"We Belong '21" by Magnetic North & Taiyo Na (feat. Ann One)

"...but we're still here; And we're going strong; And we're getting tired of proving we belong."



I'm proud to share "We Belong '21," the new track from Magnetic North & Taiyo Na, featuring Ann One.

Back in 2010, Magnetic North & Taiyo Na's "We Belong" was a rallying cry for humanity and belonging amidst the AAPI community's experiences with erasure, exclusion and absurdity. Sampling Asian American folk pioneer Chris Iijima's "Asian Song" on the chorus, the song was part of a larger thematic album Home:Word, where homeland and refuge were explored from an Asian American migrant perspective.

Unless you've been actively putting your head in the sand -- and let's face it, this is entirely possible -- you know that there's been a near-daily deluge of reports of attacks on Asian Americans. Upon hearing the details of yet another violent assault, in which the attacker told the victim, "You don't belong here," I was reminded of Iijima's lyrics: "...but we're still here; And we're going strong; And we're getting tired of proving we belong."

I begged Theresa, Derek and Taiyo to get back on the mic to record an updated version of "We Belong." It just felt like we needed it. Turns out, they were already thinking about revisiting the song in light of recent events, particularly the mass shootings in Atlanta and Indianapolis. And they have delivered.

"We Belong '21" adds layers of urgency and relevance to the original track, delving deeper into experiences of a community being appropriated and othered while pointing towards the possibilities of solidarity and action to bring us forward. The soulful Ann One lends her voice to sing Iijima's timeless words.

Listen here:

Angry Reader of the Week: Ann Chung

"I sing, write, produce and teach. I cook a mean Beejee Chigae and Ackee & Saltfish."



Greetings, internet friends. It is time, once again, to meet the 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 Ann Chung.

Music Video: Ann One's got "WhatULike"

First official single from Los Angeles singer/songwriter's forthcoming EP.



Got a hot new tune for you... Really digging this super-sexy new music video for "WhatULike," the cool-as-shit new track from Los Angeles singer/songwriter Ann One. The video, directed by The Social Trust, features lots of blue lips, bare-skin-caressing and a copious quantity of goopy smothery liquid stuff.

Check it out:

Music Video: Ann One is a "Love Junkie"

Soulful new track from Los Angeles singer/songwriter



Damn. I'm really digging this gorgeous new song "Love Junkie" by Los Angeles singer/songwriter Ann One featuring Quinn. It knocked me over from the first time I heard it, and I've pretty much had it on repeat all day.

Check out the music video:

Music Video: Mountain Brothers back together in "Keep On"

Groundbreaking group reunites for Asian American music project's lead single



Hell yeah. It's on. Pioneering Asian American hip hop group Mountain Brothers recently got back together for a new track, "Keep On," the lead single from the upcoming compilation project Strength in Numbers.

Once upon a time back in the day, the Mountain Brothers were the first Asian American rap group ever signed to a major label. Here, Chops, Peril-L and Styles Infinite are back together, with the vocal assist from Ann One, to show you what's up. Check out the music video:

Music Video: Rekstizzy is West Coast Chillin' in "One Track Mind"

New York rapper David Lee, aka Rekstizzy, recently visited the West Coast to shoot this freshly dropped music video for his single "One Track Mind," riding that poolside summer vibe and featuring cameos from the likes of Los Angeles icons Dumbfoundead, Roy Choi and more. Great beats, fun flow and I'm loving that hook by Ann One. Check it out: