Gai
Zhou Yan – born in Yibin, Sichuan, China on March 22, 1987 – is a hip-hop singer, songwriter and wrapper who performs under the stage name GAI. He came to prominence in 2017 when he participated in – and won- the televised talent show The Rap of China. GAI is acknowledged as a pioneer of C-Trap music, a form of Chinese trap music. At the age of 13, he became a gang member and spent time in a juvenile detention center. After stabbing someone during a gang fight, his parents moved him to Chongqing, where he attended college and spent time as a singer, a DJ, and an MC. He then began performing with gangsta rap group Brass Knuckle Gang (B.K.G.). In 2015, his song “Gangsta” (credited to B.K.G. GAI) became an underground hit. However, the video of the song was banned by the Chinese government for violating ‘core socialist values.’ “Gangsta” was followed by a series of singles including “Daydreamer” (2015), “Zhanmadao (Masiwei Diss Back)” (2015), “W.I.$.H.” (2016), and “Trash Talk.” GAI released his first mixtape, Ren Yi Li Zhi Xin, in 2016. GAI then was a contestant on the music talent show Sing! China, but was quickly eliminated. In 2017, he participated in The Rap of China and won the competition. This show brought him out of the underground and placed him firmly in the mainstream. Several other well-received singles followed including “Hot Pot Soup” (2017), “Blue Sea Laughter” (2018), “Firefly” (2018), and “The Great Wall” (2018). He also released the EP GAIn in 2017. During his career, he also collaborated with other artists including Tory Montana, 3Bangz, C-Block, and Yaksha. In 2020, GAI became a producer of The Rap of China, eventually becoming a mentor during the 2021 season. In 2022, The Rap of China began presenting their ‘All Star Season,’ which included GAI as a contestant. He appeared on the soundtrack of the show and performed the song “Du Kang.”
©Copyright Music Story Stephen Schnee 2023
Diskografie
6 Album, -en • Geordnet nach Bestseller
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PHUKET FREESTYLE
Bridge, Gai, Zao An, Vava, Air
Verschiedenes - Erschienen bei Sony Music Entertainment am 22.03.2024
24-Bit 48.0 kHz - Stereo -
Khi Tình Yêu Đến (feat. Đinh Trang, CM1X, Tempo G)
Pop - Erschienen bei Yin Yang Media am 08.07.2022
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Kids Win
Alternativ und Indie - Erschienen bei gai, distributed under exclusive license to Purosangue Rights Management e.U. am 03.06.2023
24-Bit 48.0 kHz - Stereo -
Mình Kể Nhau Nghe (feat. Đinh Trang, CM1X)
Pop - Erschienen bei Yin Yang Media am 08.07.2022
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo