West Bound Eastern

Asian American YouTube Entertainers: success outside of stereotypical Asian American career roles

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What Asian careers are considered "stereotypical"?

Careers in law, math, and the sciences, primarily if the Asian is well-educated. Careers in labor and menial services (seamstress/tailor, nail salon owner/worker, laundry mat owner/worker, Chinese restaurant owner/worker, etc), if the Asian is not. Stereotypical Asian American careers are generally the former.

Education is generally valued in most families with Asian parents, since education gives the chance to become an affluent individual and also climb the social ladder; therefore careers in law, math, and the sciences are prioritized. A lot of Asian Americans enjoy these careers, but a lot of them are also pressured into these careers by their parents. As you have probably noticed, careers in the arts are not included in the list.

Careers in labor and menial services are typically not preferred if an Asian American has a decent education. Many Asian immigrants work in these fields, and they can attest to both the physical and financial difficulty that comes with these jobs. Generally an immigrant Asian parent (or most caring parents in general) wouldn’t want their child to go through the same pain. This is also the reason why many Asian Americans don’t decide against a career in law, math, or the sciences, because money is almost guaranteed. Their parents can stop working altogether in the long run, because the child is financially capable of taking care of them. (This is an example of the Confucian value of filial piety.) Money is not guaranteed in careers in the arts and many people don’t end up taking the chance.

Because most of the bloggers are from Asian American families, our answer stems from both common occurrences between our cultures and what we have learned from the opinions of non-Asians. Again, these answers are all based on stereotypes. The purpose of this blog is not to diminish or denigrate Asian Americans who are workers in the of the so-called “stereotypical” careers, but rather to explore and commend the ones who venture into sectors other than law, math, or the sciences.

ㅡ sittingpekingduck

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Ray Mak AKA MakHonKit

Even though he isn’t well known as some of the famous musician or performers on YouTube, Ray Mak, a Malaysian American, was still able to garner some popularity on YouTube through his love of his favorite instrument: the piano. He has made hundreds of piano covers of, surprisingly, famous pop songs over the years ever since he started YouTube career in 2008 and has even done live performances. Currently, he is still performing and posting YouTube videos and even starred in the YouTube FanFest 2014 in Singapore. Right now, he is a prime example that Asian Americans can succeed in the YouTube industry as musicians.

(Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BSpHxaaFxE0)

Not much is really known about Ray Mak other than what is stated on his website (http://www.makhonkit.com). He is from Malaysian descent, started YouTube due to the positive responses he received on his very first on YouTube, shown above, which was his live performance at UMASS 2007. Ever since then, he continued to make more videos showcasing his piano talent and, surely but slowly, gained popularity as he did covers of popular songs. Before that, he moved out of Malaysia to attend college and eventually worked at Microsoft Corporations for a while, then started up his own project known as T4Academy, which was a program that had the mission to “ ...provide empowerment and human resource value for the constant dynamic changes of today’s work place…”, yet had to drop it due to government issues.

(Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrSCkZsDORA)

To this day, his most popular cover was his cover of the song Love The Way You Lie by Eminem and Rihanna. However, he was still able to achieve to get over one million views on several of his covers, which is a tall feat considering the fact that Ray Mak isn’t a famous pianist outside of Youtube. Some of his other popular piano covers include the famous Gangnam Style from Psy, Grenade from Bruno Mars, and Wedding Dress from popular Kpop Star Tae Yang. Even though he doesn’t have multi-million subscribers, his great piano work still allowed him to gain a lot of popularity and was even invited to play live for his Alma Mater, Pianoforte, and the KLCC, which will be shown below. He serves as a great example as a successful Asian American musician who is making a living off of YouTube by playing the very instrument he loves.

(Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ekJxLfrvikE)

(Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Ab49zoDkBw)

For everyone one of the piano covers he does, he has a tutorial set up on his website at http://www.makhonkit.com/tutorials. If you want to learn how to play like he does, please listen to his songs and read the tutorials so that you can appreciate the hard work Ray Mak does and maybe one day you also achieve success by working in your own type of craft.

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AJ Rafael

AJ Rafael-- yet another of the musical pioneers of the Asian American community on Youtube and even before that, on Myspace. For some, he's been in their lives since the Internet was used with dial-up. For me, I've been listening to his music since I knew what the Internet was. It's the same for many other Asian Americans in the world that finally see someone that looks like them, performing in the media. He began his musical career after playing piano at church after his father passed away. After that moment, he knew that music would be one of the biggest components o his life. He wrong his first song in 2004 and shortly after, he started performing in his hometown and in local cities in order to familiarize himself with the music industry. Then in 2005 he released his first album. In 2006, he showed up in homes around the world with the help of Myspace. He showcased his music to family, friends, and fans that he didn't even know the faces of. He now performs nationally and internationally. 

(Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8NiGvcPXBw0)

AJ Rafael has become one of the top musicians within the Youtube world. AJ became has over 400,000 Youtube subscribers, has reached 90 million views on YouTube, over 200,000 Facebook fans, 11 million plays on MySpace, and 129,000 followers on Twitter. AJ has frequently landed in the Top 20 on Billboard’s “Uncharted” Chart, since January 2011. His 2011 album, Red Roses, reached the Top Ten pop albums in Itunes. His success was funded by his fans solely. He began a Kickstarter in which his fans can donate money towards his album production costs. Though he was hesitant to ask for money from his fans, his financial goals were surpassed after the first day of donations. Together he raised $11,000 and that was more than enough to cover the production of his album. His loyal fan base is recognized to be the core of his ongoing success along with his unmatched talent.

(Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBqkciiW58I) 

He recognizes himself as a true Filipino American. He has every intention of maintaining his own culture as well as morphing it with the American society that he grew up in. He finds great significant in embracing his ethnic background. He thinks that  being, "Filipino American is being proud of where you come from and being proud of it. Why not, your parents are from there. If your parents are from America, know about America. But my parents are straight up from the Philippines so I feel like I should know where they came from." He wants to maintain his culture for the sake of his parents as well as the current young generation in America right now where all the races are mixed together. He realizes that this Youtube sensation has really kickstarted a new attitude of embracing the fact that you're Asian American and that you should be proud of it. This Youtube sensation has made Asian Americans all over the world become proud of who they are and be proud of those representing them on Youtube in all aspects. They can turn on the computer and see a friend, see someone they relate to, see someone they can look up to. That's what AJ Rafael's purpose is from being a Youtube-born star, similarly to other Asian American media sensations on this large social platform. He supports the use of Youtube to put yourself out there, especially with the past lack of Asian Americans in the media. He says that Youtube "is free for you and for the users or whatever maybe the next big thing. I don’t feel like it’s giving in or conforming. It’s taking advantage for whatever your goal is. There are just so many people online and the Internet. To each his own. I feel like if you want to pursue this career, you have to put yourself out there. Don’t edit yourself. When you’re talking, be as real as possible. I feel like good music will transcend no matter what" (See more at: http://theotherasians.com/2011/12/aj rafael/#sthash.Jq0rhAil.dpuf) 

He continues to be a strong motivator for Asian Americans who want to make it big in the media or any other field that is out of the expect professions. The young generation has been following him since the first days of his success  and now we see him blossom into a big star. This is only where many Asian Americans around the world are working to be. They are pushing out of their comfort zones to do what they love. Because we see AJ Rafael, we know that our dreams are possible.

(Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4jExfJptYic)

“I was born to play music. I grew up to live for music. I have learned to breathe music. I already feel successful in a sense that I have touched someone else's heart with my music. I only hope to inspire more people to have music in their lives: that's all it's about. Popularity, money, attention, I mean all of that's nice (not that I get much of it), but that's all temporary... music is FOREVER.” –AJ Rafael. 

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Clara Chung

One of the pioneering representatives of the Asian American community of entertainers on Youtube, known for her beautiful voice and unmatched talent, we have Korean American singer/songwriter Clara Chung otherwise known as ClaraCMusic in the Youtube world. Five years ago she started posting covers to mainstream's most popular songs as well as her own original songs that captured the hearts of Asian Americans all over the world. Finally, we see a female Asian American in the media that isn't known for her law degree, her medical profession, her extraordinary mathematical mind, or her technological advances. Clara Chung is known for her music and that's all that we expect from her. She is inspiring millions of Asian Americans that they too can fulfill their dreams rather than fulfill the expectations laid in front of them. 

(Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0W9M41UPVO8) 

She has rose to the top of the Youtube  charts with over 200,000 subscribers and 25 million video views. Her popularity is off the charts and she is competitive with the other Asian American entertainers on Youtube. In fact, she has collaborated with many of them. She has featured Asian American sensations and fellow Youtubers such as Ryan Higa and Joseph Vincent in her musical videos. She has expanded her musical range with collaborations with Dumbfounded and Jay Park. Not only did she find success as a solo artist, she found companionship with other widely popular Asian Americans in the media world and that helped jumpstart her career with a wider range audience. 

(Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0NRnQWsvvK4)

Her success has skyrocketed after walking home as the victor at musical competitions: Los Angeles’ Kollaboration 10, KAC Media Juice Night, and ISA 2009. Her friends actually pushed her to enter these competitions because they believed she could win, though she was hesitant. Her friends were also the ones who pushed her to start a Youtube channel and begin to broadcast videos of herself singing to the world. In an interview, Clara says, "You see, the people who were going to be with me at UCLA, my friends and my boyfriend at the time, they all discouraged me from music. They all said, “It’s risky. Don’t do it. No one makes it.” If I went to UCLA, I wouldn’t have done music. Clara C would not exist. I went to UC Irvine, met the right people who forced me to do YouTube videos and forced me to do competitions. That’s why my dream lives." (See more at: http://theotherasians.com/2011/08/clara-chung/#sthash.uYWrDHzI.dpuf) She has actually been offered a number of record labels however she continues to stay true to her goal of  being an independent singer/songwriter. Her determination has resulted in now having three complete albums of her own. Her first album was released in 2010, The Art in my Heart, and that was followed by the 2011 LovePrint tour on the west coast and the east coast. Her second album, Esc, was released in 2011 and soon later she began touring with other popular Korean Amerian Youtube star David Choi. In 2013 she released her third album Organika. Though she has accumulated so much success, she does not plan to stop here. She's barely begun.

(Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cGCp1sgHYjo)

Risk. The music industry for Asian Americans is all risk. We could go the safe route and jump into the profession that is expected of us, whether we actually are passionate about it or not. We go because it's safe. Clara skipped that route because what's considered "safe" is obviously not her dream. To be on Youtube is a risk as we're letting ourselves be seen as completely vulnerable to virtually the entire world that won't be hesitant to throw out putdowns and insults to hinder our confidence. But the risk is more than our social standing. Taking a risk and pursuing our dreams is the risk of our lives. Clara realizes that not everyone makes it. But that's why she works to be one of the few people who do achieve success from chasing their dreams. Her words of wisdom: "You could be damn good at what you love and make a living off of it. I think anyone can do anything—you just have to put in the hours, labor, and elbow grease. Make sure you work at it because you get what you give to your craft." She continues to be a standing influence for Asian Americans all over the world and she is a prime example of taking a risk to pursue what you love. You don't have to be a doctor, simply be what you love and life will take you from there. 

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KevJumba

With popularity comparable to Niga Higa and Wonf Fu Productions, there is the Chinese American Youtube comedian, Kevin Wu, more widely known as KevJumba. He was one of the pioneers of the Asian American community of entertainers on the Youtube platform as uploaded his first video in 2006. His purpose in many of his videos and his Youtube channel is to serve as an outlet for fellow Asian Americans to come to for a good laugh and walk away with the feeling that they're no alone-- that there are other people that are struggling with the same issues, going through the same life milestones, and living the same day to day routines in the life of an Asian American. 

(Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nbZ9zJ22WfQ)

After a successful 8 years on Youtube, Kevin currently has over 3 million subscrubers and well over 300 million video views. As of 2008, Kevin was one of the three East Asian Americans under the age of 21 to achieve a rank in the top five of the all-time Youtube's most subscribed to channels with well over 180 thousand subscrubers and 6 million video views. That same year, he rose to the number one, most subscribed to comedic channel on Youtube as well as the third most subscribed to Youtube personality. 

(Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8zfKHzJHrjE)

He also shared his Youtube fame with other fellow Asian American entertainers such as Niga Higa, Wong Fu Productions, and Happy Slip. One thing that unites them all is the fact that they are all Asian Americans that found great success out of the stereotypical roles. We all know that Asians are expected to gravitate towards these professions: medicine, science, technology, and law. Careers outside of these fields used to be unheard of and frowned upon by the older generations. But after the rise in success of Asian American entertainers, singers, actors, producers, directors, and even beauty gurus on Youtube, it's clear to see that we can succeed in any field wish to pursue. Also, when we collaborate and mix our talents... the results can be hilariously magical. 

(Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7f7udgXREY)

Currently, Kevin is on a hiatus from Youtube as of 8 months ago. Don't worry, he's not disappearing from our lives. He's simple doing greater things with his that we will soon see and enjoy. For the past few years, he has been collaborating with other popular Asian American entertainers on Youtube. However, he's also been on television shows, web shows, and also some feature films. He is currently in the production of a 2014 film, Revenge of the Green Dragons, along with many other Asian Americans we know such as Justin Chon and Harry Shum Jr. But he's also making a difference with the rest of the world. Years ago, he started a KevJumba Fund in which his subscribers and fans donate to a greater cause. And as of this past month, with the money collected from his loyal fans, he opened the Kev Jumba high school in Kenya. 

Look at the success that he has achieved as a Youtube-born star. What is the next big thing that we can expect from Kevin? We can only wait to see. He's a true inspiration to Asian Americas and people of all backgrounds all over the world. He shows everyone that you can be successful in a career that strays outside of the expected professions of Asian Americans. He shows people that you can be successful while doing something you are passionate about. He serves as a role model for the current young generation and he will forever be known as one of the pioneers of the Asian American community on Youtube and in the world.

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NigaHiga

One of the most well known Asian American Youtube celebrities that everyone nowadays know is NigaHiga. One of the original Youtube stars that started ever since the very beginning of Youtube, NigaHiga AKA Ryan Higa has a long history in Youtube and is now seen as the main Asian American Youtube celebrity along with other well known stars like the Wong Fu group. However, behind his life lies a early, hard life that he went through that also gave him inspiration to continue on and do what he does now. His story is one that can apply to many, and serves as an inspiration to all Asian Americans that one can become successful in the YouTube industry by doing what they love to do.

(Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KPmoDYayoLE)

Over the 8 years of his Youtube career, Ryan Higa has gained millions of subscribers over 2 channels, one being his main channel under his internet name “NigaHiga” and another channel known as HigaTV where he posts vlogs and behind the scene content. In this 8 years, NigaHiga has achieved to be the most subscribed YouTube channel for the most consecutives days (677 days, from 2011 to 2013). Even though nowadays he is being outshined by YouTubers such as PewDiePie and Smosh in terms of subscriptions, he is still a very popular YouTuber and has guaranteed at least 2-3 millions views per new video that comes out, with the high chance it will get ever more views. Some of his higher viewed videos reached the 50 million mark.

(Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfeys7Jfnx8)

Most of his success stems from short, comedy videos and parodies, such as the “How to Emo” (one of his original videos that got him famous) and the “The iPod Human” (parody of the Apple iPod series). However, in recent years, Ryan Higa has been featured on movie films that have been shown in theaters or was featured on YouTube. The first movie was Ryan and Sean’s Not So Excellent Adventure, released on 2008. Next was short film known as Ninja Melk, and after that was a Wong Fu collaboration film known as Agents of Secret Stuff, both of which were uploaded on YouTube and gained massive popularity while the Wong fu film also had other Asian American YouTube starring as well.

(Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m2K9ZfTcU1E)

To this day Ryan Higa is still making videos, and recently aided in the formation of the Asian American pop culture YouTube Channel known as “You Offend ME, You Offend my Family” (Or YOMYOMF), which serves as a blog for the pop culture. He also served as a judge for the online video making talent competition known as Internet Idol, which shows who is has the talent to become the next YouTube sensation. Ryan Higa still serves as the inspiration he is to all those who wish to become successful in the YouTube industry, and is a still a great role model for those who are going through the difficulties of trying to find a career in something they love to do.

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Ailee

“Isn’t she that one girl from YouTube? The one that does those song covers.”

Seeing popular YouTubers on television can be a shocking experience for a lot of people. Whether it’s a positive or negative shock, one can’t deny the feeling of seeing something that doesn’t usually belong. YouTube has its own niche audience, and not everyone who watches YouTube watches television. The same can be said vice versa. YouTube and the real world entertainment industry are undeniably two separate entities.

That being said, most YouTubers tend to stay on YouTube and not many advance to platforms like television and radio. Just like how it’s difficult to find prominent Asian American actors in Hollywood, Asian Americans YouTubers are even less likely to advance into the entertainment industry outside of YouTube.

Such is not the case for YouTuber and Korean American singer Amy Lee, who now goes by the stage name “Ailee”. Almost like a Justin Bieber story, she is one of the few Asian American YouTubers to make it big. Lee found immense success outside of YouTube, but also primarily outside of the music scene within the United States. Originally from New Jersey, Lee left behind her old life for South Korea in pursuit of a career in her motherland’s music industry.

Before her advancement into South Korea, Lee personally held two YouTube accounts. Lee’s second channel came into creation after her decision to use YouTube as a professional space to share her work. The first, “mzamyx3,” has over 6,800 subscribers and the second one, “aileemusic” has over 68,000 subscribers. In total, the two channels have accumulated over 75,000 subscribers and over 6.4 million video views. Both her channels are stagnant currently as her music career occupies most of her time.

The most viewed video on both of her channels combined is her cover of “The Climb” by Miley Cyrus with over 1.4 million views, showcasing her talents as a powerhouse vocal and as a potential YouTube Asian American success story.

(Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oEDZ0tuzygk)

On her first channel, Lee’s most viewed video is her cover of Whitney Houston’s “I Have Nothing” at over 599,000 views. The cover was made before Lee went to South Korea and before she became a trainee in preparation for her career.

(Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_W710y7jMIw)

Initially uploaded in 2007, Lee performed the same song in front of a live audience five years later in South Korea after her official debut as a soloist.

(Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zBCnbz3X5QY)

The above video is the 10th most viewed video on YouTube under the “Ailee” tag. Although I’m not a trained vocal specialist, I think both versions are spectacular, and it’s amazing to see an Asian American with such a big voice take an entire country by storm.

The Ailee video with the most views on YouTube is Lee’s music video for the title track of her first mini-album (Invitation), “I Will Show You.” The song propelled her growth to stardom, leading her to receive multiple awards for singing and for her songs and albums in addition to the momentum she gained from her debut track, “Heaven.”

(Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCEcWcIww5k)

One could argue that Lee’s success is debatable, since she made it big in her motherland, not in the land of her nationality, but I disagree. Lee’s status as an Asian American, particularly Korean American, is well-known in South Korea, as well as emphasized when she is asked to speak in English for different television or radio programs. Asian American fans of Korean music within the continental United States are aware of Lee’s progress in South Korea and many agree that she would find success in the U.S. The music industry is global, and although Lee is in South Korea, she still is a representation of Asian Americans in the media.

More can be found out about Lee and her activities on her official page on her label's website, YMC Entertainment.

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Wong Fu Productions

In a society where Hollywood films with Asian American actors have plots that tend to gravitate towards restoring lost honor through kung fu fighting, defeating a mortal nemesis with precise and awe-inspiring kung fu fighting, and general kung fu fighting, ridding the Asian American population of a prominent stereotype proves complicated.

If only Asian Americans had a way to prove society’s wrong. If only they had a method to share their voice. If only they had people to produce symbolic works that tear Hollywood’s stereotypes to shreds.

Oh! How about those Wong Fu guys?

Having started in 2003, a time before YouTube came into existence, Wong Fu Productions is now currently in its eleventh year of operation. Led by Philip Wang, Ted Fu, and Wesley Chan, Wong Fu Productions creates short films, music videos, and vlogs that portray Asian Americans as ordinary people with ordinary problems, dreams, and passions. Garnering a YouTube subscriber count of 2.1 million and over 317 million video views, they have become icons for Asian American representation in an industry where such representation is lacking.

The trio met in college at the University of California, San Diego under coincidental circumstances as neither of them were from the same academic major. Fu was a student in electrical engineering, Chan was interested in animation, and Wang had shown interest in economics, but they all graduated with degrees in the visual arts. To emphasize the sheer coincidence of their ultimate partnership, they created a short film poking fun at their college years: “If 2 Million Subscribers Never Happened.”

(Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xA3zLVpNC5o)

The video also presents hypothetical questions as to what would happen if the college trio treaded the path they did and became the Wong Fu Productions that we know today. At 6:52, Fu is seen instantly materializing an awkward animal plushie out of thin air. Though a humorous scene, no questions are asked from fans, because the awkward animal plushies are one of Wong Fu Productions’ trademarks, and one must offer the utmost respect towards the awkward animals. Wong Fu Productions also has an easily reconizable clothing line of "nice guy" and "nice girl" T-shirts.

Their most viewed video to date is “Strangers, again” with 14 million views.

(Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tSdELZxEnHY)

In the video, the male lead, Josh, narrates his relationship with Marissa through events in his life and foretells how it will unfold.

As the scene opens to an argument between the two lead characters, a disharmonious and serious mood is set. The topic of the argument seems trivial, but Marissa confronts Josh about the true source of her anger, and the argument suddenly became much deeper and much more realistic. Being able to write scripts where viewers can easily relate to the plot is one of Wong Fu Productions’ greatest talents. Both leads were played by Asian Americans and yet nowhere in the video does a kung fu battle ensue. On the other hand, standing at 10 million views and as Wong Fu Productions’ second most viewed video is the humorous short film that tackles stereotypes, “Kung Fooled."

(Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pN8E8L5c9WI)

Featuring famous YouTubers other than Wong Fu Productions’ very own Wesly Chan as actors, “Kung Fooled” explores the advantages one can reap by playing in to certain stereotypes. As illustrated by the title, the video addresses the stereotype that claims all Asians know kung fu.

With almost 400 videos, Wong Fu Productions is a YouTube veteran and a good group of friends to other Asian American YouTubers. Juxtaposing facts about their beginnings to their current success in the arts, Wong Fu Productions’ success is well-deserved and hard-earned. Although neither doctors nor lawyers, the name “Wong Fu Productions” resonates in ambitious Asian Americans with passions for directing and production.

For updates and more videos, visit Wong Fu Productions on YouTube and on their website.

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David Choi

David Choi is a singer song writer from Anaheim, California. He produces his own music and posts his unique music productions on YouTube. Because of his emotional connection that he transmits through his music he is almost close to one million followers with an almost total of 118 million views. David Choi is able to connect to his audience in an unremarkable way. This has also inevitably help him expand from YouTube to getting noticed by the bigger industry. Choi’s original music has been heard in various entertainment channels and in the commercial industry like MTV, FOX, Food Network, Disney, and etc.

The below YouTube video shows David Choi on the MTV Show signing and playing games with other fellow artists. 

(Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1uK03DWXWkI)

When Choi was in elementary, going to a Korean dominated school he says he was forced to learn an instrument by his parents. His parents made him learn the violin and the piano, which we can say that this completely paid off. We can thank his parents for the musician that they created. Choi’s parents provided him with private lesson in their music store, “Grace Music.” However, he surprisingly hated practicing because it was about discipline and he at the young age would rather play Lego’s. Having the continuous pressure of his parents made him sometimes dislike playing the instruments. As we can all relate at a young age being forced to do something isn't the way to go. But Choi later realized  that music was his passion and all he wanted to do in life.

In high school that’s when he discovered he could write music. Choi over time became fascinated by the thought of writing music and focused on this and further learning new music. He entered different contests one of which was with Warner Bros. BMB remix contest on AP which he ended up placing in 3rd place. But over time Choi realized that many successful song writers made it through interning and decided to do that. What he didn't realize was that he was going to be subjected to racism and abuse. He explains that his Korean culture demands respect for elders but he never seemed to ask respect for himself and realized the tough life of the entertainment industry. Choi faced racism in the entertainment industry but this ultimately helped him become the man that he is today. At end he was working at Warner while they did not play his music he was introduce to big names in the entertainment business. This is when he started to place his music videos on You Tube, where his success soon started. His breakout success on YouTube is undeniable and led him to enter and be introduced into various opportunities.

The below YouTube music video is David Choi's "By My Side," which he collaborated with Wong Fu Production, successful Asian American short film production company, in the direction of the music video.

(Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=swWYvpsLr4o)

His success all around the world is amazing but he has learned the negative connotations that come from being a great musician and artist. In 2008, MBC in Korea used his music in a commercial without his permission and received no money from it. Choi I assume loved the fact that his music was being played in another country. However, whats the point if you are not being credited for your hard work. MBC later had to take down.

All his life success and experience has helped him become a better musician but also a better business person. Undoubtedly he will continue to produce more music that continues to be relevant to people. His fan base only grows everyday. His ability to be able to transmit exactly what a person is feeling through a chorus is indescribable. He stuck to music because that was what he loved to do and couldn't see life without it. He has made a career by signing and playing instruments. What more can he ask for! This is only the beginning for David Choi.

For more information about David Choi's success and beginnings, please visit his website at URL: http://davidchoimusic.com/davidchoistory/

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Freddie Wong

Before he was famous on Youtube, Freddie Wong was simply a Chinese American who was trying to go through his own way of life. Not much is really known in his early years in life besides the fact that he wanted to go through the path of video production and filmmaking. He graduated from the University of Southern California of Cinematic Arts, then went on and started his own career in online video content around 2010 and has so far become one of the best known Youtube stars of this current generation. He also has a younger brother, Jimmy Wong, who is also a Youtube star and a musician, who is also getting more famous on Youtube thanks to Freddie’s influence. Besides this, there isn’t that much about his past besides the fact that his parents were ok with him pursuing this career path into filmmaking,  won some awards in competitive gaming (competed in the World Series of Video Gaming in 2007), and had a ensemble for the video game Rock Band. Around this time, he was starting to post videos on Youtube showcasing his skills in video production with the help of his friend Brandon J Laatsh, a acquaintance Freddie met in college.

(Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKogQf9ooR8)

The above video was posted around a year after Freddie received his YouTube partnership. Freddie, throughout his career, has always been known for making short, high quality videos that showcases his video effects. Even in his early years as a YouTuber, Freddie has been gaining recognition from many people and places for his video effects. this is shown through the fact that Freddie even has celebrities participating in his video, as seen in the above one where Spartacus star Andy Whitfield stars in the video. Other well known celebrities that also starred in some of Freddie Wong’s videos were Eliza Dushku from Buffy The Vampire Slayer. Canadian celeb Shanae Grimes, actor and comedian Kevin Pollak, the heavy metal band Steel Panther, and other Youtube stars such as William ray Johnson and Smosh.

(Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zo5-XpQ5Jkk)

This next video is something that showcases Freddie’s popularity outside of YouTube. This was a official commercial that was broadcasted from Electronic Arts (or EA), which is a major gaming company known for the major sports game series like Madden, FIFA, and NCAA as well as the Battlefield series. The fact that they would contact Freddie to shoot a commercial for them just shows how much expertise and popularity he has gained through his YouTube career. this was still only about 1 year or two after he had just gotten his Youtube partnership, really highlighting his rapid success. 

(Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H8ScNjBd118)

Currently, Freddie is working on his his online Youtube TV series known as Video Games High School(VGHS) and is currently done with 2 seasons, going on its 3rd and final one. Each episode of each season has averaged about 3 millions views, with the highest viewed channel topping 10 million. It just goes to show how successful Freddie has become, and how he has grounded himself as one the most well known YouTube stars ever. He is a pioneer and a great representation of Asian Americans who are trying to get through and become successful on their own without having to go through a doctor’s degree or an engineering degree. There are others, like Freddie, who are trying to become YouTube stars using their own talents, and one day they will achieve it, bringing us one step closer to breaking that Asian American stereotype that has been around for decades.

[westboundeastern-blog]

Timothy DeLaGhetto

Timothy Chantarangsu or Traphik or Timothy DeLaGhetto born in Bilings, Montana from parent immigrated from Thailand, is an entertainer at its finest. His beginnings and the development of his work are defined from where he comes from. After he moved to Long Beach, California in middle school he and his friends made a rap group, Black Asian Samoan (BAS) because of their affinity with music and the art that comes with it. His life inspiration was the French Prince, he called it the French Prince Format. He was fascinated with the show because he loved the idea of rap, television, and being on a movie all put together which he had no idea that someday he himself would also be doing this today. However, when he moved to Paramount he battled being one of the only Asian Americans in his school with the majority being Mexican. When he later met other Asian American he went through an identity crisis because he was questioning the fact that the only reason they were “friends” was because they were Asian and not because of similar interest. He thought to himself if they were real friends or just connected because they were Asian. When he finally started to hang out with individuals that had the same interest as him that is when he was seen as Tim not the “Chino.”

In high school he started to get into drama. Him along with other friends made camedu videos and placed them on various contest these short films were very popular around his friends because they made everyone laugh, which I have no doubt in. In college he started his videos on YouTube, he realized that the more he was a part of YouTube the more success came his way. He then decided to follow his dreams and put the thought of school on the side. All of these soon paid off because he started to live life off from making videos (which non of his fans are mad for).

The below YouTube video shows Timothy DeLaGhettos life's story on a drawn format. 

(Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ZkP_nmXTGM)

His video success has brought him many opportunities. He has partnered up with friends making a clothing line named Goodies. He specifically has a YouTube blog named Tim’s Bakery where he Blogs about his fashion and news trends. He continues to write music and collaborates with successful artists like Tori Kelly, who also started her success on You Tube. Tim’s music name in Traphik’s and also has a specific YouTube channel as well. All his YouTube channels are equally as successful with his main channel having over two million followers. Timothy’s most watched video is called “Asian Nip Slip,” where himself pulls down his “dress” and shows people his “breasts.” Although this is going towards stereotypes of Asian females, he also tries to fight them through comedy. He gives Asian men advice on how to get women and not to be p******. On other blogs he breaks down stereotypes in order for women to see why we should date Asian men. He explains in his video “Racism and Asian Accents,” that he is not offended by new songs like “I Love Chinese Food” because it put Asians on mass media. Before no one talked about how they loved their culture now they do. He explains that there is lots of ignorance that goes around the Asian culture but everyone has some sort of ignorance about other cultures too. He thinks people should give each other slack and not take jokes to seriously (this is shown in the video below).  

His comedy and style has landed him one of the newest spots on Nick Cannons Wild n Out. Stepping into one of the most successful comedic shows Timothy DeLaGhetto is not afraid to be controversial. He tackles race jokes and also makes them which is why people love him. His multiple appearances will only increase his fan base making him an artists to be watched out for. 

The two below video show in Timothy DeLaGhetto's YouTube channel are Tim tackling dating and racial issues. He is able to he get his point across while using comedy. This is him speaking to his fellow "Yellow Brothers!"

 (Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-zIe6XxaJvE)

 (Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dnyAZ-j90FY)

[westboundeastern-blog]

DavidSoComedy

If one were to talk about successful YouTubers, leaving out Korean American comedian and musician David So would put a sword through the ever growing glitter-filled balloon of Asian American YouTuber knowledge. It'd be a pain to put the whole thing back together, I'd imagine.

David So, who goes by the username DavidSoComedy, joined YouTube in 2011 and has since accumulated more than 826 thousand subscribers and over 114 million video views. Speaking in a candid manner that both charms and stimulates his audience, So’s vlogs address societal and viral issues like Asian stereotypes and the Alexandra Wallace UCLA scandal.

(Source: www.youtube.com/watch?v=VDjgfWAL5UQ)

“People are beginning to treat us like we’re trading cards or some ****.”

Denying that Yellow Fever, a term for the fetishization of Asians by non-Asians, was a thing would be more than a little ill-informed. In "Vlog 11: Asian Stereotypes!," So educates the viewers on Asian stereotypes and instead of condemning and burying all racial generalizations six feet under, he presents these stereotypes from a rational disposition and offers insight towards their social accuracy.

“Asian girls are so submissive…you have been watching way too much anime for you to be thinking that.”

So disagrees with this idea of the submissive Asian woman, citing his mother as one example, and unmasks the stereotypes that have been influential in the spread of Yellow Fever. At the 2:03 mark, So sends a message to all the men who have their eyes set on a submissive Asian bride, saying that these men are in for a shocking discovery. Though a serious topic, humor is placed strategically throughout the conversation, making an otherwise serious video with a narrow audience appeal to a larger scale of viewers. “Vlog 11: Asian Stereotypes!” has since been So’s fifth most viewed YouTube video.

Since starting in 2011, the video that launched David So’s YouTube career in full and has become his second most viewed video is the 8th video uploaded on his YouTube channel, entitled “Vlog #4: Asians in the Library – UCLA Girl (Alexandra Wallace) going wild on Asians”.

(See Huffington Post article on Alexandra Wallace scandal .)

(Source: www.youtube.com/watch?v=lOGpGoEMu2s)

“Polite American? Are you kidding me? … You don’t even take off your shoes when you walk into my house!”

In the video, So reacts to Wallace’s complaints with rebuttals and a request to leave the woman alone as “violence only begets violence.”

The section-by-section editing of his reactions make the video seem like a conversation between So and Wallace. His refutations address the ignorance of non-Asians and the racism that occurs from that ignorance. Hearing Wallace’s complaints and So’s responses side by side makes one wonder exactly how Wallace took her common complaint of wanting solace in the school library and essentially evolved it into a battle of superiority between cultures. People are not racist by default.

Besides vlogs, So also does parodies and has a separate YouTube channel for his music, DavidSoMusic, created 2010, where he uploads cover songs as well as original music. So’s music video parody of Psy’s “Gangnam Style” called “Byuntae Style” (byuntae (변태) is the Korean word for pervert) features a large number of influential YouTubers and has since become the most viewed video on DavidSoComedy.

(Source: www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-eCB6R5tCM)

Through vlogging and making music on YouTube, So gained fame for expressing himself. He has become an influential person whose voice is valued by many outside of his loyal viewers. As a public figure and not as an academic nor a scholar, So has given young Asian Americans another career to add to the growing encyclopedia of possible non-stereotypical Asian American professions.

In the words of David So, L.G.I. Let's Get It! Lego!

[westboundeastern-blog]

Michelle Phan

If you are a female or sometimes a male and love dress-up or makeup you must know Michelle Phan. She is an exceptional make-up/ beauty guru who loves what she does. She is not afraid to go there! She will do anything to produce the best look for the best occasion and ALWAYS produces great results. If she is not the best, she is one of the best. Her hard work and wanting for success is because of her struggles in late childhood. She was willing to see her talents even during dark times. Her background has definitely inspired her career.

Michelle Phan was born in Boston, Massachusetts into a Vietnamese family in the year of the rabbit. Her parents decided that it was only appropriate to also name her something that represented her culture. Her father, being a snowing day out, decided to go with the translation of “avalanche.” She describes her life in her YouTube videos like “Draw My Life,” (shown below) she explains that although her family was very loving they had problems. Her father had a gambling problem, which led them to continuously move to different residences because he was losing the families rent money. Her inspiration to be successful was her mother because she wanted to help her through tough times. At a young age too, she was fascinated by drawing Disney princesses and wanted to be like them. Now she does this in her YouTube blogs where she recreates any kind of fictional character and making herself into anything she wants to be without any judgement.

When her family moved to Tampa, Florida she was again the new girl at school. With not a lot of Asian Americans in her school she was made fun of for being different. What kept her head up was drawing and making superhero version of herself. During hard times she would draw manga art and defeat her struggle through her art. She survived through her struggles because she transmitted her defeat of them through art. She then was no longer afraid.

From drawing on paper she turned to painting her face. Her mother, being very traditional, did not allow her to wear make-up in high school. Slowly she let her... thank god! Michelle loved the idea of make-up because it was like drawing on your face. She saw her face almost like a canvas instead of a face. She loved making new ideas out of it in order to enhance her beauty.

Below is Michelle Phan's "Draw My Life."

(Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=05KqZEqQJ40)

When she moved to college one of the main things she missed was her mom’s pho. In college she was provided her very first laptop which led her to her first make-up tutorial post on YouTube and somewhat get over her home sickness by investing her love into her love for beauty. This has obviously led her to much success. She has over 6 million and 3 hundred followers on YouTube with over 300 videos. Rarely does one of her videos have less than one million views/ hits. She is not afraid to show where she is from and her culture. She has done multiple video’s emphasizing of how to look like K-pop stars or Chinese Girl Looks. She shows girls that they can be exactly who they are and should be proud of who they are.

Below is Michelle Phan creating Hatsune Miku for her fans. 

(Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iVmtZsr8FfA)

Her story is inspirational showing that with hard work and faith you can go anywhere in life. In 2007 she posted her first video now she has her own make-up line. She was personally called by the president of L’Oreal Lucks that led the creating of EM Michelle Phan. Her make-up line represents the women all around the world from cultural colors to specific designs from each country. It took her 2 years to make, taking advice from her fans and the community to make sure she was able to represent everyone. She chose to call it EM because it is the reflection of ME. Michelle Phan is dedicated to be able to inspire women and her humbleness has led her become successful outside of YouTube. She first reported in her blog that she was partnering up with Diet Dr. Pepper showing that she is truly one of a kind, which she represented through the commercial. Also, she has been invited on to multiple talk shows including Katie Couric, Sunrise On 7, Teen Vogue online, and etc. Her appearances only expand her brand and success. She shows that an Asian American doesn't have to follow society’s ideas of stereotypes to be successful. 

Michelle Phan's website and blog can be found on michellephan.com, where resources and her style advice is expanded from her YouTube channel.