Nyanyi starting in 2024, offering production insights to emerging artists. KRU Studios also produced reality series such as Hotel Mania, Bio-Nik, and in the early 2000s, accumulating over 300 hours of television content that showcased their expertise in scripted and unscripted formats. Into the 2020s, KRU maintained involvement through cameos, production, and soundtracks on streaming platforms. Norman Abdul Halim appeared as Dato' Jeff in the drama film 3 Hajat (2025), exploring themes of family reconciliation. The group the animated Cicakman TV series (2023–present) for streaming distribution, reviving the franchise with new episodes featuring their signature musical elements. Yusry Abdul Halim contributed as , ensuring continuity from the original films.

Awards and nominations

Anugerah Industri Muzik

KRU has earned multiple accolades at the Anugerah Industri Muzik (AIM), Malaysia's premier music industry awards organized by the , recognizing excellence in various categories since the event's inception in 1992. Their wins span vocal performance, engineering, and visual production, reflecting their evolution from hip-hop-infused pop pioneers to contemporary innovators. Early in their career, KRU's third album Awas! (1994) propelled them to prominence, securing three AIM awards in 1995: Best Pop Album, Best Engineered Album, and Best Vocal Performance in an Album (Group). These victories celebrated the group's dynamic harmonies and self-produced sound, which blended rap, R&B, and pop elements, setting a benchmark for Malaysian boy bands. Building on this success, KRU's foray into English-language music with The Way We Jam (1998) yielded two AIM wins in 1999: Best Engineered and Best Music Videoclip. The album's polished production and the titular track's energetic video demonstrated their adaptability to global influences while maintaining local appeal. In recent years, KRU's reunion and the release of their 14th studio album KASET (2025) reignited their trajectory. At AIM24 held in September 2025, they clinched Best Music Video for "Voodoo," a track notable for its innovative use of AI-generated visuals featuring digital twins of the group members. This win highlighted their embrace of technology in music presentation.
YearCategoryWorkNotes
1995Best Pop AlbumAwas!Recognized innovative pop-rap fusion.
1995Best Engineered AlbumAwas!Highlighted self-production expertise.
1995Best Vocal Performance in an Album (Group)Awas!Praised group harmonies.
1999Best Engineered AlbumThe Way We JamShowcased international-standard mixing.
1999Best Music Videoclip"The Way We Jam"Awarded for creative direction.
2025 (AIM24)Best Music Video"Voodoo" (KASET)First Malaysian act to use AI twins in a winning video.

Other major awards

KRU has earned recognition across various regional and national platforms outside the Anugerah Industri Muzik, reflecting their broad impact in Malaysian and Asian music scenes. In 1997, the group's single "Fanatik" was nominated as a finalist for the Video Music Award for International Viewer's Choice, highlighting their early international appeal. The track also secured wins at the 1997 Malaysian Awards for Best and Best Directed . KRU's virtual project Tyco, launched in 2000, received the Malaysian Book of Records distinction as Malaysia's First Virtual Artiste, marking a pioneering achievement in digital music innovation. Members of the group have also been conferred prestigious titles for their contributions to the arts. Norman Abdul Halim was awarded the Darjah Indera Mahkota (DIMP) in 2016, granting him the title of . Yusry Abdul Halim received his title in 2021 through the Panglima Mahkota Wilayah (PMW) award. In regional contexts, KRU has been nominated for , including for "Mengerti" in the category at the 1994 edition, though they did not secure a win. The group has also earned multiple victories at the Anugerah Bintang Popular Berita Harian, including the Most Popular Group award in several editions during the . Recent nominations, such as at the 37th Anugerah Bintang Popular Berita Harian in 2025, underscore their lasting popularity. KRU has received numerous awards and nominations throughout their career, demonstrating consistent recognition in various music events.

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