After Journey: Intersecting Asian and Western Hip-Hop

After Journey: Known for his unique style blends traditional Chinese elements with contemporary rap, earning him accolades such as the Annual New Power Award in the Global Chinese Songs Rankings in 2018.

After Journey Origins and History

After Journey, known as 艾福杰尼, is a prominent Chinese rapper and music producer, born Chen Jiashen on March 26, 1992, in Korla, Xinjiang, China.

He began his music career in the vibrant underground rap scene of Beijing. He gained national fame after finishing third in the first season of “The Rap of China,” a popular reality show that brought Chinese hip-hop to the mainstream. His participation in the show showcased his lyrical talent and helped him build a substantial fanbase.

After Journey First Album

After Journey’s debut album, “Five Million Detectives” (五亿探长), was released in May 2017. This album includes a mix of introspective tracks and energetic anthems that highlight his lyrical prowess and production skills. The album’s innovative approach and authentic storytelling resonated with many listeners, establishing After Journey as a key figure in Chinese hip-hop.

Impact

One of After Journey’s most impactful tracks is “Rise Up,” which addresses themes of personal struggle and resilience. His music often reflects his experiences growing up in Xinjiang and his journey through the competitive music industry. After Journey’s ability to connect with his audience through his honest and powerful lyrics has made him an influential artist in the Chinese rap scene.

After Journey and International Success

After Journey has achieved notable international success, particularly through his exploration of London’s grime scene. His collaboration with UK grime artists, including Blakie and Cadell, resulted in the track “2 Much,” which was featured on BBC Radio 1Xtra. This cross-cultural collaboration helped introduce his music to a broader international audience and highlighted his versatility as an artist.

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