Karik has just released 421, a double album marking his 15-year milestone in the music industry. This album features two distinct versions: Dark Side and Bright Side. The Dark Side album revisits Karik's early career, characterized by his raw and confrontational style. In contrast, the Bright Side album reveals a softer, more serene Karik, reflecting his current persona filled with love.
Karik’s appearances on the two Have A Sip episodes also mirror the dual nature of his latest album. The first episode of Have A Sip, recorded two years ago, represents his morning phase, while the latest episode, Have A Sip: Dark Hours, focuses on his evening phase.
These episodes illustrate Karik’s journey, questioning whether this shift shows a new, brighter chapter or an ongoing struggle to balance light and dark.
From The Angry, Grumpy Karik In The Dark Side...
Few people know that album 421 once had only one version. Karik wanted to leave behind his negative past and stop responding to criticisms because that is not who he is now. However, a key experience changed his mind.
Someone told him, "Maybe you have made songs with hundreds of millions of views over the years, but it has been long since the audience has seen your story. They want to see a Karik who can recount the thorns in life."
And so, Dark Side was born with 7 songs, true to Karik's style from Khu tao sống, Hai thế giới... and his underground days. The album opens with Calm Down and Xấu Xí, reflecting on his career journey, and concludes with the sentiment, "It's natural to be content," closing a chapter of his dark past to transition to a bright, optimistic version.
...Attempts To Escape From The Tragic Karik Of The Past In Bright Side
Love is a theme that appears throughout this version, marking Karik's maturity after many broken relationships. The previous Karik was always busy searching for a suitable match, always proactive to seize any opportunity. Now, he wants love to come more naturally, without forcing it.
Gone Are The Days When His Hands Acted Faster Than His Brain...
When he was ambitious about achieving hundreds of millions of views, Karik believed a song needed a viral verse or a catchy melody to attract listeners. But he didn’t realize what the audience wanted was to hear the artist's story.
Although he may not be technically skilled or theoretically trained, he prides himself on conveying his message. He doesn't want listeners to repeatedly analyze his lyrics or rely on subtitles; he wants them to understand his story immediately.
This principle guides Karik as a coach on Rap Viet. He advises his students to freely follow trends or learn from international rappers but never lose their identity, as it is their strongest weapon.
Dream Of Opening A Music School
Karik’s dream goes beyond being a rapper. Opening a school for music training is his biggest aim. He anticipates a future in which he may not be able to play on stage but may still contribute to music by mentoring the next generation. He wishes to share his experiences and help rising talents pursue their passions and achieve success, thus bringing Vietnamese music to the globe.
Karik's journey on the Have A Sip podcast illustrates his growth and desire to be recognized as a genuine artist. Beyond being a rapper or a principal, he wants to be an artist who makes a significant impact and spreads positive values to the community. His story is one of transformation, resilience, and unrelenting devotion to his work.
Translated by Thúy An