Who is Lan Lao? Chinese rapper topples Jay Chou to become most-streamed Mandarin singer
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In 2024, the 27-year-old, who also goes by Skai IsYourGod, released his second album Ba fang lai cai – or Stacks from All Sides in English – which went viral on mainland China's TikTok-like platform Douyin. Today, his fame has spread to Hong Kong, Taiwan and other parts of Asia.
Here is what you need to know about Lan Lao.
Who is Lan Lao?
After graduating from university, Lan Lao took up odd jobs while creating music in his free time. Photo: Instagram/skaiisyourgod
The star's real name is unknown – Lan Lao is a nickname. In an interview with Hong Kong's East Week magazine, he claimed the name Lan Lao came to him in a dream.
Born in Huizhou, in China's southern Guangdong province, the rapper has said in interviews that he grew up strongly influenced by Lingnan, or Cantonese, culture.
After graduating from the Sichuan University of Media and Communications, he took up odd jobs while creating music in his free time. His first known creative appearance is a Douyin video in which he was promoting
Lao Gan Ma chilli sauce, according to fans.
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His love of rap comes from influences such as Chengdu rapper Wang Yitai and global hip-hop stars Drake and Young Thug.
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