Since its introduction to Vietnam, Buddhism has been deeply intertwined withlocal culture and influenced many aspects of Vietnamese spiritual life, includingcontemporary art such as rap music. However, to date, there have been few academic studiesthat provide important insights into contemporary Vietnamese rap as well as the influence ofBuddhism on rap. This study examined the rap lyrics of Den Vau, one of the particularlyfamous rap artists in contemporary Vietnamese music. Seven rap songs were chosenalongside a descriptive, thematic analysis was conducted. Through qualitative contentanalysis, this study explores how Buddhist concepts of loving-kindness and compassion areembedded in Den Vau's rap lyrics. The analysis reveals two main themes: (1) lovingkindness, demonstrated through human relationships (including equal love for all people andfilial piety to parents) and environmental consciousness
and (2) compassion, manifested inempathy for various groups (youth, parents, children, all beings) as well as self-compassion.While previous studies often associated rap music with harmful influences, this researchindicates how rap can serve as a platform for conveying positive Buddhist values. Byexamining Den Vau's rap lyrics, the study illuminates the unique fusion of Buddhistphilosophy with contemporary rap artistry in the Vietnamese context, highlighting howglobal art forms can effectively transmit local values and positive messagesSince its introduction to Vietnam, Buddhism has been deeply intertwined withlocal culture and influenced many aspects of Vietnamese spiritual life, includingcontemporary art such as rap music. However, to date, there have been few academic studiesthat provide important insights into contemporary Vietnamese rap as well as the influence ofBuddhism on rap. This study examined the rap lyrics of Den Vau, one of the particularlyfamous rap artists in contemporary Vietnamese music. Seven rap songs were chosenalongside a descriptive, thematic analysis was conducted. Through qualitative contentanalysis, this study explores how Buddhist concepts of loving-kindness and compassion areembedded in Den Vau's rap lyrics. The analysis reveals two main themes: (1) lovingkindness, demonstrated through human relationships (including equal love for all people andfilial piety to parents) and environmental consciousness
and (2) compassion, manifested inempathy for various groups (youth, parents, children, all beings) as well as self-compassion.While previous studies often associated rap music with harmful influences, this researchindicates how rap can serve as a platform for conveying positive Buddhist values. Byexamining Den Vau's rap lyrics, the study illuminates the unique fusion of Buddhistphilosophy with contemporary rap artistry in the Vietnamese context, highlighting howglobal art forms can effectively transmit local values and positive messages