An Inspired Chat with Badass Tran of San Jose

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Badass Tran. Check out our conversation below.

Hi Badass, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What are you chasing, and what would happen if you stopped?
To break stereotypes and redefine what it means to be Asian in hip-hop by creating powerful, emotional, and boundary-pushing music that represents authenticity, resilience, and cultural pride.

If I stopped/retire I probably would be sad as to any other passionate artist.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Badass Tran aims to challenge the mainstream narrative by blending raw emotion, cultural identity, and universal sound. His mission is to give voice to the unheard, represent the unrepresented, and inspire the next generation of artists to embrace who they are — unapologetically.

Also Vui Ma being his clothing line that brings luxury and affordability to co exist.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
That I had all the time in the world and everything will be okay.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes there was a time I almost gave up especially when I dropped a single called “Vietnamese” in 2021 and the og “THAI VG” put me down as an artist saying my music is wack and trying to get his fans to tell me to quit.
I don’t even know the guy personally.
I don’t hate him at all, but I guess he did push me to be a better artist today.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes.
I don’t cap in my songs unlike all these rappers.
I don’t even consider myself a rapper as I said in the last blog.
I really live what I say in my music.
I believe what I preach.
People who really know me knows wassup.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Have you ever gotten what you wanted, and found it did not satisfy you?
Yeah I can buy everything now compare to back in the day.
But now it’s like I’m not happy as I was back in the day.
It’s kinda like a kid opening up a pokemon booster pack or like when u have ur first crush on someone.
I will never have that same feeling.

But if we talking about dating that’s a different story too.
I wanted someone and got that person and it turns out being a disappointment.
Not in bed but like when a woman lacks motion and you’re the one taking care of everything.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
@bennyblanco for them pics

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