Asian American rappers are artists with Asian roots who live in America and make hip-hop or rap music. They often bring their own culture, languages, and stories into their songs, giving a fresh and powerful voice to the music world.
For a long time, it was hard for Asian American rappers to get noticed in the mainstream. But today, more and more of them are breaking barriers and gaining fans around the world.
These rappers often talk about identity, struggles, family life, and dreams, just like other rappers, but with a twist that highlights their Asian backgrounds. Check out the list of famous asian American rappers.
1. MC Jin
MC Jin (Jin Au-Yeung) is a pioneering rapper from Miami, Florida. He gained fame as the first Asian American solo rapper signed to a major U.S. label after dominating BET’s Freestyle Friday battles.
His bilingual raps and pure storytelling broke stereotypes and opened doors for Asian artists in hip-hop. After initial U.S. success, he built a strong career in Hong Kong’s music and film industries.
Popular Albums:
- The Rest Is History (2004)
- The Emcee’s Properganda (2005)
- ABC (2007)
- XIV: LIX (2014)
2. Dumbfoundead
Korean American rapper Jonathan Park, aka Dumbfoundead, is a key figure in Asian American hip-hop. Known for sharp lyricism and battle rap prowess, he’s been a vocal advocate for Asian representation in music.
Based in Los Angeles, Dumbfoundead blends humor, social commentary, and personal stories in his work, collaborating widely and growing a loyal fan base.
Popular Albums:
- DFD (2011)
- Old Boy Jon (2013)
3. Lyrics Born
Born Tsutomu Shimura, Lyrics Born is a Japanese American rapper and producer from the San Francisco Bay Area.
A founding member of the Quannum Projects collective, he’s known for his smooth flow, clever wordplay, and blending of hip-hop with soul and funk inspirations. Lyrics Born has had a significant impact on underground hip-hop since the late 1990s.
Popular Albums:
- Later That Day (2003)
- Everywhere at Once (2008)
4. Mountain Brothers
One of the first Asian American hip-hop groups, Mountain Brothers, was formed in Philadelphia in the 1990s. Members CHOPS, Peril-L, and Styles Infinite gained respect for their true sound and production skills, paving the way for Asian Americans in hip-hop culture.
Popular Albums:
- Self Vol 1 (1999)
- Triple Crown (2003)
5. Awkwafina
Nora Lum, known as Awkwafina, is a rapper, actress, and comedian of Chinese and Korean descent. She gained viral fame with humorous tracks like My Vag and NYC Bitche$, blending rap with comedy.
She has since shifted to acting, winning a Golden Globe for The Farewell and starring in major films.
Popular Albums:
- Yellow Ranger (2014)
- In Fina We Trust (2018)
6. Far East Movement
This Los Angeles-based group of Asian American rappers and producers made history with their 2010 hit Like a G6, the first song by an Asian American act to top the Billboard Hot 100.
Far East Movement blends hip-hop, electronic, and pop inspirations and remains motivational in bridging the Asian and American music scenes.
Popular Albums:
- Free Wired (2010)
- Dirty Bass (2012)
7. Junoflo
Junoflo is a Korean American rapper from California known for blending English and Korean lyrics. He gained fame on South Korea’s Show Me the Money and released albums like Only Human and Statues.
He bridges the Asian American and Korean hip-hop scenes and was the first Korean artist to perform at an NBA halftime show.
Popular Albums:
- Progression (2015)
- Only Human (EP, 2018)
- Statues (2019)
- 222:AM (2020
8. Heems
Himanshu Kumar Suri, aka Heems, is an Indian American rapper and co-founder of the alternative hip-hop group Das Racist.
Known for witty, socially conscious lyrics, he blends humor and political commentary, addressing identity and race in America.
Popular Albums and Notable Works:
- Eat Pray Thug (2015)
- Wild Water Kingdom (2012)
9. Kero One
He is a Korean American rapper, producer, and DJ from the Bay Area, credited with helping revive jazz-rap and soulful hip-hop in the 2000s.
His smooth beats and thoughtful lyrics have earned him respect in underground and international hip-hop circles.
Popular Albums:
- Windmills of the Soul (2006)
- Early Believers (2009)
10. China Mac
Raymond Yu, known as China Mac, is a Chinese American rapper and activist from New York. Beyond music, he’s recognized for community work and organizing against anti-Asian hate. His gritty lyrics show street life and courage.
Popular Albums:
- MITM (2017)
- Viral (2020)
11. Ruby Ibarra
Filipina American rapper and spoken word artist Ruby Ibarra is celebrated for her rapid-fire delivery and empowering messages. She often raps in Tagalog and English, addressing immigrant experiences, identity, and social justice.
Popular Albums:
- Circa91 (2017)
- Lost in Translation (2012 mixtape)
12. $tupid Young
Cambodian American rapper $tupid Young hails from Long Beach, California. Known for raw storytelling and West Coast style, he’s gained recognition for his voice and contributions to Asian American hip-hop.
Popular Albums:
- One of One (2018)
- Young & Reckless (2020)
13. MBnel
Filipino American rapper MBnel from Stockton, California, is known for self-improvement lyrics about street life, family, and immigrant identity. His storytelling relates to many in the Asian American community.
Popular Albums:
- Misunderstood (2019)
- Born to Win (2019)
- No Hard Feelings (2021)
14. Jay Park
Korean American rapper, singer, and entrepreneur Jay Park is a major figure in both the U.S. and Korean hip-hop scenes.
Formerly of the boy band 2PM, he’s built a successful solo career blending R&B and rap, and founded labels like AOMG and H1GHR Music.
Popular Albums:
- New Breed (2012)
- Everything You Wanted (2016)
- The Road Less Traveled (2019)
15. Bohan Phoenix
Chinese American rapper Bohan Phoenix is known for blending Mandarin and English lyrics, bridging Asian and American hip-hop cultures.
His music conveys themes of identity, immigration, and cultural pride, drawing attention for its cross-cultural appeal.
Popular Albums:
- OVERSEAS (2018)
- JALA (2018)
- Make You Proud (2023)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Language a Barrier for Asian American Rappers?
While English is the primary language of mainstream hip-hop, some artists rap bilingually or in their heritage languages, which can both challenge and expand their audience reach.
Why is MC Jin Considered a Trailblazer for Asian Americans in Hip-Hop?
MC Jin’s visibility on BET’s Freestyle Friday and his major label debut proved that Asian Americans could succeed in hip-hop.
