Grammy-nominated Korean-American artist Jonnie Park,aka Dumbfoundead, and the Los Angeles Korean Festival Foundation (LAKFF) have launched his memoir, “SPIT: A LIFE IN BATTLES.” This partnership preserves Korean American history through the lens of a battle rap veteran, highlighting Korean Americans’ growing influence in entertainment and Park’s move from rapper to author.
“SPIT: A LIFE IN BATTLES”: The Memoir of Dumbfoundead
The Los Angeles Korean Festival Foundation launched Dumbfoundead’s memoir, “SPIT: A LIFE IN BATTLES,” at a Koreatown event on April 1. The event, which was moderated by comedian Paul Kim (PK), featured opening remarks from Chairman Alex Cha, Jonnie Park’s presentation, a screening of a highlight video, and a media Q&A.
Dumbfoundead, born Jonnie Park, earned recognition in battle rap for his wit and authenticity before moving into acting, comedy, and writing, with credits including “Quiz Lady” and “Beef.” The event framed his memoir as both a personal story and a community milestone.
“SPIT”: Identity, Adversity, and the Battle Rap Scene
“SPIT” is a memoir that vividly captures the life of Jonnie Park, who grew up in Los Angeles Koreatown.
Born in Argentina to Korean parents and brought to the U.S. at a young age, Park faced cultural displacement, family hardship, and the early 1990s LA riots. He found his voice in underground battle rap, becoming one of the first Asian American artists to gain prominence.
From honing his craft at Project Blowed in South Central to global stages, “SPIT” follows Park’s journey through identity, adversity, and self-discovery. With humor and lyrical edge, he explores resilience, belonging, and breaking stereotypes.
Speaking at the event, Dumbfoundead explained what inspired him to write the memoir and why he chose to write it now.
“People might wonder why I’m writing a memoir at 40. My story isn’t over yet, But this book is about my childhood, my formative years, and the period in my late twenties when I immersed myself in battle rap, discovered hip-hop, and found my voice.”
He added,
“It captures the history of Koreatown, the stories of Asian Americans, and an era in entertainment before Asian representation began to expand in a meaningful way. This is my story as a Korean artist, but it is also the story of Koreatown. I wrote SPIT because I wanted to document that journey and share it with as many people as possible.”
Alex Cha, Chairman of the LA Korean Festival Foundation, emphasized the importance of spotlighting the voices and stories of Korean artists.
“This is exactly why we do this work. Supporting and highlighting Korean artists like Dumbfoundead is incredibly important. He has not only achieved major success in music and the arts, but is now creating an even greater impact through storytelling. His journey is not just the story of an artist. It is an immigrant story, an American story, and a true American Dream.”
Alex Cha, Chairman of the LA Korean Festival Foundation.
The event highlighted Korean Americans’ growing influence in entertainment and literature, and reinforced the LA Korean Festival Foundation’s mission to promote culture and strengthen community engagement.
Book Information
“SPIT: A LIFE IN BATTLES” will be released on April 14, 2026, through Third State Books. The memoir will be available in hardcover for $29.95 and as an e-book for $14.95.
About the Los Angeles Korean Festival Foundation
The LA Korean Festival Foundation is a nonprofit organization that promotes Korean culture and tradition through events, programs, and partnerships. It also hosts the LA Korean Festival, one of the largest Korean cultural festivals in the United States. The 53rd Los Angeles Korean Festival, the largest in the U.S., is set for October 1-4, 2026.
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