ASIAN AMERICAN ENTERTAINER, DUMBFOUNDEAD ENTERS UNCHARTED WATERS

  Posted on by Kendall Fredrick Person

  46 Comments

Dumbfoundead

ASIAN AMERICAN ENTERTAINER,
DUMBFOUNDEAD ENTERS UNCHARTED WATERS

by Kendall F. Person

I was six years old on the day Asia arrived in America. I do not mean as a people or a culture. On the coasts, Americans of Asian descent, have been a part of the melting pot for nearly as long as the pot has been in existence. San Francisco’s Chinatown is not only one of its most popular tourist destinations, but is a vibrant community in its own right. But in Hollywood, Asian actors were often reduced to stereo-typical, slapstick style characters, and many times, in the most popular roles, were played by white Americans or Europeans (Warland Oland as Charlie Chan) further insulting both American Asians as well as, Asians abroad. But in 1972, an American born actor of Chinese heritage exploded on the scene, bringing not just his authentic cultural identity with him, but ushered in a martial arts craze that would become an unrivaled American  curriculum for decades to come.

The Chinese Connection and Fist of Fury starring Bruce Lee were action packed thrillers, with intimate storylines rumbling beneath. But it was the 1973 blockbuster Enter the Dragon, coupled with his untimely death at age 32, that cemented Bruce Lee as an iconic international star. His moves were brilliant. His strikingly good looks all but erased the racial characteristics that were so often portrayed by the entertainment industry, and unwittingly thrusted into the subconscious of the average American moviegoer. Bruce Lee was not just a Chinese star, or an Asian star but a brilliant, talented and popular global superstar.

There have been hints at a repeat of his success. Hong Kong based director John Woo (Face/Off, Mission Impossible II), actress Lucy Liu (Charlie’s Angels, Kill Bill, Chicago) and more recently South Korean born singer PSY (Gangnam Style) and the American born quartet Far East Movement (Like a G6), but their storylines have either stalled or are still in progress.

Introducing Dumbfoundead

With the swagger of hip hop, the backstory Americans love and the talent of a star, Dumbfoundead not only embraces his American culture but does not shy away from his Korean heritage. Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina to South Korean refugees, along with his sister, he was smuggled into Mexico before settling in Los Angeles’ Koreatown at the age of three. Clear pays homage to his past, present and future. The video was shot entirely in South Korea, and the subtle sounds of the far east cannot easily be ignored, and may be the formula that sets him apart from other aspiring rappers. But his smooth flow, intelligent lyrics (I’m Malcom, I’m Gladwell that tippin point is risin’) and original sound, although  a long way off and treading uncharted waters, Dumbfounded may be on the right path to iconic status.

a music review 

 Category: music, Reviews      Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

46 Comments on “ASIAN AMERICAN ENTERTAINER, DUMBFOUNDEAD ENTERS UNCHARTED WATERS”

  1. I’m going to say that if I had never decided to visit your blog, I would have never decided to give Dumbfounded a listen, and let me just say, that I am glad I did.

    Thanks for the follow, and keep these awesome reviews going.

    Like

    • Dumbfoundead is a talented young rapper. I wish him continued success. Thank you for adding your voice to this forum. It inspires me to continue to do more. You are appreciated and welcome to the neighborhood. So glad you made it.

      Like

  2. Pssst, PSY’s song is titled “Gangnam Style” not “Gangland Style.” Gangnam is a district of Seoul, South Korea (;

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  3. I love how you not only post for an older audience but you also strive for a younger audience too! by blogging about the hip hop artist Dumbfoundead which a lot of teens love and adore including myself! Love the little intro about him! Keep up the good work!

    Like

    • the very foundation of The Neighborhood is to be all-inclusive, built on a foundation of peace. Thank you for adding your beautiful voice. Your words have helped confirm, we are hitting the mark. Welcome to the neighborhood. So glad you are here.

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  6. Bruce Lee was a hero but it is time now for Asian people to not always be connected to martial arts. I know that there are some talented Asian people who go outside the world of music and the martial arts.

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    • I watched The Chinese Connection for the 16th time on evening before I wrote this post. And whoever said its never as good as the first time…has not seen Bruce Lee. Thank you for adding your voice to this forum and welcome to the neighborhood.

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  11. I enjoyed this a lot. Saw Bruce Lee for the first time – great actor. The Korean rapper is very good. Thanks for sharing.

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  15. I very much enjoy your music review. Entertaining and informative at the same time… WOW. thank you for following my blog! I am honored! Have a great day, Kendall!! =)

    Like

    • It is my pleasure to have become a part of the community and I officially welcome you to the neighborhood. I am so glad you enjoyed the review. I try to take a different perspective, kind of a bigger picture sort of thing. In a simple kind of way, shows how we are all connected and the circle of life has true meaning. Thank you for adding your voice. You are appreciated.

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  19. I’ve been following Dumbfoundead since I saw him live with Tiger JK back in ’09. His freestyling is off the hook and his productions are always super slick – nice coverage!

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  20. I was introduced to Bruce Lee and martial arts in the 70’s and have been a huge fan ever since. Thanks for this trip down memory lane.:)

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  21. I coach young people in a London school and for the first time this week, one of my students was speaking about the growing popularity of Korean pop and hip hop in south London. I was astounded because she and some of her other friends (and these are black and white kids) are teaching themselves to read, write and speak Korean so that they can translate the Korean subtitles from the songs and videos they watch on u tube! I will ask her if she has heard of Dumbfounded. Apparently, I hear Korean hip hop is gaining popularity in places like Poland too!

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    • 1957, I was nineteen, Sayonara, Hollywood’s production of James A. Michener’s book portrayed epic performances by great Asian talents. No need to waste words, only watching the YouTube movie will you appreciate what I am sharing. I guess I did not grow up with ethnic blinders for that time. I guess some of us lived in the light, regardless of our era!

      Like

  23. Sounds cool. I love Asian blendings with hip hop, they are able to respect the culture and be a part of it without being over bearing in my experience. I will check this new artist out.

    Like

    • I am so glad you enjoyed Dumbfoundead. When I wander across new sites and sounds, I do best to share them within the neighborhood in hopes of introducing my finds to you. Thank you for adding your voice to this forum and welcome to the neighborhood. You are needed here.

      Like

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