{"id":3513,"date":"2020-08-17T11:31:33","date_gmt":"2020-08-17T03:31:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thesmartlocal.com\/vietnam\/?p=3513"},"modified":"2022-10-05T22:01:29","modified_gmt":"2022-10-05T14:01:29","slug":"vietnamese-hip-hop-artists","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thesmartlocal.com\/vietnam\/vietnamese-hip-hop-artists\/","title":{"rendered":"13 Vietnamese Hip-Hop Artists Who\u2019re Shaking Up Vietnam’s Local Music Scene"},"content":{"rendered":"

Vietnamese hip-hop artist<\/span>s and rappers<\/span><\/h2>\n
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Showcasing Vietnamese hip-hop talents and boasting the country\u2019s most famous rappers as judges on TV, Rap Viet<\/strong><\/a> and King of Rap<\/strong><\/a> are the 2 hottest reality shows on air these days.<\/a><\/p>\n

As both shows are still broadcasting their audition rounds in Vietnam, it\u2019s a good time to get up to speed on the country\u2019s top hip-hop artists. Here\u2019s our lowdown on 13 Vietnamese hip-hop artists and rappers <\/strong>whom you can look out for in these TV competitions and on YouTube.<\/p>\n\n

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1. DSK- a great lyricist & a legend in the eyes of many<\/h3>\n
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\"Viet
\nImage adapted from: <\/em>Villain Official<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Part of the local hip-hop music scene since 2004<\/strong>, the self-taught 32-year-old\u2019s lifelong commitment to hip-hop has made him one of the most respected Vietnamese hip-hop artists today.<\/p>\n

\"Viet
\nImage credit: <\/em>VTV<\/em><\/a>
\n<\/strong>
\nDSK<\/strong> used to live in Hanoi, Saigon, and Germany before putting his roots down in Da Lat, where he leads a quiet, no-spotlight life while making music as a hobby.
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Viet
\nImage credit: <\/em>VTV<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

DSK\u2019s exposure to diverse cultures is beautifully reflected in his lyrics, which usually speak of the vulnerable aspects of life. His signature deep voice and clear pronunciation also made him stand out from a multitude of fellow rappers.<\/p>\n

Bursting with emotional rawness and ingenuity, his songs \u201c\u0110\u00f4i b\u1edd\u201d <\/a>and \u201cL\u1edaN R\u1ed2I<\/a>\u201d that touch on the toughness of maturing into adulthood are go-to songs for people on the quest for soul-soothing music.<\/p>\n

Even without the glitz and glamour of costly MVs and advertising campaigns, DSK\u2019s music is still highly sought after by stalwart hip-hop lovers.<\/p>\n

Find it on Youtube<\/a> here.<\/p>\n

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2. Suboi – the hip-hop artist who rapped for President Obama<\/h3>\n
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\"Viet
\nImage adapted from: <\/em>Suboi<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

With an impressive career filled with top hits spanning over 10 years, Suboi<\/strong><\/a> is recognized by many for her talent and dedication ever since her 2005<\/strong> debut at the age of 15. <\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Viet
\nImage credit: <\/em>Suboi<\/em><\/a>
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n

Unlike many hip-hop artists of her time who used rap songs as a channel to let out their anger towards society, a majority of Suboi\u2019s songs express her love for her hometown of Saigon<\/strong>, from its chaotic traffic to its street food.<\/p>\n

\"Viet
\nImage credit: <\/em>Suboi<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

Her song \u201cN-SA<\/a>O<\/a>\u201d, a tribute to Saigon\u2019s traffic and street life, was the first MV released by a Vietnamese rapper to be featured on the Youtube channel of 88rising<\/strong>, a renowned US musical platform for Asian artists.<\/p>\n

Having a good command of English, Suboi was one of a few Vietnamese artists who spoke with and rapped for President Obama<\/a> on his 2016 visit to Saigon. Now featuring as a coach on the Rap Viet TV Show<\/a>, Suboi has taken on the role of a kind and encouraging mentor to new rappers.<\/p>\n

Check out her music on her Youtube channel<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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3. Kimmese – a fierce rapper who debuted at the age of 13<\/h3>\n
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\"Viet
\nImage adapted from: <\/em>Kimmese Official<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Kimmese<\/strong>, a Hanoi-based rapper, was Vietnam\u2019s youngest hip-hop artist to debut at the age of 13<\/strong> in 2003<\/strong>. With impressive performing skills and a bold sense of fashion authentic to the hip-hop style, Kimmese quickly gained popularity among Hanoian rap lovers.<\/p>\n

\"\"Image credit: <\/em>Kimmese<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

As her singing career soared, she was also invited to collaborate with big-time singers such as M\u1ef9 Linh and to perform on national TV, an honor that not many hip-hop artists in the early 2000s had.<\/p>\n

\"Viet
\nKimmese in her teenage years
\n<\/em>Image credit: <\/em>Soundcloud<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

When she released her song “ITSABET”<\/a> in 2017, Kimmese was highly praised by local audiences for her trap-style rapping skills and charisma.<\/p>\n

Today, Kimmese\u2019s music centers on R&B, <\/strong>where she has more room to show off her soulful voice and strong vocal techniques.<\/strong><\/p>\n

You can check out more of Kimmese\u2019s music work here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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4. Wowy Nguyen – a low-key yet gifted underground hip-hop artist<\/h3>\n
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\"Viet
\nImage adapted from: <\/em>Antoine VAILLANT<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Compared to today\u2019s hip-hop artists, Wowy<\/strong> seems to hold the most influence in the underground community, given that he was one of the pioneers of the modern Southern Vietnamese rap trend.<\/strong><\/p>\n

You can see why on the show Rap Viet<\/a>, where he is a critical coach <\/strong>who doesn\u2019t sugarcoat his words.<\/p>\n

\"Viet
\nImage credit: <\/em>Wowy Nguy\u1ec5n<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Tough-speaking and rough-mannered himself, Wowy is inspired by US gangsta rap. Growing up in a rough neighborhood in Saigon\u2019s District 5, he understandably raps about the challenges of living in a poor neighborhood and social taboos.<\/p>\n

“Khu Tao S\u1ed1ng”<\/a>, Wowy\u2019s rap song released in 2010 together with rapper Karik<\/strong>, caused a big splash among Vietnamese rappers because it talks about street life and shenanigans<\/strong> that not many artists on stage would have the guts to mention.<\/p>\n

\"Viet
\nWowy (in the center)
\n<\/em>Image adapted from: <\/em>Wowy<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Apart from rapping, Wowy also composed soundtracks<\/strong> for and stars in some movies and dramas, including “Ch\u00ed Ph\u00e8o Ngo\u1ea1i Truy\u1ec7n”<\/em><\/a> and “R\u00f2m<\/em><\/a>“, a movie which was the grand prize winner at the 24th Busan International Film<\/strong> Festival<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Besides being talented in music, Wowy also happens to be a talented graffiti artist <\/strong>whose works have been exhibited in Shanghai and Singapore.<\/p>\n

As he\u2019s humble and down-to-earth, it\u2019s unknown to many that Wowy is also one of the few Vietnamese artists who\u2019ve achieved international fame<\/strong> in different artistic genres, from paintings to film acting.<\/p>\n

\"Viet
\nWowy receiving awards for \u201c<\/em>The Last Generation<\/em><\/a>\u201d, a sci-fi film project he appeared in
\n<\/em>Image credit: <\/em>Wowy<\/em><\/a>
\n<\/em><\/p>\n

Check out his music on his Youtube channel<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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5. Karik – sweet appearance and whispery voice<\/h3>\n
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\"Viet
\nImage adapted from: <\/em>Superbrothers<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

2018 saw the release of a plethora of songs in all genres of music, but none could come close <\/strong>to the phenomenal effect of \u201c<\/strong>Ng\u01b0\u1eddi L\u1ea1 \u01a0i !\u201d <\/strong><\/a>by Karik <\/strong>and Orange.<\/p>\n

\"Viet
\nImage credit: <\/em>Karik<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Karik<\/strong> had been active in the local music scene for about 10 years, but it was only until the release of \u201cNg\u01b0\u1eddi L\u1ea1 \u01a0i !\u201d, <\/a>a song about pouring out your heart to strangers, that his name became known across Vietnam, <\/strong>where this song was repeatedly played throughout the year.<\/p>\n

\"Viet
\nImage credit: <\/em>Karik<\/a><\/em>
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n

Karik\u2019s songs are usually loving downtempo songs, in which his sexy and whispery voice is smoothly showcased. Catch him on Rap Viet <\/a>as a cheerful coach who’s always eager to fight for any contestant he deems to have potential.<\/p>\n

Or check out his music on his Youtube channel<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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6. BigDaddy – performs with his wife Emily, who\u2019s a talented singer<\/h3>\n
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\"Viet
\nImage adapted from: <\/em>Film Ninja Productions<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Formerly known as a member of Hanoi hip-hop band Ladykillah, BigDaddy<\/strong> has been making great progress in the pop rap genre<\/strong> since he started releasing songs from 2007 that captivate both mainstream and underground audiences.<\/p>\n

Most of BigDaddy\u2019s works are bouncy love songs featuring rap house<\/strong> and R&B <\/strong>but with a heavy touch of pop, making his compositions blend beautifully with his distinctive and swagger-filled voice.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Viet
\nImage credit: <\/em>BigDaddy<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

After achieving phenomenal success<\/strong> with his 2013 song \u201cT\u00ecnh Y\u00eau M\u00e0u N\u1eafng<\/a>\u201d, which pays homage to Vietnam\u2019s ethnic cultures and landscapes, BigDaddy seemed to slow things down on the work front to spend more time on his social and personal affairs.<\/p>\n

To mark his long-anticipated return to the stage last year, BigDaddy released the super hit \u201cM\u01b0\u1ee3n R\u01b0\u1ee3u T\u1ecf T\u00ecnh<\/a>\u201d on Valentine\u2019s Day about confessing his love while intoxicated with wine, where he is featured alongside his wife, singer Emily<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"VietEmily and BigDaddy\u2019s family
\n<\/em>Image credit: <\/em>BigDaddy<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

The song was also BigDaddy\u2019s public confession about his relationship with Emily, a renowned Hanoi underground artist and fashion icon, which had been a secret ever since they started dating until they were married with 2 kids. They\u2019re often seen performing together on stage and in MVs today.<\/strong><\/p>\n

BigDaddy is currently featured on TV Show King of R<\/strong><\/a>ap<\/strong><\/a>, where he is seen as a hyped-up and light-hearted judge who can bring the house down with his jokes.<\/p>\n

You can listen to BigDaddy and Emily\u2019s music on their Youtube channel here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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7. Binz – star of Vietnam\u2019s raunchiest rap MVs<\/h3>\n
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\"Viet
\nImage adapted from: <\/em>SpaceSpeakers<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Scoring hit after hit, Binz<\/a> is a rapper whose music releases are always met with fervent attention from both underground and mainstream audiences.<\/p>\n

The reason for this is the consistent investment in visuals in Binz\u2019s music videos, which are never repeated in his previous or other rappers\u2019 MVs.<\/p>\n

\"Viet
\nImage credit: <\/em>Binz Da Poet<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Binz is also a rare Vietnamese hip-hop artist to have successfully built a playboy image, as his MVs are unfailingly packed with sex appeal, eye-catching fashion, and sensual yet poetic lyrics.<\/p>\n

His grimy, deep voice, and unique pronunciation really make his rap songs about love stand above the rest.\u00a0His latest song about the glitz and glamour of city life and relationship, \u201cBigcitiboi<\/a>\u201d, was such a success that it started to become one of his many nicknames.<\/p>\n

\"Viet
\nImage credit: <\/em>Binz Da Poet<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

Since his fashion style is well-received among young adults, Binz is among the Vietnamese hip-hop artists who snap up the most product endorsement deals.<\/p>\n

Currently, Binz is one of the 4 coaches on the Rap Viet TV Show<\/a>, where he\u2019s a soft-spoken and humble coach looking for contestants with innovative rapping styles.<\/p>\n

Check out his music on his Youtube channel<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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8. Andree Right Hand – a party anthem creator<\/h3>\n
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\"Viet
\nImage adapted from: <\/em>Andree Right Hand<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

In a maze of rappers who rap about societal injustices and love, Andree<\/strong> stands out with his bad boy image. Decked out in head-to-toe bling, he\u2019s created a collection of hip-hop party anthems.<\/p>\n

Andree\u2019s songs display a side of Vietnam that\u2019s seldom portrayed in mainstream music videos, such as partying antics and an attitude of indifference towards what other people think.<\/p>\n

\"Viet
\nImage adapted from: <\/em>Andree Right Hand<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Despite triggering plenty of controversies after every music release, Andree always creates a buzz with his music and has garnered a large following throughout his 10-year career.<\/p>\n

Unbeknownst to many, Andree is a talented fashion designer himself with a degree in graphic design. He’s also the brilliant mind behind $maker<\/a>, a popular hip-hop fashion brand in Saigon.<\/p>\n

\"Viet
\nImage credit: <\/em>Andree Right Hand<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Check out Andree Right Hand\u2019s music on his Youtube channel<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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9. B-Ray – from a much talked-about rapper to the rapper to watch<\/h3>\n
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\"Viet
\nImage adapted from: <\/em>EvB Records<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

While 26-year-old rapper B-Ray <\/strong>is best known for his battle rap tracks<\/strong><\/a> that lit the underground music scene on fire when he dissed many big names, more recently, he\u2019s been causing a splash with his transition into the mainstream scene.<\/p>\n

\"Viet
\nImage credit: <\/em>B Ray<\/a><\/em>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

His upbeat pop-rap song, \u201cEx’s Hate Me<\/a>\u201d, made history<\/strong> for its bold topic about addressing former lovers by topping the 2019 Youtube trend chart<\/strong> for 2 weeks in a row.<\/p>\n

His recent song release about absolute devotion in love, \u201cDO FOR LOVE<\/a>\u201d, is also taking mainstream audiences by storm because of its catchy beat drop and melodic lyrics.<\/p>\n

\"Viet
\nImage credit: <\/em>B Ray<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

With a luscious voice<\/strong> and a natural knack for writing catchy and potentially viral lyrics,<\/strong> B-Ray is definitely the hip-hop artist to watch in the future.<\/p>\n

You can find B-Ray\u2019s most famous rap battle tracks on his Youtube channel<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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10. JustaTee – talented rapper, composer, and producer<\/h3>\n
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\"Viet
\nImage adapted from: <\/em>JustaTeeMusic<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

A rapper turned music producer, JustaTee<\/strong> is a wildly talented hip-hop artist who usually composes and raps in the songs or MVs that he produces.<\/strong><\/p>\n

JustaTee has a large mainstream audience who’re drawn to his downtempo and light tunes, sweet melodies,<\/strong> and lyrics that liven up the atmosphere<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"Viet
\nImage credit: <\/em>JustaTee<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

For those who enjoy rap songs that bring a smile to your faces, check out the most iconic song in JustaTee\u2019s remarkable career, \u201cForever Alone<\/a>\u201d, which talks about the joy of being single.<\/p>\n

Even though JustaTee doesn\u2019t rap as much as he used to in order to focus on his main job as a music producer, he can still bring the house down whenever he\u2019s on stage.<\/p>\n

\"Viet
\nImage credit: <\/em>JustaTee<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

JustaTee is currently a judge on the Rap Viet TV Show<\/a>, where he\u2019s a calm and knowledgeable judge who provides insightful advice to coaches on the selection of contestants.<\/p>\n

Check out his music on his Youtube channel<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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11. Rhymastic – an architecture graduate turned rapper<\/h3>\n
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\"Viet
\nImage adapted from:<\/em> Rhymastic Official<\/a><\/em>\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

An architecture graduate, Rhymastic <\/strong>embarked on his career as a music producer and rapper of hip-hop, R&B, and soul music out of sheer passion.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"VietImage credit:<\/em> Rhymastic<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Despite a lack of professional training, the 29-year-old rapper quickly soared to fame in the underground community through fierce diligence and his fast learning abilities.<\/p>\n

Joining and winning many amateur rap battles <\/a>while still in school, where he was praised for his unique flow and lyrical skills.<\/p>\n

\"Viet
\nImage credit:<\/em> Rhymastic<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

With a solid and sultry voice coupled with strong and wordplay rhyming skills, he flows on tracks such as \u201cGi\u00e0u Sang<\/a>\u201d – an electro-funk piece about the power of money in this society. This song also marks the artist\u2019s smooth transition from gentle love songs such as \u201cY\u00eau 5<\/a>\u201d, to harder-hitting tunes that explore the rough edges of life.<\/p>\n

Rhymastic is currently a judge on Rap Viet<\/a>, where he offers contestants his sincere but humorous remarks about their performances and advice for their professional hip-hop career.<\/p>\n

You can find his music on his Youtube channel<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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12. Lil Knight – the pioneer of Vietnam\u2019s rap landscape<\/h3>\n
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\"Viet
\nImage adapted from: <\/em>Lil\u2019 Knight<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Beginning his career as a professional hip-hop artist in 2001, Lil’ Knight, <\/strong>also known as LK, <\/strong>was credited with laying the foundation for the growth of Vietnamese rap.<\/p>\n

Back in the early 2000s, he was also one of the first Vietnamese hip-hop artists to share the stage with big names\u00a0such as M\u1ef9 Linh and \u0110\u0103ng Kh\u00f4i. LK\u2019s husky tone is vividly shown in his airy-sounding tracks about love and urban street life such as “H\u00e0 N\u1ed9i X\u1ecbn”<\/a> that emphasize his melodic verses instead of just his lyrics.<\/p>\n

\"Viet
\nImage credit: <\/em>LiL Knight<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Possessing strong composing skills on top of rapping, LK churned out countless top hits between 2003 and 2009. His regular stage appearances and massive success breathed life into the local rap scene.<\/p>\n

\"Viet
\nImage credit: <\/em>LiL Knight<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

He was also the captain of Lady Killah, Vietnam\u2019s most famous underground community in those days. This was also home to people who became Vietnam\u2019s top hip-hop artists today, including Big Daddy and JustaTee.<\/p>\n

“Chi\u1ebfc L\u00e1 M\u00f9a \u0110\u00f4ng<\/a>“, a song about love that marked the hip-hop artist\u2019s cooperation with singer Dang Khoi, turned out to be a massive hit that catapulted LK’s name into the public consciousness.<\/p>\n

As a judge on the show King of R<\/a>ap<\/a>, he often impresses viewers with his calm manners and perceptive remarks about contestants\u2019 abilities.<\/p>\n

Check out his music on his Youtube channel<\/a>.<\/a><\/p>\n

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13. \u0110en – from an unknown to an influential rapper<\/h3>\n
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\"Viet
\nImage adapted from: <\/em>\u0110en V\u00e2u Official<\/a><\/em>\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

During his career that has spanned for over a decade since 2005, \u0110en\u00a0<\/strong>went from being an unknown indie rapper to a hit-maker whose music videos unfailingly score millions of views within a couple of days after release.<\/p>\n

\u0110en\u2019s name started to garner popularity among the underground community when his song \u201c\u0110\u01b0a Nhau \u0110i Tr\u1ed1n <\/a>\u201d, performed with Linh C\u00e1o, was released and became a hit in 2014.<\/p>\n

\"Viet
\nImage credit: <\/em>\u0110en V\u00e2u<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

Unlike many hip-hop artists who rise to the spotlight with aggressive dissing battles with fellow rappers, \u0110en thrives on his rap songs that share his insights on Vietnamese society and tidbits of wisdom.<\/p>\n

Despite being the highest-paid rapper in Vietnam today with a huge following, \u0110en is notoriously private about his personal life and can still be found going around town in simple outfits.<\/p>\n

\"Viet
\nImage credit: <\/em>\u0110en V\u00e2u<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

Some of his most famous works include \u201cB\u00e0i N\u00e0y Chill Ph\u1ebft<\/a>\u201d, \u201cAnh \u0110\u1ebfch C\u1ea7n G\u00ec Nhi\u1ec1u Ngo\u00e0i Em<\/a>\u201d, and \u201cM\u1ed9t tri\u1ec7u like<\/a>\u201d.<\/p>\n

Check out his music on his Youtube channel<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Vietnamese hip-hop artists to watch in 2020 and beyond<\/span><\/h3>\n
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Vietnam’s hip-hop scene is flourishing more than ever<\/strong>, and underground artists are gaining more recognition among mainstream audiences as well as more professional playgrounds to showcase their talents.<\/p>\n

Check out the work of these Vietnamese hip-hop artists that deserve more attention. Hopefully, these rappers can soon represent Vietnamese rap culture<\/strong> in the international hip-hop scene and produce hits that top global music charts.<\/p>\n

Also check out:<\/p>\n