Awkwafina

American musician and actor Awkwafina first gained notice through sly rap tracks that approached racial identity and sexuality from a boldly comedic angle, later widening her presence in Hollywood. Born Nora Lum in Forest Hills, Queens, to Chinese and Korean immigrant parents, she began her musical journey playing the trumpet and later pursued classical and jazz studies before turning to hip-hop during her teenage years. While prioritizing academics, she earned a college degree in journalism and women's studies and spent time studying Mandarin in Beijing, only redirecting her energy toward music after graduation. Her 2012 track "My Vag," written as a rejoinder to Mickey Avalon's "My Dick," achieved viral online traction and appeared on her 2014 debut LP, Yellow Ranger. That album also included additional breakout cuts such as the body-positive "Queef" and the playful hometown ode "NYC Bitche$," the latter of which directly inspired her 2015 travel guide, Awkwafina's NYC. Having established credentials as both musician and author, she next pursued acting, appearing in early television efforts like Girl Code and Tawk as well as films including Neighbors 2, Storks, and Bad Rap. Her profile rose sharply in 2018 with prominent parts in Dude, Ocean's 8, and Crazy Rich Asians, and that June she released the EP In Fina We Trust.