Hubei-born indie rapper Bohan Phoenix released his newest EP Yaode last month, rapping in both English and Chinese as per his usual borderless sound. His characteristic disregard for conforming to labels and uncompromising individuality are at the forefront once again in this strong follow-up to 2018’s Overseas. The new EP features Brooklyn-via-Boston producer Chedda and Hong Kong beatmaker Delf, as well as a strong presence from his long-term collaborator Harikiri - we caught up with him on his most recent China tour so he could walk us through the tracks on the album.
'Angels (天使的存在)'
This started off more as a diary entry almost, I just wanted to write down some time stamps - when I brought The Higher Brothers back from Chengdu, when I first met Howie and played in China in 2015, when I met my dad as a grown up in 2016, when I released 'Jala' in 2017, when I found out my dad had cancer in 2018, then to the present, and the instrumental was just so angelic and perfect for the mood, I just left it as is, almost like a confession.
'Yaode (要得)'
I just wanted to have fun on this one, borrowing the slang from Sichuan, but nevertheless keeping the lyrics super honest and in your face. Some things are better off unsaid but on Yaode, I wanted to say it all. Some people just choose not to listen unless there's a really catchy hook in the song to get their attention first, then I jump right into what I want to say. I'm not here with the same agenda as the rest of them.
'Iunno'
Again, this was just a product of more frustration and things I wanted to say that have been building up. My past projects have been so 'tame' and so 'Mr. Nice Guy' in a way I just wanted to shout out some facts here. A lot of personal shit in dealing with shady labels and artists the past few years made me write some parts of this song, but then I have to just check myself, because really who am I to say? I don't know...
'Back in the Days'
I love these emotional songs because it's really who I am. I am super driven by my emotions, sometimes it's a really bad thing. But 'BITD' is a song for lost friends and times I could have had spent with people I care about, instead I was always too focused on growing up, getting 'there', wherever that is supposed to be... the nature of the song is sad but also hopeful, I guess 'cuz I'm realizing stuff about myself and learning, and thats always good?
'I Imagined'
This one features the same instrumental as 'Angels'. I felt like this beat is such a good vehicle for delivering something sincere, so I wanted utilize it as much as I could. That's why I started and ended this EP with it. The album is all honest feelings and thoughts, I just thought the whole thing was perfect.
[Cover photo courtesy of the promoter]
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