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'''Nora Lum''' (born June 2, 1988)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.usmagazine.com/entertainment/news/5-things-to-know-about-oceans-eight-star-awkwafina-w465908/|title=5 Things to Know About 'Ocean's Eight' Star Awkwafina|date=25 February 2017|publisher=|accessdate=19 December 2017}}</ref> is an American [[rapper]], [[comedian]], [[television personality]], [[television host]] and actress known by the stage name '''Awkwafina''' ({{IPAc-en|ˌ|ɔː|k|w|ə|ˈ|f|iː|n|ə}})<ref>{{cite web|url=https://cofactor.io/ora/awkwafina|title=Awkwafina: American rapper - Cofactor Ora|website=cofactor.io|accessdate=December 20, 2017}}</ref>. She originates from the [[Forest Hills, Queens|Forest Hills]], [[Queens]], area of [[New York City]].
'''Nora Lum''' (born June 2, 1988)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.usmagazine.com/entertainment/news/5-things-to-know-about-oceans-eight-star-awkwafina-w465908/|title=5 Things to Know About 'Ocean's Eight' Star Awkwafina|date=25 February 2017|publisher=|accessdate=19 December 2017}}</ref> is an American [[rapper]], [[comedian]], [[television personality]], [[television host]] and actress known by the stage name '''Awkwafina''' ({{IPAc-en|ˌ|ɔː|k|w|ə|ˈ|f|iː|n|ə}})<ref>{{cite web|url=https://cofactor.io/ora/awkwafina|title=Awkwafina: American rapper - Cofactor Ora|website=cofactor.io|accessdate=December 20, 2017}}</ref>. She originates from the [[Forest Hills, Queens|Forest Hills]], [[Queens]] and currently resides in [[Brooklyn]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/authors/187452/nora-lum|title=Nora Lum {{!}} Penguin Random House|website=www.penguinrandomhouse.com|language=en-US|access-date=2018-04-03}}</ref>


== Early life and education==
== Early Life and Education==
Born to a first-generation [[Chinese American]] father and [[South Korea]]n immigrant mother,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.albany.edu/journalism/assets/nlum.pdf|title=Nora Lum – Immigration Paper, University at Albany, SUNY|last=|first=|date=|website=www.albany.edu|publisher=|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|accessdate=25 October 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nbcnews.com/news/asian-america/how-nora-lum-became-rapper-awkwafina-instead-meat-inspector-n188271|title=How Nora Lum Became Rapper Awkwafina Instead of A Meat Inspector|last1=Lee|first1=Traci|date=26 August 2014|work=NBC News|accessdate=26 August 2014|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|publisher=NBC UNIVERSAL}}</ref> Lum grew up in [[Forest Hills, Queens]], New York City. Her mother died when she was four.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=http://iamkoream.com/september-cover-story-awkwafina-establishing-her-presence/|title=September Cover Story: Awkwafina Establishing Her Presence {{!}} KoreAm Journal|website=iamkoream.com|access-date=2016-05-01}}</ref> As an only child, she described herself as being "often very lonely"<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=http://www.mochimag.com/article/rapper-awkwafina-yellow-ranger-girl-code-tawk-interview-music-viral|title=13 Awkward Questions With Rapper Awkwafina|last=|first=|date=2014|website=Mochi Magazine|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=2016-05-01}}</ref> and she was close to her grandmother.<ref name=":0" /> At age 11, she began reading the works of [[Charles Bukowski]].<ref name=":1" />
Born to a first-generation [[Chinese American]] father and [[South Korea]]n immigrant mother,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.albany.edu/journalism/assets/nlum.pdf|title=Nora Lum – Immigration Paper, University at Albany, SUNY|last=|first=|date=|website=www.albany.edu|publisher=|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|accessdate=25 October 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nbcnews.com/news/asian-america/how-nora-lum-became-rapper-awkwafina-instead-meat-inspector-n188271|title=How Nora Lum Became Rapper Awkwafina Instead of A Meat Inspector|last1=Lee|first1=Traci|date=26 August 2014|work=NBC News|accessdate=26 August 2014|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|publisher=NBC UNIVERSAL}}</ref> Lum grew up in [[Forest Hills, Queens]], New York City. Her great-grandmother was a Chinese immigrant in the 1940s and opened the Cantonese restaurant Lum’s in [[Flushing, Queens]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.usmagazine.com/entertainment/news/5-things-to-know-about-oceans-eight-star-awkwafina-w465908/|title=5 Things to Know About 'Ocean's Eight' Star Awkwafina|date=2017-02-25|work=Us Weekly|access-date=2018-04-03|language=en-US}}</ref> Lum's mother passed away when she was four, and she was raised and influenced heavily by her grandmother.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=http://iamkoream.com/september-cover-story-awkwafina-establishing-her-presence/|title=September Cover Story: Awkwafina Establishing Her Presence {{!}} KoreAm Journal|website=iamkoream.com|access-date=2016-05-01}}</ref>


She attended [[LaGuardia High School]] where she played [[trumpet]] and was trained in classical and [[jazz music]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2013/03/14/meet-awkwafina-an-asian-female-rapper-on-vaginas-tackling-racism-more.html|title=Meet Awkwafina: an Asian Female Rapper on Vaginas, Tackling Racism & More|last=Trinh|first=Jean|date=March 14, 2013|website=The Daily Beast|publisher=Newsweek/Daily Beast Company LLC|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|accessdate=24 April 2013}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web|url=https://www.albany.edu/writers-inst/webpages4/archives/awkwafina17.html|title=Awkwafina|last=|first=|date=|website=New York State Writers Institute|publisher=University of Albany|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=2017-12-29}}</ref> She adopted the name Awkwafina, and began rapping and writing songs in [[GarageBand]] at age 17.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://nymag.com/thecut/2013/04/can-an-asian-woman-be-taken-seriously-in-rap.html|title=Can an Asian Woman Be Taken Seriously in Rap?|last=Goodman|first=Elyssa|date=2013-04-02|work=[[New York Magazine]]|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|accessdate=April 24, 2013}}</ref> From 2006 to 2008, Lum attended the [[Beijing Language and Culture University]] in [[Beijing]], [[China]], where she studied [[Standard Chinese|Mandarin]]. Lum majored in journalism at [[The University at Albany]].<ref name=":2" />
Lum attended [[LaGuardia High School]] where she played [[trumpet]] and was trained in classical and [[jazz music]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2013/03/14/meet-awkwafina-an-asian-female-rapper-on-vaginas-tackling-racism-more.html|title=Meet Awkwafina: an Asian Female Rapper on Vaginas, Tackling Racism & More|last=Trinh|first=Jean|date=March 14, 2013|website=The Daily Beast|publisher=Newsweek/Daily Beast Company LLC|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|accessdate=24 April 2013}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web|url=https://www.albany.edu/writers-inst/webpages4/archives/awkwafina17.html|title=Awkwafina|last=|first=|date=|website=New York State Writers Institute|publisher=University of Albany|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=2017-12-29}}</ref> At age 15, she adopted the stage name Awkwafina, which "[refers to] a person [she] repressed" and an alter ego to her "quiet and more passive" personality during her college years.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theringer.com/2017/5/23/16044386/awkwafina-interview-oceans-eight-crazy-rich-asians-fe3b3bbd360d|title=Awkwafina Won’t Let You Forget Her Name|work=The Ringer|access-date=2018-04-03}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://intothegloss.com/2017/04/awkwafina-beauty/|title=Oceans Eight Star Awkwafina On Her Makeup Essentials|website=Into The Gloss|language=en-US|access-date=2018-04-03}}</ref> Lum majored in journalism and women's studies at [[The University at Albany]].<ref name=":2" /> From 2006 to 2008, Lum attended the [[Beijing Language and Culture University]] in [[Beijing]], [[China]], where she studied [[Standard Chinese|Mandarin]].

Prior to her career in entertainment, she was an intern at local New York publications [[Gotham Gazette]] and [[Times Union (Albany)|Times Union]], and was a publicity assistant for publishing house [[Rodale Books|Rodale]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://intothegloss.com/2017/04/awkwafina-beauty/|title=Oceans Eight Star Awkwafina On Her Makeup Essentials|website=Into The Gloss|language=en-US|access-date=2018-04-03}}</ref>

She cites [[Charles Bukowski]], [[Anaïs Nin|Anais Nin]], [[Joan Didion]], [[Tom Waits]] and [[Chet Baker]] as early influences.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.mochimag.com/article/rapper-awkwafina-yellow-ranger-girl-code-tawk-interview-music-viral/|title=13 Awkward Questions With Rapper Awkwafina - Mochi Mag|website=www.mochimag.com|language=en|access-date=2018-04-03}}</ref>


== Career ==
== Career ==
===Music===
===Music===
Her solo album, ''[[Yellow Ranger (album)|Yellow Ranger]]'', was released on February 11, 2014.{{cn|date=January 2017}} The EP includes a number of her previous singles released via [[YouTube]], including the title track "Yellow Ranger" as well as "Queef", "NYC Bitche$", and "My Vag".<ref>{{cite web|last=Kim|first=James|title=Rapper Awkwafina Releases Debut Album|url=http://iamkoream.com/rapper-awkwafina-releases-debut-album/|publisher=KoreAm Magazine|accessdate=11 February 2014}}</ref>
Lum began rapping and writing songs at age 17.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://nymag.com/thecut/2013/04/can-an-asian-woman-be-taken-seriously-in-rap.html|title=Can an Asian Woman Be Taken Seriously in Rap?|last=Goodman|first=Elyssa|date=2013-04-02|work=[[New York Magazine]]|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|accessdate=April 24, 2013}}</ref> In 2012, she gained popularity for her song My Vag, a response to [[Mickey Avalon]]’s [[Mickey Avalon (album)|My Dick]]. The music video has garnered over two million views on YouTube.<ref>{{Citation|last=Court Dunn|title=Awkwafina "My Vag" (Official Video)|date=2012-10-11|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z726OPwCnjE|accessdate=2018-04-03}}</ref> Her solo album, ''[[Yellow Ranger (album)|Yellow Ranger]]'', was released on February 11, 2014.{{cn|date=January 2017}} The EP includes a number of her previous singles released via [[YouTube]], including the title track "Yellow Ranger," "Queef" and "NYC Bitche$."


Awkwafina was part of the lineup at [[Tenacious D]]'s [[Festival Supreme]] on October 25, 2014.<ref>{{cite web|last=Blistein|first=Jon|title=Tenacious D Combine Jokes and Jams for 2014 Festival Supreme Lineup|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/tenacious-d-combine-jokes-and-jams-for-2014-festival-supreme-lineup-20140527|work=Rolling Stones|accessdate=30 May 2014|date=27 May 2014}}</ref>
Shewas part of the lineup at [[Tenacious D]]'s [[Festival Supreme]] on October 25, 2014.<ref>{{cite web|last=Blistein|first=Jon|title=Tenacious D Combine Jokes and Jams for 2014 Festival Supreme Lineup|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/tenacious-d-combine-jokes-and-jams-for-2014-festival-supreme-lineup-20140527|work=Rolling Stones|accessdate=30 May 2014|date=27 May 2014}}</ref>


In 2016, she collaborated with comedian [[Margaret Cho]] on "Green Tea," a song that pokes fun at Asian stereotypes.[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7o23w8i0H-w]
⚫
===Acting===
⚫
She is profiled in the documentary ''Bad Rap'', which was an official selection at the 2016 [[TriBeCa Film Festival]].{{cn|date=January 2017}} Produced by Salima Koroma and Jaeki Cho, the film puts the spotlight on her as well as upcoming fellow [[Asian American]] rappers such as [[Dumbfoundead]], Rekstizzy, and Lyricks.<ref>{{cite web|last=Frydenlund|first=Zach|title=Premiere: Watch a Sneak Peek of the "Bad Rap" Documentary|url=http://www.complex.com/music/2014/05/watch-a-sneak-peek-of-the-bad-rap-documentary|work=Complex|accessdate=30 May 2014|date=24 May 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.koreadaily.com/news/read.asp?page=1&branch=NEWS&source=&category=world&art_id=2552822|title=Jackie Joe movie 'Bad Rap' ... Life of Korean hip-hop musicians in documentary 재키 조 제작 영화 '배드 랩'…다큐로 보는 한인 힙합 뮤지션들의 삶 [LA중앙일보] 랩퍼 4인 활동과 고민에 초점 장편 완성 위한 후원 기다려|last=|first=|date=23 May 2014|work=Korea Daily|publisher=LA Joongang Daily|language=Korean|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140531124429/http://www.koreadaily.com/news/read.asp?page=1&branch=NEWS&source=&category=world&art_id=2552822|archivedate=31 May 2014|deadurl=yes|accessdate=30 May 2014|df=}}</ref>


In March 2018, she said she has been working on a new musical project and will be releasing a single.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.teenvogue.com/story/awkwafina-young-hollywood-2018|title=Awkwafina Isn’t Here for Hollywood’s Tired Excuses|last=Bergado|first=Gabe|work=Teen Vogue|access-date=2018-04-03|language=en}}</ref>
⚫
Her self-created short form web series "Tawk" was an Official Honoree at the 2016 [[Webby Awards]] and was nominated for a 2016 [[Streamy Award]] in the News and Culture category.{{cn|date=January 2017}}


⚫
===Acting===
In 2014, Awkwafina was added to the cast of the third season of ''[[Girl Code]]''.<ref>{{cite web|title=Q&A: ‘Girl Code’ Creator Ryan Ling on Season 3, Social Media and New Comedians|work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|author=Stedman, Alex|date=October 1, 2014|url=https://variety.com/2014/tv/news/ryan-ling-girl-code-season-3-guy-code-1201316847/}}</ref> She also was co-host of the weekly late-night talk show ''[[Girl Code Live]]'' on [[MTV]].{{cn|date=January 2017}}


==== Feature Films ====
In 2016, she played a supporting role in ''[[Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising]]'' and starred in the indie comedy ''[[Dude (film)|Dude]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.nbcnews.com/news/asian-america/rapper-awkwafina-joins-neighbors-2-film-n428266|title=Rapper Awkwafina Joins 'Neighbors' Sequel|website=NBC News|access-date=2016-03-14}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://deadline.com/2015/11/dude-adds-katharyn-prescott-alexandra-shipp-nora-lum-1201630631/|title=Indie Comedy ‘Dude’ Rounds Out Lead Cast With Trio Of Actresses|last=Lincoln|first=Ross A.|website=Deadline|language=en-US|access-date=2016-03-14}}</ref> She also appeared in the 2016 animated comedy ''[[Storks_(film)|Storks]]''.
In 2016, Lum played a supporting role in ''[[Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising]]'' and starred in the indie comedy ''[[Dude (film)|Dude]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.nbcnews.com/news/asian-america/rapper-awkwafina-joins-neighbors-2-film-n428266|title=Rapper Awkwafina Joins 'Neighbors' Sequel|website=NBC News|access-date=2016-03-14}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://deadline.com/2015/11/dude-adds-katharyn-prescott-alexandra-shipp-nora-lum-1201630631/|title=Indie Comedy ‘Dude’ Rounds Out Lead Cast With Trio Of Actresses|last=Lincoln|first=Ross A.|website=Deadline|language=en-US|access-date=2016-03-14}}</ref> She also appeared in the 2016 animated comedy ''[[Storks_(film)|Storks]]''.


In August 2016, she was announced as part of the principal cast in the all-female spinoff to the ''[[Ocean's Trilogy]]'', ''[[Ocean's 8]]''.
In August 2016, she was announced as part of the principal cast in the all-female spinoff to the ''[[Ocean's Trilogy]]'', ''[[Ocean's 8]]''. The film is set to be released on June 8, 2018 in the United States.


In April 2017, she was announced to be part of the cast of [[Warner Bros.]] film ''[[Crazy Rich Asians (film)|Crazy Rich Asians]]'' as Peik Lin, a college friend of Rachel Chu played by [[Constance Wu]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/crazy-rich-asians-adds-awkwafina-996699|title='Crazy Rich Asians' Adds Awkwafina|work=The Hollywood Reporter|access-date=2017-04-24|language=en}}</ref>
In April 2017, she was announced to be part of the cast of [[Warner Bros.]] film ''[[Crazy Rich Asians (film)|Crazy Rich Asians]]'' as Peik Lin, a college friend of Rachel Chu played by [[Constance Wu]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/crazy-rich-asians-adds-awkwafina-996699|title='Crazy Rich Asians' Adds Awkwafina|work=The Hollywood Reporter|access-date=2017-04-24|language=en}}</ref>


In April 2018, she was announced as part of the cast of Paradise Hills, a sci-fi thriller directed by [[Alice Waddington]] and featuring [[Emma Roberts]], [[Eiza González|Eiza Gonzalez]] and [[Danielle Macdonald]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://deadline.com/2018/04/milla-jovovich-emma-roberts-paradise-hills-1202356933/|title=Milla Jovovich & More Join Emma Roberts In ‘Paradise Hills’|last=N'Duka|first=Amanda|date=2018-04-02|work=Deadline|access-date=2018-04-03|language=en-US}}</ref>
⚫
She has a recurring role in the [[Hulu]] original series ''[[Future_Man_(TV_series)|Future Man]]'' which was released in November 2017. <ref>{{Cite web|url=http://ew.com/tv/2017/11/08/future-man-ew-review/|title=Hulu's Future Man is fun but doesn't level up: EW review|website=Entertainment Weekly|access-date=2017-11-20}}

==== Television and Web Series ====
In 2014, Lum was added to the cast of the third season of ''[[Girl Code]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2014/tv/news/ryan-ling-girl-code-season-3-guy-code-1201316847/|title=Q&A: ‘Girl Code’ Creator Ryan Ling on Season 3, Social Media and New Comedians|author=Stedman, Alex|date=October 1, 2014|work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]}}</ref> In 2015, she served as a co-host with TV personality [[Nessa]] and comedian [[Carly Aquilino]] for the spin-off titled ''[[Girl Code Live]]'' on [[MTV]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/8071101/awkwafina-oceans-8-things-you-should-know|title=5 Things You Should Know About 'Ocean's 8' Star Awkwafina|work=Billboard|access-date=2018-04-03}}</ref>

⚫
Lum was the host of self-created short-form web series "Tawk," which was an Official Honoree at the 2016 [[Webby Awards]] and was nominated for a 2016 [[Streamy Award]] in the News and Culture category.{{cn|date=January 2017}}

⚫
She has a recurring role in the [[Hulu]] original series ''[[Future_Man_(TV_series)|Future Man]],'' which was released in November 2017. <ref>{{Cite web|url=http://ew.com/tv/2017/11/08/future-man-ew-review/|title=Hulu's Future Man is fun but doesn't level up: EW review|website=Entertainment Weekly|access-date=2017-11-20}}
</ref>
</ref>


==== Other ====
⚫
Lum is profiled in the documentary ''Bad Rap'', which was an official selection at the 2016 [[TriBeCa Film Festival]].{{cn|date=January 2017}} Produced by Salima Koroma and Jaeki Cho, the film puts the spotlight on her as well as upcoming fellow [[Asian American]] rappers such as [[Dumbfoundead]], Rekstizzy, and Lyricks.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.complex.com/music/2014/05/watch-a-sneak-peek-of-the-bad-rap-documentary|title=Premiere: Watch a Sneak Peek of the "Bad Rap" Documentary|last=Frydenlund|first=Zach|date=24 May 2014|work=Complex|accessdate=30 May 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.koreadaily.com/news/read.asp?page=1&branch=NEWS&source=&category=world&art_id=2552822|title=Jackie Joe movie 'Bad Rap' ... Life of Korean hip-hop musicians in documentary 재키 조 제작 영화 '배드 랩'…다큐로 보는 한인 힙합 뮤지션들의 삶 [LA중앙일보] 랩퍼 4인 활동과 고민에 초점 장편 완성 위한 후원 기다려|last=|first=|date=23 May 2014|work=Korea Daily|publisher=LA Joongang Daily|language=Korean|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140531124429/http://www.koreadaily.com/news/read.asp?page=1&branch=NEWS&source=&category=world&art_id=2552822|archivedate=31 May 2014|deadurl=yes|accessdate=30 May 2014|df=}}</ref>
===Writing===
===Writing===
In 2015, publisher [[Potter Style]], a subsidiary of [[Penguin Random House]], released ''[[Awkwafina's NYC]]'', Lum's travel guide to New York City.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nbcnews.com/news/asian-america/awkwafinas-guide-book-shows-new-york-city-youve-never-seen-n342706|title=Awkwafina's Guide Book Shows the New York City You've Never Seen|publisher=|accessdate=25 October 2017}}</ref>
In 2015, publisher [[Potter Style]], a subsidiary of [[Penguin Random House]], released ''[[Awkwafina's NYC]]'', Lum's travel guide to New York City.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nbcnews.com/news/asian-america/awkwafinas-guide-book-shows-new-york-city-youve-never-seen-n342706|title=Awkwafina's Guide Book Shows the New York City You've Never Seen|publisher=|accessdate=25 October 2017}}</ref>

=== Activism ===
Lum has expressed support for [[Time's Up (movement)|Time's Up]], a movement started by Hollywood celebrities against sexual harassment. She has also advocated for the need for more female directors and against the stereotyping of Asians in media. She has rejected roles that require accents.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://broadly.vice.com/en_us/article/qvdyj3/rapper-and-actress-awkwafina-on-being-a-rare-asian-american-in-hollywood|title=Rapper and Actress Awkwafina on Being a Rare Asian-American in Hollywood|date=2017-05-26|work=Broadly|access-date=2018-04-03|language=en-us}}</ref>

Lum was honored as Kore Asian Media's Female Breakout of the Year in December 2017.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://kore.am/unforgettable-female-breakout-of-the-year-awkwafina/|title=Unforgettable Female Breakout of the Year: Awkwafina|date=2017-11-16|work=Kore Asian Media|access-date=2018-04-03|language=en-US}}</ref>


== Discography ==
== Discography ==
Line 85: Line 103:
* ''[[Ocean's 8]]'' (2018) — Constance
* ''[[Ocean's 8]]'' (2018) — Constance
* ''[[Crazy Rich Asians (film)|Crazy Rich Asians]]'' (2018) — Goh Peik Lin
* ''[[Crazy Rich Asians (film)|Crazy Rich Asians]]'' (2018) — Goh Peik Lin
* Paradise Hills (2018)


== References ==
== References ==

Revision as of 15:52, 3 April 2018

For the bottled water brand, see Aquafina.
Awkwafina
Birth nameNora Lum
Born (1988-06-02) June 2, 1988 (age 36)
New York City, New York, United States
OriginForest Hills, Queens, New York City, New York
GenresAlternative hip hop, Comedy hip hop, East Coast hip hop
Occupation(s)Rapper, actress
InstrumentVocals
Years active2013–present
Websiteawkwafina.com

Nora Lum (born June 2, 1988)[1] is an American rapper, comedian, television personality, television host and actress known by the stage name Awkwafina (/ˌɔːkwəˈfiːnə/)[2]. She originates from the Forest Hills, Queens and currently resides in Brooklyn.[3]

Early Life and Education

Born to a first-generation Chinese American father and South Korean immigrant mother,[4][5] Lum grew up in Forest Hills, Queens, New York City. Her great-grandmother was a Chinese immigrant in the 1940s and opened the Cantonese restaurant Lum’s in Flushing, Queens.[6] Lum's mother passed away when she was four, and she was raised and influenced heavily by her grandmother.[7]

Lum attended LaGuardia High School where she played trumpet and was trained in classical and jazz music.[8][9] At age 15, she adopted the stage name Awkwafina, which "[refers to] a person [she] repressed" and an alter ego to her "quiet and more passive" personality during her college years.[10][11] Lum majored in journalism and women's studies at The University at Albany.[9] From 2006 to 2008, Lum attended the Beijing Language and Culture University in Beijing, China, where she studied Mandarin.

Prior to her career in entertainment, she was an intern at local New York publications Gotham Gazette and Times Union, and was a publicity assistant for publishing house Rodale.[12]

She cites Charles Bukowski, Anais Nin, Joan Didion, Tom Waits and Chet Baker as early influences.[13]

Career

Music

Lum began rapping and writing songs at age 17.[14] In 2012, she gained popularity for her song My Vag, a response to Mickey Avalon’s My Dick. The music video has garnered over two million views on YouTube.[15] Her solo album, Yellow Ranger, was released on February 11, 2014.[citation needed] The EP includes a number of her previous singles released via YouTube, including the title track "Yellow Ranger," "Queef" and "NYC Bitche$."

Shewas part of the lineup at Tenacious D's Festival Supreme on October 25, 2014.[16]

In 2016, she collaborated with comedian Margaret Cho on "Green Tea," a song that pokes fun at Asian stereotypes.[1]

In March 2018, she said she has been working on a new musical project and will be releasing a single.[17]

Acting

Feature Films

In 2016, Lum played a supporting role in Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising and starred in the indie comedy Dude.[18][19] She also appeared in the 2016 animated comedy Storks.

In August 2016, she was announced as part of the principal cast in the all-female spinoff to the Ocean's Trilogy, Ocean's 8. The film is set to be released on June 8, 2018 in the United States.

In April 2017, she was announced to be part of the cast of Warner Bros. film Crazy Rich Asians as Peik Lin, a college friend of Rachel Chu played by Constance Wu.[20]

In April 2018, she was announced as part of the cast of Paradise Hills, a sci-fi thriller directed by Alice Waddington and featuring Emma Roberts, Eiza Gonzalez and Danielle Macdonald.[21]

Television and Web Series

In 2014, Lum was added to the cast of the third season of Girl Code.[22] In 2015, she served as a co-host with TV personality Nessa and comedian Carly Aquilino for the spin-off titled Girl Code Live on MTV.[23]

Lum was the host of self-created short-form web series "Tawk," which was an Official Honoree at the 2016 Webby Awards and was nominated for a 2016 Streamy Award in the News and Culture category.[citation needed]

She has a recurring role in the Hulu original series Future Man, which was released in November 2017. [24]

Other

Lum is profiled in the documentary Bad Rap, which was an official selection at the 2016 TriBeCa Film Festival.[citation needed] Produced by Salima Koroma and Jaeki Cho, the film puts the spotlight on her as well as upcoming fellow Asian American rappers such as Dumbfoundead, Rekstizzy, and Lyricks.[25][26]

Writing

In 2015, publisher Potter Style, a subsidiary of Penguin Random House, released Awkwafina's NYC, Lum's travel guide to New York City.[27]

Activism

Lum has expressed support for Time's Up, a movement started by Hollywood celebrities against sexual harassment. She has also advocated for the need for more female directors and against the stereotyping of Asians in media. She has rejected roles that require accents.[28]

Lum was honored as Kore Asian Media's Female Breakout of the Year in December 2017.[29]

Discography

Yellow Ranger

  • Released: 11 February 2014
  • Writer: Nora Lum
  • Producer: Nora Lum
  • Tracks: 11
  • Singles: "My Vag", "NYC Bitche$", "Queef"

Filmography

References

  1. ^ "5 Things to Know About 'Ocean's Eight' Star Awkwafina". 25 February 2017. Retrieved 19 December 2017.
  2. ^ "Awkwafina: American rapper - Cofactor Ora". cofactor.io. Retrieved December 20, 2017.
  3. ^ "Nora Lum | Penguin Random House". www.penguinrandomhouse.com. Retrieved 2018-04-03.
  4. ^ "Nora Lum – Immigration Paper, University at Albany, SUNY" (PDF). www.albany.edu. Retrieved 25 October 2017. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)
  5. ^ Lee, Traci (26 August 2014). "How Nora Lum Became Rapper Awkwafina Instead of A Meat Inspector". NBC News. NBC UNIVERSAL. Retrieved 26 August 2014. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)
  6. ^ "5 Things to Know About 'Ocean's Eight' Star Awkwafina". Us Weekly. 2017-02-25. Retrieved 2018-04-03.
  7. ^ "September Cover Story: Awkwafina Establishing Her Presence | KoreAm Journal". iamkoream.com. Retrieved 2016-05-01.
  8. ^ Trinh, Jean (March 14, 2013). "Meet Awkwafina: an Asian Female Rapper on Vaginas, Tackling Racism & More". The Daily Beast. Newsweek/Daily Beast Company LLC. Retrieved 24 April 2013. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)
  9. ^ a b "Awkwafina". New York State Writers Institute. University of Albany. Retrieved 2017-12-29. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)
  10. ^ "Awkwafina Won't Let You Forget Her Name". The Ringer. Retrieved 2018-04-03.
  11. ^ "Oceans Eight Star Awkwafina On Her Makeup Essentials". Into The Gloss. Retrieved 2018-04-03.
  12. ^ "Oceans Eight Star Awkwafina On Her Makeup Essentials". Into The Gloss. Retrieved 2018-04-03.
  13. ^ "13 Awkward Questions With Rapper Awkwafina - Mochi Mag". www.mochimag.com. Retrieved 2018-04-03.
  14. ^ Goodman, Elyssa (2013-04-02). "Can an Asian Woman Be Taken Seriously in Rap?". New York Magazine. Retrieved April 24, 2013. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)
  15. ^ Court Dunn (2012-10-11), Awkwafina "My Vag" (Official Video), retrieved 2018-04-03
  16. ^ Blistein, Jon (27 May 2014). "Tenacious D Combine Jokes and Jams for 2014 Festival Supreme Lineup". Rolling Stones. Retrieved 30 May 2014.
  17. ^ Bergado, Gabe. "Awkwafina Isn't Here for Hollywood's Tired Excuses". Teen Vogue. Retrieved 2018-04-03.
  18. ^ "Rapper Awkwafina Joins 'Neighbors' Sequel". NBC News. Retrieved 2016-03-14.
  19. ^ Lincoln, Ross A. "Indie Comedy 'Dude' Rounds Out Lead Cast With Trio Of Actresses". Deadline. Retrieved 2016-03-14.
  20. ^ "'Crazy Rich Asians' Adds Awkwafina". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2017-04-24.
  21. ^ N'Duka, Amanda (2018-04-02). "Milla Jovovich & More Join Emma Roberts In 'Paradise Hills'". Deadline. Retrieved 2018-04-03.
  22. ^ Stedman, Alex (October 1, 2014). "Q&A: 'Girl Code' Creator Ryan Ling on Season 3, Social Media and New Comedians". Variety.
  23. ^ "5 Things You Should Know About 'Ocean's 8' Star Awkwafina". Billboard. Retrieved 2018-04-03.
  24. ^ "Hulu's Future Man is fun but doesn't level up: EW review". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved 2017-11-20.
  25. ^ Frydenlund, Zach (24 May 2014). "Premiere: Watch a Sneak Peek of the "Bad Rap" Documentary". Complex. Retrieved 30 May 2014.
  26. ^ "Jackie Joe movie 'Bad Rap' ... Life of Korean hip-hop musicians in documentary 재키 조 제작 영화 '배드 랩'…다큐로 보는 한인 힙합 뮤지션들의 삶 [LA중앙일보] 랩퍼 4인 활동과 고민에 초점 장편 완성 위한 후원 기다려". Korea Daily (in Korean). LA Joongang Daily. 23 May 2014. Archived from the original on 31 May 2014. Retrieved 30 May 2014. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  27. ^ "Awkwafina's Guide Book Shows the New York City You've Never Seen". Retrieved 25 October 2017.
  28. ^ "Rapper and Actress Awkwafina on Being a Rare Asian-American in Hollywood". Broadly. 2017-05-26. Retrieved 2018-04-03.
  29. ^ "Unforgettable Female Breakout of the Year: Awkwafina". Kore Asian Media. 2017-11-16. Retrieved 2018-04-03.
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