who they are and what they represent
88Rising and 
Asian-America
Who is 
88Rising?

88rising is a groundbreaking music collective and media company founded in 2015 by Sean Miyashiro. It has significantly impacted the global music scene by promoting Asian and Asian American artists who blend their cultural heritage with contemporary genres such as hip-hop, R&B, and electronic music. The collective is known for its innovative approach, challenging stereotypes and providing a platform for diverse voices to be heard.

By fostering a sense of pride and visibility within the Asian diaspora, 88rising has redefined Asian American identity and cultural influence. The collective's success can be attributed to its ability to navigate the complexities of cultural representation, authenticity, and hybridization. Through its artists and projects, 88rising continues to push boundaries, offering fresh and dynamic perspectives in the music industry and beyond.

My visual essay aims to explore the complex influence of 88rising on the music industry, examining the controversies it has encountered, analyzing the elements of its success, and considering its role in redefining Asian American music. Through this examination, we seek to enrich the discourse on cultural representation, artistic autonomy, and the changing roles of Asian American musicians in the evolving music industry landscape. This essay will argue that modern Asian American music and the resulting film and media serve as a powerful medium for cultural preservation and identity affirmation among Asian American communities.

Important Concepts

  • The dispersion or spread of any people from their original homeland to various parts of the world. It often involves the movement of large groups who maintain a connection to their ancestral land and culture, despite living in different countries. Diaspora communities often preserve their cultural heritage, language, and traditions, while also adapting to and integrating with the cultures of their new locations. The term can apply to various groups, including ethnic, religious, and national communities, and it highlights the complex experiences of identity, belonging, and transnationalism.

  • How the media portrays groups of individuals with different characteristics. It refers to how some aspects such as gender, age, physical abilities, age, or race are presented to society. As technology continues to advance in modern society, we can see the impact that the media has on creating and cultivating certain stereotypes about Asian Americans.

  • A condition of cultural, social, or technological amalgamation that goes beyond traditional notions of hybridity. It encompasses the complex and often fluid blending of diverse elements from multiple sources, creating new forms and identities that cannot be easily categorized within established boundaries. Superhybridity is characterized by the dynamic interplay and integration of various cultural practices, technologies, and ideas, often facilitated by globalization and digital connectivity. This concept highlights the evolving nature of contemporary identity and cultural expression in an increasingly interconnected and rapidly changing world.

Asian American Protest Sign taken by Jason Leung via Unsplash

The Complexities of Asian American Identity

The complexities and dynamics of racial identity for Asian Americans have long been a subject of discussion, particularly under the framework of whether they are categorized as White or as People of Color (POC). An insightful article from Yes Magazine delves into these nuances, exploring how Asian Americans experience a unique form of racism that, while distinct from other racial groups, is rooted in systemic structures of white supremacy. This analysis is crucial in understanding the broader context in which Asian American identities are formed and navigated.

The term "Asian American" itself emerged during the 1960s civil rights movement as a pan-ethnic political identity aimed at fostering solidarity and anti-racist political power among various Asian ethnic groups in the U.S. Despite their diverse socioeconomic backgrounds and immigration histories, Asian Americans came together to challenge discrimination and racism. However, the "model minority" myth has often obscured the significant disparities and challenges within the community by incorrectly presenting Asian Americans as universally successful. This myth not only overlooks the struggles faced by Asian Americans but also hinders the recognition of their experiences of discrimination and racism.

The discussion extends to the intergroup solidarity and political activities that have seen Asian Americans aligning with other communities of color to combat systemic racism and injustice. This conversation is part of a broader dialogue on how Asian Americans, like other minorities, navigate their identities in a racialized society where terms like POC, BIPOC, and Asian American carry significant political, social, and cultural weight. The ongoing evolution of these terms and the realities they attempt to describe highlight the importance of understanding and acknowledging the varied and unique experiences of racial minorities in the U.S.

In parallel, the experience of the Kurdish diaspora provides a poignant example of how racial and ethnic identities are negotiated and preserved. An Oxford-published paper on the use of the Kurdish language and identity within the Kurdish diaspora illustrates this process as a form of resistance against assimilation efforts by SWANA (Southwest Asian and North African) nations and Turkey. Historically, these efforts aimed to erase Kurdish language, history, and culture. However, in diaspora communities such as those in Nashville, New York City, and various European locations, the revival and teaching of the Kurdish language serve to reclaim and preserve cultural identity.

The Kurdish experience underscores the negotiation of racial and ethnic identities within broader classifications, such as MENA (Middle Eastern North African), and highlights the quest for recognition as a distinct group. These divisions and confusions contribute to the unique Asian American identity, forging a situation in which the diaspora becomes its own society. In this context, cultural entities like 88rising play a pivotal role.

88rising embodies the unique position of the Asian American diaspora. By showcasing artists from diverse ethnic backgrounds and generational progressions, 88rising reflects the complex, multifaceted nature of Asian American identity. The label's success highlights how cultural production can foster community and provide a platform for underrepresented voices, blending different influences to create a distinct artistic and cultural expression. The exploration of Asian American identity through the lenses of racial categorization, intergroup solidarity, and cultural preservation reveals a dynamic and evolving landscape is powerful. The experiences of Asian Americans, like those of the Kurdish diaspora, demonstrate the intricate ways in which racial and ethnic identities are negotiated and affirmed. 88rising serves as a cultural beacon, illustrating the power of music and media in shaping and celebrating the diverse identities that constitute Asian America.

Mural struck with controversy after style was compared to African American rappers.

Article talking about some of the controversy. This headliner was responsible for some of the conflict.

Dana Y. Takagi’s article "Asian Americans and Racial Politics: A Postmodern Paradox" provides critical insights into the racial dynamics that 88rising navigates. Takagi discusses the "model minority" myth, which positions Asian Americans in a paradoxical space where they are perceived both as successful and as perpetual outsiders. This duality creates unique challenges for Asian American artists as they strive to break free from stereotypical representations.

88rising’s approach to music and media embodies the fluidity and multiplicity of Asian American identities, blending traditional and contemporary cultural elements to create a hybrid form of expression. This reflects Takagi’s assertion that Asian American identities are not fixed but continuously shaped by various social, cultural, and political influences. By offering diverse and authentic representations, 88rising challenges the limited and often contradictory perceptions of Asian Americans, aligning with Takagi's call for a more nuanced understanding of their racial identity.

The collective also addresses the complexities of cultural appropriation and authenticity. In a genre historically dominated by Black artists, 88rising’s artists must navigate the fine line between influence and appropriation. Takagi’s insights into the political implications of Asian American identity are pertinent here. By providing a platform for Asian American artists, 88rising amplifies their voices and fosters a sense of community and solidarity. This aligns with Takagi’s emphasis on the importance of political activism and intergroup solidarity. 88rising’s collaborations often transcend ethnic boundaries, promoting unity and collective action within the broader Asian American diaspora.

The struggle against the "model minority" myth is a significant aspect of 88rising's mission. By showcasing the diverse experiences and talents of its artists, the collective undermines this reductive stereotype, highlighting the complexity and richness of Asian American identities. The music and media produced by 88rising offer a counter-narrative to mainstream depictions of Asian Americans, challenging the notion that they are a monolithic group. This effort to diversify representation is crucial in a media landscape that often fails to capture the full spectrum of Asian American experiences.

Navigating Racial Politics and Authenticity
Cultural Hybridity and Identity Transformation

Cultural hybridity is a key sociological concept in understanding the role of 88rising. James Lu, in his article "Enacting Asian American Transformations: An Inter-Ethnic Perspective," explores the fluid and evolving nature of Asian American identities. Lu emphasizes that these identities are shaped by interactions with other ethnic groups and socio-political contexts, a process he describes as cultural hybridity. This concept is exemplified in 88rising’s work, which blends traditional Asian elements with contemporary musical genres such as hip-hop, R&B, and electronic music. This fusion creates a unique soundscape that reflects the multifaceted identities of Asian American artists.

88Rising speaks on the Asian community and identity.

By promoting a diverse roster of artists, 88rising fosters inter-ethnic collaborations that enrich cultural narratives within the diaspora. This approach supports the argument that modern Asian American music serves as a powerful medium for cultural preservation and identity affirmation. The collective's projects often feature artists from various Asian backgrounds, promoting a sense of unity and shared identity while celebrating individual cultural differences. Lu’s discussion on cultural productions as a means of identity transformation underscores the significance of 88rising's contributions to the arts. Through their music, visual media, and collaborations with filmmakers, 88rising challenges stereotypes and offers authentic representations of Asian American experiences.

88rising's commitment to cultural hybridity not only serves to preserve the cultural heritage of its artists but also facilitates a dialogue between different cultural traditions. This dynamic process of cultural exchange and adaptation is crucial for understanding the evolving nature of Asian American identity. The collective's ability to integrate diverse cultural elements into its music reflects a broader trend within the Asian American community, where individuals continuously negotiate their identities in relation to both their heritage and the mainstream culture.

Influence of American Hip-Hop and Cultural Appropriation

Mayza Nisrin Abielah's article "The Influence and the Advantage of American Hip Hop to the Rising Asian Rappers" explores the impact of American hip-hop culture on emerging Asian rappers, highlighting both the influence and the advantages it offers. The article discusses how American hip-hop has provided a framework for Asian artists to express their identities and address social issues, creating a unique blend that resonates with diverse audiences.

This analysis is crucial for understanding 88rising's success and significance. By adopting elements of hip-hop while infusing their cultural backgrounds, 88rising artists create a distinctive sound that challenges stereotypes and broadens the representation of Asian musicians. The collective’s efforts to balance cultural appropriation concerns with genuine representation underscore the complex and evolving nature of Asian American identity in contemporary music. Abielah's insights into how Asian artists navigate these issues provide a deeper understanding of 88rising's efforts to balance respect for hip-hop's roots with their desire to innovate and represent their unique experiences.

The influence of American hip-hop on 88rising is evident in the collective’s musical style and aesthetic. By integrating elements of hip-hop with traditional Asian sounds, 88rising artists create a hybrid genre that is both innovative and culturally resonant. This fusion not only challenges the conventions of hip-hop but also expands its boundaries, making room for diverse voices and perspectives. The collective’s commitment to authenticity and respect for the genre’s roots is evident in its collaborations with established hip-hop artists and its efforts to engage with the broader hip-hop community.

Group pictures used for 88rising’s most famous album, displaying cultural diversity.

Joy Malsawmhlui’s thesis, "Asian Representation and Hip Hop in the Age of New Media: An Analysis of Rich Brian and his music," examines the role of new media in amplifying Asian voices. Malsawmhlui highlights how artists like Rich Brian, promoted by 88rising, navigate and challenge racial stereotypes through their music. The use of digital platforms allows these artists to reach a global audience, breaking down barriers and fostering a sense of pride within the Asian American community.

88rising's innovative use of new media aligns with the broader argument that modern Asian American music serves as a powerful medium for cultural preservation and identity affirmation. By leveraging digital platforms, 88rising enhances visibility and fosters a sense of pride within the Asian American community, contributing to a more inclusive and diverse cultural landscape. This approach not only amplifies the voices of Asian American artists but also helps redefine their place in the global music industry.

The impact of new media on 88rising’s success cannot be overstated. Digital platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, and Spotify have enabled the collective to reach a vast and diverse audience, transcending geographical and cultural boundaries. This global reach has not only amplified the voices of Asian American artists but also facilitated cross-cultural exchanges, fostering a more inclusive and interconnected music scene. The use of new media also allows 88rising to engage with its audience in real-time, creating a dynamic and interactive community that supports and promotes its artists.

One of 88Rising’s most popular productions which makes use of the full diversity of their line-up.

Superhybridity and

Cross-Cultural Production

Valentia Sundell's thesis, "Superhybridity and the Swallowing of Subculture: Collisions of Afro-Asian Cross-Cultural Production and Consumption in Post-Internet American Popular Culture," explores the increasing visibility and integration of Afro-Asian cultural production in contemporary media. Sundell uses the concept of "superhybridity" to describe the merging of subcultures in an era where cultural boundaries are increasingly fluid and mediated by digital technology. 88rising exemplifies this superhybridity by blending Asian and African American cultural elements, creating hybrid expressions that challenge traditional boundaries. Their collaboration on the soundtrack for the "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings" movie is a significant example of this phenomenon. By contributing to a major Marvel film that centers on an Asian superhero, 88rising not only highlights the dynamic nature of cultural production in the digital age but also underscores the growing influence and representation of Asian American identities in mainstream media.

The "Shang-Chi" soundtrack allowed 88rising to harness the power of digital platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and Spotify to disseminate their hybrid cultural productions to a global audience, breaking down geographical and cultural barriers. This digital presence not only amplified the visibility of Afro-Asian collaborations but also facilitated real-time feedback and interaction with fans, fostering a participatory culture emblematic of superhybridity. By leveraging these technologies, 88rising democratized the production and consumption of music and media, creating a more diverse and representative cultural dialogue.

Furthermore, the collective’s ability to navigate and integrate various cultural signifiers from both Asian and African American traditions created a new aesthetic that resonated with younger, more globally minded audiences. This aesthetic, showcased in the "Shang-Chi" soundtrack, extended beyond music to include fashion, visual art, and social media personas, creating a holistic cultural movement that challenged monolithic representations of identity. By embracing a multiplicity of influences, 88rising not only reflected the complexity of contemporary cultural identities but also promoted an ethos of inclusivity and mutual respect.

Ultimately, 88rising’s collaboration with "Shang-Chi" serves as a blueprint for future cross-cultural productions, illustrating the potential for hybrid identities to thrive in a digitally connected world. Their success underscores the importance of embracing cultural fluidity and the transformative power of digital media in shaping new forms of cultural expression. As 88rising continues to innovate and collaborate, they pave the way for a more interconnected and inclusive cultural landscape, reflecting the evolving nature of identity in the 21st century and providing a powerful voice for the Asian American community.

Conclusion

88rising plays a transformative role in redefining Asian American identity through its innovative approach to music and media. By embracing cultural hybridity, navigating racial politics, and leveraging new media, 88rising not only preserves cultural heritage but also affirms and redefines Asian American identity. The collective’s efforts challenge stereotypes, promote diversity, and contribute to a dynamic and inclusive cultural landscape. Through the lenses of various sociological concepts and supported by academic literature, it is evident that 88rising is a pivotal force in the evolving narrative of Asian American representation in contemporary music. The collective’s success serves as a testament to the power of cultural hybridity, authenticity, and community in shaping the future of Asian American identity and representation.

References

Abielah, Mayza Nisrin. “THE INFLUENCE AND THE ADVANTAGE OF AMERICAN HIP HOP TO THE RISING ASIAN RAPPERS.” Download.Garuda.Kemdikbud.Go.Id, Journal of Transnational American Studies, Feb. 2020, download.garuda.kemdikbud.go.id/article.php?article=2280467&val=6521&title=THE+INFLUENCE+AND+THE+ADVANTAGE+OF+AMERICAN+HIP+HOP+TO+THE+RISING+ASIAN+RAPPERS.

Malsawmhlui, J. “Asian Representation and Hip Hop in the Age of New Media: An Analysis of Rich Brian and His Music.” Radboud Educational Repository, 17 Aug. 2020, theses.ubn.ru.nl/items/1de60f84-97ab-48a3-94a2-8ae97ad0ca21.

Takagi, Dana Y. “Asian Americans and Racial Politics: A Postmodern Paradox.” Social Justice, vol. 20, no. 1/2 (51-52), 1993, pp. 115–28. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/29766736. Accessed 29 Nov. 2023.

Sundell, Valentia. “Superhybridity and the Swallowing of Subculture: Collisions of Afro-Asian Cross-Cultural Production and Consumption in Post-Internet American Popular Culture.” DigitalCommons@Macalester College, Macalester, digitalcommons.macalester.edu/hmcs_honors/9/. Accessed 1 May 2024.

Lu, James. “Enacting Asian American Transformations: An Inter-Ethnic Perspective.” MELUS, vol. 23, no. 4, 1998, pp. 85–99. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/467829. Accessed 29 Nov. 2023.

Zhang, Stephanie. “Navigating the Pacific: 20th Century Afro-Asian Relations.” Navigating the Pacific 20th Century AfroAsian Relations, Emory, 22 Jan. 2018, scholarblogs.emory.edu/blackinternationalism/asian-asian-americans-and-rap-music/.

Visuals:

  1. Leung, J. (2020). Stop Asian Hate Photograph. Unsplash.

    Nico Blitz, Aug 1, 2018. 88rising Interview | Rich Brian, NIKI, Joji, August 08 | 'Head in the Clouds' & Asian Representation. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HGaICWN1qgM&t=3s

  2. Asian American Popular Culture. (2018, March 12). 88rising: Complicit in usage of Asians as a tool of anti-Blackness. Asian American Popular Culture. https://asianamericanpopularculturew18.wordpress.com/2018/03/12/88rising-complicit-in-usage-of-asians-as-a-tool-of-anti-blackness/

  3. Hammerstad, K. (2017.). “88RISING IN LA”

  4. 88rising. (2018). 88rising group photo on the beach (Head in the Clouds album).

  5. 88rising. (2018, June 7). Midsummer Madness [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQ4sD31o4Aw

  6. Marvel Studios. (2021). Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings movie poster [Shang-Chi Promotion 1].

  7. 88rising. (2021). Marvel x 88rising: Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings: The Album cover