This is underground Asian American hip hop. Who are the headliners of the Asian Hip Hop Summit? We've got the artists profiles here, in their own words:
Dumbfoundead
Jonathan Park, Koreatown, Los Angeles
When did you first get into hip hop, and how?
I've been into hip hop since I was very young but didn't actually start rapping till I turned 14 years old. I am now 22 years old and hip-hop is the only
thing i can see myself doing for a living.
Favorite hip hop record?
I have several favorite albums from Redman's Muddy Waters to Pharcyde's Bizarre Ride to Alkaholiks' Liqwidation.
How would you describe your style?
My style is humorous, witty, and clever.
What are some of the challenges you face as an Asian in hip hop?
I've overcome all the stereotypes and all the challenges have only made me stronger as an emcee. Every race has their own challenges and stereotypes, Asians are no different.
What does the Asian Hip Hop Summit Tour mean to you?
It is a chance to show the U.S. that there is large community of Asian emcees all across the U.S. that nobody knows about.
Chosen 1
Victor Nguyen, Los Angeles
When first into hip hop and how?
After the L.A. Riots, I moved to South Carolina. In 1995, I decided to rhyme, I thought it was cool. There wasn't much to do there. The only thing I was into was music, and that's how I got into hip hop.
Favorite hip hop record?
Nas' Illmatic, Doggystyle, Jay-Z's Reasonable Doubt, Tribe Called Quest's Beats, Rhymes and Life
How would you describe our style?
Bi-Coastal, everything mixed in one, Asian influence with the beats.
What are some of the challenges you face as an Asian in hip hop?
It's my skin color, waking up and smelling the aroma of pho. A lot of Vietnamese rappers are gangster rappers, but I'm trying to do a different style.
What does the Asian Hip Hop Summit Tour mean to you?
I'm excited, overwhelmed to showcase our talents, not just in front of the Asian community but for all of America, and Canada.
Lyraflip
Jeffrey Salonga, Torrance, CA
When did you first get into hip hop?
I started off in fifth grade reciting Bone Thugs and Harmony. And ever since then, I've wanted to make my own music.
Favorite hip hop record?
Canibus, 2000 B.C. or Eminem, Slim Shady LP and a whole bunch more
How would you describe your style?
Very versatile, anything from smooth to fresh to really lyrical.
What are some of the challenges you face as an Asian in hip hop?
A lot of stereotypes, people thinking Asians can't rap. Basically as an MC, it's a struggle for any race.
What does the Asian Hip Hop Summit Tour mean to you?
My chance to take what I've done in L.A., locally, and bring it out to everywhere in America and show everybody what L.A. culture is about, and represent this hip hop everywhere.
DJ DStrukt
Derrick, San Jose
When did you first get into hip hop?
When my dad put in MC Hammer's album. Beats, rhythms, and rhymes.
Favorite hip hop record?
Nas, Illmatic
How would you describe your style?
Easy listening and healing.
What are some of the challenges you face as an Asian in hip hop?
I don't feel there are any challenges because we're all different cultures trying to do the same thing.
What does the Asian Hip Hop Summit Tour mean to you?
It gives me a chance to expand my horizons, meet different people, and step away from the ordinary lifestyle.
Youthinasia
Youthie, Las Vegas