• Source: Sophia Chang

Sophia Chang (born 1965) is a Canadian-Korean music director, producer, manager, TV producer and author. Widely recognized as the first Asian woman in hip hop, Chang managed A Tribe Called Quest, Raphael Saadiq, Q-Tip, and members of Wu-Tang Clan such as RZA, GZA, and Ol' Dirty Bastard. Chang produced Project Runway All Stars (season 1). Her memoir, The Baddest Bitch in the Room, won the Wavy 2021 Best Book Award. A graduate of the University of British Columbia, Chang has two children with her ex-partner Shi Yan Ming. As of 2023, Chang is developing numerous projects, including a scripted series based on her memoir.




Education


Chang received her Bachelor of Arts at the University of British Columbia in French literature.




Music career


After graduating from the University of British Columbia, Sophia Chang moved to New York City to start her career in the music industry in the late 1980s. She worked with Paul Simon in the early days of her career. She then worked at Jive Records where she first met RZA. While at Jive, Chang signed Fu-Schnickens, members of Hieroglyphics, Souls of Mischief, and worked with artists A Tribe Called Quest, UGK, and E-40. She later became the manager of RZA's label Razor Sharp Records. At Razor Sharp, Chang worked with Ghostface Killah for his debut album, Ironman. In addition to managing RZA and Razor Sharp Records, Chang also managed A Tribe Called Quest, Raphael Saadiq, Q-Tip, and members of Wu-Tang Clan such as RZA, GZA, and Ol' Dirty Bastard.
Chang is known for being a fierce and effective manager who prioritizes building personal relationships with her clients. In a 2020 interview with Variety, she expresses, "It’s really important to me to develop a close relationship with my artists. That’s what I’m there for to help them achieve their goals and their vision." She is known for being a trailblazer as an Asian American woman in the male-dominated music industry. Chang's impact on the music industry has been widely recognized by her peers and colleagues. In a tribute to Chang published in Variety, rapper and producer Q-Tip stated, "She’s an industry legend. Her contributions to hip-hop are immeasurable." Wu-Tang Clan member RZA also praised Chang's impact, saying, "She’s like a mother, a sister, a teacher, and a friend all wrapped up in one." In addition, Chang has been recognized for her role in promoting and shaping the careers of several influential hip-hop artists. In a 2019 interview with The New York Times, rapper and producer Pharrell Williams said, "Sophia helped shape hip-hop." Music journalist and historian Jeff Chang (no relation to Sophia Chang) echoed this sentiment, sharing, "Sophia has had a profound impact on hip-hop music and culture."
Overall, Sophia Chang's pivotal role in the music industry is widely acknowledged and celebrated. She has been a trailblazer, advocate, and manager who has helped shape the careers of several influential hip-hop artists and paved the way for greater diversity and representation in the industry.




USA Shaolin Temple


From 1995 to 2007, Chang was the manager of the USA Shaolin Temple in New York City and her then-partner Shi Yan Ming.
The USA Shaolin Temple is a martial arts and cultural center that teaches the philosophy and practices of Shaolin Kung Fu, as well as Chinese language, calligraphy, and music. The temple also hosts cultural events and performances, as well as offering classes and workshops to the public.
As the manager of the USA Shaolin Temple in New York City, Sophia Chang was responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the temple, as well as managing its events and programs. Chang's role as manager involved working closely with the founder of the USA Shaolin Temple, Shi Yan Ming, also her partner at the time, to develop and promote the temple's programs and events, as well as managing its staff and finances. She played a key role in building the temple's reputation and helping it to become a respected and influential cultural center in New York City.




Television Production


Chang produced season 1 of Project Runway All Stars from 2012 to 2013. As of April 2023, she is a screenwriter, author, and TV producer developing a scripted series based on her memoir.




Publication


In September 2020, Chang published her memoir, The Baddest Bitch in the Room, which was released in print and by Audible in partnership with Reese Witherspoon’s media brand, Hello Sunshine. The memoir details Chang's experiences in the music industry, managing Wu-Tang Clan, and her personal life. The book won the Wavy 2021 Best Book Award.




Mentorship Program


In September 2020, Chang launched the Unlock Her Potential mentorship program for Women of color. The program aims to provide mentorship and networking opportunities for women in the entertainment industry. As of April 2023, this program is still getting off the ground. In just the first two years of the program, Chang recruited mentors who are well-established in the entertainment industry, such as Mona Scott-Young, Andre Royo, RZA, Jim Jarmusch, Bao Nguyen, 9th Wonder, Joey Bada$$, Ebro Darden, Michael Mann, W. Kamau Bell and Pamela Adlon.




Public Appearances


In light of her evolving career from behind the scenes towards the spotlight, Chang has shared her story and was featured in media outlets such as Breakfast Club Power 105.1 FM, Defining Moments with OZY - A Hulu Original Documentary, the TODAY show, NPR's Microphone Check, Essence, Complex, The Root, and more.
Sophia Chang has transitioned from a behind-the-scenes role as a music industry manager and television producer to a more visible public figure.




Awards


Chang's memoir The Baddest Bitch in the Room won the Wavy 2021 Best Book Award.




Personal life


Sophia Chang was born in Vancouver, Canada to two Korean parents in 1965. Her father was a mathematician and her mother, a librarian. She has one older brother, Heesok. She has two children with her ex-partner, Shi Yan Ming.




Resources






External links


Interview with Cecily Lo for Interview Magazine.
Interview with Dimas Sanfiorenzo for Okayplayer.
Sophia Chang's Official Website

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