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| The Ta Oi man, Pham Trung Hieu |
"David Nop," whose real name is Pham Trung Hieu (born in 2001), is a member of the Ta Oi ethnic group from A Luoi. Energetic and spirited, after graduating high school, Trung Hieu moved to the city in search of job opportunities. In the lively yet unfamiliar urban life, Hieu began with menial jobs such as being a delivery driver, waiting tables at coffee shops, and working at music lounges to make a living while nurturing the lofty dreams he had since his school days.
In 2020, Hieu paused all work to return home for military service. By 2023, after completing his duty, Hieu went back to the city to try various jobs, but none brought significant success. Then, as if by chance, he "encountered" Highlight, a Hue-based clothing brand, through a humorous content creation project on TikTok. With his natural charm as a highland boy and his witty content, Hieu’s nickname, David Nop, started to gain recognition online. After leaving Highlight, he continued pursuing the path of "digital content creation," primarily on TikTok and Facebook. Through parodies of well-known singers and rappers in humorous yet relatable life scenarios, David Nop’s clips attracted a wide audience. "When I saw my videos, my hard work, spreading across various news outlets and major Facebook pages, I felt indescribable. But it gave me more motivation and seriousness in my work," Hieu shared.
Currently, besides being a content creator and TikToker, David Nop is also gaining recognition as a rapper under the stage name GNOB. Appearing on the show Rap Viet, GNOB left a strong impression on the audience. Hieu’s passion for rap stems from his upbringing in a vibrant musical environment within his Ta Oi family and community in A Luoi. From parents to peers and even relatives, everyone knew how to play instruments like guitar and drums, often forming informal bands. Hieu fondly remembers the lively musical nights and mesmerizing performances until life's responsibilities caused the group to disband. However, whenever they reunite, especially during Tet and festivals, the "village band" revives its energy and excitement.
Exposed to hip-hop from a young age, Hieu grew up with memories of practicing b-boy moves alongside his brother in the highlands. "Back then, my neighbors and I shared a love for hip-hop. We would gather after school, watch videos or movies about hip-hop, and practice dancing together," Hieu recalled. From this grassroots hip-hop culture in his remote hometown, Hieu was drawn to rap’s free-spirited, powerful language and its sophisticated techniques. He dove into rap not just with passion but with perseverance, writing and performing like a true rapper.
In his early days pursuing rap, Hieu faced family opposition, as his parents worried about the difficulties and uncertainties of his chosen path. They feared he would struggle and fail. But now, Hieu has proven himself, easing his family’s concerns and earning their pride. He also realized that while his parents were worried, they quietly supported him throughout his tough journey.
As a son of the highlands in A Luoi, Hieu never saw his origins as a disadvantage or reason for insecurity. According to him, no matter the ethnicity, everyone shares the same Vietnamese heritage. For Hieu, his Ta Oi identity is his greatest motivation to rise and prove himself. He hopes to convey the message: "What defines you is your lifestyle and mindset, not where you were born."
Balancing content creation, rapping, and songwriting is an immense pressure for Hieu. However, "if I don’t make content, I won’t have the money to support my music." To chase his dreams, the young man understands he must strive harder to succeed in the arts. At 23, reflecting on his journey, Hieu has a burning desire to prove himself. "Stay positive, no matter who you are. Life will undoubtedly have moments that don’t go as planned, but the key is not to shy away from challenges, not to fear failure, and to always seize opportunities when they come," Hieu shared.