Kollaboration New York’s application deadline is fast-approaching, and if you’ve been procrastinating on getting that turned in and squared away, here’s a few reasons why you shouldn’t wait!
Kollaboration New York: Rhyme and Reason
Think you have what it takes to be the next Kollaboration Star? Well, it all starts here. With the deadline for Kollaboration New York 8 applications coming up shortly, we wanted to give you all a little glimpse back at some of the amazing talents that New York City has to offer in little bite-size pieces this next week, starting with our annual freestyle singing competition.
These amazing guys and gals definitely lit up the stage, no doubt about it, and it definitely took guts to perform in front of hundreds of people — but the important takeaway is that they did it. They took a chance and tried. And they rocked that mic.
Things We Like: 7th Annual New York City Asian American Student Conference
Have a minute? Like free food? (Who doesn’t?! That was kind of a trick question.) Then take a moment to check out the video above and learn more about why YOU, Kollaboration New York supporter, should come to the 7th annual New York City Asian American Student Conference (NYCAASC), En Route, taking place on Saturday, April 27.
We here at Kollaboration New York are all about supporting up-and-coming artists in their pursuit of a career in the entertainment industry — and as a result, it should come as no surprise that we’re fans (and friends) of anyone who’s looking to help bolster the Asian American community in ways both big and small.
NYCAASC is a joint effort between several of New York City’s most vibrant campuses, including New York University, Columbia University, Barnard College, Hunter College, Baruch College, and City College, with aims of bringing a collection of amazing workshops and speakers right here to your front stoop (er, apartment door?).
Why You Should Audition for Kollaboration New York: Izzy Salinel
It’s over two weeks into April, you’re starting to switch up your winter wardrobe, the sun’s beginning to linger just a little bit longer, and you’re suddenly itching to spend some quality time outside the office, the classroom, and heck, even your bite-sized New York City apartment.
Whatever could all these things mean (aside from the fact that we all spend way too much time cooped up indoors)?
Well first, that spring is just around the corner — finally! — and second, that the deadline for Kollaboration New York applications is fast approaching. And if you’re wavering about whether or not you should apply, our totally non-biased, only-looking-out-for-your-best-interest plug is this: Yes. You should apply.
Why? As past finalist Izzy Salinel will tell you in the video above, it’ll change your life in ways you can’t even imagine yet.
Strolling ‘Round the Interwebs: What’s an Awkwafina?
If you’ve kept at least one eye out on the Internet (read: your Facebook feed) these past two weeks, then you’ve probably caught wind of some controversy surrounding a recent New York magazine article about New York-based rapper Awkwafina (see: “NYC Bitche$,” above).
The piece, titled “Can an Asian Woman Be Taken Seriously in Rap?” is likely meant to simultaneously provoke and introduce a segment of the musical sphere that a lot of people were previously unaware of. A win-win for both the rapper and the magazine, right? Well, kind of.
Sure, Awkwafina (real name: Nora Lum) is gaining the kind of traction and attention online that perhaps other female rappers aren’t used to — save for more mainstream acts like Nicki Minaj or Kreayshawn – but the piece really got under some notable bloggers’ skin because it, well, just didn’t dig deep enough.
Outside of her Asian American heritage (Awkwafina is of Chinese and Korean descent), the main thing to note is that the girl can rhyme. And have fun doing it. But being funny and being dubbed a joke are two very different things, and the general consensus is that Lum’s portrayal in the profile is incomplete at best, polarizing at worst.