Korean-American rapper Dumbfoundead on why representation in hip-hop matters

Jonathan Park, who goes by the stage name, Dumbfoundead, isn't afraid to get political.

In one of his latest songs, "Rocket Man," Park samples U.S. President Donald Trump's quotes about North Korean leaderKim Jong-un.

It's also the name of his newest album, which explores his family's journey from Korea to Los Angeles.

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Park got his start in L.A.'s rap battle scene, where he often faced insults about his Korean heritage. The rapper quickly became known for his witty comebacks and laid-back style.

Park starts his tour in Vancouver Mondaynightat Fortune Sound Club.

He joined Gloria Macarenko on CBC'sOn the Coastto discussAsian-American representation in the media and the surreal situation of Donald Trump and Kim Jong-Un engaging in diplomatic talks.

Let's start with your family's journey from Korea to Los Angeles.

My parents areboth full Korean. At the time, therewas a huge immigration of Koreans coming into South America.From there, we made the journey up to Los Angeles through the Mexican border. My sister and I were babies.

Your music video for the song "Safe" features your face superimposed on famous lead roles in Hollywood movies. What were you trying to say with that?

There's been a huge discussion around white washing inHollywood and I wanted to flip itand Asian-wash the Hollywood lead roles.

Representation is important for kids who grow up watching TV and movies. Iremember watching those heroes and wondering how come nobody looks like me on TV. As Igot older, Ihad a better understanding of what was going on.

Whatneeds to change?

The systemneeds to be more open to using people of colour in movies and TV.It's also not just about the actors only being on TV. It's about the writers and the people telling their stories behind the scenes.

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You've made a name for yourself in America, but you've also released music in Korea. What's the challenge of navigating a hip-hop career in two languages in two very different countries?

It's definitely tough. It's not about just the fact that I'm Korean, and I'm able to make music in Korea. I don't identify myself necessarily as Korean. I identify myself as Korean-American, which is a completely different storyfor any Asian-American.

President Donald Trump has said he's going toengage in talks with Kimg Jong-un. You released asong called "Rocket Man," which samplesTrump's own quotes about the North Korean leader. Is all this surreal to you?

It is surreal. North Korea is still Korea. When I turn on the TV, I still see someone who's Korean and someone who comes from my ethnic background.

It's very surreal seeing Koreabeing mentioned every time I turn on the TV. That represents the name of my tour, "Yikes."That's my initial reaction when I turn on the TV.

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With the rise of hip-hop Asian acts, such asHigher Brothers andRich Brian, do you think the perception of Asians and Asian-Americans is changing in the media?

There's more acceptance of hearingraps in different languages. Butthere could definitely be a lot more stories shared byAsian-Americans.

This interview has been edited and clarified.

With files from CBC's On the Coast