In the past few months, North America has seen a spike in anti-Asian hate crimes, and it hit a fevered pitch on March 16th when a gunman massacred eight people (six of them Asian women) in Atlanta, thrusting this terrible and violent trend into the international spotlight.
And, as Global News reported: “Canada is not an outlier from the horrific recent spikes in violent hate crimes against members of the Asian communities both at home and abroad.”
Vancouver officials reported that police documented a significant increase in anti-Asian hate in the past year, increasing a whopping 717% from 12 to 98. And that’s just one city.
To speak out against the disturbing trend, Japanese-American rapper Lyrics Born has teamed up with Filipino-American DJ, Cutso, for a new anti-hate song and accompanying video.
“‘Anti’ is a song I wish we never had to make,” said Lyrics Born.
“Unfortunately it was also the easiest to make. I and others around me have been fighting anti-Asian sentiment and violence our entire lives. It’s ever-present in every aspect of life for us and always has been. It has gone on for too long, and now it has gone too far. This is us standing together in awareness and solidarity to stop the hate and start the love.”
The duo released the new single with the hopes of inspiring others to step up and speak out against hate of all forms. DJ Cutso weighed in on the inspiration for the new song, as well as what he hopes it achieves.
“As an Asian American artist, I felt it was important to use my platform to voice my concern with the rash of anti-Asian violence and hate crimes, which has us fearing for our loved ones and even ourselves. We made this song in hopes that it will give people the power and strength to step up and speak against hate, and to urge others to stand with us.”
Proceeds from the sale of “Anti” will go to Stop AAPI Hate. Stream/purchase it here via your favourite platform.
You can follow @LyricsBorn on Instagram.
