With New Single 'N-Sao?', Suboi Becomes First Vietnamese Artist Featured on Apple's Beats 1

Saigon’s reigning rap queen released 'N-Sao?' on Apple’s Beats 1 radio program last week, becoming the first Vietnamese artist to be featured on the 24/7 channel.

'N-Sao?,' co-produced by Americans Zach and Pat, is a bouncy, electronic-tinged banger that Suboi laces with Saigon-specific lyrics including shout-outs to traffic, iced coffee, streetside lottery vendors and her native District 3. Vietnam News reports that the song is the first single off a forthcoming project set to follow up 2014’s 'Run' and last year’s jazzy '2.7' EP.

The photos accompanying 'N-Sao?' presents a side of Suboi fans might not expect. A mature, fashionable image has replaced her more traditionally tomboy, hip-hop attire. Suboi explained to Zing about this new style: "I do not like the way people think the rapper must be like a man. Actually, foreign rappers like Lil 'Kim, Iggy... are very attractive."

Photo via SAOstar.

Photos via Vietnam Moi.

Since first being introduced to hip-hop at 14, the now 28-year-old has released two full-length albums and become the genre’s biggest native voice. She was recently featured on Forbes Asia "30 Under 30" list, opened for Skrillex at SXSW, and famously rapped for then-President Barack Obama when he visited Vietnam while in office. She also founded her own company and recently starred in Bitcoin Heist, a Vietnamese film.

The single is available at all major Vietnamese and international music sources including Zing, Nhaccuatui, Apple Music, Google Play, Spotify and Soundcloud.

[Top photo via SAOstar]

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