The biggest gem that I’m walking away with here is to “Move at the speed of pop culture.” That shit slapped. Thank you for a dope interview. I’ve always wondered what this dude’s story was.
Keep coming with the content; great interview settings and good questions.. steels sharpens steel - thank you guys for your time energy and info on the channel!! ✨💯it
He never really answered the question on why he changed the name, but I suppose he doesn't have to since they made a public statement about it when they did. Honestly, it was the right move. It's not just a name when you co-opt the whole cultural identity that comes with a name like that, and it wasn't just the name. The branding, the graphics, the smiley face coupled with name just screamed asian and asian american. It's like superdry cosplaying as japanese when it's just some white dudes from england co-opting japanese americana. It's one thing to pay homage, but when your entire front-facing brand is that of a cultural and ethnic minority despite not being a part of that community AND you're profiting off that perception, it becomes actual appropriation (despite the overuse of the term in general). In the end, they made the right move, and I admire them for taking a stand.
