The Top 15 Most Famous Rappers in Vietnam

Mr. T was born on April 18, 1991, in Hanoi. His real name is Tằng Quốc Anh. He is a successful male singer, particularly known for his work in the rap genre. Mr. T was once a member of X4 Band (2008-2009) and is currently part of Joker's Rule and Lady Killah.

Apart from singing, Quốc Anh has explored various fields such as journalism, hosting, and acting. However, he believes his ultimate passion still lies in rap and hip-hop. He gained widespread recognition through his hit "Thu Cuối" with Yanbi and the series "Ăn gì đây" featuring singer Hòa Minzy.

Mr. T stands out for his unique and distinctive style. His album "Forever T" is considered a major milestone in the rap genre. There are only a few Vietnamese rap albums that have made a significant impact, including Kimmese’s album "Kim" and Lil' Knight’s second album "Im Lặng," which received praise. Despite their popularity, artists like Hà Okio, Hoàng Rapper, and Karik have yet to release an album with the same level of influence as "Forever T".

DETAILS:

• Real name: Tằng Quốc Anh
• Date of birth: April 18, 1991
• Hometown: Hanoi

Hàng Lâm Trang Anh (born January 14, 1990), known by her stage name Suboi, is a Vietnamese rapper, singer, songwriter, and actress. She is considered one of the first female rappers and the Queen of Hip-Hop in Vietnam. Suboi made history as the first Vietnamese artist to have her own banner on Apple Music and performed at the South by Southwest Festival, one of the largest annual music events in the U.S. In 2017, she graced the cover of Forbes Asia after being named one of the 30 Under 30 most influential young people in Asia, becoming the first Vietnamese artist to be included in this prestigious list.

In 2019, Suboi became one of only six global representatives to appear in the documentary series "Asia Rising - The Next Generation of Hip-Hop" on the American media platform 88rising, marking her as the first Vietnamese rapper with a music video featured on this platform.

Born and raised in Ho Chi Minh City, Suboi discovered her passion for hip-hop at the age of 14 and started rapping at 15. She quickly became a prominent figure in the underground rap scene. At 19, after recording with rappers Rapsoul and KraziNoyze, she caught the attention of music producer Dương Khắc Linh, who later invited her to join Music Faces label. In 2009, Suboi gained significant attention from the public with her tracks "Xin Hãy Thứ Tha" and "Girls' Night" in collaboration with Hồ Ngọc Hà, which led to the release of her debut album "Walk" in 2010, making her the first female rapper to achieve success in Vietnam.

In 2012, she left Music Faces to become an independent artist. Her second studio album, "Run," was released in May after several delays. Some of Suboi’s well-known songs include: "Đời" and "Trò Chơi Trời Cho."

DETAILS:

• Real name: Hàng Lâm Trang Anh
• Date of birth: January 14, 1990
• Hometown: Ho Chi Minh City

Nguyễn Ngọc Minh Huy (born September 27, 1988), better known by his stage name Wowy, is a Vietnamese rapper and songwriter. Wowy is one of the pioneering Southern rappers, starting his career in 2006 with the group SouthGanz.

Wowy's journey into hip-hop began early, and he participated in other street culture activities such as breakdancing and graffiti before fully embracing rap. Some of his graffiti works were showcased in exhibitions in Vietnam, Shanghai, and Singapore. He joined SouthGanz and later pursued a solo career starting in 2008. Wowy's breakthrough came in 2010 when he collaborated with Karik on the tracks "Hai Thế Giới" and "Khu Tao Sống." After Karik moved on to mainstream music, Wowy launched several art-driven projects, most notably the surrealist rap tour LIVE!. During this period, he introduced his popular Buddhist-inspired rap track "Buddha/Một Điếu," earning him the nickname "Lão Đại."

In 2013, Wowy, Nah, and Minh Kiên were invited by Làng Văn Music Center to collaborate, but the partnership ended in 2015 when the label ceased producing music. Wowy returned to the music scene independently with the release of his album "Lão Đại" and the single "Kẻ Tội Đồ." In 2014, Wowy won the Best Actor Award for his role in a science fiction film at a Western Digital competition. In 2016, he founded Wowy Vietnam Co., LTD, a company focusing on music, art, and entertainment. In 2017, he composed the soundtrack for the film "Chí Phèo Ngoại Truyện" and later became the first Vietnamese rapper to have music featured in an HBO series, "Here and Now."

In 2018, Wowy served as a judge for the VTV-organized Ayo Rap Battle competition. In 2019, he composed music and played a villain role in the award-winning film "Ròm" at the Busan International Film Festival. In 2020, Wowy joined the popular TV show "Rap Việt" as a coach.

DETAILS:

• Real Name: Nguyễn Ngọc Minh Huy
• Date of Birth: September 27, 1988
• Hometown: Ho Chi Minh City

Lil Knight, born Nguyễn Quang Hưng in 1983 in Hanoi, is a successful Vietnamese rapper. He is known for his significant contributions to the Vietnamese rap scene. Being introduced to HipHop at an early age, Lil Knight showcased both singing and songwriting skills. In 2001, he co-founded the group VietSpiritz with Fantasy xy (Dương Thừa Quân), focusing on the HipHop genre.

He gained further recognition through collaborations with singer Đăng Khôi, where he rapped on tracks like 'Rời xa' and 'Chiếc lá tình yêu (remix)'. His style is marked by a strong voice and a focus on melody, rather than lyrical complexity. Over the years, Lil Knight worked with several other renowned artists, including Ngô Thanh Vân on the film '2 in 1' and contributed to albums by Mỹ Linh and Đăng Khôi.

In late 2006, Lil Knight moved south and joined CN company, becoming an exclusive artist alongside Ưng Đại Vệ. The following year, the duo made waves in the music industry with hits like 'Ngôi sao cô đơn' and 'Anh nhớ em nhiều'.

DETAILS:

• Real Name: Nguyễn Quang Hưng
• Born: 12/05/1983
• Hometown: Hanoi

Rhymastic, born Vũ Đức Thiện in 1991 in Hanoi, is a talented music producer and rapper. He initially studied architecture at Hanoi University, but his passion for the arts led him to pursue a career in music. In 2009, he began experimenting with music production and songwriting on his own.

Rhymastic officially entered the music scene in 2011 when he became a member of Space Speakers (Touliver, JustaTee, Kimmese, Rhymastic, Triple D, Ứng Duy Kiên, and Soobin). Each member brought a unique skill to the group, and Rhymastic stood out for his music production abilities, often supporting his peers in creating their projects.

Rather than seeking the spotlight himself, Rhymastic found fulfillment behind the scenes, working as a producer for Soobin. He played a crucial role in helping Soobin establish a distinctive musical style, which contributed to his success on 'The Remix' season 2.

• Real Name: Vũ Đức Thiện
• Born: April 8, 1991 (Age: 30)
• Hometown: Hanoi

JustaTee, born Nguyễn Thanh Tuấn in 1991 in Hanoi, is a renowned Vietnamese rapper, songwriter, and music producer. Known for his unique musical style, JustaTee rose to fame as an underground artist and has since become one of the most popular rappers in the country.

From 2005 to 2008, JustaTee was part of the rap group Click Click Boom, Vietnam's first multi-member rap group. In 2008, he began to carve his own path in R&B, and in 2010, he co-founded LadyKillah with Lil' Knight and Mr. J (Jan Saker), which quickly became one of the most influential R&B/Hip-hop platforms in Vietnam.

On August 20, 2010, he released his mini-album 'JUST-A-TEE', which helped solidify his place in the Vietnamese R&B scene.

Some of his most popular tracks include: JustaTee's hits such as 'Người Lạ Nơi Cuối Đường', 'Imma HeartBreaker', 'K part 2', 'Không Tin 1 Sớm Mai Bình Yên (Remix)', and 'Call Me The Liar'.

DETAILS:

• Real Name: Nguyễn Thanh Tuấn
• Born: November 1, 1991
• Hometown: Hanoi

Mr.A, born Phạm Tuấn Anh in 1988, is a successful Vietnamese rapper who became a household name in the underground music scene in Hanoi. Known for his collaborations with other underground artists, he quickly gained recognition among young audiences.

A member of the LADYKILLAH production team, former leader of Click Click Boom, and a past member of Joker's Rule, Mr.A started his career as a talented underground rapper, writing and performing many hit songs. With his strong rap skills and a refined taste in music, his tracks quickly became favorites among youth listeners.

Throughout his career, Mr.A has produced numerous high-quality music tracks that have left a lasting impression on fans. He is now working professionally under the support of the St.319 Entertainment team, and his career continues to grow. Some of his most popular rap hits include: 'Sunshine and Rain', 'Tell Me Why', and 'Hoa Sữa'.

DETAILS:

• Real Name: Phạm Tuấn Anh
• Born: September 24, 1988
• Hometown: Hanoi

Lil Shady, born Nguyễn Minh Đức on December 5, is one of the leading rappers of the F1 generation of GVR Production. A former member of GVR Productions and part of the KSHomie rap community, Lil Shady has earned a massive fan base that many in the industry admire. With over a decade of active involvement in music, Lil Shady is regarded as one of the young talents in the renowned GVR Productions rap scene.

His rap style is highly praised for its deep, warm voice and diverse, socially conscious themes. His tracks are memorable and impactful. Some of his well-known hits include: 'I’ve Forgotten You Long Ago', 'The Entertainer', 'Filial Piety', 'Mom Is Getting Old', 'Tomorrow', and 'Broken Lives'.

DETAILS:

• Real Name: Nguyễn Minh Đức
• Born: December 5, 1989
• Hometown: Yên Bái

BigDaddy, born Trần Tất Vũ in 1991, is a Vietnamese rapper and hip hop artist beloved by a wide audience. He began his rap career in 2007, but due to living abroad until 2009, he initially connected with Vietnamese rap communities through online forums like Hiphop.vn and GVR. He became involved with the Hiphop.vn forum managed by Jan Saker in 2007, starting with a few memorable tracks.

A former member of GVR and a key figure in LadyKillah Production, BigDaddy's influence in the Vietnamese rap scene grew rapidly. Although he left GVR in 2009, he joined LadyKillah in 2010 alongside some of Vietnam’s top rappers. Some of his most popular tracks include: 'Love in Sunshine', 'Hot', 'Love Will Answer', 'GATO', and 'Forgot Again'.

DETAILS:

• Real Name: Trần Tất Vũ
• Born: August 5, 1991
• Birthplace: Moscow, Russia
• Current Residence: Hanoi

Kimmese (born May 4, 1991), whose real name is Quách Cẩm Lê, was born in Hanoi. She is a highly successful singer known for her unique blend of Hip Hop and R&B in Vietnam. While Suboi is often hailed as the 'Queen' of rap and hip hop, Kimmese (formerly Kim Jo Jo) has earned the title of 'Princess of Hip Hop' in Vietnam's entertainment scene. Starting her journey in rap at a young age, Kimmese quickly became a standout figure in the Vietnamese music industry. Her rap lyrics often tackle real-life issues and reflect the artist's personality, proving there is much more to life to sing about than just love.

In addition to singing, Kimmese is also a songwriter. She chose Hip Hop and Rap as her musical direction. Not only did she write about her own life, but she also showcased her rap skills when collaborating with the iconic Vietnamese singer Mỹ Linh and the Anh Em band in the 2006 Mỹ Linh Tour, blending classical music and hip hop. At 15, she joined the Dance 4 Life campaign and became a solo artist under Minh Nam Entertainment (Hanoi). Kimmese participated in 'The Voice Vietnam' in 2015 to prove her growth, although she didn't make it to the later rounds. Some of her well-known tracks include: 'Blue Shirt', 'Starry Painting', 'Domestic Violence', and 'When Will You Know'.

DETAILS:

• Real Name: Quách Cẩm Lê
• Date of Birth: May 4, 1991
• Hometown: Hanoi

Linh Lam, whose real name is Lam Mỹ Linh, is a prominent rapper and singer in the Vietnamese hip hop scene. She first appeared in the Vietnamese hip hop community in 2005, when her skills were still in their early stages, focusing more on comedy and fun rather than serious rap. She later joined Vietrapper.com, one of Vietnam's first rap forums. In 2007, Linh Lam's talents were recognized when she was invited by Khanh HP to join the GVR collective, marking the beginning of a new era in Vietnamese hip hop.

After joining GVR, Linh Lam gained significant recognition and became one of the most influential figures in Vietnamese rap, enduring the ups and downs of the local rap scene. Her music carries a distinct personal mark that no other rapper could replicate. Although her career was interrupted when she moved to Switzerland to complete her studies, her influence remains deeply felt in the Vietnamese rap community. Some of Linh Lam's famous tracks include: 'Views', 'Anger', 'Vietnamese Style', and 'Wandering Thoughts'.

DETAILS:

• Real Name: Lam Mỹ Linh
• Date of Birth: September 9, 1987
• Current Residence: Switzerland

B Ray, whose real name is Trần Thiện Thanh Bảo, was born on October 11, 1993. He started listening to music at the age of 14, and after three years of learning, B Ray began posting his English tracks online. Although initially supported by a small group of people, the music didn't gain widespread attention due to language barriers. In late 2012, B Ray decided to rap in Vietnamese, despite some people advising him to continue rapping in English. Over time, his popularity grew, and by late 2013, he was becoming more well-known. B Ray is regarded by many artists and fans as one of the best rappers in Vietnam's underground scene due to his unique, diverse, and skillful rapping style.

As a talented young rapper with excellent musicality, B Ray creates catchy, distinct tracks that stand out with his unique signature style. His songs, such as 'Ai', 'My Darling', 'Ex's Hate Me', and 'How I Live', have attracted millions of streams and often make it to the trending charts on YouTube.

His tracks bear his personal imprint, showcasing his sharp, rebellious nature. From a relatively unknown figure in the Vietnamese rap scene, B Ray has released numerous tracks that have been highly praised by senior artists and fellow rappers. Over time, his hard work and passion for music have paid off, as his fanbase continues to grow, and his songs gain more attention. Tracks like 'How I Live', 'Way Back Home', and 'Dare to Speak, Dare to Act' solidified his place in the industry, with lyrics drawn from the rough realities he has faced in life.

DETAILS:

• Real Name: Trần Thiện Thanh Bảo
• Date of Birth: October 11, 1993
• Hometown: Ho Chi Minh City

Nguyễn Đức Cường, born on May 13, 1989, is better known by his stage name Đen Vâu or simply Đen. He is a Vietnamese rapper and songwriter who rose to fame as one of the few successful artists from Vietnam's underground and indie music scenes. Đen Vâu has created several hit songs that have gained millions of views on YouTube and earned him multiple music awards.

Known for his reflective rap, Đen Vâu captures the thoughts and emotions of today’s youth, living passionately and fully embracing life. He became well-known with songs like 'Đưa nhau đi trốn' (Escape Together), 'Cô gái bàn bên' (The Girl Next Door), and 'Mơ' (Dream). Đen has also made a strong impression in the TV show Muôn Màu Showbiz. In addition to his singing career, Đen is a talented songwriter, known for crafting rap tracks that showcase his artistic 'rebel' spirit in every verse.

DETAILS:

• Real Name: Nguyễn Đức Cường
• Date of Birth: May 13, 1989
• Hometown: Quảng Ninh

Karik initially entered the entertainment industry as a dancer and a member of the Freestyle dance group. However, due to a hand injury that couldn't fully heal, he was forced to leave Freestyle by the end of 2008. Driven by a deep passion for the stage and innate talent, Karik turned to singing and songwriting, focusing on rap to fulfill his artistic passion.

At first, Karik faced significant challenges, such as lack of mentorship, no experience, and having to teach himself how to write music. His family also strongly opposed his pursuit of rap, as the genre was not well-known in Vietnam at the time. However, through persistence and hard work, Karik became the first Vietnamese rapper to win an MTV award in 2011, gradually convincing his family and officially entering the professional music scene.

Karik's rap is highly praised for its diverse themes and bold social commentary, distinguishing itself from the typical love songs of many contemporary artists. Some of Karik's popular hits include: 'Anh không đòi quà' (I Don't Demand Gifts), 'Ế' (Single), 'Người ngoài cuộc' (The Outsider), and 'Tiền' (Money). Karik is considered one of the pioneering rappers who changed the perception of rap music in Vietnam.

DETAILS:

• Real Name: Phạm Hoàng Khoa
• Date of Birth: 12/04/1989
• Hometown: Hà Nam

Lê Nguyễn Trung Đan (born May 24, 1988), known by his stage name Binz Da Poet or simply Binz, is a Vietnamese-American rapper and songwriter affiliated with SpaceSpeakers. He currently resides and works primarily in Abilene, Texas.

Binz became part of the Vietnamese Underground scene in 2008, but it wasn't until 2010 that he gained significant attention with his mixtape 'M-da Legend' and notable collaborations with rapper Cá Chép from Vietdreamerz. Known for his unique, soulful, and sweet voice, Binz has made a lasting impact on the music community. Although he doesn't actively perform music anymore due to his residence abroad, his influence in the Underground scene remains strong. Some of Binz's popular tracks include: 'Deep Sea', 'Em', 'Sau lưng anh sẽ là' (Behind Me), 'Đắng' (Bitter), and 'Cơn mưa cuối' (The Last Rain). Since 2018, Binz has frequently returned to Vietnam, consistently releasing music with SpaceSpeakers on his YouTube channel. He is considered one of Vietnam's most successful rappers, with self-composed songs that resonate with the youth and accumulate hundreds of millions of streams on YouTube and other Vietnamese music platforms.

Binz has collaborated with several mainstream artists such as Khổng Tú Quỳnh, Phương Ly, Mỹ Tâm, Đàm Vĩnh Hưng, Hoàng Thùy Linh, and Orange. Additionally, he has appeared on popular television shows such as 'Quý ông đại chiến' (The Battle of Gentlemen), 'Sao đại chiến' (Stars Battle), and 'Rap Việt'.

DETAILS:

• Real Name: Lê Nguyễn Trung Đan
• Date of Birth: 24/05/1987
• Hometown: Gia Lai