Kaptivated

Edward Sun, better known as Kaptivated, is an Atlanta-based hip hop experimentalist driven by deep authenticity. In his recent single, “Bliss,” Kaptivated uses ironically whimsical melodies to tell a sobering story that is both distinctly his own as well as shared by the larger Asian American community—boldly pushing against an ignorance that has cloaked the Asian American experience for far too long. “We have so few spokespeople in media, so we can feel very isolated in the struggle,” Edward explains. “And because Asians are oftentimes so passive, we very frequently don’t admit these struggles to each other, to our families, and frankly, even to ourselves.”

Kaptivated is a welcomed voice in a traditionally silent space. As the winner of the 2016 Kollaboration Atlanta competition, he has been recognized for his witty play with sound and lyricism, giving hip hop a refreshing and new perspective.

Edward’s passion for music was first sparked by an Eminem CD and a first-generation iPod Touch, then cultivated through the powerful lyricism of 2Pac and Biggie. With his brother’s recording experience as inspiration and a fateful microphone gifted to him on his 18th birthday, Edward began to explore his own voice as an artist, experimenting with many firsts: his first mixtape, his first audition for Kollaboration Atlanta, his first music video series 16th Sixteen. With internship experience at Reach Records and Good Fruit Co., Edward has also learned from seasoned artists how to be firmly established in voice and sound, yet wildly adventurous in creativity.

Now, Kaptivated continues to pursue his own craft with a dedicated vulnerability, making transparent his beliefs, struggles, fears, and insecurities. His music reflects often on his deep desire to be valued, and the even deeper well of God’s love; there is rarely a moment when this truth does not manifest as a felt joy and contagious energy in his work. As he creates a space in his music that frees his listeners to also find their own voices, Kaptivated hopes for them too to be captivated by the Love that first captivated him.