Higher Brothers: Taking Chinese Hip-Hop Global

Higher Brothers (Haier Xiongdi), a hip-hop group from Chengdu, Sichuan Province, became the most internationally recognized Chinese hip-hop act through their association with 88rising and their viral hit “Made in China.” The group consists of MaSiWei, DZKnow, Psy.P, and Melo, four rappers who emerged from Chengdu’s underground scene to become ambassadors for Chinese hip-hop on the global stage.

Chengdu Hip-Hop Scene

Higher Brothers emerged from Chengdu’s vibrant underground hip-hop scene, one of the most active in China. The city’s hip-hop culture, which developed independently from Beijing and Shanghai scenes, has its own character influenced by Sichuan’s laid-back culture, spicy local flavor, and the relative affordability of living that allowed young artists to pursue creative work without the crushing financial pressure of China’s more expensive cities.

Chengdu’s hip-hop community gathered around small clubs, online forums, and local recording studios. The scene produced a distinctive regional sound that incorporated Sichuan dialect, local cultural references, and a relaxed vibe that matched the city’s reputation as China’s most livable metropolis. Higher Brothers were products of this scene, honing their skills through local battles, freestyle sessions, and self-released tracks before reaching a national audience.

The CDC Collective

Before their international breakthrough, the Higher Brothers were part of the CDC (Chengdu City) hip-hop collective, a group of Chengdu-based rappers and producers who supported each other’s work and built the infrastructure of a local hip-hop scene. This collective identity shaped their approach: collaborative, community-minded, and focused on representing their city rather than simply pursuing individual fame.

International Breakthrough

Their 2017 track “Made in China,” released through 88rising (the Asian-American media company that has been crucial in bringing Asian artists to Western audiences), went viral internationally. The song cleverly played on Chinese manufacturing stereotypes while celebrating Chinese identity, with its hook referencing luxury goods “Made in China” with pride rather than apology. The track accumulated millions of YouTube views and introduced Chinese hip-hop to Western audiences who had never encountered it.

The 88rising partnership was transformative. The company’s platform gave Higher Brothers access to international distribution, media coverage, and performance opportunities that no Chinese hip-hop act had previously enjoyed. They performed at festivals like Rolling Loud and Head in the Clouds, sharing stages with major American hip-hop artists.

Musical Style

Higher Brothers’ music features:

• Bilingual lyrics in Mandarin and English, sometimes switching languages mid-verse
• Trap-influenced production with Chinese melodic elements and instrumentation
• Sichuan dialect incorporated into some tracks, giving their music regional texture
• Playful, confident delivery that balances braggadocio with humor
• Cultural references that bridge Chinese and Western hip-hop, from WeChat to lean culture

Their production draws heavily from the trap subgenre that dominated global hip-hop during their rise, with 808 bass, hi-hat rolls, and atmospheric synths. But their vocal delivery and lyrical content distinguish their music from American trap, incorporating Chinese wordplay, cultural references, and a perspective that is distinctly non-Western.

Key Releases

• Black Cab (2017) - Debut album that established their sound and included “Made in China”
• “Made in China” (2017) - Viral international hit with a catchy hook and proud cultural messaging
• “WeChat” - A track that turns China’s dominant messaging app into a hip-hop anthem
• Five Stars (2019) - Sophomore album with more polished production and ambitious features
• Solo projects from individual members, particularly MaSiWei and Psy.P, who have each released well-received solo material

Impact on Chinese Hip-Hop

Higher Brothers demonstrated that Chinese hip-hop could find an international audience without abandoning its Chinese identity. Their success, alongside the popularity of The Rap of China television show, helped legitimize hip-hop in mainstream Chinese culture. Before their breakthrough, Chinese hip-hop existed largely in an underground bubble. Their visibility helped prove to Chinese audiences, media, and the music industry that rap was a viable commercial genre in the Chinese market.

They also influenced the generation of Chinese rappers who followed, showing that bilingual delivery and proud Chinese identity could coexist with global hip-hop credibility.

Where to Listen

Higher Brothers’ music is on all major streaming platforms worldwide including Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music. Their bilingual approach makes them particularly accessible to international listeners exploring Chinese hip-hop for the first time.