China sees resurgence of rap music as emerging musicians find their voices

Hip-hop has experienced a surge in popularity in China, with TV shows introducing new stars to millions. “The Rap of China” TV show played a significant role in popularizing rap culture across the country. Government regulations led to a rebranding of the show, aligning with censorship guidelines but allowing hip-hop to continue. In 2018, the censors who oversee Chinese media issued a directive to the nation’s entertainment industry: Don’t feature artists with tattoos and those who represent hip-hop or any other subculture. Right after that well-known rapper GAI missed a gig on a popular singing competition despite a successful first appearance. Speculation went wild: Fans worried that this was the end for hip-hop in China. Some media labeled it a ban. The genre had just experienced a banner year, with a hit competition-format TV show minting new stars and introducing them to a country of 1.4 billion people. Rappers accustomed to operating on little money and performing in small bars became household names. The announcement from censors came at the peak of that frenzy. A silence descended, and for months no rappers appeared on the dozens of variety shows and singing competitions on Chinese TV. PHILADELPHIA ORCHESTRA WORKS TO BRIDGE...