Vietnamese rapper Kimmese reflects on two decades of hip‑hop growth

Vietnamese rapper and singer‑rapper Kimmese has spent more than 20 years watching hip‑hop evolve from a marginal underground scene to a mainstream musical force in Vietnam. She began rapping at age 14, recalling how early hip‑hop fans connected through online forums, hand‑copied CDs and small community venues. Back then, rap was seen as a niche genre and many doubted its future.

Kimmese notes that the landscape has changed dramatically: rap now frequently collaborates with pop singers, a development she anticipated as a teenager. The genre’s commercialisation has opened new opportunities for artists, though she believes true hip‑hop enthusiasts will continue to explore its deeper cultural roots. Highlights of her career include performing on Mỹ Linh’s 2006 tour, releasing the hit “Hoa Sữa” in 2011, and co‑creating the track “Real Love” with JustaTee in 2012.