Hip-hop style and beats lure Chinese to the dance floor

Hip-hop is a culture and art movement developed in New York City during the late 1970s. In the United States, rap is mainstream, while in the Republic of Korea (ROK), rapping has merged with local styles to create a unique style.

Hip-hop first appeared in China in the early 1990s, but as a foreign culture completely different from anything Chinese, the acceptance process was long.

Social media gives rappers more exposure and, for young people searching for individuality and independence, hip-hop has an obvious appeal.

"Chinese millennials care more about self-expression and independence. Rapping can give them that," says Che Che, chief director of The Rap of China.

Chen Wei attributed the rise of rapping in China to the close relationship between hip-hop with fashion and the influence of foreign rap.

Chinese rapping, perhaps unsurprisingly, has Chinese characteristics. For example, rap often features traditional musical instruments such as pipa and flute, or is delivered in regional dialects.

While critics argue that Chinese rapping is not real hip-hop, contestant and rapper Huang Xu disagrees.

"I wrote songs to present my life and my own feelings, not to imitate others. Rapping can transmit positive energy too," Huang says.

Another contestant PG ONE says: "Hip-hop is like an infant who did not get much attention in China. This summer, it finally learned to walk and will grow up."