Join the #AAPI2020 Twitter Town Hall, February 13

Things to Know From Angry Asian America


Next Thursday, several presidential campaigns -- Mike Bloomberg, Bernie Sanders, Andrew Yang, with more to be announced -- will be participating in the AAPI Decision 2020 Twitter Town Hall to discuss issues important to AAPI communities. It's happening February 13 at 2:00pm EST. Join the conversation at #AAPI2020 Co-sponsored by National Council of Asian Pacific Americans, AAPI Data, APIA Vote and Asian American Journalists Association.

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Snake Eyes star Henry Golding reveals first look at G.I. Joe spin-off
Henry Golding, who stars in the G.I. Joe spinoff Snake Eyes, currently filming in Japan, offered a first look of sorts from the film, in celebration of his birthday. "Because its my birthday today and I'm playing Snake Eyes... Here's your first look," he wrote on Instagram. The photo doesn't reveal much, but it's pretty badass.

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Anti-Chinese "Coronavirus" Message Found at Columbia University
At Columbia University, someone apparently wrote "Wuhan virus isolation area" on a library blackboard. The message, which was shared widely on social media, was apparently "in broken Chinese handwriting" and "clearly not from a Chinese person." So, you know, just another somebody out there using the coronavirus outbreak as an excuse to do racist shit.

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Family Karma
Oh boy. An Indian American community gets the Bravo reality show treatment in Family Karma, an upcoming unscripted series centering on a group of friends and their families as they navigate love, success, and cultural traditions in Miami. According to Bravo, Family Karma "will give viewers a never-before-seen glimpse inside the intriguing lives of seven young Indian-American friends as they try and strike a balance between following their own paths and living their own dreams in Miami, while also staying true to their families' traditions. Welcome to your new guilty pleasure. Premieres March 8.

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Waking Up Sucks (Sometimes)
After taking a two-year break from releasing new music, singer/songwriter AJ Rafael is back with a new song and music video "Waking Up Sucks (Sometimes)." Strong first crush vibes with this one. But oof, that ending.

AJ Rafael shares a moving tribute to Christina Grimmie

22-year-old singer was fatally shot while signing autographs after a show in Orlando.



Fans and loved ones are still reeling from the shocking murder of musician Christina Grimmie, who was fatally shot in Orlando on Friday night. Witnesses say Grimmie was signing autographs during a meet-and-greet at The Plaza theater when a man approached and opened fire. Grimmie died at the hospital.

The 22-year-old singer made a name for herself on YouTube, where she had a hugely popular following with more than 3 million subscribers. She also won a spot on season six of NBC's vocal competition The Voice, emerging as a fan-favorite contestant and finishing third overall.

On Monday, fellow musician, YouTube personality and frequent collaborator AJ Rafael posted a tearful, moving tribute to his friend, singing "In Christ Alone" in honor of Grimmie and her faith.

Angry Reader of the Week: AJ Rafael

"I'm a musician and occasional instant ramen cook."



Hello, my friends! It is time to meet the latest Angry Reader of the Week, spotlighting you, the very special readers of this website. Over the years, I've been able to connect with a lot of cool folks, and this is a way of showing some appreciation and attention to the people who help make this blog what it is. This week's Angry Reader is AJ Rafael.

Jeremy Lin Goes Hollywood

Phil Wang, AJ Rafael and Harry Shum Jr. sing, dance and read mean tweets to cheer up Jeremy Lin



So we all know Jeremy Lin has joined the Los Angeles Lakers. Who knew that mean he'd be getting into the Hollywood game so quickly? In this video, your favorite Asian American point guard is joined by Phil Wang, AJ Rafael and Harry Shum Jr. for a little bit of supportive edification that quickly turns into a singing, dancing, musical extravaganza. Plus, some beautiful piano playing by number 17 himself.

Just watch:

Tindog Tacloban II featuring AJ Rafael, Tim Atlas, Melvin

Friday, August 1 at Sol Collective in Sacramento



Sacramento! Two sisters in your 'hood have put together a benefit concert to help raise funds towards education equipment for survivors of Typhoon Haiyan: Tindog Tacloban II.

The next one is happening on Friday, August 1 at Sol Collective, and will feature AJ Rafael (who, we have been told, will go on an indefinite hiatus soon), Tim Atlas, Melvin Sings, and more.

Here are some more details about the benefit:

Angry Asian America Ep. 6: The End of Asians on YouTube?

With co-host Jenny Yang and special guests AJ Rafael, Lana McKissack and Aaron Takahashi



Hey, everybody! I am pleased to present the latest episode of Angry Asian America, my YouTube talk show on ISAtv. In this episode, co-host Jenny Yang and I are joined by special guests AJ Rafael, Lana McKissack and Aaron Takahashi. We talk about AJ's recent letter detailing his struggles as an independent musician, as well as recent changes to YouTube -- once a great place for Asian American artists to find an audience -- that have made it a more difficult environment for up-and-coming content creators to thrive.

Check it out:

Hell yeah "Asians Eat Weird Things": An Ode to Asian Food by The Fung Brothers & AJ Rafael

Do you like Asian food? The Fung Brothers love Asian food in all shapes, sizes and smells -- no matter how weird. They love it so much, the comedic rap duo partnered with singer/songwriter AJ Rafael and the premier supermarket chain 99 Ranch to make this funny, epic music video, "Asians Eat Weird Things." Damn right, Asians eat weird things -- and they're not ashamed: