Bohan Phoenix: Vans Sidestripe Sessions | VANS

This week's session features music by Chinese-American rapper Bohan Phoenix. Bohan Phoenix performed two songs, "Product" from his EP Overseas and "3 Days in Chengdu" from his EP Jala, accompanied by art created by Angelica Baini. Bohan Phoenix is a blend of his western roots and US East Coast influence. At age 11, Bohan moved from China to join his mother in the United States. To help him learn English, his mother encouraged him to consume cartoons, movies, and television. However, Bohan credits Eminem's 8 Mile for his fascination with music and hip hop. He began to write lyrics to Eminem's beats and to express himself, and sharpen his skills. Eventually, Bohan decided to tell his own story. "Hip Hop is about being an individual; it's about being different. “I was like, well, I guess I'm Chinese; I could add a little bit of who I am." The young rapper began to incorporate Mandarin into his lyrics and highlighted Asian instruments in his production. Bohan found a style all his own and a way to honor the robust blend of principles in his life. He released his first EP lovelove in 2015 and has continued to push himself and his music to be authentic and unique. With multiple EPs, collaborations, and a full-length album on the way, Bohan is in it for the long haul. He told online magazine tonedeaf what longevity means to him, saying, "And a lot of people will get to that point because they put pressure on themselves, like 'I gotta be famous when I'm, by the time I'm 30'. And I