FEATURE: THE STATUS OF HIP-HOP IN CHINA

disclaimer: i am no expert on hip-hop in china. i just have an interest in hip-hop and china. 

On June 24, 2017, The Rap of China (TROC) debuted on iQiYi. Despite accusations of plagiarising Korean rap reality show Show Me the Money, TROC was an immediate hit. It reached 100 million views within 4 hours of its release and by the end of the month had accumulated over 1.3 billion views. At the end of the show, many contestants signed to major record labels. They made appearances on popular television programs such as Happy Camp and performed at New Years Eve concerts. It seemed like hip-hop was finally becoming mainstream in China. But within weeks or even days of these milestones, the movement appears to be slowing to a halt. 

On New Year's Eve, Li Xiao Lu (wife of Jia Nai Liang and mother of Tian Xin) was spotted going to PG One's apartment. She did not leave until the next morning. While both parties have denied anything inappropriate happened, tabloids have posted explicit photos supposedly of PG One and Li Xiao Lu having sex. Jia Nai Liang initially expressed his trust in Li Xiao Lu but has since unfollowed PG One on weibo and posted a message blaming himself for being too busy to spend time with Li Xiao Lu and Tian Xin. 

Only days after this scandal, PG One was forced to apologise for the lyrics in his song 'Chrismas Eve'. The song, which was released in 2015, was criticised for insulting women and promoting drug use. While PG One voluntarily removed 'Christmas Eve' from Chinese music streaming services such as QQ Music, Netease Music and Xiami, his inadequate apology where he blamed the offensive lyrics on a misunderstanding of hip-hop culture due to the influence of "black culture/music" has resulted in all his songs being removed.

PG One’s consecutive scandals have resulted in fellow hip-hop artists suffering from collateral damage. Despite their inoffensive lyrics, Triple H (红花会), PG One's rap crew has also had all their songs removed from major Chinese music streaming services. Most recently, Al Rocco's appearance at a Chong Qing concert was cancelled and VAVA’s appearance on Happy Camp has been completely edited out. There appears to be a blanket ban on hip-hop artists as the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television of the People’s Republic of China (SAPPRFT) considers new guidelines to regulate their appearance.

The importance of playing by the rules of the Chinese government has been recognised by many hip-hop artists. But this may not be enough. Despite a change in attitudes over the years where he went from rapping unapologetically about his past brushes with the law to rapping about the importance of reflection and change to rapping about his patriotism towards China, Gai was forced to withdraw from Singer 2018*.

With the constant censorship of rising Chinese hip-hop artists, will the genre become mainstream?

Yes, but it will take time. While opinions are divided, many netizens do support the censorship of celebrities who promote unlawful and immoral behaviour. Due to a lack of exposure, many individuals, particularly from the older generation, have a negative view of hip-hop. They believe it promotes rebellion, promiscuity and materialism thus they support the censorship of hip-hop artists. These negative stereotypes have only been confirmed by PG One's scandal and apology which may have been their first mainstream exposure to hip-hop artists. 

But not all Chinese hip-hop artists share PG One's misunderstanding of hip-hop culture. A fellow contestant on TROC, Sun Ba Yi, was known for his businessman demeanour and socialist lyrics. While he was criticised for being inauthentic to hip-hop, he argued he was being truly authentic by rapping about his values as a core foundation of hip-hop is to "keep it real". His most recent single 'Brilliant China' contained lyrics taken directly from the Communist Party of China's doctrine. I am not suggesting hip-hop will only become mainstream in China if it's used to spread propaganda but hip-hop and the conservative Chinese culture are not mutually exclusive. 

NOTES/PERSONAL THOUGHTS: 

* I have read that Gai was forced to withdraw due to complaints about past songs with vulgar lyrics. If this is true I think it's a shame he was forced to withdraw. Unlike PG One, Gai has demonstrated through his songs and lifestyle that he has matured. His change in attitude has been gradual and organic, not the result of sudden fame and a desire to become mainstream. He is known for having a steady girlfriend (not sure if this provides any cred) and has constantly demonstrated filial piety. Since winning TROC he has provided for his parents allowing them to retire and travel.  

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NETIZENS: CHEN YU FAN RESPONDS TO BAI BAI HE SCANDAL

SINA WEIBO: BAI BAI HE CHEATED

On the 15th at 2 am, Chen Yu Fan posted on his wechat Moments: "I know your plans, I promise I will return the favour. Ruined my family, I will destroy you! You don't know how to be a man, I will teach you!". At this moment, the woman has not responded.

COMMENTS: 50488
1. [+167221] Shows that the husband and wife were both aware, going their separate ways but still seemingly married, perhaps for the sake of their child, perhaps other reasons. Everything was going well then Zhou Wei exposed it, resulting in everyone knowing, Bai Bai He's reputation is gone, himself becoming a textbook example of wearing a green hat, of course, he's exploding with rage.

2. [+118947] Society, Brother Fan, there are still more harsh words 

3. [+50432] I have nothing to say. It can't be that Zhou Wei framed your wife????

4. [+49671] Personally I think this definitely has something to do with that Zhang Ai Peng. In the second clip he looked at the camera, definitely wasn't innocently stumbled upon and photographed, taking away discussion about whether Bai Bai He cheated and is right or wrong, in this instance she's definitely been exposed. Don't like, don't hate 

5. [+41732] I feel like it's that small celebrity using Bai Bai He.

6. [+38247] I think Zhou Wei did the right thing, you all pretended in front of the camera, the truth is now revealed and you're all in a rage saying it's a private issue. Chen Dao Ming and other artists why hasn't Zhou Wei dug up anything on them. You guys are not the same.

7. [+30356] I assume that Bai Bai He has been set up.

8. [+22223] Suddenly feel that this is all a drama.


QQ: CHEN YU FAN POSTS RESPONSE TO BAI BAI HE SCANDAL: RUINED MY FAMILY, WILL DEFINITELY RUIN YOU

COMMENTS: 40842
1. [+37654] T/N: a poem probably written by OP. My English translation doesn't do it much justice.
Bai He [white lotus] blooms every spring; Wen Zhang, Yao Di holds hands.
Chen Ke marries Zhang Zi Xuan; Ma Rong Song Zhe commits adultery.
Xiao Bao supports a mistress outside; Si Cheng secretly seeks pleasure.
Guan Xi uploads photos onto the internet; He Jie divorces due to a fall out.
Wang Ou, Old Lau go have a chat; Xu Zheng has a date and gets a room.
Dong Jie's enemy is Old Pan; in memory beat people then the court.
Seeks prostitutes outside Wang Quan An; then add an aroused Lin Dan.
Men loves women in the human realm; negative air surrounds the entertainment circle.

2. [+23341] Loud thunder, small rain [all talk without action]. I want to see exactly how you teach others, how you ruin others. As a public figure, you have no right to say such words. You should be thanking Zhou Wei who allowed you see your wife in her proper light, acting like that in broad daylight, there are photos and evidence, I want to see exactly how you defend your wife! Absurd people are also pitiful people.

3. [+14725] My man! This is a male's bottom line! Who the f**k would be able to accept their bottom line being pierced! Even if there was cheating there is no need to ruin a family! I'm talking about the child! No matter how wrong the adults, the child did nothing wrong! Zhou Wei, you're famous! Offending so many people be careful of being killed when you leave the house! When it comes to that time it'll be your family Zhou Wei that gets ruined! Women cheating, the men may know! Keeping the bottom line! I reckon that eventually Zhou Wei will be taken care of! Because you have broken the bottom line!

4. [+10614] Feel like his mind is not clear. They just took a photo but the act was committed by your wife alright. Even if Zhou Wei has done something improper the person who ruined your family isn't him. You can say him exposing is wrong, your wife cheating isn't wrong, you knew but were being accommodating, therefore you think other people are being too nosy. This type of understanding I'll never be able to understand. Personal opinion.

5. [+8459] Your family has been ruined, you should first reflect on yourself and then understand your wife's motive. Your family is like this, indeed is unfortunate, but to suddenly say a phrase like "whoever ruined my family will be ruined" no wonder your wife is going off with others, perhaps you're too immature 😊

6. [+7109] Whether it's the Wen Zhang, Wang Bao Qiang, Lin Dan and this Bai Bai He! It's all internal family matters, none of your business! Take care of yourself first!

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NETIZENS: CHEN YU FAN TO GO ON HIATUS. DIVORCED BAI BAI HE IN 2015?

SINA WEIBO: CHEN YU FAN AND BAI BAI HE DIVORCED

On 16 April Chen Yu Fan posted a video saying that he and Bai Bai He divorced in 2015 but will raise their child together. This incident has caused great harm to Bai Bai He and his family. Chen Yu Fan said, "in order to accompany and give more attention to his child he will indefinitely pull out from the entertainment industry."

COMMENTS: 10225
1. [+13468] Zhou Wei must be satisfied now. Two people for the sake of ensuring their child is able to grow up in a healthy environment did not reveal their divorce. Now Bai Bai He's reputation is ruined, Chen Yu Fan is withdrawing from the entertainment industry and the must hurt is still the child in the end.

2. [+10764] Chen Yu Fan doesn't need to apologise, however, from now on I will not look favourable at Bai Bai He.

3. [+9168] If divorced why did they sell the husband and wife act and show off their love.  If it's truly for the child there's no need to do that".

4.  [+6229] Bai Bai He didn't cheat, perhaps it's a prostitute 

5. [+5717] If you think Bai Bai He is a b*tch give me a like

6. [+5013] If you're divorced then why 2016 did you call him "husband" on weibo in 2016, and a couple of days ago on 'Back to the Field' you said "our family's Teacher Chen".
[screenshot of Bai Bai He calling Chen Yu Fan husband on weibo in 2016]

7. [+4346] When Wang Feng got divorced at the Civil Affairs Bureau he announced his divorce that very day, how direct. He doesn't love his child any less, at the time his child wasn't as old as Yu Quan's, protecting the child or protecting your own interest .....

8. [+3892] Shouldn't it be Bai Bai He leaving the entertainment industry? Why is Brother Fan leaving? 


QQ: CHEN YU FAN: DIVORCED BAI BAI HE IN 2015. WILL WITHDRAW FROM THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY

COMMENTS: 14259
1. [+19533] Remember on a variety show Bai Bai He would constantly say, "Our family's Old Chen is blah blah, blah blah", thinking about it now, how do you say something so fake so real. A xi zi is a xi zi after all. Each minute, each minute they are acting. sigh. I liked you so much, really wasted my trust in you.

2. [+12733] I have never understood why she would marry you, now I finally understand. No matter what is said, the public won't forgive her. The best type of man can be determined as when the whole world accuses you, I still support you against the wind and waves.

3. [+8616] Divorce doesn't mean they must turn into enemies. They're just not suited to be husband and wife but can be friends. They still have to raise their child together. For the sake of their family to not disclose it is normal. To reveal this type of news, the most hurt would be the child.

4. [+5743] Why did disclose their divorce? This is if you didn't want to make things into a big issue. Yu Fan is really not bad, if at this moment he said one thing that they haven't divorced, the consequences. To personally state they have divorced may have been the result of private discussion. There are only two situations: first, evidence to blackmail Yu Fan is in Bai Bai He's hands; second, they don't want to make the situation beyond repair out of consideration for their child. Personally I'm leaning towards the second situation, however, they probably haven't divorced yet?

5. [+4897] I reckon Chen Yu Fan doing PR. If they divorced why didn't Bai Bai He make it clear from the start. Also, if they really divorced why have they been acting like they're in love, is the purpose of that to make them look like liars. Morally corrupt people get lost.

6. [+3262] This statement is directed at Teacher Chen not Bai Bai He. I can see Teacher Chen's protection of her, I feel like he still loves her.


SINA WEIBO: BAI BAI HE AND CHEN YU FAN DIVORCED. POST DIVORCED STILL SHOWING OFF LOVE. RAISES QUESTIONS IN NETIZENS.

On 16 April Chen Yu Fan stated that he and Bai Bai He divorced in 2015 and that they didn't announce it to protect their child. Netizens have found that in January Chen Yu Fan expressed his anger over divorce rumours, and in 2016 Bai Bai He often posted about her "husband" on weibo.
This has been a hot topic amongst netizens.

COMMENTS: 8426
1. [+15683] Yu Fan has been compromised, could see this coming from far away. If Yu Fan didn't say they are divorced Bai Bai He would be ruined, never able to raise her head in a public setting again. If they really did divorce in 2015 Bai Bai He would have been the first to make a statement and explain.

2. [+11862] They probably took into account everything to determine what was in their best interest. Making this type of PR statement Yu Fan would not be considered to wear a green hat*, can keep his face; Bai Bai He would not be considered to have cheated, can keep her money bad. Classic example of PR, win-win situation.

3. [+7852] They divorced two years ago, the result in that when they participated in Running Man together they claimed that wanted to give their son a sister. Also participated in The Jinxing Show, they divorced years ago yet in the name of husband and wife participated in numerous variety programs. This is deceiving the audience, a type of disrespect towards the audience, what difference is there from fraud 

4. [+6821] Is it just me that feels like Zhou Wei is being wronged over this? You allow Bai Bai He to use her family and show off their love to earn money but don't allow Zhou Wei to reveal the truth, Besides, don't you think this is white washing? Last time to wash away the cheating scandal the good guy Chen Ke also said they were already divorced~ This time it's the good mother Bai Bai He...... 

5. [+6459] The entertainment circle is really something, divorced but still displaying affection on weibo... Even though there is no obligation to report to the public on their private life, indeed livelihood is dependent on acting ability


NOTES:
* to have been cheated on

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NETIZENS: BAI BAI HE SEEN ACTING INTIMATE WITH ANOTHER MAN

QQ: BAI BAI HE SECRET MEETING WITH MYSTERIOUS MAN IN THAILAND EXPOSED. RUBBED FACES, FED FOOD, SENT KISSES

COMMENTS: 40479
1. [+64497] If Bai Bai He cheated then the cast of the film Love is Not Blind cast is really amazing. Wen Zhang, Bai Bai He, Zhang Zi Xuan are the cheating group. Partnered with the variety show Real Men cast, Wang Bao Qiang, Yang Mi, Tong Li Ya have been made green, wearing a green hat. Perfection.

2. [+32098] Yet another scandal. Bai Bai He cheated. Chen Yu Fan's end of year award as King of Green Hat will not go anyway. Seriously ...... Cheng Si Chen, Chen Ke, Hawick Lau, Lin Dan can film, Wen Zhang can direct, Xu Zheng can produce. Bai Bai He, Wang Ou, Ma Rong, Zhang Zi Xuan, Yao Di can be female leads. David Tao and Wang Feng sing theme songs. Teacher Zhou Wei come deliver, is the Love is Not Blind poisoned?

3. [+52171] Another point to Team Cheaters, Team Antidote needs to jia you. Team Prostitution has already fallen behind.

4. [+25219] Some women on the internet say when tired of playing around marry an honest man. haha. I seriously have nothing to say ..... When will they be tired of playing, I can't keep waiting.

5. [+10645] Zhao Wei has merit! First finishes off Bai Bai He, complete bullseye!


SINA WEIBO: BAI BAI HE CHEATED

COMMENTS: 57638
1. [+61780] The Love is Not Blind cast is really seductive, from the leads to the supporting cast.

2. [+32488] The Love is Not Blind cast is poisoned, first Wen Zhang, Zhang Zi Xuan and now Bai Bai He  

3. [+28683] If Bai Bai He cheated then Love is Not Blind cast is really something. Yao Di, Wen Zhang, Bai Bai He, Ma Ya Li, Chen Yu Fan, Zhang Zi Xuan  

4. [+21373] This man is really gross.... The look of begging to be loved.

5. [+17792] At first when I watched the clips I didn't think much of it. Towards the end, I saw the man in the pool actually had a biological reaction and one so big. OMG 


SINA WEIBO: BAI BAI HE AND CHEN YU FAN HAVE HAD MANY RUMOURS OF DIVORCE OVER THE PAST TEN YEARS. BOTH HAVE DENIED NUMEROUS TIMES.

COMMENTS: 11946
1. [+22073]You allow Hawick Lau to go over his script in the middle of the night, but don't allow Bai Bai He to go swimming with a man? Why are you mentioning that man's lower body, Bai Bai He was curious and pointed at it...

2. [+14542] The top comments are always hating on Wu Yi Fan, copying and pasting the same words of hate, can see it in the top comments of each weibo posts. I hope passer-by friends don't take it seriously  Trash weibo posts all dirty personal attacks. Anyway, look at Hunan TV's '72 Floors' 

3. [+9098] Bai Bai He's [白百何] real name is Bai Xue [白雪]. She was the home wrecker between Chen Yu Fan and his ex. At that time, Chen Yu Fan and the lady from Chong Qing had been together for nearly six years. Bai Bai He successfully broke down the wall, immediately married and gave birth to tie down Chen Yu Fan, didn't even want a ring or ceremony. Chen Yu Fan's ex was called Bai He [百合]. When Bai Xue got pregnant, this home wrecker moved up in status and changed her name to Bai He [百何]. The meaning is "what [何] can Bai He [百合] do about me?". The Heavens have eyes, the white lotus flower is stuck on your head, no matter what you do you cannot wash it clean.

4. [+8680] Even though Bai Bai He cheated, I still want to ask, if I curse Ma Rong^ will I get likes?

5. [+5251] Actually there are many husbands and wife like this in the entertainment industry. Putting up a front that they're in love, but behind the scenes leading separate lives, not interfering with others. The entertainment circle is truly truly fake, we cannot tell the difference. 


QQ: BAI BAI HE AND CHEN YU FAN SILENT ON RUMOURS. HAVE ALREADY STOPPED FOLLOWING EACH OTHER ON WEIBO

COMMENTS: [5096]
1. [+4067] T/N: a poem probably written by OP. My English translation doesn't do it much justice. It's written in a cutesy way kinda like baby talk.
Obedient little rabbit
Spread your legs
Lift your bum
I'm coming in
Won't lift, won't lift, just won't lift

Ge Ge [T/N: oppa] you're really naughty
Not even wearing a sleeve [T/N: condom]
Not wearing, not wearing, no need to wear
Before shooting pull it out
Won't fall pregnant

2. [+3171] I've liked you since your debut. I like your voice, like you as a person, like your cheerful smile. Chen Yu Fan! Stay strong! This isn't a one person fight! Love you: Hai Quan`

3. [+1916] Finally someone even more disgusting than Yao Di. Yao Di relax.

4. [+1355] T/N: a poem probably written by OP. My English translation definitely won't do it any justice. It's written like classical Chinese poems. 
No Bohdi tree, mirror has not been raised [please don't ask me what this means lol]
Where there is nothing, where would there be dust.
Bai He originally has no desire, Chen Yu Fan is not immortal.
Originally a personal issue between husband and wife, now the target of criticisms.

5. [+1157] I really liked her before. If she really did cheat she may lose a lot of fans. sigh. Liked her after 'Love is Not Blind'. Those who said she was the home wrecker didn't affect my affections for her. Now I'm really disappointed. Really cannot look at a book by its cover.


QQ: BAI BAI HE PREVIOUSLY REVEALED PROPOSAL STORY: CHEN YU FAN THREATENED SUICIDE TO FORCE MARRIAGE

COMMENTS: 2312
1. [+1713] Honestly speaking, I've been waiting for this day for nearly 10 years! Don't even know how long they've been married for. When I first found out they were husband and wife, I firmly believed that Bai Bai He would cheat and told my friends but they didn't believe me! Seeing this news today, I can't be too calm, it's something I expected long ago, something that would happen eventually. So whenever I saw this couple showing affection on television programs I always felt it was very fake.

2. [+698] That Chen Yu Fan and his ex-girlfriend were together for six years. Why did he meet you then break up with her?! Is it because you're young?

3. [+209] Kai Ko was blacklisted for taking drugs. All the films he acted in were banned. The male and female celebrities who cheat should also be blacklisted. Don't broadcast their films and dramas!

4. [+184] Why are there so many people living below the poverty line in China, because too much money is used to support these actors and then what do they do? ...... Plastic surgery, consume drugs, their personal life is a mess ... Is it worth for us to support them? In what way do they give us positive energy? Why should they film and earn over hundreds of millions? A portion of their paycheck for one film is what we average people can work hard towards yet never earn in our lifetime! China, where is the equality?

5. [+171] sigh. The videos have come out, probably not mistaken! Even pointed at the....... even more reasons why this can't be wrong! 😬😬😬😬😬😬😬😬😬😬😬😬😬😬😬😬😬😬😬😬😬😬😬😬😬😬😬😬😬😬


NOTES:
^ Ma Rong cheated on Wang Bao Qiang with his manager. They rejected Running Man China for Real Men China without Wang Bao Qiang's consent so that they would have more time to spend together.
` the other member of Yu Quan the duo Bai Bai He's husband is part of

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