Put on by 88rising, Higher Brothers is gaining rapid momentum online as a talented Chinese rap group from Chengdu. They have racked up millions of views online and have a cultish fanbase. Stopping by Hong Kong for a show we chatted with them backstage.
Photography and interview by Lauren Engel
How did you guys start working together?
DZ: In the beginning through the internet. Then we started living and making music together because it’s more convenient.
How were you guys before working together with 88rising?
MaSiWei: We started off by ourselves. We had a team in Cheng Du, and DZ is from Nan Jing, so we took him to the team and started making music. We had a team studio, and the three of us lived there together. We made music together until 88rising noticed us, and started working with us.
How did 88rising find you guys?
At a party; Chinese DJ Howie Lee played our song. They got our contacts and we started communicating.
What differences are there between current Chinese hip hop vs. the Chinese hip hop of 10 years ago?
The current music is much more impressive. The amount of people who listen to it has increased, and the number of people who make hip hop music has increased as well. It is also much more professional now. I remember in middle school, there were a couple of friends who also liked hip hop and we started to bond over these interests.
What do you think is the difference between American and Chinese hip hop?
American hip hop is much more traditional. It’s more open and people have more freedom to make whatever music.
Why is Cheng Du China’s hip hop hometown?
A while ago Cheng Du had a bunch of OJ people making music. Generation after generation people continued to make music, so it never stopped.
Which rapper do you guys most want to collaborate with?
Migos. We are the American version of Higher Brothers. They are our Chinese neighbors.
What do you guys think of Rich Chigga and Keith Ape?
Cool. Super impressive. Swag. Also they are from Asia, so it’s super impressive and their style stands out a lot.
How did you guys react when watching Higher Brother´s reaction videos?
Super happy and feeling good inside. Feels so much swaggggggg.
After you guys became famous, who could pull the most chicks?
Psy.P: Me! Man, not only can I pull chicks, I pull and then give them to my homies.
Do you like your fans calling you “Snorlax”?
Whatever makes them happy.
