Nepali rapper VTEN is back with his first track of 2022, “GAU TIRAI.”
The rapper premiered the trailer for the upcoming music video on May 11. Directed by long-time collaborator James Lama, the 53-second visual shows the rapper pivoting from his previous incendiary music videos to one that shows VTEN visiting a rural community, bearing gifts to elders and children.
VTEN has not shared a release date for either the song or the video, only that it’s “dropping soon worldwide.”
The rapper can also be seen wearing a shirt that says “FREE MELLY,” which can be referring to American rapper and singer YNW Melly, who’s currently in prison for the alleged murder of his fellow artists YNW Sakchaser and YNW Juvy in 2018.
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VTEN also shows off a different look this time, growing his hair out, which he first shared on Instagram last month.
One of Nepal’s most recognizable–and controversial—figures in hip hop, VTEN’s music has been inspired by his personal encounters with law enforcement, including his 2021 singles, “GALLI SADAK” (Street).
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Last year, he was also the subject of a VICE Asia video wherein he was interviewed about his 2019 arrest for “allegedly promoting ‘anti-social’ values.” His 2019 song, “Yestai Ta Ho Ni Bro” (loosely translated to ‘This is how we roll’), is no longer available online after the Nepalese police “demanded that the song be taken off YouTube for its profane lyrics.” This led to his arrest, citing “using vulgar languages in his song, which is unacceptable for our society,” Sahakul Thapa, a senior police officer, said.
Watch the teaser video for “GAU TIRAI” below:
