Lo-Fi Language Learning

“A great way to learn about your country is to leave it.” - Henry Rollins (2.13.61)

When I came back to Taiwan last year, one of my goals was to unlock the international experience for more than just other Fulbright grantees - no matter who your daddy is or how much money is behind your last name, everyone has a piece of that is worth carrying beyond the borders to represent us as a people.

With help from the UnLearn The World and Hip Hop for Change we were able to get a glimpse of this in our first ever week long project (https://www.lofilanguage.com/international-inspiration), where a cohort of teaching artists and young talents from the engaged in the dopest project of all time, culminating in the iconic East West Beats Fest 東拍西節 concert at Brickyard 紅磚地窖 - and a surprise championship win at 狂熱街頭 MADSTREET!

Much more highlights to come, but I had to start with a healthy shout out from the chest to all who made this week (and the many dreams that preceded it) possible:
Lil MC
Amani Johnson
Jayd Cisneros
Don Marrón
Melody Tu
章和穎
狂熱街頭 MADSTREET
Wilke Wilke
Ashton Bishop
Marshall Paul Chang
Morica Chen
Mickey Fact
Malye.HRTZ
10Beatzzz

We're excited to get the ball rolling with Hip Hop for Change this summer! Donate to the cause below, and learn more about our program here:
https://www.lofilanguage.com/international-inspiration

WE’RE GOING TO TAIWAN!!! The education team is linking up with our folks to bring a team of Hip Hop artist and selected participants from our Pipeline 2 Positive program for an all expenses paid artists residency in Taiwan to perform and facilitate cultural exchange for local Hip Hop artists in the country August 11th-19th. Special thanks to the for supporting this opportunity. You too can support this effort by becoming a one time of monthly donor. Your contribution will help spark the brain that will CHANGE the world. ✊🏾🌍

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"The life of an artist requires a special kind of freedom, flexibility, and spontaneity that may seem incompatible with the commitment of a fellowship. This misconception makes it easy for new graduates or career transitioners in this category to fall into the ‘starving artist’ stereotype as they start their first major works. Contrary to popular belief, however, this does not have to be a necessary phase before finding success..."

A big thanks to ProFellow.com for letting me kick this knowledge on their platform! Check this out, but please know this is only the preview. Hip Hop for Change & Lo-Fi Language Learning are building something dope this year in the true spirit of investing in for the arts, and we can't wait to pull the curtain this Fall~

Beyond the Starving Artist: Navigating Fellowships in the Arts | ProFellow Learn from Fulbright fellow Miles Iton how to begin your artist journey without compromising financial stability through funded fellowships and programs.

"Approaching my creative practice as a transferable skill is how I managed to give myself an edge in fellowship applications, cross over into new industries, and establish a vantage point for building my small business acumen. Thus, the best tip I can offer to anyone of a creative bent perusing Profellow at the moment is to revere & regard your creativity as much as you would like a hiring committee to!"

Catch these gems and more in my new interview article published by ProFellow.com 🙏

Hip-hop Meets Language Education: A Fulbright Scholar’s Innovative Approach | ProFellow Explore the fusion of hip-hop and language education with Fulbright Scholar Miles Iton and his innovative ventures, Language Learning, and teaching in Taiwan.

The We Are Family Foundation​ put us on Saturday Night Live! No joke - catch founder Matthew Wainwright on a solid millisecond of this commercial as part of a new crew making many lifetimes worth of change around the world:
https://www.wearefamilyfoundation.org/yttf-the-creatives-2024

Big shout outs to Michael Holman, Nile Rodgers & LE SSERAFIM + our entire new cohort you can learn about below:
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“THE CREATIVES” ✊ We Are Family Foundation is honored to introduce “The Creatives” — the newest Frontliners representing 26 countries on 5 continents and 9 states in the United States.

“The Creatives” encompass 25 artivists, collectives, cultural storytellers and creative organizers who use their voice and the power of art to address systemic injustice and shift narratives in local and global communities.

“The Creatives” were introduced in a 30-second Art Ad airing on NBCUniversal’s Saturday Night Live. Directed by Michael Holman, acclaimed filmmaker and Jean-Michel Basquiat collaborator, this intergenerational video spans generations of creatives, featuring Nile Rodgers’ chart-topping hit “Unforgiven” with K-Pop stars Le Sserafim.

“The Creatives” employ diverse artistic mediums as storytelling practices and justice-driven projects honoring Black, Indigenous and People of Color communities around the world. They are:

→ Creating safe spaces for marginalized and underrepresented communities
→ Spearheading education equity, community engagement and freedom of speech
→ Advocating for LGBTQIA+, climate, arts, gender, social justice — and more

Discover “The Creatives” here: https://www.wearefamilyfoundation.org/yttf-the-creatives-2024

"THE CREATIVES" | Youth To The Front Fund Frontliners | Directed by Michael Holman We Are Family Foundation (WAFF) is honored to introduce “The Creatives” — the newest Youth To The Front Fund (YTTFF) Frontliners representing 26 countries on...

Much like how you learn, the impact you allow people to have in your life is your choice. You control your destiny! Start this week off on the right foot with a few lyrics from Youguey's track "The World".

As the first rap song to ever win an Oscar, Lose Yourself is known as one of the most inspirational songs of all time. Enjoy this little throwback for y’all this week from us at Lo-Fi.

“To make the world peaceful, become more peaceful” - someone wiser said. "Drive" by Pseudo Ra shows us the importance of being grateful for what we have no matter the situation. Our purpose at Lo-Fi is to spark the brain that will change the world all while being grateful for hip hop and the key it gives us to unlocking that spark.

What better inspiration is there than Kanye when it comes to overcoming obstacles? Nothing in life should come in between your education, goals, and dreams. Overcoming hurdles is a sign of strength, something Lo-Fi will always advocate for.