Introduction
Sichuan rapper Wang Yitai (also known as 3Ho) stumbled upon his hip hop talent unexpectedly. A skilled pianist since childhood, his breakthrough moment came during a high school karaoke session when friends praised his impromptu rap over Eminem’s tracks. Today, at 25, he’s a leading figure in China’s hip hop scene, collaborating with stars like Vava, Lexie Liu, and Fat Shady. His rise was fueled by ties to Chengdu’s legendary rap crew CDC (Chengdu Rap House), appearances on talent shows like The Rap of China, and the success of his debut album Yan, Shuo, Jia (演. 说. 家.).
Early Influences and Breakthrough
Growing up, Wang drew inspiration from Eminem, Dr. Dre, and 50 Cent. His first encounter with CDC—a group linked to China’s famed Higher Brothers—left him awestruck. Though initially hesitant to pursue rap professionally, his move to the U.S. for college (James Madison University and Foothill College) became a turning point. Skipping classes to write lyrics and craft mixtapes, he honed his skills and leveraged the internet to connect with producers and fellow artists.
"I was like, wow, in my city there’s a bunch of people doing hip hop too."
— Wang Yitai on discovering CDC
The CDC Era and Mentorship
Returning to Chengdu, Wang joined CDC under the mentorship of Ty., who introduced him to major stages and festivals. Despite initial financial struggles, Wang’s persistence paid off. His 2018 appearance on The Rap of China (Season 2) catapulted him into the spotlight, though he narrowly missed the finals. The show taught him crucial lessons about artistic boundaries in China’s mainstream music industry.
Debut Album and Artistic Vision
In 2019, Wang released Yan, Shuo, Jia, a critically acclaimed album blending introspective lyrics with polished production. The project solidified his signature mellow hip hop style.
👉 Explore Wang Yitai’s discography
Key Themes:
- Authentic storytelling: "I’m just telling stories, not preaching."
- Cultural resonance: Hip hop as a universal language rooted in human nature.
CDC’s Reformation and Future
After CDC disbanded in 2019 (for undisclosed reasons), the group re-emerged in 2020 as Chengdu Corporation, excluding Fat Shady. Wang remains optimistic about Chinese hip hop’s growth, citing its innate connection to youth culture.
FAQs
1. How did Wang Yitai start his rap career?
He discovered his talent during a karaoke session in high school and began writing lyrics after friends praised his Eminem covers.
2. What role did Ty. play in Wang’s success?
Ty. mentored Wang, providing opportunities to perform at major events and collaborate with industry peers.
3. Why did CDC break up and reform?
While specifics are unclear, Wang hinted it was a strategic move to "stay safe" within China’s evolving music landscape.
👉 Learn more about China’s hip hop evolution
Conclusion
Wang Yitai embodies the dynamic future of Chinese hip hop—bridging global influences with local authenticity. His journey from Chengdu’s underground to national fame reflects the genre’s explosive potential in China.
Keywords: Wang Yitai, Chinese hip hop, CDC, Rap of China, Chengdu Corporation, 3Ho, Yan Shuo Jia
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