ANCIENT CHINA DROPPED A BURNOUT ANTHEM
China’s past just dropped a track for the exhausted present. An AI-generated Chinese rap song titled “The OGs” crossed 100 million views across platforms in less than 2 weeks, acc...
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China’s past just dropped a track for the exhausted present. An AI-generated Chinese rap song titled “The OGs” crossed 100 million views across platforms in less than 2 weeks, according to the South China Morning Post.
Its Chinese title, Guo Lai Ren, translates as “the one who’s been there.” The song brings together 10 figures from Chinese history and mythology, including respected poets, statesmen and the legendary Monkey King.
Instead of reciting classical verses or lecturing the audience, the characters rap about hardships from their own stories. The point is surprisingly modern: empathy for people dealing with the pressures and anxieties of life today.
SCMP reports that the song has resonated with burnt-out listeners facing concerns such as job insecurity and bills. The historical characters use their struggles to offer solace and encouragement rather than easy answers.
That is the strange beauty of the whole thing: AI helped turn figures from China’s distant past into a rap crew speaking to modern burnout. Apparently, the old generation really has been there.
The absurd
Why this is ridiculous
Ancient icons became rappers
The breakdown
How it breaks down
Old hardships, modern burnout
The upside
Why it could matter
History offered listeners encouragement


