HipHop.cn is hosting a contest to find China's next rap star. Winner receives 100,000RMB worth of prizes (which is roughly $13,000). The contest rules state that you are supposed to download HipHip.cn's original beats - so it sounds like they don't want you to use your own beats which I think is really annoying, but maybe they're afraid of legal issues if people used another person's beats? Then you need to upload a video recording by Oct. 8th, and the public will decide the winner. I assume this means they will engage their online audience - so I can't wait to vote!
So far the only good rap artist who has a Chinese background is Jin, but he's Chinese-American (who's now also known at The Emcee). I would love to hear a truly original Chinese rapper - one who isn't trying to mimic the US, or trying to be "down." But one who creates their own hybrid style, fusing the US and Chinese cultures, and spitting lyrics with deep analysis and social commentary. I can't wait to vote! -tricia

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