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

Early life and education

Originally from Jacksonville, Florida, Asia Cruise is of Filipino, Caucasian, and Native American descent. She is the daughter of Cecilia "Cissy" Cenizal Vernimo (died 2023) and Arlen Vernimo. She has two younger siblings, Max (born in 1991) and Alyssa (born in 1998). She had earned a degree in English at University of Florida.

Career

Signed to Jive Records in 2007, Cruise released her debut single "Selfish" in 2008 by revealing her face only after the music video was released. "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 ". Cruise retired from the music industry after experiencing racism from record label executives and constant criticisms over her body weight. She would later release her own covers of songs by other artists and posted them on her YouTube page.

Personal life

She now lives with her husband and two sons in Alachua County, Florida.

Discography

Albums

Singles