A genre-defying singer-songwriter and rap lyricist. Originally from Shanghai, China, Phantom is known for his unique blend of the Alternative R&B sound and Trap Soul music, while also writing songs both in English and Chinese. His debut mixtape, "Asian Spice," featured a diverse lineup of artists and included the hit single "Du Yueh-Sheng," which achieved over 45 million streams globally.
Raised by his grandparents, Shanghai Phantom spent his childhood in the vibrant French Concession area of Shanghai, absorbing both Western and Chinese cultures. In 2015, he moved to New York for school, where he received classical music training, and later relocated to West Hollywood, LA, fully pursuing his music career.
By 2024, Phantom had performed with notable artists like CHASETHEMONEY, Justin Park, REI AMI, and Ted Park. He also released the collaborative single "Water On My Wrist" with Ted, received great feedback from respected industry people like CHIKA and Dumbfounded. As co-founder and main songwriter of D4 Music Record Label, he has earned a diamond record and four gold records. Now a prominent new force in the LA Asian music scene, he is dedicated to bridging the gap between East Asia and North America.
My sound is a blend of Alternative R&B, Trap Soul, melodic rap, and hip-hop. When I was in New York for school, I spent a lot of time in Toronto, so my music carries a strong influence from that dark Toronto R&B and melodic rap sound. I’m also inspired by artists like The Weeknd and Future, blending moody melodies, confident rap energy, and late-night production into my own style.
Describe the moment you knew that you wanted to pursue music:
I started my music journey DJing in underground clubs in Shanghai back in 2014. Shanghai was such a diverse city, and seeing people from different cultural backgrounds come together and dance to the same music made me feel the power of music in a real way. That was the moment I understood the magic of it — the energy, the connection, and how music can unify people beyond language or background.
How does your heritage impact your art?
Chinese culture doesn’t directly influence my music in an obvious way, but Shanghainese culture has a huge impact on my identity as an artist. My artist name literally carries my city, and I feel like Shanghai represents grace, class, confidence, attitude, and doing everything with style. Those qualities are a big part of how I move and how I create.
Shanghainese culture is also very open-minded and international, which allows me to blend with other cultures naturally. That mindset keeps me open to new sounds, new ideas, and different ways of expressing myself through music.
What moment are you most proud of in your music journey so far?
One of the moments I’m most proud of is seeing my song “Du Yueh-Sheng” reach over 45 million streams globally. That record had a viral moment in Mainland China, and it still gives me positive energy every day when I’m creating new music.
At the same time, I see it as only the beginning. I’m grateful for that moment, but I believe even bigger moves are coming.
Your next music goal:
Keep dropping self-produced single every month
If you could collaborate with anyone, who and why?
I would love to collaborate with The Weeknd or Future one day, because they are two of the biggest influences on my sound. Their music shaped a lot of how I approach melody, mood, and energy.
I would also love to produce the track myself. Hearing either of them slide on one of my own beats would be a phenomenal moment for me as both an artist and a producer.
Tell us about a song that has shaped you and how:
"Drinks On Us” by Mike WiLL Made-It, The Weeknd, Swae Lee, and Future has definitely shaped me as an artist. To me, that song is a perfect blend of Trap Soul, Alternative R&B, melodic rap, and hip-hop.
The vibe of the track is impossible to duplicate. It has this dark, smooth, confident energy that feels effortless, but also very unique. It’s one of those records where everything came together perfectly, and I feel like even the artists themselves couldn’t recreate that exact moment again.
I just dropped my self-produced single "LOL". It's out on all streaming platforms yall can take a listen :)
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CHAMPIONING ASIAN HERITAGE IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY
Across West to East Asian heritages - We aim to shatter stereotypes and help build bridge between genres, languages and sub regions. Evolving the definition of what being an Asian in the Western music scene entails.
We also have a strong focus on supporting and developing our community in the UK grassroots live scene. With 30 shows to date with 100+ artists on our stages.
