With over 20 years in the industry, MC HotDog, after his peak performance in 2023 with two Christmas party concerts at Taipei Arena after a decade, brings his 25 years of classics and new works to the ‘Pretend Artist’ national tour in May 2024, setting off a hip-hop frenzy in multiple cities! Known as the King of Rap off stage and the King of Parties on stage, MC HotDog’s rap is never elitist, and his performances are never self-indulgent. In 2004, he toured ten major cities in the US with Zhang Zhenyue, becoming the first Chinese rapper to perform on the American stage. From 2011 to 2014, he held solo concerts at the Shanghai Mercedes-Benz Arena for four consecutive years, performed at the Hong Kong Coliseum in 2013, and twice at Taipei Arena in 2013 and 2023… Those who have witnessed his live performances are now middle-aged, with memories of the most impressive concert experiences. Counting his performances since his debut, MC HotDog has conquered countless stages around the world and performed at over a hundred music festivals, leaving a lasting impact wherever he goes. He is undisputedly the king of the Chinese rap stage. MC HotDog’s concerts are not just solo performances but also dazzling, shared parties where his every move commands the crowd, making you wish you could jump higher and shout louder. As he writes in his lyrics: ‘If I say jump, you jump / If I say laugh, you laugh’ – he’s not afraid of you getting too excited, but rather that you can’t stop.
‘Pretend Artist’ implies that we are all artists because living itself is an art! MC HotDog is praised by music critics as the most influential rapper in the Chinese-speaking world, with a strength that has only increased over the past 20 years, which is truly astonishing. As the founder of Chinese rap, he has created hundreds of popular works that have inspired countless musicians entering or about to enter the rap scene. Despite being given numerous titles, MC HotDog remains humble. He is strict with himself and generous with others; in his creations, every line and rhyme is honed with the highest standards. In the rap community, he generously supports newcomers without reservation or selfishness, always willing to help any talented rapper. Although the concert is named ‘Pretend Artist’, MC HotDog is undoubtedly a true artist. As a humorous reflection, ‘Pretend Artist’ conveys that ‘true art cannot be hidden, and every person striving for a better life, beneath their ordinary appearance, embodies the most impressive artists.’Confident and open, no need to hide, no need to pretend. In 2022, MC HotDog released ‘Yao Zhong Er’, a work that had been awaited for 7 years. Following that, in 2023, he introduced ‘Dirty Artist’. He claims these two albums are his most satisfying since his debut – his confidence is straightforward, with no need for concealment or pretense. He has never released albums according to a ‘plan’, writing the songs he wants to write, and walking the path he wants to take. After more than 20 years in the industry, he suddenly feels inspired with a relentless flow of ideas and an unending pen. Love spreads amidst the plague, as does loneliness; the chaos of the world becomes a vast mirror. On one side of the mirror, the old boy reunites with his youthful self on the other, reconnecting with the passion and fervor for hip-hop music and culture he once had. If a piece of paper is folded 20 times, its thickness will surpass that of the Oriental Pearl Tower. After more than 20 years of life’s twists and turns, the middle-aged man still possesses the soul of a rap youth. In MC HotDog’s works, we still hear the same color; if one says he is ‘dirty’, he is transparently bright, with lines always sharp and direct, and all metaphors are open and honest. Amidst the accusations of ‘dirtiness’, what is contained is a true artist. Let’s Party through all the ups and downs, right and wrong, the rapper who stays true even when faced with a malicious web of deceit. Look at everyone standing on the moral high ground, pointing their guns at him, but MC HotDog remains open and confident because he is the greatest artist, ‘the most fragrant flower on cow dung’. Don’t worry, there will be no cow dung at the concert, but it is guaranteed to make you excited to tears. All the songs you are familiar with, including ‘Hi Life’, ‘Lonely Little Water Monster’, ‘John Travolta’, ‘Mr. Almost’, ‘Poor Millionaire Singer’, ‘Dirty Artist’… will be performed live during this tour. True color music production, full of heat, everyone says it’s exciting. Put on your most comfortable shoes, hold nothing back, and open all your senses, because you are about to enter an adrenaline-pumping party concert! The full text is open on 11/16 Saturday, starting at 19:00, subject to the live event.
