The Best Contemporary Asian American Musicians
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455 votes
112 voters
Voting Rules
Vote up the Asian American Artists that have had the biggest impact on their musical genre.
Before Mitski, Dumbfoundead, and TOKiMONSTA there were Karen O and Steve Aoki. The higher demand for Asian American representation in all creative fields, seen perhaps most prominently in film, television, and music, has led to an increase in popularity for Asian American musicians and musical artists.
TOKiMONSTA was nominated for the Best Electronic Album in 2019, and Dumbfoundead, along with his other 88rising cohorts, put on the second annual Head in the Clouds Music and Arts Festival at the Los Angeles State Historic Park in August 2019.
Asian American artists are changing the game across every genre, from pop, to hip-hop, indie, and electronic, the best contemporary Asian American musicians have proven they are here to stay.
Mitski Miyawaki is an American singer-songwriter. Mitski self-released her first two albums, Lush (2012) and Retired from Sad, New Career in Business (2013), while studying at Purchase College. After graduating, Mitski released her third studio album, Bury Me at Makeout Creek (2014), followed by Puberty 2 (2016), and Be the Cowboy (2018).
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Japanese Breakfast
Japanese Breakfast is the solo musical project of musician Michelle Zauner, who is of Korean descent. Under the alias Japanese Breakfast, Zauner has released two studio albums: Psychopomp (2016) and Soft Sounds from Another Planet (2017).
- Jay Park (Korean name: Park Jae-beom (born April 25, 1987) is a Korean American rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer, dancer, choreographer, entrepreneur, actor, member of the Seattle-based b-boy crew, Art of Movement (AOM), and founder and CEO of the independent hip hop record labels AOMG and H1ghr Music. He also signed with the record label Roc Nation, becoming the first Asian American to do so. Park started as a b-boy and dancer, known for his charismatic performances and stage presence. Park initially rose to fame as the leader of South Korean boy band 2PM, formed by record label JYP Entertainment in 2008, after having previously been a trainee for four years. In September 2009, Park returned home to Seattle after comments he wrote about Korea in 2005 as a teenager were publicized by the Korean media; Park officially left the group in early 2010.
- Bruno Mars was born Peter Gene Hernandez on October 8, 1985, in Honolulu, Hawaii. His multi-faceted talents as a singer, songwriter, record producer, and dancer have propelled him to the zenith of stardom, earning him numerous accolades and making him one of the best-selling music artists of all time. Mars's journey into the music world began at a tender age, heavily influenced by his musically inclined family. He moved to Los Angeles after high school to pursue his music career, signing with Motown Records in 2004. However, his career truly took off when he signed with Atlantic Records in 2009. With a unique blend of different musical styles, including pop, R&B, funk, soul, reggae, hip hop, and rock, Mars soon became a force to be reckoned with. His debut studio album, Doo-Wops & Hooligans (2010), was a critical and commercial success, spawning hit singles like "Just the Way You Are," "Grenade," and "The Lazy Song." Over the years, Bruno Mars has proven his mettle not just as a performer, but also as a songwriter, penning hits for other artists before his solo career took off. His contribution to the music industry has been recognized with numerous awards, including multiple Grammy Awards. Beyond his own albums, Mars's collaborations with other artists, such as Mark Ronson on the international blockbuster "Uptown Funk," have further amplified his global popularity.
- Steve Aoki brought his musical talents to a variety of films over the course of his Hollywood career. He also acted in various movies at the time, including the Kevin Kerslake musical "Electric Daisy Carnival Experience" (2012). Aoki contributed music to the horror feature "Piranha 3-D" (2010) with Elisabeth Shue. In the 2010s, Aoki's music continued to appear on the silver screen, including in films like the Jonah Hill hit comedy sequel "22 Jump Street" (2014), the Ryan Guzman drama sequel "Step Up All In" (2014) and "The Expendables 3" (2014) with Sylvester Stallone. His work was also in the Vin Diesel blockbuster action film "Furious 7" (2015). Aoki's music was most recently featured in the Amy Schumer smash hit romantic comedy "Trainwreck" (2015), "Sundown" (2015), "Why Him?" (2016), "Smurfs: The Lost Village" (2017), "Men in Black: International" (2019) and "Hustlers" (2019).
- Steven Thomas Lacy-Moya (born May 23, 1998), better known as Steve Lacy, is an American guitarist, bassist, singer-songwriter, and record producer. He was born in Compton, California and gained recognition as a member of the Grammy-nominated R&B band, The Internet, in 2015. In February 2017, Lacy released his debut project, a song-series, titled Steve Lacy's Demo.
- Brandon Paak Anderson (born February 8, 1986), better known by his stage name Anderson Paak, is an American musician and record producer from Oxnard, California. He released his debut album, O.B.E. Vol. 1 in 2012, under the pseudonym Breezy Lovejoy. He went on to release Venice in 2014, under his current moniker. Paak followed with Malibu, in 2016, which received a nomination for Best Urban Contemporary Album at the Grammy Awards. Apart from his solo career, Paak is also one-half of NxWorries, alongside record producer Knxwledge. He is accompanied by the band The Free Nationals, who play a variety of instruments such as electric guitar, bass, piano, keyboards and drums and also serve as backing vocalists.
- Yo-Yo Ma (born October 7, 1955) is a Chinese-American cellist. Born in Paris, he spent his schooling years in New York City and was a child prodigy, performing from the age of four and a half. He graduated from the Juilliard School and Harvard University, and has performed as a soloist with orchestras around the world. He has recorded more than 90 albums and received 18 Grammy Awards. In addition to recordings of the standard classical repertoire, he has recorded a wide variety of folk music such as American bluegrass music, traditional Chinese melodies, the tangos of Argentinian composer Ástor Piazzolla, and Brazilian music. He has collaborated with artists including jazz singer Bobby McFerrin, guitarist Carlos Santana, Sérgio Assad and his brother, Odair, and singer-songwriter and guitarist James Taylor. Ma's primary performance instrument is a Montagnana cello crafted in 1733 and valued at US$2.5 million. He has been a United Nations Messenger of Peace since 2006. He was awarded The Glenn Gould Prize in 1999, the National Medal of Arts in 2001, Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011, and Polar Music Prize in 2012.
- Karen Lee Orzolek (born November 22, 1978), is a South Korean-born American singer, songwriter, musician, and record producer. She is the lead vocalist for American rock band Yeah Yeah Yeahs.
- 10Kathy Yaeji Lee (born c. 1993), known professionally as Yaeji, is a Korean-American electronic music artist based in Brooklyn, New York. Her style blends elements of house music and hip hop with mellow, quiet vocals sung in both English and Korean.
- Jennifer Lee, known professionally as TOKiMONSTA, is an American record producer and DJ based in Los Angeles. She has collaborated with artists such as Anderson .Paak, Earthgang, Isaiah Rashad, Selah Sue, and ZHU. Additionally, has done a number of official remixes, a few being Beck, Duran Duran, Olafur Arnalds, Disclosure, Sia, the Netflix show Squid Game and ODESZA. In 2019, she was nominated for "Best Dance / Electronic Album" at the Grammy Awards for her album Lune Rouge.
- 12Ne-Yo, born Shaffer Chimere Smith on October 18, 1982, in Camden, Arkansas, is a dynamic force in the world of music and acting. Raised primarily in Las Vegas, Nevada, Ne-Yo's innate talent for music was evident from an early age. He began writing songs as a young teen, a skill which eventually catapulted him into a successful career in the American music industry. His journey towards musical stardom truly commenced when he penned "Let Me Love You" for R&B singer Mario in 2004. The song's meteoric rise to the top of the Billboard charts caught the attention of many, ultimately leading to a recording contract with Def Jam Records. His debut album, In My Own Words, released in 2006, solidified his place in the music industry, spawning the hit single "So Sick", which topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Aside from his thriving music career, Ne-Yo has also made a significant impact in the realm of acting. His first major role came in 2007 in the film Stomp the Yard. He has since appeared in several notable films and television series, including Battle: Los Angeles and Empire. In addition, he has made noteworthy contributions to philanthropy. Notably, he founded the Compound Foundation, an organization focused on enhancing the well-being of children growing up in foster care and group homes.
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Jay Som
Melina Mae Duterte (born March 25, 1994), better known by her stage name Jay Som, is an American, Los Angeles-based, DIY and bedroom-pop singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer. Her second album Everybody Works was released on Polyvinyl Records in March 2017, which was preceded by Turn Into, an LP of demos that first gained her attention as a singer-songwriter. - Jonathan Park born February 18, 1986), known professionally as Dumbfoundead, is an Argentine-born Korean-American rapper and actor. He began his career in the 2000s as a battle rapper in Los Angeles and has since become one of the most prominent Asian-American rappers in the United States, known for his witty and socially conscious lyrics.
- Jhené Aiko Efuru Chilombo, better known as Jhené Aiko or simply Jhené, is an American singer and songwriter. Born and raised in Los Angeles, she began her career appearing in several music videos and contributing vocals for R&B group B2K. At the time, she was known as "Lil' Fizz's cousin", though she is not actually related to him. It was used as a marketing tool, suggested by Sony and Epic Records, to promote Aiko through B2K and attract an audience. In 2003, Aiko was set to release her debut album, My Name Is Jhené, through her labels Sony, The Ultimate Group and Epic, however the album was never released, with Aiko asking to be released from the label in order to continue her education. In March 2011, Aiko made her return to music with the release of her first full-length project, a mixtape titled .sailing soul.. On December 16, 2011, Aiko signed a recording contract with American record producer No I.D.'s record label Artium, distributed through Def Jam Recordings. In 2013, Aiko appeared on Big Sean's single "Beware", also featuring Lil Wayne, which became her first Top 40 hit on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.
- Chaz Bear (born Chazwick Bradley Bundick; November 7, 1986), known professionally as Toro y Moi, is an American singer, songwriter, record producer and graphic designer. His music has taken on many forms since he began recording, but he is often identified with the rise of the chillwave movement in 2010 and 2011. His stage name is a multilingual expression consisting of the Spanish words toro and y (meaning "bull" and "and", respectively) and the French word moi (meaning "me").
- Michael Kenji Shinoda (, born February 11, 1977) is an American musician, singer, songwriter, rapper, record producer, and graphic designer. He co-founded Linkin Park in 1996 and is the band's rhythm guitarist, primary songwriter, keyboardist, producer, and co-lead vocalist. Shinoda later created a hip-hop-driven side project, Fort Minor, in 2004. He has also served as a producer for tracks and albums by Lupe Fiasco, Styles of Beyond and the X-Ecutioners. Born in Panorama City, California and raised in Agoura Hills, Shinoda formed Xero, which later became Linkin Park, with two of his high school friends: Brad Delson and Rob Bourdon in 1996, later joined by Joe Hahn, Dave Farrell and Mark Wakefield. Chester Bennington replaced Wakefield as the lead vocalist. The band later signed a record deal with Warner Bros Records. Shinoda is also the co-founder of Machine Shop Records, a California-based record label. Outside of music, Shinoda is an artist and graphic designer. He has painted several pieces of artwork, some of which have been featured in the Japanese American National Museum. On January 25, 2018, Shinoda released the Post Traumatic EP, which contained three songs about his own feelings at the aftermath of Chester Bennington's death on July 20, 2017. In March 2018, Shinoda announced through social media that he was working on a new solo album under the same name; the record was released on June 15, 2018.
- 18Tyga, born as Micheal Ray Stevenson on November 19, 1989, is an eminent figure in the American music industry. His moniker, Tyga, stands for "Thank You God Always", demonstrating his deep-rooted faith. Raised in Compton and Gardena, California's notorious neighborhoods, Tyga's rough upbringing shaped his music style, characterized by poignant lyrics and captivating beats. Before attaining stardom, he dealt with numerous hardships, driving him to express his life experiences through music. Tyga's career kicked off when he released his debut mixtape Young on Probation in 2007, which caught the attention of his cousin, Travie McCoy from Gym Class Heroes. This familial connection led Tyga to a remarkable opportunity to tour with the group, where he started drawing significant attention. In 2008, Tyga signed with Lil Wayne's Young Money Entertainment and soon after, he released his debut studio album No Introduction. However, it was his second album, Careless World: Rise of the Last King, featuring hit tracks like "Far Away," "Still Got It," and "Rack City," that established Tyga as a rap heavyweight. Apart from music, Tyga has made notable appearances in the world of television and film. He participated in the reality show Kingin' with Tyga and landed roles in movies like Dope and Barbershop: The Next Cut. Despite facing personal and professional controversies, Tyga has maintained his relevance in the music industry over the years, showcasing his resilience and dedication to his craft.
- Norah Jones, born Geethali Norah Jones Shankar on March 30, 1979, is recognized internationally as a distinguished singer, songwriter, and pianist. Born in New York City and raised in Texas, her distinctive blend of jazz, pop, and soul music has earned her substantial acclaim across her career. She is the daughter of famed Indian sitar virtuoso Ravi Shankar and concert producer Sue Jones, a lineage that undoubtedly contributed to her profound musical talent. Jones's stellar career began in earnest with the release of her debut album, Come Away with Me, in 2002. This critically acclaimed album skyrocketed her to fame, selling over 27 million copies worldwide. Her unique fusion of genres and her soulful voice struck a chord with listeners globally. The album procured her five Grammy Awards in 2003, including Album of the Year, Record of the Year, and Best New Artist, a feat that solidified her status as a musical powerhouse. Over the years, Jones has continued to experiment with diverse musical styles, from country to folk, thereby expanding her repertoire and reaching new audiences. Her discography includes seven studio albums, each charting its distinct musical course yet always echoing her signature smooth and sultry sound. Apart from her solo work, Jones has also collaborated with a wide array of renowned artists, showcasing her versatility and capability to transition seamlessly across musical landscapes. As she continues to evolve and express her artistry, Norah Jones remains an integral figure in the global music scene, captivating audiences with her timeless talent.
- Sarah Chang (Korean: 장영주; born Young Joo Chang; December 10, 1980) is an American classical violinist. Recognized as a child prodigy, she first played as a soloist with the New York Philharmonic and the Philadelphia Orchestra in 1989. She enrolled at Juilliard School to study music, graduated in 1999, and continued university studies. Especially during the 1990s and 2000s, Chang had major roles as a soloist with many of the world's major orchestras.
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Haley Henderickx
Haley Hannah Heynderickx is an American singer-songwriter of Filipino descent from Portland, Oregon. In 2016, she released her debut EP, Fish Eyes. Her first full-length album, I Need to Start a Garden, was released in March 2018 with Mama Bird Recording Company.
- Born in Southern California in 1991, Hayley Kiyoko's parents were entertainers. Her father, Jamie Alcroft, was an actor comedian and her mother was figure skater Sarah Kawahara, who won two Emmys for choreography, including one for choreographing the Closing Ceremonies of the 2002 Winter Olympics. Kiyoko's career in front of the camera came at an early age, when she went with a friend to an audition and was discovered. She also worked with her mother as a skater in the Opening Ceremonies of the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics, and in the skating comedy "Blades of Glory" (2007), both of which were choreographed by Kawahara. Kiyoko appeared in a number of commercials before landing the role of Velma in the TV movie "Scooby-Doo! The Mystery Begins" (Cartoon Network, 2009) as well as "Scooby-Doo! Curse of the Lake Monster" (Cartoon Network, 2010) and the video short "Scooby Doo! The Whole World Loves You" (2010). Next was a recurring role on "Wizards of Waverly Place" (Disney Channel, 2007-2012) followed by another recurring role on "The Fosters" (ABC Family, 2013-) playing a reformed cyber-bully. She played a character with the same background in the "CSI" spinoff "CSI: Cyber" (CBS, 2014-). Her character, Raven Ramirez, was a reformed hacker, now working with Special Agent Avery Ryan's (Patricia Arquette) cyber team to help the FBI solve crimes that have an internet component.
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ZHU
Steven Zhu is a Chinese-American musician and singer who has been active since the beginning of 2014, and is signed to Mind of a Genius Records. Until mid-2014, Zhu remained anonymous, asking to be judged by his music alone. His debut album, Generationwhy, was released on July 29, 2016. - 24
Giraffage
Charlie Yin, better known by his stage name Giraffage, is an American electronic music record producer. Yin, who is of Taiwanese descent, grew up in San Jose, California, and graduated from the University of California, Berkeley with a degree in political economics before pursuing his musical career. Most recently Yin has collaborated with other electronic music producers, including Porter Robinson. As Giraffage, Yin regularly performs at venues in his native San Francisco Bay Area and has performed both independently and along with other artists across the world. - 25
Nosaj Thing
Jason Chung, better known as Nosaj Thing, is an American record producer based in Los Angeles, California. He is of Korean descent. He has produced tracks for Busdriver, Kendrick Lama, and Chance the Rapper.
