Awkwafina

Nora Lum was born in Forest Hills, Queens. She went to LaGuardia School of Music & Performing Arts and played the trumpet. She later moved on to major in journalism and women’s studies at SUNY Albany. Before being known as a musician and actress, she worked at Gotham Gazette, Times Union and Rodale. 

Nora Lum explains her stage name Awkwafina saying that it was fitting for her personality because she considers herself awkward. As a musician, Awkwafina rose to popularity after releasing her songs “My Vag” and later her album Yellow Ranger. Her song “Yellow Ranger” specifically about her experiences being Asian. She also did a song with Margaret Cho called “Green Tea” that talks about Asian stereotypes. “My Vag” was meant to be a comeback at “My Dick” by Mickey Avalon. She describes that “My Vag” wasn’t intended to be something that was supposed to rise to fame but it was something that she did for fun. She wants to make music that stands out among the other rap songs.

Besides rapping Awkwafina has recently been in Crazy Rich Asians and Oceans 8. She’s gained popularity as an actress and has also hosted Saturday Night Live. Awkwafina is outspoken and a comedian at heart. She has paved the way for more Asian Americans who aspire to break into mainstream media.

Sources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Awkwafina

https://www.theguardian.com/film/2017/dec/28/nora-lum-awkwafina-genitalia-feminist-message