Hip-Hop Outfit Breaks Boundaries: Chinese group on first world tour, eyes bigger market

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In a world where race has transcended the once stereotypical boundaries of pop culture, a Chinese hip hop group is embarking on their first ever world tour. They're starting close to home. But before long, the name Higher Brothers may be on a par with the Eminem's and Jay Z's. CGTN's Wei Lynn Tang caught up briefly with them in Chengdu where they're from.

Rapping to the beat and lyrics of things made in China. From your toothbrush to your alarm clock. All in a mash-up of English, Chinese, and the local Sichuanese dialect. This is Higher Brothers, a Chinese hip-hop group born, bred, and discovered in China. On YouTube, this very song has 15 million views since it was uploaded two years ago.

WEI LYNN TANG CHENGDU "The rise of Higher Brothers in China, who began their journey right here in Chengdu, has many saying it could be the very first 'Global Success' story from China when it comes to hip-hop music. They already have a huge fan base in China and Chinese overseas, and now they are hoping to expand that worldwide audience further."

And they're one step closer to that dream. Higher Brothers are embarking on their first-ever 27-city world tour, with Chengdu as their first stop-coming a long way from four years ago when they started recording music.

MA SIWEI HIGHER BROTHERS LEADER "Music is life. Every day, we think about how to further improve our craft in making music and performing. As we persevere, we can continue to slowly but surely reach greater heights, and realize our goals."

Higher Brothers are managed by New York-based 88rising, a media production and management company that also represents Asian rappers Rich Brian and Joji. The group says collaborating with American rappers such as Soulja Boy have given them a stamp of approval. But where they are now isn't where they want to be.

HIGHER BROTHERS "Our songs aren't yet on Billboard."

"Grammys."

"As long as we work hard we can."

"If there's a Nobel Prize for music, we would also try." "Anything is possible."

It's one thing to rap as a hobby and a job, but another to make it big - both in China and beyond. Higher Brothers are banking on their passion to sustain this hype.

MA SIWEI HIGHER BROTHERS LEADER "Ten years ago no one would have thought (Chinese) doing hip hop would be successful, but we have achieved it. Even though things could get a little difficult, we believe it will get better. We already transcended race (skin colour) and culture through our music."

XIE YUJIE (MELO) HIGHER BROTHERS MEMBER "What we have always done is to try to change the rules of the game. To always cross boundaries and do more and get bigger."

The group cites "themselves" as their biggest challenge - in breaking through their own limits. But fans seem to have complete faith in them.

"I believe they can endure as they have been innovating various styles, keeping things fresh. As more foreigners learn the Chinese language, I feel Higher Brothers can represent our Chinese culture abroad and get recognition from Westerners."

Many eyes and ears will be on the group, to see how much higher they go and - to quote one of their songs, "stay on the top". WLT, CGTN, CHENGDU.