Every May since 1992, the vibrant, resilient history and achievements of Asian and Pacific Islander communities have been celebrated in the United States as AAPI Heritage Month.
Though artists from the Asian and Pacific Islander diaspora remain underrepresented within the Western music scene, many have carved out a space for their voices to be heard, bridging cultural gaps and championing diverse representation within music. From Kalani Pe’a and Anderson .Paak taking home golden gramophones at the 2025 GRAMMYs to Charli xcx’s “Brat” — an album that not only elevated her bold artistry, but ultimately turned into a cultural phenomenon — the influence of AAPI artists on pop culture is undeniable.
While AAPI Month is an American celebration, the Recording Academy recognizes the impact of Asian and Pacific Islander artists globally. While K-pop continues to dominate charts globally and pack stadiums stateside, other Pinoy pop, Japanese rock and rap acts, as well as Korean hip-hop artists, are thriving across borders. Together, these artists and their American peers are breaking down the stereotype that AAPI artists are confined to a single sound.
The Recording Academy has made major strides in increasing members from diverse backgrounds across its membership body. Since 2019, the Recording Academy has seen a 100 percent increase in the percentage of Asian or Pacific Islander+ Voting Members, as revealed in a Membership Report last year. Read our GRAMMY Impact Report to explore how the Recording Academy champions diversity within its membership and across the music industry on a year-round basis.
Both on and off the GRAMMY stage, the growing presence of AAPI artists encourages diverse perspectives and storytelling that ultimately shapes how we consume art and other media. Increasing the visibility of AAPI artists not only unveils opportunities for the next generation, but also fuels a cycle of empowerment and inspiration for other minority communities. Join the Recording Academy in honoring AAPI Month 2025 and download our official social media toolkit to join the celebration online.
Celebrate the AAPI experience with GRAMMY.com’s genre-spanning playlist below, featuring 21 songs from familiar favorites and rising stars alike.