Meet Badass Tran

We were lucky to catch up with Badass Tran recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Badass, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?

My work ethic comes from pressure, pride, and proof.
• Pressure: Growing up Vietnamese in the Bay, there’s an unspoken expectation to survive, not complain, and outwork everyone quietly. That immigrant mindset—no safety net, no excuses—builds grind by default.
• Pride: After going viral with “Big Dick Asian,” I didn’t just take the moment and coast. I felt the responsibility to represent Asians differently in hip-hop, not as a joke or stereotype, but as someone multidimensional. That kind of pride pushes consistency.
• Proof:
I’ve had real-life setbacks—betrayals, money losses, threats—and instead of folding, I used them as fuel. Music became both an outlet and a weapon: prove them wrong, then do it louder.
• Bay Area hustle: San Jose isn’t handed anything. Artists here learn early that if you don’t self-promote, self-fund, and self-improve, nothing moves. That environment forces discipline.

Bottom line:
My work ethic isn’t motivational-quote energy—it’s earned hunger. I works the way someone does when they know nobody’s coming to save them, but everybody’s watching once they win.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I’m a San Jose–based, multi-talented hip-hop artist and creative who uses music as a way to tell real stories and challenge stereotypes, especially around Asian identity. I first gained widespread attention with my viral song “Big Dick Asian,” but that moment was just the beginning—not the definition of who I am.

What excites me most about what I do is the freedom to be honest and multidimensional. My music isn’t about fitting into a box or chasing trends; it’s about emotion, confidence, vulnerability, and growth. I want people to feel something—whether that’s motivation, reflection, or empowerment—because that’s what lasts. I’m especially proud of representing Vietnamese and Asian Americans in hip-hop in a way that’s unapologetic, human, and real.

Professionally, I’m focused on building a long-term career as an independent artist while expanding my creative brand. That includes releasing new music, developing stronger visuals and storytelling, and collaborating with other creatives who value authenticity over image. I’m also putting more energy into connecting with my local community and showing that impactful art can come from San Jose without needing to leave home to be seen.

Right now, I’m working on new music that reflects personal growth and a deeper sense of purpose, along with upcoming visual content that elevates my sound and message. Everything I release moving forward is about evolution—artistically, culturally, and personally—and continuing to open doors for others who don’t always see themselves represented.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Believe in yourself before anyone else does, stay flexible without losing your identity, and keep showing up even when no one’s watching. That’s where real growth happens.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

Yes, I’m always open to collaborating with people who value authenticity, creativity, and long-term vision. I’m especially interested in working with other artists, producers, videographers, designers, and creative entrepreneurs who aren’t afraid to think differently and build something meaningful rather than chase quick trends.

I’m drawn to collaborators who are driven, communicative, and aligned in values—people who care about growth, quality, and cultural impact. Whether it’s music, visuals, branding, or community-based projects, I believe the best work comes from genuine creative chemistry.

Anyone interested in collaborating can connect with me through Instagram @badasstran or reach out via my official email listed on my social platforms. I’m always open to conversations that start with respect and a shared vision.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Vuimagarment.com
• Instagram: https://Instagram.com/badasstran
• Facebook: https://Facebook.com/badasstran
• Linkedin: https://LinkedIn.com/badasstran
• Twitter: https://Twitter.com/badasstran
• Youtube: https://YouTube.com/badasstran
• Yelp: https://Yelp.com/badasstran
• Soundcloud: https://SoundCloud.com/badasstran

Image Credits

📸 Benny blanco