Film Lens
Bad Rap is a 2016 documentary directed by Salima Koroma that follows the lives of Korean-American hip-hop artists Dumbfounddead, Awkwafina, Rekstizzy, and Lyricks. The film examines their efforts to gain credibility in the American hip-hop scene, focusing on their individual stories and the broader question of authenticity in the genre. It features the personal struggles of Jonathan Park, known as Dumbfounddead, with marketability, while also highlighting the artistic identities of David Lee and Richard Lee as they carve out their niches in hip-hop.
The documentary also addresses Nora Lum, known as Awkwafina, and her experiences as a double-minority in the industry. It emphasizes the universal themes of belonging and following one's passion despite external pressures. The film includes insights from pioneers like MC Jin and critiques the barriers faced by Asian-American rappers in a predominantly African-American industry.
Why Watch
- •Meet Dumbfounddead and his marketability struggles
- •See Awkwafina discuss her double-minority experience
- •Follow Rekstizzy and Lyricks carve their niches
Did You Know
•Bad Rap premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival on April 13, 2016.
•The film has been screened at twelve other film festivals worldwide.
•Bad Rap won 'Best Documentary Feature' at two film festivals in 2016.
•On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a 70% rating based on ten reviews.
Perfect For
Asian-American representationHip-hop cultureIndependent film enthusiasts