November 13th, 2020
Asian MUSIC ARTISTS YOU SHOULD GET INTO: PART 2
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Credits
Author: Jane Lui
Editor: Aparna Sivaraman
Layout: Abigail Jung
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Credits
Author: Jane Lui
Editor: Aparna Sivaraman
Layout: Abigail Jung
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Representing: Filipino Roots
Musical Genre: Rap, Hip-Hop A well-known producer based in the Bay Area, Paolo Rodriguez began mixing and making beats when in high school. He was immersed in the world of hip-hop and in 2008, co-founded HBK Gang (Heartbreak Gang), which was a collection of producers, rappers, and video directors. It was around this time when Rodriguez took on his stage moniker “P-Lo”. He is most well-known for collaborating with big names in the industry such as Yo Gotti, Wiz Khalifa, Flo Rida, and G-Easy, among others. You can find his music on Apple Music and Spotify. Want to get into P-Lo? Start with:
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Representing: Vietnamese Roots
Musical Genre: Indie Pop, Soul, R&B Khai Dreams is still a very anonymous artist, but we do know that he is a half-Vietnamese singer in his twenties. On his official Spotify biography, he states that he was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, but currently is based in Los Angeles. He is best known for using carefree melodies in his songs with poetic verses, and tells stories of love and loss. You can find his music on Spotify and Apple Music, and he has gained a large following on YouTube. Want to get into Khai Dreams? Start with:
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Representing: Malaysian Roots
Musical Genre: Pop, R&B Yuna was born and raised in Kedah and Selangor in Malaysia. She taught herself to play guitar and performed for an audience for the first time in 2006 during law school. Yuna’s music blew up on Myspace, propelling her fame. Her first album earned five Malaysian Music Awards nominations (their version of the Grammy Awards) and won four trophies. She has also been recognized at American music events and magazines such as BET Awards, Billboard, Soul Train Music Awards, and Rolling Stone magazine. Yuna has performed at Lollapalooza and MTV Studios. She is signed to Fader Label and has collaborated with Tyler the Creator, Usher, Pharrell Williams, and many other artists. You can find her music on Spotify and Apple Music. Want to get into Yuna? Start with:
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Representing: Indian Roots
Music Genre: Hip-Hop, Indie An artist with current roots in Austin, Texas, Abhi Vaidehi moved around the globe often when he was young because his father was an Indian diplomat. He attended California Lutheran University and was deported when he could not renew his US visa. He lived in France for a little bit, living off of Spotify earnings, before attending graduate school in the US on a second student visa. He reflects on these difficult times in several of his songs. Abhi is famous for using an innovative rapping style with an abstract artistry. He is most known for opening for Oliver Tree’s tour, “Ugly Is Beautiful”. You can find his music on Spotify and Apple Music. He is signed to Tommy Boy Entertainment. Want to get into Abhi the Nomad? Start with:
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Representing: Japanese Roots
Musical Genre: Indie Rock Born in Japan to an American father and a Japanese mother, Mitski moved around constantly due to her father’s job at the United States Department of State. She lived in thirteen countries before settling in the US. She first enrolled at Hunter College to study film, but switched to Purchase College’s Conservatory of Music to study studio compositions. At Purchase, she recorded and self-released several albums. In various interviews, she has talked about her identity as being “half Japanese, half American but not fully either” and her music is known for difficult subjects such as not belonging. She is also a self-described private person. You can find her music on Spotify and Apple Music, and she is signed to Dead Oceans, an indie record label. She has also produced music through Double Double Whammy. Want to get into Mitski? Start with:
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Representing: Filipino Roots
Musical Genre: Hip-Hop, Pop, EDM FM is an American group formed in 2003 and as of 2018 has three members: Kev Nish (Kevin Nishimura), Prohgress (James Roh) and DJ Virman (Virman Coquia). They have various chart toppers and were the first Asian-American group to have a number one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. They founded the Identity Festival, a festival celebrating Asian American Heritage with the city of Los Angeles. Far East Movement has been signed by Cherrytree, Interscope, Delicious Deli, Spinnin’, Transparent Agency, and Entertainment One. You can listen to their music on Spotify and Apple Music. Want to get into Far East Movement? Start with:
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Representing: Sri Lankan Roots
Musical Genre: Rap M.I.A., also known as Mathangi “Maya” Arulpragasm, was born in 1975 and is a well-known British rapper, singer, and record producer. Her songs are known for having political and philosophical commentary as well as a sample of alternative, electronic, dance, and hip hop in the back. Born in London, M.I.A. lived in Sri Lanka until age eleven, when she moved back to London with her family as refugees. M.I.A. won multiple awards in the music industry and she is the first person of South Asian descent to be nominated for an Academy Award and a Grammy Award in the same year. You can find her music on Spotify and Apple Music, and she is signed to NEET, XL, Mercury, Interscope, Virgin EMI, Showbiz, Polydor, and Roc Nation. Want to get into M.I.A.? Start with:
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Representing: Pakistan Roots
Musical Genre: R&B, Soul Not much is known about Rehma, but her Spotify bio says “hi i’m REHMA. i’m 20, love coffee, and my mom’s biryani. i’m really only good for making tunes.” Boy, do we agree with her making tunes! Rehma’s beautiful high-stacked vocals blend well with a light indie beat, and one can guess there’s a heavy pop influence. You can find her music on Apple Music and Spotify. Want to get into Rehma? Start with:
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Representing: Palestinian Roots
Musical Genre: Hip-Hop Also known as Khaled Mohamed Khaled, DJ Khaled is a well known American DJ, record executive, record producer, media personality, and meme. Born to Palestininan parents and raised in Louisiana, he first had an interest in rap and soul music. One of his most recognizable quips in his music are his quotes, “We the Best Music!” “Another one!” and “DJ Khaled!” Khaled has worked with many big-name actors and musicians, and has even been in a few movies. He has a wife and two sons. You can find his music on Spotify and Apple Music, and you can purchase his book, The Keys, which discusses his road to success, life stories, and various contributions and what he has learned from other musicians. Want to get into DJ Khaled? Start with:
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