Chinese American rapper Bohan Phoenix has been making waves in both China and the United States with his bilingual rap music. Collaborating with popular Chinese rap group Higher Brothers, Phoenix seamlessly blends English and Chinese lyrics in his songs. His latest album, 'Make You Proud,' serves as a personal journey that delves into his mixed heritage and addresses the challenges he's faced along the way.
Phoenix's decision to create this album stemmed from criticism he received regarding his Chinese language skills. Some online commenters claimed his Chinese sounded strange, prompting him to prove his artistic prowess. The album's eponymous track highlights his average grades in China and his move to the U.S. at the tender age of 11. Accompanied by a repeating piano melody, Phoenix uses this song as a platform to express his growth as an artist.
While other Chinese rappers often focus on complex rhymes and the use of literary proverbs, Phoenix takes a different approach. His lyrics are straightforward, though critics argue that the vocabulary he employs is only at a third-grade level. Despite this criticism, Phoenix is proud of his accomplishment, stating that he had never been able to convey his story so clearly in Chinese before.
Throughout his career, Phoenix initially used Chinese as a decorative element in his English rap songs. However, as he matured, he felt a stronger connection to his Chinese heritage and language. Moving back to China in 2017 was a pivotal moment for him, as he realized his fluency was lacking. Being unable to even soundcheck without assistance, Phoenix recognized the importance of mastering his mother tongue.
In addition to personal reflections, Phoenix's album touches on political topics. Although he doesn't consider himself a political artist, the release of 'Make You Proud' coincided with the aftermath of COVID-19 lockdowns and the rising global support for the Black Lives Matter movement. Phoenix offers a heartfelt apology to Higher Brothers for previously suggesting that they were not supportive of Black Lives Matter. His criticism extended to the wider Asian rap community, urging them to take accountability and contribute to the cause.
Phoenix's penchant for addressing social issues is further exemplified by his involvement in supporting the Asian American community during the surge in anti-Asian hate crimes in the U.S. Amid the alarming attacks on elderly Asian Americans, Phoenix's concerns for his own mother's safety inspired him to release a song titled 'but I still love you.' As part of the #HateIsAVirus campaign, the song emphasizes solidarity between Black and Asian communities and promotes unity among all ethnicities.
When asked about his motivations, Phoenix emphasizes that his music isn't solely driven by materialistic desires. He finds confidence and joy in creating music, regardless of fame or fortune. While he continues to shuttle between the U.S. and China, Phoenix is currently focused on his work in China, partly to spend time with his grandfather. Notably, he is one of the few artists who successfully attracts audiences in both countries, reflecting his versatility and adaptability.
Phoenix's musical journey will continue on the next season of the popular Chinese hip-hop competition show, Rap of China. As he solidifies his presence in the Chinese music scene, Phoenix sees China as a land of opportunity, reminiscent of the early days of hip-hop in New York. With his unique musical style and dedication to addressing social issues, Bohan Phoenix's presence in both countries has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the global rap scene.
