Why Vietnamese rap still includes vulgar, 'trash' lyrics

Once considered a niche genre, Vietnamese rap has grown rapidly since 2021 thanks to reality shows like Rap Viet and King of Rap. After once singing a few lines in pop songs, rappers have now become household names, producing hits that rack up tens of millions of views online. "Rap isn’t just a young people’s game, it can become the culture of an entire generation," rapper Binz once said.

But it is attracting the wrong kind of attention: Recently the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Drug Crime Investigation and propaganda authorities reminded artists not to use offensive lyrics.

Rap music entered Vietnam in the early 2000s via MTV and CDs featuring artists like Eminem, 50 Cent and Snoop Dogg. Vietnamese rappers abroad such as Phuong CD and First Love in Germany created the first platforms for Vietnamese rap communities, inspiring many artists who are now popular like Lee7, Andree, DSK, Nah, Rhymastic, and B-Ray.

What started as underground gatherings later expanded through online forums. Since around 2006 lyrics have become bolder, touching on social issues, money and sex. Rap "beefs" (public lyrical battles) emerged between artists like VietDragon and Nah, Acy and Rhymastic, B Ray and Rich Choi.

Songs such as "Fever" (tlinh) and "Phieu Be Ngoan" (The Good Kid Ticket) by Yanbi openly discuss sexual topics, while Censored (Chi Ca) centers on incest. Other tracks like "They Said" or "Krazy" by Binz, and "Keo" (Candy) by Andree hint at drug use.

The Rap artists are standing on stage of Rap Viet music competition. Photo from Rap Viet show

The prevalence of explicit lyrics in Vietnamese rap mirrors its American street origins. Rap - short for "Rhythm and Poetry" - built on rhythm, rhyme and emotion. In the U.S., it was born as a voice against inequality and racism in poor Black communities, particularly in the Bronx in New York during the 1970s–80s.

Its raw street language understandably included slang and profanity. It is traced to N.W.A.’s Straight Outta Compton (1988), which used harsh street language to depict life in Los Angeles.

When Rap Viet season three required "civil, non-vulgar lyrics," some fans complained it was too restrictive since the genre thrives on grit and self-expression. But many others agree that once artists move from underground to mainstream, they need to balance freedom with social responsibility.

The rise of social media has made it easier for explicit songs to achieve popularity. Dr. Hoang Duan of the Ho Chi Minh City University of Culture said: "Today artists can instantly publish songs online. Criticism often comes only after a song gains attention."

There are calls for tougher penalties for offensive works. A few artists have been fined, like Rap Nha Lam, for religiously offensive lyrics, fined VND35 million (US$1,330) and Chi Ca - Censored, fined VND45 million.

On Oct. 28 rappers Soobin, Binz and Rhymastic voluntarily removed songs about partying and drugs. Their management company said the move aligns with new cultural guidelines: "We aim to spread positive messages and contribute to a healthy, civilized Vietnamese music scene."

Associate Professor Bui Hoai Son, a member of the National Assembly’s Committee for Culture and Education, supported the government’s reminders, pointing out music profoundly influences social awareness and behavior. "This is not about restricting creativity. It’s about ensuring artistic freedom respects cultural values and ethics."

Over the past decade rappers like Den Vau, Double2T, Tieu Minh Phung, and Mikelodic have shifted toward more meaningful, Vietnamese-rooted content. Den Vau, in particular, has become a symbol of reflective, inspiring rap about life, love and personal growth.

But shows like Rap Viet and King of Rap have also showcased thoughtful, positive lyrics, proving that rap can be both powerful and respectful.