Caption: 揽佬SKAI ISYOURGOD sings his rap song “八方来财·因果 (Stacks from All Sides: Karma)”. [by 揽佬SKAI ISYOURGOD YouTube channel]
by Kevin Dai
“八方来财·因果 (Stacks from All Sides: Karma)” is a rap song by Chinese hip-hop artist 揽佬SKAI ISYOURGOD that was officially released on August 20, 2024, but has since gained massive popularity with an extended release in early January 2025. .
This was became an overnight hit on Chinese social media platforms and is now reaching an increasing international audience. What makes this song stand out is the way it brings contemporary rap together with traditional Chinese cultural elements. Despite facing the challenges of government censorship, the song manages to thrive through clever lyrical composition and a focus on messages that circumvent themes prohibited by the Chinese government.
The song focuses on the themes of wealth, success, and karma, as suggested by its title. Rather than following a clear plot like a movie or novel, the track uses its lyrics to explore ideas of cause and effect, personal growth, and the balance between ambition and morality. The artist raps about the rewards that come from hard work and intention, while also hinting at the spiritual and cultural consequences of one’s actions. There’s a strong emphasis on the belief that everything in life is connected. Through this, the track encourages listeners to reflect not just on chasing money, but on doing so with awareness and purpose.
The most striking part of the song is how it combines modern hip-hop sounds with traditional Chinese influences. The beat is fast and powerful, filled with heavy bass and trap-style drums. At the same time, you can hear traditional Chinese instruments like the guqin and the erhu in the background, adding a calm and reflective tone to the high-energy rap verses. This contrast makes the track sound both ancient and modern at the same time.
SKAI ISYOURGOD shows off impressive technical skill. He delivers verses in Mandarin with speed and precision, using wordplay, metaphors, and references that connect with Chinese culture. It’s clear that a lot of thought went into every line. Despite the rapid pace, the lyrics still come through clearly, which speaks to the artist’s talent.
This song made a big impression on me. I felt a real connection while listening to it. I enjoy rap music, but the mix of that genre with cultural aspects from my own background was what really stuck out to me. The energy and tempo of the track gave me a boost whenever I played it and reminded me of my family and friends in China. It’s one of those songs that gets stuck in your head, not just because of the beat, but because of how much there is to discover in the lyrics.
The message of karma, of thinking about the consequences of your actions, also made me stop and reflect. It’s rare to find a rap song that’s both catchy and thought-provoking. It diverts from the usual topics in hip-hop/rap songs, making it a safe listen for those uncomfortable with violent or explicit messages.
In the end, I believe that “八方来财·因果 (Stacks from All Sides: Karma)” is more than a worthwhile listen. Even if you don’t understand every word, you can still feel the emotion, the intensity, and the cultural aspect that SKAI ISYOURGOD brings through the song. It’s a song that expands what rap can be and proves that music can be powerful across languages and borders. If you’re someone who enjoys rap, or if you’re curious about new sounds and stories from around the world, this is the track for you.
And if you like his style be sure to look for his newest collaborations with other Chinese artists such as APMOZART with this song, “财神到 (God of Wealth Arrives)” which was released to the public on May 13.
