Rap Is a Martial Art A Cross Cultural History of Kung Fu, Hip Hop, and Activism
By Michael Messina
Artist Rap is a Martial Art in his music video “John Wick”
“Shaolin Kung Fu chose me, I chose rap” stated Philippe Prosper, better known by his rap name Rap is a Martial Art (RMA). As a Haitian American immigrant, professional rapper, and international Shaolin Kung Fu Grandchampion, RMA embodies the often overlooked stitches connecting Asian American and Black American cultures. A look at RMA’s popular “Adidas Originals” video finds him rapping with his signature style of dizzying rhyme schemes and crisp striking techniques. “I am Liu Kang’s hands meets the Wu-Tang Clan,” he boasts, further referencing the connection between hip-hop and Kung Fu. This connection, however, runs deeper than words and weapons, flows and films. In a present that includes such tumultuous race relations, an examination of this cross cultural past may help inform how we approach an uncertain future.
Vol. XXXIX, Issue I 15
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Whd8GATlU3o https://www.vox.com/culture/2018/10/4/17788566/awkwafina-crazy-rich-asians-oceans-8-snl-unruly-woman https://consequenceofsound.net/2020/03/wu-tang-clan-lullaby-album/
