WATCH: Rich Brian gathers funds for COVID-19 relief effort by sending gifts to fellow artists via drone

Rich Brian in his new music video “Bali” (R). Image: AP/Christopher Smith/Invision, screengrab from YouTube/88Rising

Indonesian rapper Rich Brian has sent out food and monetary donations to hospitals and some families affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Brian spoke about his initiative through his new music video “Bali”, featuring his fellow rapper Guapdad 4000.

Brian’s music video showed how the rapper sent out gift bags to his friends and fellow musicians, together with a short wacky message. The bags were delivered to each individual’s home via Brian’s drone, as seen on 88rising’s YouTube channel yesterday, April 28.

In return, these artists donated funds for Brian’s fundraiser. Brian acknowledged everyone who contributed to the initiative, namely musicians Guapdad 4000, Niki, Denzel Curry, Thundercat, Lil Yachty, Cuco, Buddy, music producer Kenny Beats and YouTube vloggers Cody Ko and Noel Miller.

Their monetary donations were used to hand out 125 food packs to healthcare workers at the Los Angeles County Hospital, in partnership with local catering services.

Some of the funds were also given to charity organizations such as Asian Americans for Housing, which provides food to unhoused Asian-American seniors and other marginalized communities; and Shelter Partnership, a non-profit agency handing out essential supplies (blankets, diapers, socks and more) to homeless people in LA County.

The rapper also sent out a message of appreciation to healthcare workers who are in the frontlines of battling COVID-19, through his video.

Aside from the said organizations, the rapper also gave extra monetary support to local stores whose businesses are affected by the health crisis, as well as other families in need.

Brian, whose real name is Brian Imanuel Soewarno, began his music career in the online music platform SoundCloud under the name Rich Chigga.

After his former stage name elicited some negative feedback from other musicians and listeners due to its racist connotations, the rapper changed it to Rich Brian. Today, Brian is proving that he belongs in hip-hop after he became the first Asian rapper to top the iTunes hip-hop chart in 2018 with his debut album “Amen”. JB

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