DJ Lorry Summons the Spirit of Canto Rap in Shogun Rapper
Before rap had a proper place in Hong Kong’s music identity, DJ Lorry was already spinning beats through crowded disco nights, driven by the belief that hip hop deserved more than underground admiration.
In a city where Canto pop songs ruled the charts and radio DJs carried household fame, hip hop thrived quietly in the shadows, being sustained by dancers, DJs, and creatives with a defiant streak. By the late ’90s, genre-blurring pop tracks began to hint at Canto rap’s presence, but it wasn’t until the LMF’s explosive arrival that local youth embraced rap as a voice of self-expression.
DJ Lorry was there before the movement took shape. “I started out in the early ’90s as a disco disc jockey,” he explains with an emphasis on disco, laughing at how people often assumed he was a radio host. “Back in my youth, I had this wild ambition to change the world, so I committed to becoming a DJ who focused solely on hip hop.”
That bet paid off as Lorry gave his career a strong foundation and eventually carved out a space where hip hop could begin to speak Cantonese with pride.
In a city where hip hop may have been pushed to the sidelines, DJ Lorry and his collaborators are bringing it back to the mainstage "Shogun Rapper (說唱大將軍)," a new rap musical featuring 19 local rappers that’s wrapped in ritual, powered by community, and expressed in the voices of homegrown talents.
Join us in a reflective conversation as The Beat Asia dives into DJ Lorry's journey, his role in shaping Hong Kong's hip hop culture, and ambitious upcoming production.
What’s your journey in the local hip hop scene, and how do you see your role in it today?
I started purely as a DJ, there wasn't really a 'hip hop scene’ at the time.
In the’90s, people danced to hip hop in discos, and you’d see B-boys on the streets, but rap was barely touched. Outside of big mainstream acts like Softhard (軟硬天師), it was almost impossible for regular people to get into it with no resources.
In 2001, my crew and I put out a track experimenting with dance beats and rap, which is not exactly hip hop in my view, but it’s wild that people still talk about it today. I’ve never tried to define my role in the scene. The respect I get now comes from younger generations, and I’m truly flattered. I’m not chasing anything, I just work with the people I meet along the way, doing what feels natural. That kind of journey, to me, is a beautiful life.
How would you describe the current state of Hong Kong’s rap scene?
There aren’t many platforms here where people can perform because it takes funding, which means the audience, not just listeners, is incredibly niche.
I believe a lot of young rappers start with a dream but reality hits fast. That’s also part of what makes Hong Kong's art scene so unique, you need the right time, right place, and right people to truly be seen.
In your opinion, what kind of fuel would help ignite Hong Kong's rap scene?
The market here is dominated by mainstream music, and that’s a major obstacle.
There’ve been successful crossovers, like Sammi Cheng and LMF, or, more recently, Jason Chan featuring Novel Fergus, and Juno Mak working with several rappers. And we’ve seen independent artists break through to the mainstream industry. Despite mainstream media rarely exploring music outside their comfort zone, and most people don’t know where to look, a lot of artists are grinding silently, especially those doing creative work, who fight to break out of this structure.
Unlike countries with deeply rooted rap ecosystems like the US, UK, or South Korea, Hong Kong’s relationship with hip hop has always been complicated.
Now, decades into his journey, DJ Lorry’s latest project as the Creative Director of "Shogun Rapper (說唱大將軍)" marks another bold turning point. The production, showing for one night only on August 8, 2025, features 19 rappers, 17 of whom are from four distinct collectives.
Backing them is an art-driven creative team determined to push Cantonese rap beyond convention. Blending street culture, storytelling, and spiritual symbolism, the show is Lorry’s way of honoring the often-overlooked artists while amplifying the voices shaping the next wave.
Building on that energy, Lorry shaped the show into something truly unique, a rap performance that functions like a musical.
“The inspiration behind Shogun Rapper comes from a kind of spiritual energy,” he explains. “Whether you’re religious or not, whenever you reach a bottleneck or feel lost, certain people and events tend to appear, they guide you toward a shift in your creative process or personal choices.”
The format reflects this sense of transformation. Infused with mythological elements, performers channel a symbolic power known as ‘the Shogun,’ (大將軍) which triggers explosive stage presence and emotional power. The result is not just performance but resonance which takes root in an original storyline steeped in ancient legend, as Lorry recounts.
What narrative themes do you have at play in the show?
The story begins in ancient times with the great battle between Huangdi (黃帝) and Chiyou (蚩尤).
Long, long ago, humans lived in caves, surviving on raw meat and animal hides. Whether in joy or suffering, they could only cry out. Emotions remained trapped inside, with nowhere to go.
That changed when Cangjie (倉頡) invented written language. Suddenly, people could express themselves, record all things under heaven, and even reshape the world around them. At that moment, Huangdi and Chiyou were locked in the Battle of Zhuolu (涿鹿之戰) and both sides turned to rap, the most advanced form of expression then, to wage an epic clash that shook heaven and earth.
But Chiyou made a mistake. One wrong punchline led to his downfall. Huangdi, armed with perfect delivery and a high-powered production team, crushed him completely, leaving only his tongue behind. That tongue was then forged into a microphone, said to carry Chiyou’s spirit.
From then on, Chiyou wandered the earth, helping different artists. The mic channels rap straight to the soul, stirring hearts wherever it’s heard. This mythical being has many names in different places, but in Hong Kong, he’s known as the ‘Shogun Rapper.’
What do you hope audiences take away from Shogun Rapper — emotionally, culturally, or artistically?
The message is simple, and it’s positive: Whatever you pursue, if it’s something you love, something you’re willing to work for, you’re already one step closer to success.
You have established rappers and rising voices in "Shogun Rapper's" lineup, who are some of the city's stars you are spotlighting?
The lineup features several well-known names to local audiences in the scene: YACK STUDIO, M4GANG, WOLFE, and GRIND FLOOR.
One spotlighted artist is Haysen Cheng, a Hong Kong rapper currently building his music career in Chengdu. He’s released multiple Cantonese tracks across Mandarin-speaking regions, working tirelessly to promote Cantonese rap and Hong Kong culture. Seeing how far he’s come, it made perfect sense to invite him as a presence for this show.
Also joining is WAVYSOUND, a rising collective poised to grab attention in the near future. Each member brings a unique style, and their music showcases impressive fluidity and finesse. Their performance on this stage is highly anticipated.
Who are the local brands, artists, or creatives involved in shaping the show’s aesthetic?
Our Executive Director Yuwen has delivered a wide range of outstanding artistic work within Hong Kong’s hip hop scene and is held in extremely high regard by the community. His involvement brings a sense of calm and confidence—like a remedy that steadies the spirit.
Visual Director BOMS uses his illustration skills and composition to connect music and image, creating an immersive visual impact for the audience. He also designed the symbolic “flower script” characters representing each rapper, featured in the promotional poster and event booklet in collaboration with our Poster Designer Raymond.
Animator JollyB brings her signature animation style to the show, adding a layer of flair that elevates the entire experience.
In the Shogun Rapper narrative, a sacred relic from Chiyou appears on stage, which is designed by toy artist and Prop Design Head N9TH STUDIO to bring myth into material form.
Lastly CULT KEY, a renowned professional crew made up of independent musicians rounds out our Sound & Production Team. Special shoutout to A TEAM for their full support in making it all come together!
"Shogun Rapper's" announced lineup features 19 rappers drawn from four collectives and two independent acts. Each group carries its own sound and philosophy, offering a cross-section of Hong Kong’s evolving hip hop identity.
YACK STUDIO brings the lyrical precision of Novel Fergus, Novel Flash, and LeShing; M4Gang offers raw energy through the voices of PetPetShawn, Skinhead (光頭), Joe Yip (拉天槽), Polar G, and Zodi. Grind Floor delivers underground boombap through NKidd, ZAIN, and Buzzy.D; and rising collective WavySound blends versatility with flow through Raydog, DRG, Stonefish99, LIZ, Yeaboi, and MDot.
All while independent voices of the show, Wolfe and Haysen Cheng (鄭景曦), round out the core lineup.
The show doesn’t stop there. Shogun Rapper promises the unexpected, with surprise guests not listed on posters and a handful of iconic tracks set to debut live, with no guarantee of another chance, making it a rare moment in Hong Kong’s hip hop calendar.
Beyond the spotlight, Lorry’s efforts to nurture local talent continue. In recent months, he partnered with a local nightclub to host ‘HIP HOP NIGHT,' a weekly event series designed specifically for rising DJs and rappers. It’s modest, but meaningful as a consistent platform where new voices gain performance experience and can connect with a live audience.
“This small stage lets everyone build confidence and connect through their work,” Lorry says. In a city with few resources for independent rap, spaces like this are essential.
And the emotional core of Shogun Rapper is rooted in reflection. Lorry believes that love and commitment are the real benchmarks of success. “A good foundation never fades,” he says. “Even when you’re lost or if the path feels like a waste of time, one day you’ll remember what it was like to start.”
Speaking from his experience of having stepped away from music for a decade to pursue photography, he says it was the raw and fearless voices of young rappers that woke him up, adding it’s the youngsters who reminded him of his beginnings.
Shogun Rapper is built on that rediscovery: a tribute to revival, artistic sincerity, and shared energy.
What are some traits you look for when discovering new talents?
I don’t place special emphasis on any one part of it because, after all, art is always tied to trends. I think when we don’t understand something, it’s because we haven’t taken the time to truly learn about it. Once you do, once you see the whole picture clearly, you begin to understand what the other person is trying to express.
In the end, it’s all about learning and absorbing like how Hong Kong has different slang and cultural phrases depending on the era, and this city is known for how fast trends change. And I keep up by asking the younger generation questions.
What’s a piece of advice you have for up-and-coming artists?
Do something that, years down the line, you’ll look back on with pride, without regret, something that still resonates after you’ve grown.
Are there any upcoming collaborations or new concepts you’re developing beyond Shogun Rapper?
I don’t plan too far ahead as I want to give this show the full attention it deserves. However, I dream of collaborating with artists across different countries and languages. If we have resources, I believe it can happen.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
With DJ Lorry as the creative mind the show, "Shogun Rapper (說唱大將軍)" will be held on Friday, August 8, 2025, at 6 PM at the Heung Yee Kuk Grand Theatre in Shek Mun, Sha Tin. General admission standing tickets are priced at HK$690.
With its textured storytelling, cross-disciplinary vision, and roster of both established and rising talent, Shogun Rapper mirrors the tension and promise of Hong Kong’s music scene. It’s experimental, unapologetic, and overflowing with spirit, just like the culture it comes from, and a one-of-a-kind performance you don't want to miss.
Follow DJ Lorry on Instagram and visit his Spotify page. You can purchase tickets for Shogun Rapper on BOOK YAY and visit their Instagram for more information.
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