Hip-hop is a genre of music that originated in the African American community in the United States in the 1970s. Since then, it has spread across the globe and has become a cultural phenomenon. Vietnam is one of the countries where hip-hop has gained significant popularity in recent years. It has become a prominent part of the country’s music industry and has given rise to a new generation of Vietnamese artists.
The Vietnamese hip-hop scene has come a long way since the release of the first Vietnamese rap track, “Vietnamese Gangs,” by Vietnamese-American rapper Thai Viet G in 1997. In the past few decades, hip-hop pioneers like Vietmax, Wowy, Ha Le, and Suby One have taken the scene from a niche interest to a mainstream phenomenon. The success of shows like Rap Viet has sparked an eagerness in many young teenagers to express themselves more freely and has challenged the implications of what people thought they knew about rap and hip-hop culture as a whole. In this article, we will explore the rise of hip-hop in Vietnam and its impact on the country’s music industry and culture.
History of Hip-Hop in Vietnam
Hip-hop is a cultural movement that originated in African American and Latino communities in the United States during the 1970s. It is a genre of music that encompasses rap, DJing, graffiti, and breakdancing. Hip-hop culture has spread globally, and Vietnam is one of the countries that has embraced it.
The history of hip-hop in Vietnam dates back to the 1980s when the country was still recovering from the Vietnam War. At that time, the government controlled all forms of art and music, and Western music was banned. However, some Vietnamese youth managed to listen to American hip-hop through bootleg tapes and radio broadcasts from neighboring countries.
In the 1990s, hip-hop began to gain popularity in Vietnam, and local artists started to create their own music. The first Vietnamese rap song, “Doi Khong Con Nua” (No More Life), was released in 1992 by rapper Thai Vu. However, it was not until the early 2000s that hip-hop became mainstream in Vietnam, thanks to the efforts of artists like Wowy, Ha Le, and Suby One.
Today, hip-hop is a thriving subculture in Vietnam, with many talented artists and a growing fan base. The country has its own hip-hop reality TV show, “Rap Viet,” which premiered in 2020 and has become a hit with audiences. Vietnamese hip-hop artists have also gained international recognition, with rapper Suboi performing at the 2016 Obama Foundation Summit and being featured in the Netflix documentary “Somebody Feed Phil.”
In conclusion, the history of hip-hop in Vietnam is a testament to the power of music to transcend cultural and geographical boundaries. Despite facing many challenges, Vietnamese hip-hop artists have persevered and created a unique and vibrant scene that continues to thrive today.
Vietnam’s Hip-Hop Scene
Hip-hop has been steadily growing in Vietnam over the past two decades, with the scene gaining more recognition and popularity in recent years. The country’s hip-hop scene is diverse, with artists coming from different regions and backgrounds, bringing their unique styles and perspectives to the genre.
Saigon, also known as Ho Chi Minh City, is considered the hub of Vietnam’s hip-hop scene. It is home to many established artists, including DSK, Suboi, and Karik, who have gained national and international recognition for their music. However, the scene is not limited to Saigon, with artists from other regions such as Nha Trang, Quảng Ninh, and Gia Lai also making their mark.
One of the most significant events in Vietnam’s hip-hop scene was the Rap Viet contest held in Ho Chi Minh City in 2020. The contest brought together some of the country’s top rappers, showcasing the talent and diversity of the scene. Another notable event was the King of Rap contest in Hanoi, which also drew attention to the growing hip-hop culture in Vietnam.
Vietnamese hip-hop artists often incorporate their cultural heritage into their music, blending traditional elements with modern beats and lyrics. For example, Kimmese has been known to incorporate Vietnamese folk songs into her rap music, giving it a unique twist.
Despite the growing popularity of hip-hop in Vietnam, the genre still faces some challenges, including censorship and limited resources for artists. Nevertheless, the scene continues to thrive, with new artists emerging and pushing the boundaries of what Vietnamese hip-hop can be.
Overall, Vietnam’s hip-hop scene is a vibrant and diverse community of artists who are making their mark on the global hip-hop culture.
Influential Artists and Rappers
Suboi
Suboi, also known as the “Queen of Vietnamese Hip-Hop,” is one of the most influential rappers in Vietnam. She gained international recognition after her freestyle rap performance for President Obama during his visit to Vietnam in 2016. She is known for her unique flow and socially conscious lyrics that often address issues such as gender equality and social justice.
Lk
Lk, also known as Lil Knight, is considered the pioneer of Vietnam’s rap landscape. He started rapping in the late 90s and has since released several albums and collaborated with other Vietnamese rappers. He is known for his raw and gritty lyrics that often address social issues and his personal struggles.
Tage
Tage is a Vietnamese rapper and producer who has gained popularity for his unique sound that blends traditional Vietnamese music with modern hip-hop beats. He is known for his introspective and reflective lyrics that often touch on themes of identity and self-discovery.
Wowy
Wowy is a Vietnamese rapper and producer who has been active in the Vietnamese hip-hop scene since the early 2000s. He is known for his smooth flow and clever wordplay, as well as his socially conscious lyrics that often address issues such as poverty and inequality.
Karik
Karik is a Vietnamese rapper who has gained popularity for his catchy hooks and upbeat party anthems. He is known for his ability to blend traditional Vietnamese music with modern hip-hop beats, as well as his socially conscious lyrics that often address issues such as corruption and social injustice.
Binz
Binz is a Vietnamese rapper who has gained notoriety for his raunchy and provocative music videos. He is known for his smooth flow and catchy hooks, as well as his ability to blend traditional Vietnamese music with modern hip-hop beats.
SouthGanz
SouthGanz is a Vietnamese hip-hop collective that has gained popularity for their unique sound that blends traditional Vietnamese music with modern hip-hop beats. They are known for their socially conscious lyrics that often address issues such as poverty and inequality.
BigDaddy
BigDaddy is a Vietnamese rapper who has gained popularity for his catchy hooks and upbeat party anthems. He is known for his ability to blend traditional Vietnamese music with modern hip-hop beats, as well as his socially conscious lyrics that often address issues such as corruption and social injustice.
Đen
Đen is a Vietnamese rapper who has gained popularity for his introspective and reflective lyrics that often touch on themes of identity and self-discovery. He is known for his smooth flow and clever wordplay, as well as his ability to blend traditional Vietnamese music with modern hip-hop beats.
Dế Choắt
Dế Choắt is a Vietnamese rapper who has gained popularity for his humorous and playful lyrics that often touch on themes of everyday life. He is known for his unique flow and catchy hooks, as well as his ability to blend traditional Vietnamese music with modern hip-hop beats.
Pháo
Pháo is a Vietnamese rapper and producer who has gained popularity for her unique sound that blends traditional Vietnamese music with modern hip-hop beats. She is known for her catchy hooks and upbeat party anthems, as well as her socially conscious lyrics that often address issues such as gender equality and social justice.
Kimmese
Kimmese is a Vietnamese rapper and singer who has gained popularity for her smooth flow and catchy hooks. She is known for her ability to blend traditional Vietnamese music with modern hip-hop beats, as well as her socially conscious lyrics that often address issues such as gender equality and social justice.
Popular Hip-Hop Shows
Vietnam’s hip-hop scene has been rapidly growing in recent years, and one of the ways this growth is being showcased is through popular hip-hop shows. These shows not only provide a platform for talented artists to showcase their skills, but also serve as a way for the community to come together and appreciate the art form.
Rap Viet
Rap Viet is a popular hip-hop show that premiered in 2020. The show features a variety of talented rappers from across Vietnam, who compete against each other in rap battles. The judges for the show are well-respected figures in the Vietnamese hip-hop community, including rapper Binz and music producer Touliver.
The selection process for the show is rigorous, with contestants having to pass through several rounds of auditions before being selected to compete on the show. The show has gained a large following on social media and YouTube, with many fans eagerly awaiting each new episode.
King of Rap
King of Rap is another popular hip-hop show in Vietnam. The show premiered in 2020 and is similar to Rap Viet in that it features rappers competing against each other in rap battles. However, King of Rap takes place in Hanoi, while Rap Viet takes place in Ho Chi Minh City.
The judges for King of Rap include rapper Rhymastic and music producer Onionn. The show has gained a large following on social media and YouTube, with many fans tuning in to watch the intense rap battles.
Overall, these popular hip-hop shows are a testament to the growing popularity of hip-hop in Vietnam. They provide a platform for talented artists to showcase their skills and bring the community together in appreciation of the art form.
Impact of Social Media and Internet
Social media and internet have played a significant role in the growth and popularity of hip-hop culture in Vietnam. With the increasing smartphone and internet penetration rates, social media has become an integral part of the daily life of most Vietnamese.
Platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram have provided a space for Vietnamese hip-hop artists to showcase their music and connect with their fans. Many hip-hop artists have gained a massive following on social media platforms, which has helped them to promote their music and reach a wider audience.
YouTube has been a particularly important platform for the growth of hip-hop in Vietnam. Many Vietnamese hip-hop artists have gained millions of views on their music videos on YouTube. For instance, the music video of the song “Sóng Gió” by Jack and K-ICM has over 500 million views on YouTube.
Social media has also helped to create a sense of community among Vietnamese hip-hop fans. Many Facebook groups and Instagram pages are dedicated to sharing news, music, and videos related to hip-hop culture in Vietnam. These groups and pages have provided a platform for fans to connect with each other and share their love for hip-hop.
However, social media has also had some negative impacts on the hip-hop culture in Vietnam. The excessive use of social media has led to social media addiction among Vietnamese youths, which has affected their mental health and well-being. Additionally, social media has also led to the spread of fake news and misinformation, which has affected the credibility of the hip-hop culture in Vietnam.
Overall, the impact of social media and internet on hip-hop culture in Vietnam has been significant. While it has helped to promote and popularize hip-hop music, it has also had some negative impacts that need to be addressed.
Hip-Hop Culture and Subcultures
Hip-hop culture is a global phenomenon that has found its way to Vietnam. Over the years, the hip-hop culture has evolved into a subculture in Vietnam, with its own unique elements and characteristics. The subculture includes the four main elements of hip-hop: MCing, DJing, graffiti art, and breakdancing (b-boying).
B-boying, also known as breakdancing, is a popular subculture of hip-hop in Vietnam. It involves a combination of acrobatics, dance, and gymnastics. B-boys and b-girls perform in parks, on the streets, and in competitions. The dance style has its roots in the Bronx, New York City, and has evolved into a global phenomenon.
Graffiti art is another subculture of hip-hop that has gained popularity in Vietnam. Graffiti art is a form of self-expression that involves painting or drawing on public spaces. It is often used to convey political messages or to express one’s creativity. Graffiti artists in Vietnam have taken to the streets to showcase their skills, often creating large murals that cover entire buildings.
Underground rap is a growing subculture of hip-hop in Vietnam. It involves rappers who perform outside the mainstream music industry, often in underground clubs or on the streets. Underground rap in Vietnam has been gaining in popularity, with more and more young people embracing the genre. The rise of underground rap has also led to the emergence of rap battles, where rappers compete against each other in a freestyle battle.
In conclusion, hip-hop culture has become a subculture in Vietnam with its own unique elements and characteristics. B-boying, graffiti art, and underground rap are just a few examples of the subcultures that have emerged from hip-hop culture in Vietnam. As the subculture continues to grow, it is likely that more elements and subcultures will emerge in the future.
Influence of Foreign Hip-Hop
Hip-hop music originated in the United States in the 1970s and has since spread across the globe, including Vietnam. The influence of foreign hip-hop, particularly from America and Europe, has played a significant role in the development of the Vietnamese hip-hop scene.
American hip-hop, with its emphasis on lyrics and storytelling, has had a significant impact on Vietnamese rappers. Many Vietnamese rappers have been inspired by the likes of Tupac, Nas, and Jay-Z, and have incorporated their styles into their music. The use of English in rap lyrics has also become more common in Vietnam, as rappers strive to emulate their American counterparts.
MTV, the American music television channel, has also played a crucial role in introducing Vietnamese audiences to hip-hop music. The channel’s programming has exposed Vietnamese viewers to American hip-hop, helping to popularize the genre in the country.
European hip-hop has also influenced the Vietnamese hip-hop scene. French hip-hop, in particular, has been a significant influence, with its focus on social and political issues resonating with Vietnamese rappers. Many Vietnamese rappers have also been influenced by the French language and have incorporated it into their lyrics.
In conclusion, the influence of foreign hip-hop, particularly from America and Europe, has played a significant role in the development of the Vietnamese hip-hop scene. The use of English in lyrics and exposure to American hip-hop through MTV has helped to popularize the genre in Vietnam. The social and political focus of French hip-hop has also resonated with Vietnamese rappers, contributing to the development of the genre in the country.
Hip-Hop and Vietnamese Youth
Hip-hop has become a significant part of youth culture in Vietnam over the past few years. The genre has provided young people with a platform to express themselves freely and creatively. Through hip-hop, young Vietnamese people have found a way to explore their identities and connect with others who share similar interests.
Hip-hop has also influenced the fashion trends among Vietnamese youth. Many young people have adopted hip-hop clothing styles, such as baggy pants, oversized t-shirts, and sneakers. These fashion trends have become a way for young people to express themselves and showcase their individuality.
Furthermore, hip-hop has played a crucial role in shaping the Vietnamese music industry. Many young Vietnamese artists have embraced hip-hop and incorporated it into their music. This has led to the emergence of a new generation of Vietnamese hip-hop artists who are gaining recognition both locally and internationally.
In conclusion, hip-hop has become an integral part of youth culture in Vietnam. It has provided young people with a platform to express themselves and explore their identities. Hip-hop has also influenced fashion trends and has played a crucial role in shaping the Vietnamese music industry.
Future of Hip-Hop in Vietnam
The future of hip-hop in Vietnam looks bright, with an increasing number of young artists emerging and making their mark on the industry. As the Vietnamese music industry continues to grow and evolve, hip-hop is becoming an increasingly popular genre, with more and more artists incorporating it into their music.
Rap music, in particular, has seen a surge in popularity in recent years, with shows like Rap Viet and King of Rap showcasing the talent of up-and-coming artists. These shows have helped to bring hip-hop into the mainstream and have given young people a platform to express themselves through music.
As the Vietnamese music industry continues to expand, it is likely that we will see more and more hip-hop artists emerge. This will not only help to diversify the music industry but will also provide a platform for young people to express themselves and share their stories.
While hip-hop is still a relatively new genre in Vietnam, it has already made a significant impact on the music industry. With its unique sound and style, it has captured the attention of young people across the country and is quickly becoming a staple of Vietnamese music.
In the coming years, we can expect to see more and more hip-hop artists emerge, as well as a greater appreciation for the genre as a whole. As the music industry continues to evolve, it is clear that hip-hop will play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of Vietnamese music.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the different elements of Hip-Hop in Vietnam and what does it include?
Hip-Hop culture in Vietnam includes the four main elements – MCing, DJing, graffiti, and breakdancing. However, MCing and rap music have gained the most popularity in recent years. Vietnamese rap often incorporates traditional Vietnamese music and instruments.
How popular is Rap Viet?
Rap Viet has become a popular TV show in Vietnam since its debut in 2019. It has helped to showcase the talent of many young Vietnamese rappers and has sparked an interest in the genre among teenagers. However, it has also faced criticism for promoting a culture of materialism and violence.
What Vietnamese rappers have gained popularity in the USA?
Vietnamese-American rapper, Suboi, gained international recognition after performing at the Obama Foundation Summit in 2017. Other Vietnamese rappers such as Datmaniac and Binz have also gained popularity in the USA.
What are some popular Vietnamese rap songs?
Some popular Vietnamese rap songs include “Sóng Gió” by Jack and K-ICM, “Anh Đếch Cần Gì Ngoài Em” by Đen Vâu, and “Em Gái Mưa” by Hương Tràm.
Are there any notable Vietnamese gangster rap artists?
Vietnamese gangster rap is a controversial sub-genre in Vietnam and has faced criticism for promoting violence and criminal behavior. However, artists such as Karik and Wowy have gained popularity in this genre.
What was the first Vietnamese rap song?
The first Vietnamese rap song is believed to be “Hành Khúc Việt Nam” by Vietnamese-American rapper Thai Vu. It was released in 1990 and was a patriotic song about Vietnam.
