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
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.
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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.
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Thanks again. Don’t ever stop writing.
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Pssst, PSY’s song is titled “Gangnam Style” not “Gangland Style.” Gangnam is a district of Seoul, South Korea (;
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thank you so very much for the correction. change made. I appreciate your thoughtfulness very much.
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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!
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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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kENDALL THANKS , ENJOYING THE EXPERIENCES HERE !!!
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That is so nice to hear. Glad you have become a part of the neighborhood. You are needed here.
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Very unique rapper, and I love that he embraces his culture. I hope he goes far. His rhyme was different.
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I wish him well too. Thank you for adding your voice and welcome to the neighborhood.
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🙂 You got it!
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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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Reblogged this on God, Anarchy and the Dead(lift).
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Reblogged this on FARTY POOP FART FART.
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Reblogged this on meanlittleboy2.
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I will always love Enter the Dragon.
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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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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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It is always my pleasure to introduce the neighborhood to new artists that I come across and to pay tribute to a few of my all time greats. Thank you for adding your voice and welcome to the neighborhood.
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Great post! Bruce Lee showed us all the way. “No limit as limitation” – Bruce Lee
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Reblogged this on mindtrivia.
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Reblogged this on Heidi Joy Hameed.
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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!! =)
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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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Nice information.
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Hey Kendall,
thank you very much for sharing and for liking http://gammagamification.wordpress.com/2013/09/15/a-sketch-of-the-face-of-happiness-part-i/ 🙂 I really appreciate you being my friend!
Have a great day,
Chris
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I appreciate you too, Christoph
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Thank you 🙂 When will your next knowledge bowl be published?
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BRUCE LEE, he is the man!
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Very true, my friend. Very true.
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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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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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You are so very welcome. Bruce Lee was such a huge part of growing up, it was for me to pay homage to him too. By the way, welcome to the neighborhood.
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lol – thanks Kendall, nice to be here. 🙂
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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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Thank you for adding your voice to this forum. Very interesting. Your synopsis leaves little doubt that the world wide web has made the world a much cozier place. Welcome to the neighborhood. So glad you made it.
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🙂
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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!
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I appreciate you adding your voice and experiences to this forum. Welcome to the neighborhood.
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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.
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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.
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The video is well done. The two lights in the tunnel- the light of escape and the light of reality- brilliant!
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I thought they did a spot on job with the video as well. So glad you enjoyed it. And welcome to the neighborhood.
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You had me until PSY.
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{smile} I understand. I understand.
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