What Battle Rap Taught Me | Jonathan Park | TEDxRutgers

From the battle grounds to the silver screen, Jon Park (professionally known as Dumbfoundead) has built up an unbelievably impressive repertoire. Born in Buenos Aires to Korean immigrants, smuggled into Mexico, raised in Koreatown Los Angeles where he later freestyled at open-mics in Leimert Park at Project Blowed, Dumbfoundead is now a force to be reckoned with not only in the Los Angeles hip-hop scene but also internationally as a viral hip-hop ambassador.
During the 2015 King of the Dot’s Blackout 5 world renown rapper Drake praised Dumbfoundead as the highlight of the rap battle. Later, Dumbfoundead used to his platform to champion for Asian rappers Keith Ape and Rich Brian to come to the US where they formed the crew 88 Rising. Moreover, Dumbfoundead was also honored for his contributions for Asian artists with the KoreanAmericanStory.org Trail Blazer award alongside actress Sandra Oh and humanitarian Thomas Park Clement.
Dumbfoundead has also branched out as an actor with supporting roles in Joseph Kahn’s Detention(2011), Bodied (2017) and Season 3 of Starz #1 series Power (2016) and Awkwafina's 'Nora From Queens' (2019) and he's currently developing his own television show.
From the battle grounds to the silver screen, Jon Park (professionally known as Dumbfoundead) has built up an unbelievably impressive repertoire. Born in Buenos Aires to Korean immigrants, smuggled into Mexico, raised in Koreatown Los Angeles where he later freestyled at open-mics in Leimert Park at Project Blowed, Dumbfoundead is now a force to be reckoned with not only in the Los Angeles hip-hop scene but also internationally as a viral hip-hop ambassador.
During the 2015 King of the Dot’s Blackout 5 world renown rapper Drake praised Dumbfoundead as the highlight of the rap battle. Later, Dumbfoundead used to his platform to champion for Asian rappers Keith Ape and Rich Brian to come to the US where they formed the crew 88 Rising. Moreover, Dumbfoundead was also honored for his contributions for Asian artists with the KoreanAmericanStory.org Trail Blazer award alongside actress Sandra Oh and humanitarian Thomas Park Clement. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@andisa9599]

This guy rhymes when he’s speaking sometimes, genius

[@beenblack90]

And its contagious because you just did it too lol

[@DaRedeyeJedi808]

Thats dumbfounded for u? You dont know him do your research

[@johnnyrr2643]

I read an article about flow the other day, saying it can applied to scientific writing. Now, more out of hazard than anything I happen to write a sorta flow at work. Words starting similarly, sounding well next to each other. Try to get an ear for that while you're writing yourself, I find it to be fun ^^

[@TheBotchJob]

Dumbfounded was literally one of the first battle rappers I found that sent me down the rabbit hole of battle rap. You are a huge inspiration and did an amazing job.

[@djpylloz]

Facts

[@4shady0]

Tbh, Rone got me into "battle rap" but a lot of the scene made me enjoy it.

[@stevetoma3376]

Yes

[@arcadestickgaming6601]

FACTS WHEN HE BATTLED CONCEITED BRUH

[@jl8754]

Scribble jam! But I'm old tho 😆

[@justabbythx3745]

Raps. Podcasts. Stand Up. Ted Talks. All the while emitting Authenticity in every new undertaking. 👏👏👏

[@YenahVictoriaJoe]

and comedic genuis (have u seen his twitter)

[@lochofmceo]

Dumbfounded is a legend in battle rap and is doing his thing.

[@theorangeunicorn3654]

Actor as well. He was in the movie "Bodied" about battle rap

[@lochofmceo]

@@theorangeunicorn3654 he was on Power too

[@deusrex6230]

Roasts too, check him out on ADD haha

[@keitwr]

"chasing the american dream which ultimately destroyed my family" just wow

[@datapatch7381]

Happens all the time :(

[@aregup007]

keitwr, 🎯 right

[@spineshock1]

this man was one of my heroes growing up, didn't have too many Asian role-models back then

[@bkeirington]

Not Asian but I looked up to dumbfoundead when I was kid too lol man's an OG and will always be my favorite battle rapper

[@joeyfergen3826]

Jeremy Lin?

[@spineshock1]

Joey Fergen Lin was definitely up there too

[@Oreo_a_God]

Jackie didn’t inspire you?

[@Kinjo7]

Cool to have a role model. But yeah... How old are you?

[@flintlights]

Eyy. Dumbfounded on Ted Talks, that’s dope.

[@teresamiller8546]

Yeah this is awesome

[@xX-Logic-]

Dumbfounded 3-0 He Bodied this.

[@Dice-Gamble]

but the number of stumbles....damn

[@Jikktastic]

Gentleman's 30

[@LVXBeats058]

Don DeMarco *Bang Bang*

[@williamcruz7976]

Lmfao

[@hoodrichhaul7545]

Look at Ted "he mad right now"

[@davehan4103]

The worse thing about this is its only like 10 minutes long.

[@88Doug]

Dave Hahn True!

[@TheDaquaan]

Facts!

[@DirtieF0X]

That was a fast 10 minute session I thought it was 5

[@funknelson87]

On the bright side there’s hours upon hours of dumbfoundead battles on KZbin to get lost in. He’s a super entertaining battler.

[@87_North]

Not true. The reason it's 10 minutes is because of a psychological anomaly. Humans lose interest after 12-15 minutes on a subject because it's what our attention spans allow for. The point of a Ted Talk to to quickly get across your point, without losing anyone's attention, and to start a conversation.. That's how Ted Talks started.

[@jm2794]

I remember beatboxing for him at the streetwear clothing store The Attic in Buena Park CA back in 2011. Enjoyed watching him grow over the years! Awesome Ted Talk with a real one that keeps Hip Hop alive!

[@0j00n]

lol 2011? you didnt watch him grow bro

[@iHarryDo]

@@0j00n He could've been following him way earlier. Either way 9 years is still growth. Show more love dude cmon

[@browncow6644]

@@iHarryDo youre only true fan if you were able to shake his hand while he was still in the womb.

[@jm2794]

@@iHarryDo haha no need to pay attention to haters. Thanks bro! Stay humble.

[@BlitzX89]

Yo i remember that event with DFD / ZO / Intuition

[@jordinarylife1323]

Wow I remember I used to watch Dumb’s rap battles all the time and now he’s up here doing a TEDtalk 😧 such an inspiration 🙌

[@Artifacts187]

i am here

[@soccerman127]

"Dumbfoundead do eyebrows" - Kraig Smith

[@raycarden7941]

He had a stir fried beagle yesterday

[@Baronnax]

"Kraig does headbutt exercises." - Dumbfoundead

[@SHAMONDAE]

😂😂😂

[@nolove1329]

*Kreeeeeeeg schmmmmmmittttt

[@donaldwest9373]

No Love 😂😂 you beat me to it

[@CelticRot]

He just casually insulted Conceited again like it's nothing lmao

[@marmiteghost]

DFD is a legend. been in the game for years, has helped put on ppl who are now a-tier celebrities, consistently creates quality work, has always evolved and adapted without losing himself or blindly chasing trends. beast. also, "we might die" shd be a certified classic.

[@ellieramos]

DFD has been one of my heroes in hiphop ever since

[@TrichbeeT]

0:57 LOL only fans know, "Ratta tat tat, butterflies on your back and Chinese letters that dont mean jack,"

[@asdfkljlkjdfkg2290]

That was a good battle. Context: vs Conceited.

[@aliciamercado5316]

So glad he wore a beanie 👏👏👏 So proud of this dude

[@sunsakauraflower5594]

Alicia Mercado I remembered him asking should he wear his beanie and I’m like ofc you should🙄😂

[@aliciamercado5316]

@@sunsakauraflower5594 yeah; on twt, yeah me too I was duh 😅😄😊 glad he listed to majority vote

[@justinpettit3432]

Wow. Never thought I'd see a battle rap Ted talk

[@88PLR]

I like how battle rappers are starting to do things outside of battle rap 😎👌🏾

[@bishop208]

“Dumbfounded race civics in the back of targets”

[@Niggalodeon323]

Owin DOOM. tha 🐐

[@trvz.4610]

From Roast Me 😂

[@macefelterthehealer9939]

Owin hadoken

[@Erickwashere]

🏆

[@DanielRodriguez-dy3sj]

Brent Taylor😂

[@late_millennial]

Came straight from the live.

[@alwayscreatingio]

dumbfounded 🔥

[@tylerm0089]

This dude is intelligent. I wanna see that aggressive hip hop again. Bless.

[@StephenVTran]

I was freestyling with a friend today and this pops up on my recommended, thanks for listening KZbin

[@Twizzledoc187]

Stephen V. Tran 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@kenwu7]

Always listening bro, your privacy was dead years ago 😂

[@friscomade]

definitely a battle rap legend & youtube pioneer. glad he's doing well! much love DFD

[@spirithanh]

So cool seeing Dumbfounded doing Ted Talks. I'm happy for him he really representing for us Asians/Asian-Americans, I'm glad to see he's getting more recognition

[@kneecapitator7288]

This is a great talk, and really shows his journey

[@neffyxd]

Great job. Can’t believe I’ve seen you move through so many platforms!

[@DGT63]

This is crazy!!! I remember I used to watch all of your videos like you freestyling with D-Pryde and Timothy DelaGhetto back when he went by Traphik, and now im watching you give tedtalks. RESPECT.

[@SlimThePhenomenon]

Dope to see somebody from the battle rap culture on TEDx. Salute Dumbfoundead 🤘🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@TheHardknok]

Dumbfounded vs Kid Twist is one of my earliest battle rap memories & I've been a fan of both since. Much love & respect for this dude

[@emmanuelsebua1445]

"It's bigger than Hip-Hop" - Dead Prez, this reminds me of Brown Sugar.

[@carxshii]

grew up watching his battle rap and been supporting his music since. I'm so happy for him!!

[@dvndybeats9949]

Crazy to see how far DFD has gone in his career !! It's honestly amazing

[@dolahdoles4481]

Really love this! Thank you

[@tseringpalden7006]

RESPECT RESPECT RESPECT!!! PROUD ASIAN FORM EAST COAST!! STRAIGHT FIRE!!

[@maximillianjacob8244]

I'm a simple man; I see dumbfoundead, I click like.

[@criticalmath6684]

Me too

[@OFresh]

this was really dope!!! appreciate the the motivation!

[@bacdi7063]

glad you got a chance to tell a small part of your story on a bigger platform... 👏🏼

[@tristeconfundida]

Awesome this is legit. 💜 much love

[@Suhpreme_K]

Went from Grind Time to Tedx Talks!

[@OTT23Detroit]

From jumpoff to

[@OTT23Detroit]

From jumpoff to

[@fuddyduddie1205]

I stay getting hoed only a few of us are old enough to remember the great days of two vs two and scribble jam. I’m a young dinosaur 😆

[@Jacob-Pogicat]

It's crazy how Jin did a similar thing too! legends

[@djWOOF]

Jonathan, thanks for the inspiration. you are a pioneer -young ones may not know.. i remember meeting you for the 2nd time at the Line hotel club, and my friend at the time (now girlfriend) didnt know who you were ..So then I approached you and said that she wanted a photo . I still have that photo of you and her with a dumbfounded look like "who is this person?" no pun intended. that night was special, it was basically the beginning of my relationship w her. Thanks for taking the time for your fans.

[@vect97]

One of the few to represent the hip hop culture and asian culture with respect. Keep doing what you doing!

[@MrFrunk1]

Still one of my favourite Battle Rapper.

[@notoriouskodiak]

Battle rap and Ted talks 2 of my favorite things. Been watching for 15 years

[@gchild123]

There is no one like Dumbfoundead in battlerap. In terms of being unique, authentic and absolutely funny he has to be the best battle rappers of all time in the battle rap league.

[@blinkatreyu]

DFD the real Asian OG! Man is multi-talented. Incredible!

[@michaelumphlettee7054]

Hey, this was really good and inspirational. Thanks man

[@CJimy27]

So amazing! He is just amazing!

[@GeneSu]

I chilled with Jon and his crew all night when he stopped by the Claremont Colleges to perform back in 2009. He and his crew were legitimately talented yet humble and generous. He deserves every ounce of success he's achieved. It's incredible for me to see him up on the TED stage, but I'm not surprised given his passion. Big ups D!

[@bleachnellieltuodelschwanc5180]

Dope Ted talk!! Big fan of his!! Don't know why it was 10min. Wished it was longer

[@jayjayloks6965]

DFD on KOTD was so fuken dope too, seeing him in ted talks now is just ugh... so nice🥰

[@TheBrewInnPodcast]

One of the best TED talks 🔥

[@missmolyda]

He’s one of my fav people !!!! ☺️

[@LucidMakesVideos]

This is the greatest crossover I've seen this in a while. Battle Rap X K-Rap X Tedx Talks

[@MintyCory]

Damn dude, so proud of DFD right now. Well deserved and well spoken!

[@gordoskinny1412]

Such an incredible person 🙏🏽

[@stevienguyen2047]

That Dave Chappelle part is probably going over a lot of heads if they haven’t actually seen it... That seemed hard to explain lol

[@northdakotabeast1547]

take me a second, but after his analogy it made sense.

[@j.ascension7]

He was talking about the comedian who played Kramer on Seinfeld.

[@stevienguyen2047]

J. Ascension It was about a bit where Dave talked about Michael Richards at the laugh factory. That clip is everywhere.

[@emilitious7886]

@@stevienguyen2047 link please.

[@Heatnation712]

Loved this dudes battle raps

[@Kevin-hq5os]

Please guys, we need to get this more views. DFD deserves it!

[@moonfairy95]

I met a few years ago in Houston hes amazing person!

[@jefzig]

I swear I never thought a battle rapper would end up on Ted talks. Your actually the one that got me into battle rap to begin with. Shoutout to us Asians ✊✊✊

[@kidprep]

His latest album was amazing. "Chill Foo" "Almost There" "Pink Bleu Dawn" Check em aaaaht

[@EndingVisions]

He hasn’t had a good album since 2013

[@devinmichel3207]

@@EndingVisions we might die was an instant classic. You're delusional

[@EndingVisions]

@@devinmichel3207 that’s ur opinion

[@LEvELSCALES]

A TED TALK ABOUT BATTLE RAP... STILL ONE OF MY FAVORITE WATCHES IN THE CULTURE

[@Richualistik]

True words DF. Always straight. flowin'.

[@Waynimations]

Man you were one of my role models as I was growing up. Thank you for showing me that creativity knows no race and is for those who work hard.

[@joshuamarc8773]

One of my favorite personalities in battle rap, I just wish he would do more battles x(

[@kilokay5506]

BRILLIANT FR!!

[@33sdfsdf]

I remember getting super excited to show dumb’s KOTD rap battles to my friends as a kid. A legendary korean american rapper

[@Gunsik93]

IT's dope when you didn't even realize his freestyle was over and he was just talking. Because everything he says is just lyrical.

[@zzzodiac4896]

Only real DFD fans will remember the time he knocked somebody out during a battle

[@salmonidaechaser7066]

😂 😂 😂

[@LaughingGasFunny]

ZZZodiac the spin kick from the heavens.

[@d.balbas6952]

@Stony Potson Damn Stony you trying to explain to everybody the inside joke. Should've let them watch it and figure it out. Real DFD fans would know his battle against tantrum. Or when he called out Prince EA. Or when he said You should become a counselor or an English teacher. Looking like King Latifa

[@layzy24]

I think you mean fñying kick to the head

[@funknelson87]

It’s ok, Diz got him back lmao

[@PutYoRhymeOn]

Found him 10 years ago in Grind Time. Dude legendary forever

[@UchihaxStudios]

I just remembered i have still have a signed ol boy jhon cd from DFD, gotta listen back

[@ericlee5638]

I remember seeing him at a korean bar I worked at in Chicago. He was pretty humble and fun to drink with haha

[@Dackota]

I am just surprised y'all are surprised...remember when Breezy Lovejoy aka Andersn .Paak said "to my surprise it was it was Johnny Park, damn I thought you was the narcs." 😉

[@kevinhuo6149]

He's so big now, damn proud of it

[@Humble_NPC]

Lmao man these kids don’t know about Breezy Lovejoy 🔥

[@InfamousAustinT0]

I've loved watching his evolution over the years. It's been a journey

[@mr.steady5498]

Dang, I'd never imagined your name would be Jonathan

[@jl8754]

C'mon man he's Asian American 😆

[@anachronismic]

He had his name in an album name lol

[@lovelydae7455]

Assimilation to survive

[@TheNameCannotBeFound]

@@jl8754 I was about to say the same thing, hahaha! John or any variation of that name is so freaking common. Especially in North America. Not to mention when it comes to Asian Americans, a TON of them are called John/Jonathan.

[@ghostbehind9450]

How? That was literally used on some bars against him. Park and dog/dog walking bars were constantly used against him.

[@RoarTheRapper]

So cool to see how you got your start in battle rap and what it taught you.

[@Xtinanina16]

I love this man

[@tylonkosi861]

I love this guy.

[@jungwoowhoo]

Omgggg this is so cooollllll

[@ericyi]

One of the best!

[@MonstarCave]

If anyone hasn't seen Dumbfoundead vs Tantrum and is a fan of battle rap, you HAVE to see that battle first one of the best battles ever.

[@homelessbag]

dumbfoundead one of the best

[@BigWrangler]

Man i wish this was a longer. Was a good look for Dumbfoundead and battle rap in general. Never thought id ses a Ted talk on battle rap

[@salmonidaechaser7066]

DFD get the shine you deserve!!!

[@Psquared2324]

Been subbed to dumbfounded since old school KZbin. I remember his track mama are we there yet, very good.

[@DJAUDIO1]

Blessings Jon. ❤️🙏

[@stephfu7747]

Thank you

[@Lim_]

Glad you guys got Jon on here🔥🐐

[@user-ue5kt1tj7i]

Nice!!! Enjoyed it!!

[@knowistrite]

Wow. I remember the day I met Dumbfoundead in Koreatown and I've followed him ever since. This was long before Grindtime came along. This is hella dope and refreshing.

[@ZachVanHarrisJR]

*Daylyt brought me here saying to watch this! Great great great suggestion!* ✌🏾❤️

[@88PLR]

This is cool Dumbfounded did a Ted Talk.

[@unbiasOrbit]

Dumbfoundead*

[@joonpark6502]

자랑스럽습니다 형

[@user-rd5kn6hz4b]

This is amazing 🔥

[@devvv4616]

these guys have a ton of experience handling immense pressure in public speaking

[@emanuel2cool1]

DFD is awesome. Super happy to see him on a TedTalk. Very cool!

[@jl8754]

Damn! This dude on TED?! Good for him! TED it was one of the best ones!

[@DarellDavie1]

Legendary 👑💯

[@Johnny_Bravo00]

That was a great video

[@shiwalogo2]

AWESOME