The trend of Vietnamese rappers getting closer to the audience

The champion of Rap Viet season 4, Hustlang Robber, surprised everyone when he appeared backstage at the filming of Anh trai say hi season 2 with long, blond hair, completely different from his previous bearded, rough appearance.

Hustlang Robber in episode 13 of Rap Viet, when he was still a badass - Photo: RAPVIET

In a TikTok clip posted on September 9, the rap fan community was abuzz with discussion when they saw Hustlang Robber's unexpected change.

When Hustlang Robber changes his appearance

Since his underground days, Hustlang Robber (real name Nguyen Le Minh Huy) has been known for his edgy, individualistic style: bearded face, dreadlocks and strong rap style. He has participated in many rap groups in the Central region and has been deeply influenced by "street culture".

Hustlang Robber's name really broke out from Rap Viet season 4 with the performances Ba oi, Qua tac chuong hinh, 1TINHYEU or Hustlang All Day, creating heat on social networks. Throughout that journey, the dusty, "gang gang" image of Captain Robber was like a declaration marking his own personality.

Hustlang Robber's performance Through Each Frame at Rap Viet season 4 - Photo: FBNV

He was once considered a bloodthirsty warrior and a rapper with personality.

However, in a behind-the-scenes clip of Anh trai say hi season 2, Hustlang Robber surprised the audience when he appeared with a completely different appearance: long, blond hair exuding a romantic, stylish, polite, and youthful look.

Hustlang Robber appeared behind the scenes of Anh Trai Say Hi with long blonde hair, completely different from his previous image - Photo: cut from TikTok clip

Under the comments of some posts on Facebook, the audience recorded reactions: "Lost the essence", "Lived long enough to see Robber with long hair", "Give me back Robber", "Looks like he's ready to sing a ballad"...

This continues to fuel controversy among audiences about rappers losing their quality when participating in game shows.

The trend of friendly Vietnamese rappers

Not only Hustlang Robber, many young Vietnamese rappers are moving away from the "gang gang" image, towards a friendly, youthful style that is easy for the audience to sympathize with.

MCK has collaborated with mainstream singers many times, Low G often participates in music events for young people. tlinh and Obito position themselves in a direction that is both individual and entertaining, suitable for public taste.

When rap entered television and showbiz, the audience was no longer the underground community of a few thousand people, but millions of people watching TV, following on YouTube, TikTok. The rough, fierce image was gradually replaced by a moderate personality, bright appearance, and easy-to-understand language, helping rappers get closer to the masses.

Many young rappers like Low G, tlinh, Obito have developed a friendly, youthful style to reach the mass audience - Photo: FBNV

Compared to international rap, this is not surprising. American rap from the 1990s was associated with "gangsta rap", but from the 2000s onwards, with Kanye West, Drake or Post Malone, rap became more diverse, it could be hardcore but also pop-friendly.

South Korea has also witnessed the "idolization" of rap, with many underground rappers also being K-pop idols.

Vietnamese rap is following a similar trajectory: hardcore groups still exist, but most young rappers balance personality and commercialism, creating a sustainable genre with a wide market and audience.

MAI NGUYET

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/xu-huong-rapper-viet-gan-gui-khan-gia-20250911100952211.htm