Bad Rap

Bad Rap is a compelling documentary directed by Salima Koroma that was released in 2016. The film principally stars Nora Lum, popularly known as Awkwafina, David Lee, a.k.a. Rekstizzy, and Richard Lee, recognized by his stage name Lyricks, and Jay Park, who has notably made a name for himself within America and South Korea's hip-hop scenes. It serves as a deep-dive into the lives and struggles of Asian-American rappers trying to make it in the American Hip Hop industry.

The premise of Bad Rap revolves around four Asian-American rappers - Awkwafina, Dumbfoundead, Rekstizzy, and Lyricks. Each of them comes from diverse backgrounds, yet they share a common passion for hip-hop, a music landscape they believe overlooks Asian talent. The documentary follows these over-looked artists over the span of a few years, chronicling their endeavors, sacrifices, and fights against an industry that doesn't always recognize their talent.

Awkwafina, a New York native who has garnered international recognition following her roles in 'Crazy Rich Asians' and 'Ocean's 8,' is one of the primary focuses of Bad Rap. Her journey provides an honest look at her early years, showcasing her raw talent and resilience in the face of criticism and adversity. Viewers get a deep insight into the strength of her character, her no-holds-barred attitude, and her dedication to revolutionizing the existing norms of the industry.

David Lee, or Rekstizzy, a Queens-based rapper, brings a different dynamic to the group with his unique story. He captures attention with his eccentric style and creative videos. Despite facing several hurdles on his path to fame, his undying love for music keeps pushing him to strive towards his dreams.

Richard Lee, known as Lyricks, is a Virginia rapper with heavy ties to his Korean heritage. He faces the constant struggle of finding a balance between keeping his traditional values intact and adopting the mainstream hip-hop culture. It's a plight that many children of immigrants face, and Lyricks adds a deeply personal perspective to it.

Further, the documentary also shows cameos from Simon D, Jay Park, and Traphik recounting their own experiences and thoughts about Asian representation in the American hip-hop scene.

Bad Rap juxtaposes the protagonists' tales as it explores themes of identity, stereotype-breaking, aspiration, and the underrepresentation of Asian artists within hip-hop. In one sense, it examines the cultural and racial barriers aspiring Asian-American artists face in the music industry, with its strong roots in African American culture. It not only serves as their personal portrayal but also discusses the broader societal issues concerning race, diversity, and representation in the context of American pop culture.

It's a brutally honest film that does not shy away from showing the hardships these artists face. It articulates their shared struggles, conflicting cultural values, and the difficulty in breaking stereotypes in an industry grounded in racial tropes. Audiences get a glimpse of the artists' relentless dedication to their craft despite these barriers, as they tirelessly strive to carve their niche in a world that tends to typecast them.

Audiences gain newfound respect and admiration for these four talented artists as they follow them through their creative process, witness their struggles and cheer for their accomplishments.

At its core, Bad Rap is about the passion and tenacity of artists struggling to break barriers, leaving their mark in an industry that looks them over for their racial and cultural origins. Salima Koroma does an exquisite job of bringing these emotional narratives to life, reflecting the reality underrepresented groups often face.

In conclusion, Bad Rap is an eye-opening and imperative documentary that brings much-needed attention to Asian-American rappers' overlooked talent in the American hip-hop industry. It serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration by highlighting the determination of artists willing to confront societal norms, work hard, and passionately pursue their dreams, despite the arduous journey that lies ahead. This film is a powerful testament to perseverance, ambition, and the power of music to break barriers and cross boundaries.