After work I left to Boston College to attend SEASA's "BOLD WORDS, LOUD TOUNGE" event.
"Bold Words, Loud Tongue was created to celebrate Southeast Asian and Asian identity in the form of expression through the culture of hip hop. Through forms of expression, such as spoken poetry and singing, both artists and students share stories unique to their experiences, such as racism, sexism, oppression, loss, disappointment, hard work, love and empowerment. Bold Words, Loud Tongue strives to not only shatter stereotypes of the Southeast Asian and Asian community to spread awareness, but also to help members of the greater Boston College community to embrace and empower their own identity."
During the event I had the pleasure of seeing/meeting numerous talented Asian-American individuals perform on stage, be with spoken word, singing and even dancing.
One of the performers that I had the pleasure of meeting was AJ Rafael
This talented individual flew all the way from Southern California to perform at this event, This man has over 4.5+ million views on his youtube account as well as 145,000+ subscribers. AJ was also ranked #31 most subscribed musician on youtube.
Check out his newest song "500 Days"
Having been a fan of his music for quite some time, it was an honor to meet somebody as talented AND as young as him in person. I applaud him for giving Asian-Americans a voice in a industry where we're so overshadowed by Caucasian and African entertainers.
I was able to talk with AJ prior to his flight to Boston and agreed on meeting up together after the show. Dudes MAD chill, hes fun to talk to, not shy, MAD goofy and such a fantastic personality. We had a good conversation about music, Asian-Americans in the media, Andrew Garcia on American idol etc etc. So down to Earth for someone as well known as him.
It was sad that he had to leave so soon, but none the less, AJ! It was dope meeting you bro! Hope you have a safe flight back out to Cali, hope you have a CRAZY birthday in March, I hope with all you attempt in life, you succeed. Keep doing what you do best man!
Check out AJ rocking FunkMeOut!'s "Music Controls My Heart" T-shirt!
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/ajrafael
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/ajRAFAEL
I also had the pleasure of meeting up with one of Berklee's current student/talented guitarist Andrew Rhim
Check out his music and support! Hes a dope guitarist and also a down to earth fellow, turns out that we met eachother before during a Johnny Cupcakes event. Small world!
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/sorreymusic
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/sorreymusic
After the event my friends and I went over to the Food Connection in Cambridge to grub on some Chicken Katsu with rice + Beef Gim Bap. BANGING!
ALSO! Spring line drops in March! Keep on checking back for more updates!!
-FunkMistah_J
