DESPITE THE RISING PROFILE of Asian-Americans in the recording industry—including Chad Hugo, Mike Shinoda, and a bevy of half-Filipina songbirds—Asian-Americans are the second-class citizens of Rhythm Nation. At least that’s the impression we got from watching the 50th Grammy Awards Sunday night.

By our count, out of the 100+ Grammy categories, Asian-Americans won two: Best Hawaiian Music Album (“Treasures Of Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar” by Various Artists) and Best Boxed Or Special Limited Edition Package (art direction by Masaki Koike for “What It Is!: Funky Soul And Rare Grooves, 1967-1977” by Various Artists). Three if you count Honorary Asian Barack Obama’s win for Best Spoken Word Album (“The Audacity Of Hope: Thoughts On Reclaiming The American Dream”).

While we still have a long long way to go, Asians did take the stage twice. First, there was Chinese-American violinist Ann Marie Calhoun’s nanosecond cameo with the Foo Fighters. Then Chinese virtuoso Lang Lang played dueling pianos with Herbie Hancock. (Oh and Don Ho made the highlight reel of the dearly departed.)

But we remain hopeful. With up and coming acts like The Slants and Thao Nguyen, maybe Asian-Americans will finally get our groove on…. •