Xinwenyue Shi Releases Music Video For “Hustler Wang, A Li Li”

Xinwenyue Shi pays homage to his hometown with a breezy electro-pop jaunt on a new single Hustler Wang, A Li Li.

Xinwenyue Shi shared the music video for his new single Hustler Wang, A Li Li. The electro-pop track is the latest from the Chinese musician’s forthcoming sophomore album and is accompanied by a just-released video that renders Shi in vivid hand-drawn animation.

Full use of its animated medium, the Hustler Wang, A Li Li The video is chock-full of technicolor scenes of its characters speeding down freeways on a motorcycle, partying under a disco ball, and spinning DJ seats in front of swaying crowds. Elsewhere, the animated Shi can be seen jotting down musical notes, oversleeping his alarm clock, and taking in the sights of his hometown.

The clip ends with a character receiving messages on her cellphone, along with handwritten credits and clever facial illustrations. The song itself is a master class in cross-cross genre, with tight electro-pop beats accented by sporadic air instruments Hustler Wang, A Li Li Feel like an airy and effortless affair.

Elsewhere, Shi incorporates found dialogue as intriguing sonic asides and adopts a hip-hop cadence by combining Chinese and English. For an inferior artist, the combination of musical elements could mean sensory overload, but Shi limits them all to one Hustler Wang, A Li Li‘s infectious constant rhythm and flow.

The single is inspired by moped rides Shi took in Chengdu, a region of Bashu in China. Hustler Wang, A Li Li serves as a celebration of Chengdu culture, long known as a place of new beginnings and big dreamers. The narrative of both the single and video chronicles a young DJ hungry to make a name for himself and show off his fame – a fictional nod to Shi himself.

“I love this city,” Shi said the inspiration behind it Huster Wang, A Li Li in a press statement. “The Bashu culture baptized me. Spending time in the United States didn’t make me an American – Bashu will always be my roots.” The single is taken from Shi’s forthcoming second album, Bashu Renaissance Chapter 2, which is due to appear later this year.

Similar to his recent single, Bashu Renaissance Chapter 2 will also explore the importance of the eponymous city to Shi, who hopes the project will shine a spotlight on the stories of Bashu residents and reverse their fading legacy. “Love is the main drive behind this album,‘ Shi explained. “This album is part of my lifelong calling to pass my legacy on to the next generation.”

Check out the music video for it Hustler Wang, A Li Li above and listen to Xinwenyue Shi’s new single.