Rapper HIEUTHUHAI rises from humble beginnings to conquer global music and fashion

THE HANOI TIMES — Vietnamese rapper HIEUTHUHAI will perform at the world-renowned Waterbomb Festival in Ho Chi Minh City this November, alongside top stars like Jay Park, RAIN and Monsta X’s Shownu & Hyungwon.

His appearance at this major festival marks a significant step in his journey from a boy serving meals in small eateries to one of Vietnam’s most beloved artists. Every penny he earned went into fueling his passion for music.

Born in 1999 as Tran Minh Hieu, he adopted the stage name HIEUTHUHAI, meaning “the second Hieu”. Back in school, the artist shared the name with a classmate who came from a better background.

Before fame, HIEUTHUHAI worked many jobs to cover his tuition and pursue music. He served pho (rice noodles with beef or chicken) in local eateries, distributed flyers, carried goods in warehouses and worked in factories. Every bit of income went toward buying microphones, sound cards and laptops to produce his own songs.

In 2020, as a senior student, HIEUTHUHAI joined the first season of King of Rap and quickly caught the audience’s attention with his charming looks and youthful music style. He won the “Most Favorite Contestant” award.

After the show, he released a series of hits such as Satellite, Sleep Alone and Mama Boy. His music video Satellite went viral on TikTok, making him one of the most popular young artists in Vietnam.

Over the past five years, HIEUTHUHAI has become a leading figure among Vietnam’s new generation of artists that are bold, ambitious and constantly pushing limits. His influence now reaches beyond music into fashion and international stages.

In 2024, he became the first Vietnamese artist invited by Louis Vuitton to attend the Menswear Spring/Summer 2026 show at Paris Fashion Week.

Spotify Wrapped 2024 listed him as one of Vietnam’s top artists, recognizing his global reach on streaming platforms.

For two consecutive years, the rapper performed at the music festival GENfest, sharing the stage with top K-pop stars like Lee Hyo Ri, Zion.T, HyunA and ZICO in 2023 and PSY, Hwasa and Loco in 2024.

In 2024, he headlined six shows of Anh Trai Say Hi Season 1, a reality series featuring 30 male artists, including two international concerts in Las Vegas – a historic moment for Vietnamese music abroad.

HIEUTHUHAI has also appeared on various entertainment programs and made his acting debut in the film Delivery Company Director.

That same year, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism honored him as an Outstanding Young Artist of 2024, recognizing his creative achievements and cultural influence.

In fashion, he was the only Vietnamese artist to perform at Calvin Klein’s large-scale music and fashion event in Japan in 2023. HIEUTHUHAI graced multiple magazine covers in 2024, collaborating with luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton, Calvin Klein, Marni, Rick Owens and Jil Sander.

He also earns significantly from digital platforms. His YouTube channel, launched in February 2021, has more than 1.06 million subscribers.

On his 26th birthday, HIEUTHUHAI introduced his dedicated fandom platform, creating a digital home for his fans, known as “Sundays.” This initiative made him the first Vietnamese artist to launch a professional fandom platform, setting new standards for fan culture in the country.

Sharing exclusively with The Hanoi Times, HIEUTHUHAI said: “Following the global trends from K-pop to US-UK artists, this platform reflects my vision of building a professional, interactive and sustainable fan community. Through it, fans can access my creative journey, updates and community-driven activities.”

The rapper leads a private life, spending most of his time in the studio. His clean image, talent and good looks make him a favorite choice for both popular and high-end brands.

He continues to follow a daring path few Vietnamese artists have taken: staying grounded while confidently stepping onto the world stage. His achievements in music, recognition from cultural authorities and growing presence at international fashion events strengthen Vietnam’s image in global culture.

Beyond the spotlight, his story reflects the courage to dream and the determination to grow. He represents a new wave of Vietnamese artists with ambition, creativity and readiness to conquer the world.

Looking back on his five-year journey from King of Rap to global stages, HIEUTHUHAI feels both proud and emotional.

“Everything feels like yesterday, but five years have gone by. From my way of dressing, speaking and behaving to how I see life. Everything has changed,” he told The Hanoi Times.

“I’m grateful for this journey. It’s still long ahead, but reaching this point already makes me proud of what I’ve achieved,” Hieu said.