Looking at China's rap scene through the music of DTS is like picking out Vanilla Ice and calling him the archetype of the genre.

In my view, the archetype of China's rap scene is under ground, with a vivacious scene that puts music ahead of widespread commercialism --a spirit that, in my view, is not unlike Calif.'s in the 80s. If rap liberates music further by placing emphasis on the voice's punching energy and on the spoken word, then this emphasis is aloud and abound in China's rap scene.

True, while rap in China is not predominantly a vehicle to express angst or anger towards the establishment, it nevertheless expresses frustration with wealth gap, materialism, a steady encroachment of the traditional Chinese intellect etc. These are serious topics worthy of rap's musical devices; and the final output, while neither necessarily as commercially viable as a travel act in London nor as kosher as censored/clean store products, isn't any less inspiring than its parental tradition.

SMOTE, Beijing, China

''so the usual staples of violence, drugs and guns are out - and that, well, drugs, guns and big-breasted gold-diggers in bikinis aren't pressing local problems......''

another stereotypical resresentation of hip hop-how well do you know about this genre of music?-there's A LOT of rap out there which typically steers clear of this stereotype but you obviously arent interested in more than giving us a dose of your narrow impression....

Jay Reid, Camden, UK

can't believe how they can arrive Britain and show their music; thin Hip-pop atmosphere in china, we even haven't heard them. To be honest, Jay Chou and his musical style are more popular recently in china. He mixed classical musical elements into his pop-music. really cool.

Aaron, Shanghai, china

Any Chinese would know that "rap" was invented in CHina thousands of years ago. The "rappers" then were ordinary people rapping, sometimes by hitting a tiny wooden box to keep beat, about the woes and joys of life.

DRagon TOngue is emblematic of CHina's youth today in embracing western culture wholesale without having lived the culture (like the overseas-born CHinese; or W.O.G. Western Oriented Gentlemen/Guys).

CHina is like a 5,000 year old child locked inside a sprawling toys-r-us store - there is no option but to buy.

S K LIN, HOng KOng, CHina

To Ian, Boston, USA, USA, ex UK

The 'Beastie Boys' can rap!!

chris evans, bristol, uk

Chniese hiphop why why? that country is big enough and sophisticated enough to come with something more original. Leave the hiphop to the Americans. I'm sure there are hiphop acts there but its far removed from its true real origins.

MC Hammer Li, Hammersmith, uk

The 'Beastie Boys' are a reminder to all that White Men Can't Rap. Perhaps this observation also extends to other racial groups too.

Ian, Boston, USA, USA, ex UK

Yes, lovely. Number one in the world. Nothing wrong there.

In fact, China has no impressive musical heritage. Ever listened to chinese opera?

Jerry Winslow, Westram, uk

Oh that's a shame.. its sounds like the Dragon Tongue Squad were set up to fail.. a complete and utter culture clash.

Liz, Shanghai,

So without hip hoppers being able to talk about drugs, guns and big-breasted gold-diggers in bikinis, Chinese youth are missing out on the right to express themselves about the rich and meaningful wonders and joys that there are in life?

D whitts, Sheffield,

lovely people, the Chinese. i should know i lived there for 7 years but they really don't do cool well. especially not western parodies of cool. i only wish i could have seen the show.

CS, Sydney, Oz