Lan Lao: Chinese Rapper Who Surpassed Jay Chou as Most-Streamed Mandarin Artist

Lan Lao blends Cantonese heritage with global rap influences to top Mandarin music charts

In a major shift on the Mandopop scene, 27-year-old Chinese rapper Lan Lao, also known by his alias Skai IsYourGod, has dethroned the long-standing king of Mandarin music, Jay Chou, as the most-streamed Mandarin-language artist. With over 3.9 million monthly Spotify listeners and even larger numbers on Chinese platforms like NetEase Music and Douyin, Lan Lao is rapidly becoming one of Asia’s most influential musical voices.

Though his real name remains a mystery, Lan Lao shared in an interview with East Week magazine that his stage name came to him in a dream. Hailing from Huizhou in Guangdong province, Lan Lao is deeply rooted in Lingnan culture, a regional identity tied to Cantonese traditions. His music reflects this influence while incorporating the swagger and stylistic fluidity of American rap, inspired by artists like Drake, Young Thug, and Chinese hip-hop pioneer Wang Yitai.

A graduate of the Sichuan University of Media and Communications, Lan Lao’s path to fame wasn’t straightforward. He initially worked odd jobs while independently producing music and building an online presence. One of his earliest viral moments came from a Douyin video where he endorsed Lao Gan Ma, the cult-favorite Chinese chili sauce, showcasing his quirky charisma and knack for connecting with everyday fans... Read complete content click link below

Lan Lao’s breakthrough came in 2024 with the release of his second album, 《八方来财》 (Ba Fang Lai Cai), meaning Stacks from All Sides in English. The album dominated Douyin and catapulted him to mainstream success across mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and beyond.

What sets Lan Lao apart is his effortless fusion of street-smart lyricism, trap beats, and regional dialects, making his sound both globally palatable and culturally authentic. His ability to represent the Gen Z Chinese experience—balancing pride in local culture with a global artistic outlook—has made him a trailblazer for a new wave of Mandarin hip-hop.