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In the Land of Smiles and beyond, a cultural revolution is unfolding through the voices of Thai rappers. Hip-hop, once an imported art form, has transformed into a powerful medium for self-expression, social commentary and cultural pride.
Today, we’re highlighting the Thai rappers who are blending poetry with rhymes and telling stories that bring Thai artistry to the global stage.
Joey Boy
Often seen as the godfather of Thai hip-hop, Joey Boy has been a cornerstone of the scene since its early days in the 1990s. His ingenious fusion of American hip-hop with Thai musical elements created a blueprint that has influenced generations to come.
In 1995, Joey Boy teamed up with multi-platinum Canadian reggae artist Snow, travelling to Toronto to record Fun, Fun, Fun. The track became a hit, with the music video showcasing Snow and Joey Boy touring Toronto together.
Two years later, he featured on Snow’s single, Me and Joey. As the industry evolves, Joey Boy remains active in the scene, collaborating with new artists and maintaining his influence while nurturing emerging talent.
Daboyway
Prinya “Daboyway” Intachai, though Thai by heritage, was born in Paterson, New Jersey and raised in Brooklyn, New York. A prominent figure in Thai hip-hop since its beginning days, he co-founded Thaitanium in 2000 alongside Khanngoen “Khan” Nuanual and Nay Myo “Day” Thant, leaving a lasting impact on the genre.
Daboyway’s upbringing in the United States deeply immersed him in American hip-hop culture. When he returned to Bangkok in the early 2000s, he brought this international perspective to his music, blending Thai and English lyrics in a bilingual approach that initially set him apart.
A standout moment for Thaitanium was their collaboration with Snoop Dogg on the track Wake Up (Bangkok City), which underscored the group’s global ambitions and their ability to engage with international hip-hop icons. Daboyway’s contributions have been instrumental in shaping the Thai hip-hop landscape, fostering a cultural exchange that has enriched the genre both domestically and internationally.
F.HERO
Known for his signature thunderous voice, F.HERO (Prinya Intachai) has evolved into one of Thai hip-hop’s most influential figures. His journey from rapper to music mogul has redefined what’s possible in Thailand’s music industry.
His collaborative approach spans genres and generations, creating bridges between different musical worlds. A prime example is his work with K-pop star BamBam from GOT7 on Do You, which helped spotlight Thai hip-hop in the broader Asian music market. The follow-up track Skrrt, featuring BamBam as well as YOUNGOHM, another Thai rap icon, demonstrates how F.HERO has earned his reputation as the industry’s kingmaker by consistently identifying and nurturing emerging talents.
YOUNGOHM
Before becoming one of Thailand’s most innovative hip-hop voices, YOUNGOHM (Phuwin Jawaksuriyakrai) cut his teeth in Bangkok’s underground rap battles, where his quick wit and sharp freestyle skills earned him a fierce reputation. Rising from these raw beginnings, his breakthrough came with Choey Moey, where his sound-making in contemporary trap music, coupled with his clever wordplay, juggled Thai street slang, cultural metaphors and modern youth culture, creating a new language for Thai hip-hop that resonated across generations.
YOUNGOHM has become a cultural phenomenon through his distinctive fashion sense and social media presence, inspiring a new generation of Thai rappers to embrace their authenticity. His success story – from battle rap stages to international festivals – has become a blueprint for emerging artists in Thailand’s digital age.
Illslick
Emerging from Bangkok’s underground hip-hop scene, Illslick has established himself as one of Thai hip-hop’s most respected voices. His journey from the battle rap circuit to mainstream recognition exemplifies the evolution of Thai hip-hop itself. Known for his sharp lyricism and authentic delivery, he has helped pave the way for rap to be taken seriously as an art form in Thailand. His influence on the Thai hip-hop scene is evident in how he shifted the genre’s focus toward more meaningful storytelling and social commentary, inspiring a new generation of artists to find their authentic voice.
YOUNGOHM (Left), Illslick (Right)
Throughout his career, Illslick has proven that rap can be both commercially successful and artistically uncompromising. His work has played a key role in establishing Thai hip-hop as a legitimate platform for expressing the experiences and concerns of everyday people. With numerous mixtapes for his fans to enjoy, Illslick’s latest album, No Apologies, is now available on mainstream platforms.
SARAN
One of the youngest standout talents in this lineup, SARAN is now on the brink of turning 20. His journey into music began at just 13, when he tried his hand at The Rapper 2, at a time when he was grappling with school expulsions and the turbulent years of adolescence — although he didn’t make it to the finals on his first attempt. In The Rapper 2020: CIVIL WAR, he transformed his past, eventually claiming the crown.
Now a respected name in the Thai rap scene, SARAN’s discography includes two albums – Hidden World Live Session and Life is Love – both of which are available for streaming.
MILLI
At just 22, MILLI has already made her mark on global hip-hop culture, thanks to her unforgettable Coachella 2022 performance where she took the stage with mango sticky rice in hand, becoming one of the most talked-about moments of the event. Known for her multilingual raps and fearless attitude, MILLI has become a symbol of Thailand’s bold new generation.
Recently, MILLI has joined forces with her talented friends in a dynamic girl group, signed under YUPP! Entertainment. The group features MILLI alongside rising stars Flower.far and GALCHANIE. Be sure to check out their EP Dreamgal, as well as their latest solo singles: MILLI’s I Believe in You, Flower.far’s True Colours and GALCHANIE’s From Now, It’s My Turn.
Thaiboy Digital
Thaiboy Digital, born Khazitin G. Bunleang in Isan, Thailand, moved to Sweden in 2003 and has since played a pivotal role in bringing Thai hip-hop to the global stage with his unique blend of cloud rap and raw, emotional delivery. As a teenager, Bunleang immersed himself in Sweden’s underground music scene, joining what would later become Drain Gang and collaborating with prominent Western artists like Yung Lean. In 2015, he returned to Thailand due to deportation-related issues, with Yung Lean starting a Change.org petition to bring him back. In Thailand, Bunleang continued his musical journey, recording with local talents like Younggu, while still contributing to Drain Gang’s projects, including Trash Island (2019), which was partly recorded in his Bangkok apartment.
Bunleang’s second album, Back 2 Life (2022), marked his return to music after a three-year hiatus. The album’s recurring theme of “seven years” reflects his resolve to make up for lost time and reassert his presence in the industry.
