The music video marks the beginning of the biggest series of music projects in Rhyder's career to date, with releases planned through the end of the year. "I want to present a new perspective of myself – mature and profound – rather than the 'kid' I once was," Rhyder said.

"After the Low" portrays the loneliness of a man navigating life's ups and downs, yet reveals an underlying strength and resolve. "I drew inspiration from a challenging period in my life, filled with mixed emotions, to create this song," he shared.

The rapper has faced significant hardship. His parents divorced, and his mother worked multiple jobs, including cleaning and dishwashing, to raise him and his sibling. He rose to fame at 12 after winning The Voice Kids, but later experienced a crisis due to voice changes, struggling with articulation. This required extensive retraining. Upon his return to music, he grappled with finding his direction. It wasn't until participating in recent music competitions that Rhyder began to showcase his evolution and adapt to the current music scene.

Rhyder in his music video. Photo: Provided by the artist

With a slower tempo and piano melodies at its core, "After the Low" features Rhyder singing more than rapping. The climax focuses on emotional depth rather than technical skills or flow. His rap verses are concise and clearly articulated, creating a harmonious and easy-listening experience. "I want the audience not only to hear the music but also to feel the inner world of someone emerging from darkness and rebuilding themselves," he explained.

The music video has generated a positive response, garnering nearly half a million views within 10 hours of its release. On YouTube, commenter Van Vo wrote, "Thank you, Rhyder, for not giving up in the face of adversity. The song has a melancholic melody, but it doesn't feel depressing." Huynh Quang Hung added, "This transformation is essential for a rapper; music with depth resonates longer."

Rhyder, whose real name is Nguyen Quang Anh, is a singer and rapper. He first gained public recognition after winning The Voice Kids in 2013. He graduated with a degree in jazz drums from the Vietnam National Academy of Music. After a period of relative quiet, Quang Anh reemerged in the spotlight on Rap Viet and Brother, Say Hi, adopting the stage name Rhyder. He embraces a diverse range of musical styles, including rap, hip hop, R&B, pop, melodic, ballad, and rock, all with a modern twist.

Rhyder's previous releases, such as "Bear My Loss," "After the Rain," and "Players Don't Cry," have all been well-received. In 2024, he was honored with several awards, including: Impressive Young Face, Top 10 Inspirational Figures, and a Top 10 spot on Lan Song Xanh's list of favorite songs.

Tan Cao