Tuning In: Bohan Phoenix

In our latest instalment of Tuning In, we speak to Bohan Phoenix, a Chinese-American rapper who has roots both in New York and Chengdu. He’s an artist, storyteller, and lyricist who sheds light on his life journey growing up between two worlds.

Bohan Phoenix (born Leng Bohan) is one of those rappers who still takes lyricism seriously. If you are familiar with his work, you’ll know that his songs are about life, his life, and the struggles one faces born to immigrant parents. In Bohan’s case, he never knew his father growing up and his mother worked hard to provide as a single mom, this sacrifice is never overlooked as Bohan’s mom is one of the greatest inspirations in some of his biggest tracks. While faced with his share of problems when his family made to move to the States at the age of 11, it was that change in culture and having to adapt that made him the artist he is today.

His craft really took shape after moving to New York in 2010, surrounded by cultures, especially hip-hop, in the melting pot of a city. Throughout his growth as an artist, Bohan has maintained his integrity and devotion to hip-hop, often staying true to himself rather than a quick payout. I am often amazed at why Bohan is not bigger than he is, or why more people don’t know his music, but I have a feeling that it’s only a matter of time before people catch on.

Bohan has always supported hip-hop, those who work with him, and his fans. Not only does he continue to inspire a generation of artists in China’s booming rap industry, but he’s also an inspiration to anyone who is working towards a goal. We caught up with Bohan while in Hong Kong for his performance with LiFTED Asia

Which album are you most proud of?

To be honest, my latest album Make You Proud (你的骄傲). It was a challenge for me. Most of my albums are in English with some Mandarin sprinkled in but this album was more like ninety-five percent in Chinese.

Chengdu was such a hot spot for hip-hop in China a few years back, has that stayed the same? How is the scene now?

Chengdu is called the mecca for hip-hop in China. I think just because the cost of living is considerably low compared to the other big cities in China, many people flock there. Rent is cheap there. You can get a three-bedroom for roughly HKD3,000. A lot of artists come out of there because they can focus on their craft without worrying about the basic necessities. They don’t need to work multiple jobs and can focus on designing or making music etc. I mean, you know how expensive Hong Kong and Shanghai are.

At this point, where do you find you are more at home? 

That’s a tricky question because I feel like a lot of my best friends are in New York, I found my “groove” in New York, so in many ways I consider myself a New Yorker, but the majority of my family is in Chengdu. I am in China during the Lunar New Year and all those big holidays in China. I used to struggle with this question. Like, “Oh man, where do I call home?” I’m just going to quote one of my favourite albums from Mos Def (Yasiin Bey), and the album was called Black on Both Sides. One of the songs called “Habitat” had a hook that went, “Home, it ain’t where you from, it’s where you at!” That’s how I subscribe to it now. It’s more where you are that makes it home. This is how you be at peace with it. My home is Chengdu. My home is in New York. Home is where I am at.

How was the crowd in Hong Kong?

Hong Kong is always love. This time especially. I always have a good time here.

What was your favourite moment on this trip?

The show! I can’t lie. This show was a highlight.

What are your plans for the future?

I am just trying to focus on making my new album. I want to make a really good album that can potentially win a Grammy. It is a crazy dream but that is the goal. If anyone is taking their time out to listen to my music, I love you and I appreciate you. I really mean that because you could be listening to artists like Kendrick but you are listening to me.