The Rise of Chinese Hip-Hop

Much like its American counterpart, Chinese Hip-Hop rose from the streets, giving a voice to disaffected youth whose message might not otherwise be heard. While this form of expression has been around in China since the 90′s, it failed to gain a widespread following until musicians started rapping in Chinese, a fairly recent development that brings greater relevancy and reach to the form. And though steadily growing in popularity, at its root rap is still vehicle of protest and as such, an underground phenomenon that a mainstream audience is not prepared to understand or face, particularly given the Chinese government’s desire to keep strict controls on culture. But this only further lends legitimacy to the enterprise and the social commentary that flows forth as a result. The NY Times reports:

While Beijing’s underground music scene is generally under the authorities’ radar — hip-hop, indie rock and reggae groups perform regularly at nightclubs here — the producers representing broadcast media in China avoid musicians perceived as threatening.

“There are pockets of freedom here,” said Wong Miao, 24, the director of Acupuncture Records, which doubles as a collective of D.J.’s. “Anyone can play what they want in clubs, and as long as you aren’t insulting the party, generally you’ll be left alone. But if you want to take the next step to becoming mainstream, you hit a wall. If you aren’t singing their type of stuff or aren’t incredibly rich, they won’t sign you.” 

NY Times: Now Hip-Hop, Too, Is Made in China