Who is Lan Lao? Chinese rapper topples Jay Chou to become most-streamed Mandarin singer
Mixing Cantonese culture with American rap influences, Lan Lao is a viral sensation inspired by stars like Drake, Young Thug and Wang Yitai
With over 3.9 million monthly listeners on Spotify and even more on Chinese streaming platforms, Chinese rapper Lan Lao has toppled long-reigning Mandopop king Jay Chou as the most-streamed Mandarin singer.
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?
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.
His love of rap comes from influences such as Chengdu rapper Wang Yitai and global hip-hop stars Drake and Young Thug.