Bad Rap, documentary about Asian American rappers, to premiere at the 2016 Tribeca Film Festival, Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival

On Saturday, April 16^th, Bad Rap, an independent documentary about Asian American hip-hop artists, made its world premiere at the 2016 Tribeca Film Festival in New York City.  The documentary, directed by Salima Koroma and produced by Jaeki Cho, follows four rappers, Dumbfoundead, Awkwafina, Rekstizzy, and Lyricks, as they try to break into the hip-hop world.

With the tagline, “You don’t hear us on the radio,” the rappers not only struggle with making it into the industry, but face additional burdens associated with their skin color, such as the inherent responsibility of representing Asian Americans, the struggles of chasing their dreams when hit with reality, and the pushback from critics and lack of belonging in the industry.

To honor the film’s premiere, here are some sample tracks from each of the four artists featured to get you familiar:

1. Jonathan “Dumbfoundead” Park

Based in Koreatown, Los Angeles, Dumbfoundead became one of YouTube’s most visible Asian-American personalities, gaining notoriety from rap battles, one of which followed a five-year hiatus, and recognition from Drake:

Standout tracks: “24KTOWN,” “Cool and Calm,” featured in Keith Ape’s “It G Ma Remix.”

2. Nora “Awkwafina” Lum

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CiVP5q1mXvw

After her viral hit, “My Vag,” Lum, a New York-based Chinese American, became one of the cast members of MTV’s “Girl Code.”  She will also be featured in Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising, starring Seth Rogen and Zac Efron.

Standout tracks: “NYC Bitche$,” “Yellow Ranger,” “Come Stop Me” feat. fellow Bad Rap-per Dumbfoundead.

3. David “Rekstizzy” Lee

Another New Yorker, hailing from Queens, Lee is known for his controversial acts, such as squirting condiments on his dancers’ rears in the music video for “God Bless America.” Despite explicit lyrics, in the track featured above, “You Can’t Be Serious,” Lee addresses the stigma against mental health treatment.

Standout tracks: “All Night,” “Whatever You Say,” “One Track Mind” feat. Ann One.

4. Richard “Lyricks” Lee

Hailing from Fairfax, Virginia, Lee faces the struggle between chasing his dreams and taking care of his parents, a value that resonates with most Americans born to immigrant parents.

Stand out tracks: “Seven Rings,” “Clutch,” “My Will Aside”

Bad Rap also features personalities like Jay Park, Traphik/Timothy DeLaGhetto, Far East Movement, MC Jin, Decipher, and the Fung Bros to provide commentary on Asian Americans in the music industry.

In addition to the Tribeca Film Festival, Bad Rap will also make an appearance at the 2016 Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival, screening on Wednesday, April 27^th at 9:30 PM at the CGV Cinemas.  Student and senior tickets are priced at $13 and general admission tickets are $14, you can purchase your tickets here.