Theeng Vang and the Global Anthems of Modern Hmong Hip-Hop

The global Hmong diaspora is experiencing a massive wave of cultural reclamation, and it is being driven by two powerful forces: music and textiles. At the absolute forefront of this movement is Theeng Vang, an independent Hmong rapper, singer, songwriter, and music producer based out of Mù Cang Chải and Hanoi, Vietnam. By aggressively blending heavy digital urban hip-hop beats with traditional Hmong instrumentation, Theeng Vang has built a unique sonic identity that bridges generational gaps.

His standout 2025 single, "Nkauj Hmoob Thoob Ntuj" (translated as "Hmong Girls Around the World"), has quickly become a defining anthem for the community. It serves as a beautiful, rhythmic tribute to the beauty, resilience, and enduring heritage of Hmong women scattered across the globe.

Tub Nplaig Nyiaj & Tub Nplaig Kub (The Silver Tongued Boy & The Golden Tongued Boy)

Translated from the original 1986 Hmong RPA text into English by WYImagination.blogspot.com. Read the full historical copyright and storyteller attribution at the bottom of this post.

Long ago, there lived two Village Elders. One was the Village Elder of the lower village, and one was the Village Elder of the upper village. Each of them had a wife. As time went on, each of their two wives became pregnant with a child! One morning, just as the roosters crowed clear and bright, both wives gave birth to baby boys at the exact same moment. The child of the upper Village Elder had a golden tongue. The child of the lower Village Elder had a silver tongue!

Then the two Village Elders came together to speak with one another, saying: "Oh! Why is it that our two children were born unlike anyone else in the land? From now on, as the two fathers, we must never let these two children see each other."

Nuj Sis Loob, Muam Nkauj Ntsum & Muam Nkauj See

Translated from the original 1986 Hmong RPA text (Dab Neeg, Phau Ib) into English by WYImagination.blospot.com. Read the full historical copyright and storyteller attribution at the bottom of this post.

Long, long ago in the ancient times, a husband and wife gave birth to a baby boy. They named him Nuj Sis Loob.

As Sis Loob grew into a young man, whatever he sought to learn, he mastered. He learned the wedding songs and the funeral chants completely. He was exceptionally skilled at playing the qeej.

Far away in the upper regions of China (Ntuj Sua Teb Tom Peg) lived a young maiden named Muam Nkauj See. Meanwhile, Sis Loob lived in the lower regions of China (Ntuj Sua Teb Tom Taug). Up in the upper lands, a family came to ask for Muam Nkauj See’s hand in marriage. Her parents and brothers were deeply pleased and completed the marriage arrangements.

Then, Ntxawm Nkauj See said to them:

"Oh! No matter what, you are already giving me away to them. Therefore, go and call Nuj Sis Loob from the lower regions to come play the qeej and perform the sending-off songs for my wedding. Only then will I go and live my life. If you cannot go and secure Nuj Sis Loob to play the qeej for my wedding send-off, even if I go, I will absolutely not live out my life!"

The Fairy of the Plumeria

This story was originally published here in 2011, now updated with new artwork in 2026.

Chapter 1: The Flower Beyond the Stars

In the beginning, when Heaven and Earth were still young, there was a secret garden hidden far beyond the Milky Way, a place no mortal had ever seen and no earthly traveler could ever reach. The garden floated between the celestial clouds and the endless sea of stars, where silver moonlight rested upon the leaves and the air carried the delicate fragrance of flowers that bloomed only beneath the heavens. Among all the blossoms that grew there, however, one plumeria was unlike any other. Its petals were white at the edges but blushed with the soft colors of dawn—pale pink, warm gold, and the faintest shade of lavender—and its fragrance drifted through the celestial realm like a sweet spring breeze.

For countless years, the flower remained closed, waiting beneath the stars. Then, one night, when the heavens were unusually still, a strange light gathered around it. A cool breeze swept through the garden, stirring the leaves and causing the celestial flowers to bow gently upon their stems. The plumeria trembled, and one by one, its luminous petals began to unfold. A warm golden glow spilled from its center, brighter than moonlight yet softer than the sun, until a tiny figure emerged from within the blossom.

She was a fairy, beautiful beyond anything the celestial spirits had ever seen. Her skin glowed softly beneath the starlight, her long hair shimmered like threads of midnight, and her delicate wings were filled with colors that seemed to change whenever she moved. When she fluttered them for the first time, thousands of tiny sparks scattered through the air like fireflies. She laughed with delight, and the sound echoed through the secret garden like the ringing of silver bells.

The fairy had been born from the light of the celestial realm, and within her was a rare power unlike that of any other fairy. Whenever she flew through Heaven, her wings left a brilliant trail of rainbow light behind her, and wherever she went, the stars seemed to shine a little brighter.

At first, the celestial spirits adored her. She was curious, playful, and full of wonder, and the heavens seemed to delight in watching her discover the world around her. But as the years passed, her extraordinary gifts began to change her. The more powerful she became, the more she believed herself to be above everyone else. She flew wherever she pleased, disturbed the clouds, scattered celestial flowers, frightened heavenly creatures, and caused mischief throughout both Fairyland and Heaven. Whenever anyone tried to correct her, she simply laughed and flew away, certain that no one could truly punish her.

Maiv Thoj’s "Lub Neej Toj Siab" — A Visual and Musical Tribute to Highland Romance

 

When it comes to traditional melodic storytelling, the emotional heartbeat of the Hmong music community always points back to the mountains. Standing at the peak of this vocal tradition is Maiv Thoj, a popular Hmong singer, actress, and cultural entrepreneur operating across Vietnam and Laos. Her track, "Lub Neej Toj Siab" (translated as "Life in the Highlands"), stands out as a brilliant celebration of romance, heritage, and star-studded casting.

If you are looking for a fun, catchy love song with plenty of visual appeal, this music video delivers on every front.

Love Stories of the Miao Book Trailers

I am working on a couple of short stories for my collection, Love Stories of the Miao, and decided to share the book trailers first. With time, hopefully, I will get a chance to present the actual story here.

**Disclaimer** All art/audio clip belongs to its rightful owner.

Flower Embroidery
This story is about the Hmong/Miao of Wenshen/Yunnan, China. 

Nraug Ntsuag & Ntxawm

This story was originally published here in 2014. Now updated with new artwork in 2026.

Here is another Hmong folktale called Nraug Ntsuag and Ntxawm. There are many versions of stories about an orphan boy named Nraug Ntsuag and Ntxawm, the beautiful daughter of a wealthy village headman. This particular version tells the story of how Nraug Ntsuag loses his wife, only to use his cleverness and determination to win her back.

Nraug Ntsuag and Ntxawm have not been married for very long when the hemp harvest season arrives. Nraug Ntsuag sends Ntxawm to her parents' village to help them process hemp into thread and cloth.

Halfway through their journey, Ntxawm suddenly tells Nraug Ntsuag that she can see her parents' village in the distance. She says that she can even hear the familiar sounds of rice pounders clicking and clanking.

Xyooj Mim & Xyooj Kaub

This Hmong folktale is called Xyooj Mim & Xyooj Kaub. It is very similar to the story Ntsuag thiab Niam Nkauj Zuag Paj, though the two stories differ in the details of their openings.

Xyooj Mim and Xyooj Kaub are orphaned siblings who have no parents or family left to care for them. One day, Xyooj Mim happens upon a dragon prince. The prince offers to marry her, but in return, he promises to provide for her younger brother. He gives Xyooj Kaub a magical grain of rice and a piece of meat that can replenish themselves, allowing the boy to have food for the rest of his life.

Sharing Hmong Music

In this post, instead of just sharing music from one artist, I have decided to share music from a couple of different artists. When I get a chance, I will post up the English translation for each song.

This first song is called Hlub Tam Toj Roob Hau Pes by Paj Xia Yaj and Nuj Sua Lis, Hmong Shee Yee's new pra-ek.

“Hlub Tam Toj Roob Hauv Pes” (which translates to “Love Like the Mountain Ranges”) is a deeply emotional, traditional Hmong ballad. The song functions as a poignant anthem of nostalgia, landscape imagery, and unreachable love.

Sharing Hmong Music - Mim Yaj

I believe Mim Yaj released her sophomore album this past Hmong New Year. She also participated in the Hmong International New Year Beauty Pageant and came out third place.

Nraug Hmoob by Mim Yaj is a nice blend of qeej instrumental music (I can hear Yang Geli in there) with a traditional "kwv txhiaj" from the White Hmong of Paj Taug Lag, Wenshen, Yunnan.

Hlub Hauv Npaus Suav Summary

Hlub Hauv Npaus Suav Summary 

**Spoiler Alert **

Muaj Tsim (Nuj Sua Lis) repeatedly dreams of a beautiful young woman. In each dream, he remembers her name—Laim Txias. Though he has never met her in real life, he slowly falls in love with the girl who appears in his dreams. One day, he sketches her face onto a poster board, hoping to preserve the memory of someone he cannot explain but feels he already knows.

Later, Muaj Tsim moves to a remote highland village, where he serves as a doctor for the local villagers. One day, while taking a break from his duties, he notices a young woman swimming in a nearby lake.

He is stunned.

She looks exactly like the girl from his dreams.

Believing that he has finally found Laim Txias, Muaj Tsim calls out to her and runs after her. But before he can reach her, she disappears from sight, leaving him wondering whether the woman he has dreamed about for so long was ever real—or whether fate has simply given him a glimpse of someone he was never meant to find.

Nkauj Hmoob Noj Neeg

Nkauj Hmoob Noj Neeg Summary 

**Spoiler Alert**

Koob (Koob Xyooj) is a student at Siam University. As Thailand prepares to become part of the ASEAN Integration, Koob and his classmates are assigned to research the diverse cultures and religions found throughout Thailand, including those of the country's ethnic minorities.

Koob becomes frustrated when he struggles to find information about the Hmong. His Thai friend, Da, suggests that he focus his research on Hmong religion instead. By doing so, Koob can gather firsthand information by interviewing Hmong elders.

Koob and Da eventually locate an elderly Hmong man who agrees to share a story with them. The old man tells them a haunting tale about a group of Hmong people who once practiced cannibalism.

Tub Feej (Koob Xyooj) and his friend are traveling on a business trip when they become lost and unexpectedly arrive at a strange Hmong village.

Hoping to sell his “ntiv qeej,” Tub Feej borrows a qeej, the traditional Hmong reed pipe, from the village headman and begins to play.

The beautiful and moving sound of the qeej quickly draws a crowd. Villagers gather around to listen, captivated by the music.

Among those drawn to the sound is a beautiful, mute young woman named Nag Yuam (Dej Ntxhee Muas).

The moment she sees Tub Feej, she falls deeply in love with him.

Tuag Hlub Summary

Tuag Hlub Summary

**Spoiler Alert**

Yis Hawj (Leem Lis) was betrothed to her sickly maternal cousin, Kim Lis (Xeeb Lis), when she was only three years old. From that time onward, she lived with her fiancé's family, though she occasionally returned to visit her biological mother.

Yis, however, had no love for her fiancé. She was also constantly irritated by Kim's older brother, Teem Lis (Vej Lis), whose persistent teasing and pestering often got on her nerves.

One day, while Yis was on her way to visit her mother, she tripped and fell near a bamboo-pipe water system. A young man named Kuab Yaj (Ceeb Hawj), who happened to be nearby, immediately rushed over to help her.

Seeing that Yis had twisted her ankle, Kuab worried that it might swell badly. He quickly searched for a medicinal herb, chewed it in his mouth, and carefully placed the crushed herb around her injured ankle. He then tore a piece of cloth from the sleeve of his hemp shirt and used it to wrap the herb securely around her ankle.

Before Kuab left, Yis asked him to give her some drinking water.

As they spoke, the two found themselves drawn to one another. Although their encounter was brief, there was an unmistakable warmth between them, and both seemed reluctant to part.

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year readers!

I apologize for being inactive in the last six months. I've been thinking about the blog a lot but I was and still am very busy applying for professional school and I just don't have the time to post anything. The good news is that hopefully my busy schedule will dampen a little and I will be able to find bits of time here and there to put up new posts.

Hope everyone has accomplished a lot in the past year. If not, set new goals this year and strive for them!

Below, I'm sharing a picture of the newly reconstructed General Vang Pao statue at the Fresno Fairgrounds. I was there for the unveiling ceremony. It looks good, much more improved in quality and size than the old one.

Kub Qab Kaws and the Empowering Journey of "Tsis Nco Yav Tag Los"

While the modern Hmong music scene spans multiple continents, some of the most powerful, authentic sounds are emerging straight out of Thailand. Standing at the peak of this regional movement is Kub "Qab Kaws" Vaj—whose artistic nickname Qab Kaws literally translates to "Frog." He stands out as one of the very few Hmong solo pop/rock artists from Northern Thailand who writes, composes, and produces entirely original music.

The Magnificent Seven Chapter 7

The rainy season had begun.  The ground was often muddy as the raindrops fell nonstop on the tin-roof buildings.  And, the presence of rain meant that the atmosphere was often moist and cold—perfect whether for people to easily catch colds.  So, the hospital was not only swamped with injured soldiers but sick civilians.  

Although the nurse trainees’ schedule was hectic, Lwg Dej would often make time to come accompany Xyooj Vaj Huam, even if it meant having to skip her break and meal times.  After cleaning and changing him, she would tell him stories of hope and courage to keep him company.  And while that brief period was exhausting, Lwg Dej never felt tire for she was experiencing a kind of happiness that she’d never had before. 

On the seventh morning after his admittance into the hospital, Noog Xi came to check Xyooj Vaj Huam’s vital signs as usual.  And as usual, she found Lwg Dej resting her head on the bed next to the patient.  While the two slept, Noog Xi quietly checked Xyooj Vaj Huam’s temperature and blood pressure.  His fever had subsided and his vital signs were stabled. 

Just as she finished writing down her observation, she heard a moaning sound.  She turned to look and saw that the patient was mumbling something.  “Water….water…water….” he called hoarsely.

The Magnificent Seven Chapter 6

It was late afternoon already when she returned home to break the news to Niam Tais Paj and Yawm Txiv Txooj Sua.  When she arrived at their wooden shack, Yawm Txiv Txooj Sua was cutting wood outside.  Too focused on his wood cutting, Yawm Txiv Txooj Sua did not even notice her return.  She decided not to bother him as well so she quietly stepped inside the home. 

Noog Xi saw Niam Tais Paj sitting on a wooden stool, polishing her silver jewelries.  “I’m back,” she said.  “Have you and Yawm Txiv eaten?”

“Not yet.”

“Let me cook then.”

She went into the kitchen and pulled out some meat and vegetables.  She scrambled a few dishes for dinner that night. 

When the food was prepared and served, Noog Xi called Niam Tais Paj and Yawm Txiv Txooj Sua to the dining table.  They sat around the round bamboo-woven table and ate their portion silently. 

After swallowing a few bites, the girl cleared her throat and looked at her aunt and uncle.  “Niam Tais…Yawm Txiv…I know that we are very poor now so I found a job,” she said.

Niam Tais Paj and Yawm Txiv Txooj Sua stopped eating.  “You did?” Niam Tais Paj responded surprisingly.  “Daughter, you didn’t have to.  I didn’t mean to force you to find a job with the words I said the other day.”

“It’s alright, Niam Tais.  I know that you and Yawm Txiv need all the help you can get.  I am still young so let me suffer a bit.”

“What job did you get daughter?” Yawm Txiv asked.

“A nursing job.”

“And when do you start?”

“Tomorrow,” the girl answered firmly.  “But, this job is not like my previous teaching position where I can live at home and walk to work everyday.  This job requires that I live at my work place.  But before that, I will be taking courses in Vientiane for 6 months and then spend another 6 months training in Thailand before returning here.”

“What?  That’s ridiculous!  I won’t let you do it!  Even if we are poor now, Yawm Txiv and I will find a way out!”

Ntsim Yaj’s 2009 Masterpiece "Xa Lub Siab Nrog Tus Duab Hli"

In the fast-evolving landscape of Hmong music, hundreds of artists enter the studio, but only a handful leave a permanent mark. Today, we are digging into the archives to highlight a beautiful, hidden treasure from an obscure artist: "Xa Lub Siab Nrog Tus Duab Hli" by Ntsim Yaj.

The Magnificent Seven Chapter 5

The journey to Looj Ceeb was an arduous trip, taking the Zos Hav Xyoob villagers to the town of Sam Thong first.  As new refugees, they were not permitted to enter Looj Ceeb until they went through proper health examinations and documentations in Sam Thong—Copper Marsh, or Lima Site 20.  It was a mountain ridge town almost a day’s walk from Looj Ceeb.  It had about a population of 8,000 residents and was located north of Looj Ceeb but southwest of the Plain of Jars.  The town had a dusty, dry red airstrip surrounded by karts and sat along a clear flowing pristine mountain stream.  Some of the town’s surrounding trees have been cut down to use as fire wood but the few scattered pine trees still stood tall.  Downfield of Sam Thong were valleys of thorny bushes and purple fountain grasses. 

While Looj Ceeb was the CIA-supported base for guerrilla operations against the communists, Sam Thong was headquarter of USAID operations in northern Laos.  It served as the center for refugee assistance as well as standard aid programs, and kept its own hospital and school.  Sam Thong was the only town to occasionally receive foreign journalists.

With the exception of a few policemen—the civilian town of Sam Thong was emptied of any soldiers.  The day was pouring rain and the temperature was cold so even civilians were not visible outside.  When the two policemen guarding the gate to Sam Thong spotted the new group of refugees, they ran over.  After speaking quickly to the village chief, the two policemen led the group to a building that sat on the northeastern side of the airfield.  It was made out of wooden planks painted a light sky-blue color and wooden black shingle roofing.  The facility included some operable square-shaped aluminum windows with tempered glass to permit the passage of light and ventilation, and two opposing-opened wooden steps on the outside that connected with the main entrance.  Inside the building, there were rows of evenly-spaced red plastic chairs.  Office spaces took half of the building. 

A group of 10 men and women—mostly Westerners but a few Filipinos and one Hmong medic greeted the newly arrivals.  The policemen handed the group over to the staff and left. 

An American man, who seemed to be in charge, spoke to the group through the interpretation of the Hmong medic.  “Everyone, please have a sit,” he instructed.  “We will come by to examine you all for health problems.  Anyone with severe issues will be sent to the main hospital.  Those who are in good health will be given some vaccinations before proceeding to your living quarter.” 

The Hmong medic interpreted.

The Magnificient Seven Chapter 4

            Two weeks have passed since the Red Lao soldiers captured the threesome and sent them back home.  Fearful of alerting the villagers, the soldiers dropped the three off at the edge of the village.  The young teacher had taken Teeb from the back of the Red Lao Hmong soldier, Thoj Zoov Ntxhw, and carried him on her back to her sister-in-law’s home.  It was already midnight when they reached Teeb’s family’s thatched hut on the north side of the village.  Xwm knocked on the family’s door and a few seconds later, the pregnant woman showed up.  Upon seeing her son, she grabbed him from the teacher’s back with tears of joy.  She thanked the elder boy and the teacher for helping to find her son and for sending him safely back. 

The teacher and her elder student decided to conceal their captivity from Teeb’s mother to help the woman to remain calm.  After she took her son, the teacher sent Xwm home.  They agreed not to share the experience with his parents either.  Xwm’s parents were concerned that he returned home so late but were grateful that their son was safe. 

When Noog Xi returned home, Niam Tais Paj and Yawm Txiv Txooj Sua were worried as well.  Since she had come to live with them, wherever she went to, she would usually be home before the sun set.  So her late return made the couple extremely inquisitive, and they kindly forced her to reveal the truth. 

They were terrified to learn about the incident.  They became circumspect and forbidden their niece to pass further than 10 feet from the house.  She had reassured them that they did not need to take that much precaution, but they felt uneasy if they didn’t.  Having been captured twice now, they could not let her endure such an experience again.  In the end, they intended to keep the girl home until they could confirm that it was safe to walk around the village again.  So, the teacher had to cancel class and the husband and wife lied to her students’ parents that she was ill and would keep to the home for many days.