It’s official: iQiyi production Rap of China is making a comeback. What’s more, the 2022 edition of the rap competition show will definitely abide by an all-star format.

Although Rap of China released a trailer about its all-star season as far back as October 2021, Covid and the cancellation of Kris Wu, a frequent face on the show, cast a shadow of doubt over the program’s future.

Fortunately for fans of the show, iQiyi’s May updates make mention of Rap of China — a fixed date has yet to be set in stone, however. That spark of hope was fanned into flames when Rap of China’s social media team confirmed the competition’s return on Weibo.

Rap of China has not said a peep about its competitors, which has encouraged fans of Chinese hip hop to conduct their own investigations.

For example, hip hop blogger Swag Ximeng has shared a WeChat article naming Chinese rappers who may or may not have hinted at their participation. Gai, Air, VaVa, Key NG, and Huang Xu are a few potential candidates, conjectured the blogger.

Traditionally aired in the summer, the latest season of Rap of China starts production this month, stated Ximeng, who claimed to have been offered this information.

At the time of writing, a hashtag for Rap of China on Weibo had accumulated more than 700,000 views and a tirade of supportive comments.

“I am really looking forward to Rap of China 2022! I hope they can announce when it will be aired. After all, it is an all-star season,” posted a fan.

Another wrote: “Looking forward to the all-star season. This summer is for listening to hip hop.”

Rap of China’s all-star season is certainly buzzworthy, as it will gather some of the country’s top talent in one place. In addition to high-quality rap, expect equal parts friendly collaboration and heated competition.

Cover image: screengrab via YouTube