C POP Stars, Chinese Rapper
Profile of Air 艾热
Stage Name: Air (艾热)
Full Name: Airepat·Ainiwan (艾热帕提·艾尼玩)
Date of Birth: June 1, 1993
Place of Birth: Kashgar, Xinjiang, China
Nationality: Chinese
Ethnicity: Uyghur
Occupation: Rapper, Singer, Songwriter, Producer
Genres: Hip-Hop, Rap, R&B
Years Active: 2016–present
Notable Works: “UUG abiz”, “Journey”, The Rap of China Winner
Social Media: Active on Weibo
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Air (艾热), born Airepat·Ainiwan, was born on June 1, 1993, in Kashgar, Xinjiang, China. Coming from the culturally rich and ethnically diverse region of Xinjiang, Air grew up immersed in the traditional Uyghur music and culture that significantly shaped his musical style. Xinjiang’s blend of ethnic traditions and contemporary influences helped fuel his passion for music from a young age.
Air began his musical journey by experimenting with beats, songwriting, and production as a teenager. He found inspiration in hip-hop, rap, and R&B, drawing influence from international rap icons like Eminem and Kanye West. These genres, combined with his Uyghur heritage, allowed him to develop a unique sound that blends traditional melodies with modern beats. He started creating his own music and uploading his work online, quickly gaining a small but dedicated fanbase.
His breakthrough came in 2016 with the release of his first single, “UUG abiz,” which helped him make a name for himself in the local music scene. His smooth flow, strong lyrical content, and ability to fuse different musical influences helped him stand out among other emerging artists in China.
Early Breakthrough: The Rap of China (2018)
In 2017, Air made his mark in the music industry when he composed and produced the single “Journey” (《旅程》) for pop star Wu Mochou. The song was a significant milestone in his career, as it showed off his versatility as a producer and songwriter. However, it wasn’t until the following year that he truly broke into the mainstream.
In 2018, Air participated in the hit reality competition show The Rap of China (中国新说唱), a popular singing competition that spotlights emerging hip-hop and rap talent across China. His participation in the show marked a turning point in his career. Throughout the competition, Air impressed both the judges and the audience with his lyrical depth, powerful voice, and ability to blend traditional Chinese elements with modern hip-hop sounds.
Air’s emotional and soulful performances, particularly his original songs like “Journey,” resonated with viewers. His lyrics often touched on themes of self-discovery, love, and personal growth, allowing him to connect with fans on a deeper level. Air’s ability to deliver raw emotion through rap made him stand out among his competitors.
After weeks of intense competition, Air emerged as the winner of The Rap of China 2018, catapulting him into the spotlight. His victory established him as one of China’s leading rappers, and he became a household name in the hip-hop scene.
Post-Rap of China Success and First Album
Following his win on The Rap of China, Air’s career skyrocketed. On December 18, 2018, he released his first self-titled album, AIR·艾热. The album was well-received, with fans praising Air’s authenticity, musicality, and innovative approach to Chinese rap. His blend of personal storytelling and modern hip-hop production made the album stand out, and it solidified his reputation as one of China’s most promising new artists.
In 2019, Air collaborated with fellow rapper GAI (another winner of The Rap of China) on the song “Never Walk Alone” (《永不独行》), which became a fan favorite. The collaboration between the two powerhouse rappers symbolized a new era for Chinese hip-hop, as both artists brought their unique styles together to create a powerful anthem about perseverance and unity.
That same year, Air continued to rack up accolades, including winning the “Most Popular Rapper” award at the 26th Dongfang Fengyun Music Awards on March 25, 2019. His consistent success throughout 2019 cemented his place as one of China’s top rap artists.
Continued Growth and Collaborations
In 2020, Air made waves once again by participating as a surprise contestant on the popular music competition show Singer 2020 (歌手·当打之年), where he performed as a challenger artist. His participation in the show introduced his music to a broader audience, as Singer is widely watched across China. Air’s emotional performances and rap skills were praised by viewers, further enhancing his reputation as a versatile artist.
In 2021, Air continued to release new music and collaborate with other influential artists. On September 9, 2021, he teamed up with fellow rapper Wang Yitai to release a joint album titled Survivor’s Guilt (《幸存者的负罪感》), which was made available on major Chinese streaming platforms like NetEase Cloud Music. The album delved into deeper themes such as mental health, personal struggles, and the pressures of fame, showcasing Air’s continued growth as an artist.
Victory in The Rap of China 2022
Air returned to The Rap of China in 2022, this time as part of the competitive alliance “One Place” (一席之地). His participation in this season of the show was met with high expectations, and Air once again proved his prowess as a rapper and performer. The “One Place” alliance, led by Air, went on to win the championship, marking another major achievement in his career.
In 2023, Air continued his success in the hip-hop world, leading the “One Place” alliance to victory once again in The Rap of China 2023. This back-to-back championship win solidified his dominance in the Chinese rap scene and demonstrated his continued relevance and innovation in the genre.
Cultural Influence and Ethnic Heritage
One of the aspects that sets Air apart from many other Chinese rappers is his deep connection to his Uyghur heritage. Coming from Xinjiang, a region known for its unique blend of cultural influences, Air often incorporates elements of traditional Uyghur music and culture into his songs. This fusion of traditional and modern elements has made his music stand out in the crowded Chinese music industry.
Air’s success has also helped shed light on the growing hip-hop and music scene in Xinjiang, a region that has historically been underrepresented in mainstream Chinese entertainment. His rise to fame has made him a cultural ambassador of sorts, showcasing the talents and potential of artists from diverse ethnic backgrounds.
Recent Performances and Achievements
In 2023, Air continued to expand his influence with several high-profile performances. On January 21, 2023, he performed at the 2023 CCTV Spring Festival Gala, one of the most-watched television events in China. He performed the song “My Hometown” (《我的家乡》), blending traditional rap elements with ethnic music styles to express his love for his homeland and his pride in his cultural identity. His performance received widespread acclaim for its innovation and heartfelt message.
Later that year, on March 18, 2023, Air kicked off his Too Hot Quadrant National Tour (《太热象限全国巡回演唱会》), performing to sold-out crowds across China. The tour was a huge success, further solidifying his reputation as one of China’s most electrifying live performers.
In December 2023, Air participated in the Snow Mountain Friends Music Festival (《雪山知交音乐会》), where he collaborated with rock legends such as Cui Jian and Pu Shu, bridging the gap between hip-hop and rock. This collaboration showcased his ability to transcend genres and his desire to explore new musical landscapes.
Personal Life and Public Image
Despite his fame, Air has remained relatively private about his personal life, preferring to let his music speak for itself. He is active on social media, where he regularly interacts with fans and shares updates on his music and life. Known for his humility and authenticity, Air’s grounded nature and passion for his craft have earned him a loyal fanbase.
Air’s public image is one of a hardworking and innovative artist who is constantly pushing the boundaries of Chinese hip-hop while staying true to his cultural roots.
Conclusion
As one of China’s most prominent rappers, Air’s journey from Kashgar to the top of the Chinese music industry is a testament to his talent, determination, and unique musical vision. With his ability to blend traditional Uyghur music with modern hip-hop, Air has not only become a leader in the Chinese rap scene but also a cultural icon. His future in the industry looks bright, with fans eagerly awaiting his next move.