logo
#SHOWBIZ: Chinese rapper Lan Lao topples Jay Chou as most-streamed Mandarin singer

#SHOWBIZ: Chinese rapper Lan Lao topples Jay Chou as most-streamed Mandarin singer

GUANGZHOU: With over 3.9 million monthly listeners on Spotify and even more across various Chinese streaming platforms, Chinese rapper Lan Lao has dethroned the long-reigning Mandopop king Jay Chou as the most-streamed Mandarin singer.
The Straits Times of Singapore reported yesterday that the 27-year-old, also known as Skai IsYourGod, released his second album, 'Ba Fang Lai Cai' (or 'Stacks From All Sides'), last year, which quickly went viral on mainland China's TikTok-like platform, Douyin.
Today, his fame has extended to Hong Kong, Taiwan, and other parts of Asia.
Born in Huizhou, in China's southern Guangdong province, the rapper has said in interviews that he was significantly influenced by Cantonese culture while growing up.
After graduating from the Sichuan University of Media and Communications, he took on various odd jobs while pursuing music in his spare time.
His first notable creative appearance was a Douyin video promoting Lao Gan Ma chilli sauce.
His passion for rap stems from influences such as Chinese rapper Wang Yitai and global hip-hop stars Drake and Young Thug.
Lan Lao's songs resonate with those who are fed up with the daily grind and harbour dreams of striking it rich quickly.
'Da Zhan Hong Tu' (or 'Blueprint Supreme'), the biggest hit from his second album, is a prime example of his signature fusion of Cantonese folk music with American rap.
The track, which opens with a famous Cantonese opera duet by Hong Kong divas Yam Kim-fai and Pak Suet-sin, is currently trending in Cantonese-speaking Hong Kong, partly thanks to its music video being filmed in the city.
For a long time, rap was not viewed favourably in mainland China.
However, the rise of reality television has led to the genre's explosive popularity across the country.
In 2017, the Chinese rap competition show The Rap of China became a massive hit, garnering over 2.7 billion online views.
Lan Lao's songs have also proven popular with Taiwanese-American rapper OZI and K-pop star Jay Park, who have collaborated on a rendition of 'Blueprint Supreme'.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

#SHOWBIZ: Actor Peter Lai, 75, searching for soul mate, estranged from son
#SHOWBIZ: Actor Peter Lai, 75, searching for soul mate, estranged from son

New Straits Times

time5 hours ago

  • New Straits Times

#SHOWBIZ: Actor Peter Lai, 75, searching for soul mate, estranged from son

HONG KONG: Veteran lyricist and actor Peter Lai, 75, recently opened up about his personal life in an interview with 8Days. The publication reported that Peter has a son from his previous marriage, which ended in 1992. He described his son as someone who "mooches off the elderly," revealing he had been helping him clear credit card debt amounting to hundreds of thousands of Hong Kong dollars for about two years. Peter only managed to settle all his son's debts last month. He complained that his son ignores him and treats him "like a stranger." Peter confessed he is now looking for a soulmate for companionship, openly stating his intention to marry. "Lee Lung Kei can do it, why can't I?" he remarked, referring to veteran actor Lee Lung Kei, 73, whose 36-year-old Chinese fiancée made headlines last year after being arrested for overstaying in Hong Kong. When asked if he was concerned about his son's future after he passed away, Peter calmly replied: "Let him fend for himself. When I'm gone, he can live under the bridge; he's not going to die, he can apply for public housing! He'll survive." Peter is renowned for co-writing the lyrics to many popular Cantopop songs in the 1970s and 80s alongside Sam Hui. These tracks include Leslie Cheung's 'Monica' and Sam's 'Susie of Tsim Sha Tsui'. In the 1990s, Peter went on to star in numerous TVB dramas until his contract with the broadcaster concluded in 2012.

Chinese Opera Exhibition Highlights Rich Cultural Heritage
Chinese Opera Exhibition Highlights Rich Cultural Heritage

Barnama

time6 hours ago

  • Barnama

Chinese Opera Exhibition Highlights Rich Cultural Heritage

KUALA LUMPUR, July 25 (Bernama) -- The National Unity Ministry, through the Department of Museums Malaysia, is currently organising the Chinese Opera Exhibition: An Introduction & A Remembrance, offering the public an insight into the beauty and uniqueness of this traditional performing art. Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang said the exhibition, taking place at Gallery 1 of the Department of Museums Malaysia here until Sept 8, showcases a classical art form rich in aesthetic values, historical depth, symbolism and the cultural heritage of the Chinese community. He said the exhibition serves as a platform to introduce the public to the detailed aspects of Chinese Opera - from elaborate costumes, music and makeup to scripts and character portrayals, which often centre around themes of morality, love, struggle and history.

Chinese opera exhibition in KL showcases cultural heritage
Chinese opera exhibition in KL showcases cultural heritage

The Sun

time7 hours ago

  • The Sun

Chinese opera exhibition in KL showcases cultural heritage

KUALA LUMPUR: The National Unity Ministry is hosting a special exhibition to celebrate the rich traditions of Chinese opera, offering visitors a deep dive into its artistic and historical significance. Held at Gallery 1 of the Department of Museums Malaysia, the showcase runs until September 8. Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang highlighted the exhibition's role in preserving cultural heritage. 'This exhibition presents a classical art form filled with aesthetic values, historical depth, and symbolism unique to the Chinese community,' he said. Visitors can explore various aspects of Chinese opera, including intricate costumes, traditional music, detailed makeup, and scripts that often depict themes of morality, love, and historical struggles. The ministry emphasized that the event aligns with the Malaysia MADANI vision, promoting unity through cultural appreciation. 'Through this exhibition, the ministry aims to highlight the importance of preserving and celebrating the cultural arts of Malaysia's diverse communities,' the ministry said in a statement. The exhibition also serves as a reminder that cultural heritage is a shared legacy. 'Greater cultural understanding can foster stronger connections among the country's various ethnic and religious groups,' the statement added. - Bernama

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store