Vietnamese rapper MCK has recently revealed a significant career decision, choosing to abandon 23 songs due to a conflict with a close friend and music producer. This fallout has not only affected his upcoming projects but also highlighted the emotional toll such disputes can take on artists.

MCK, whose real name is Nghiêm Vũ Hoàng Long, gained fame after participating in the first season of the reality show Rap Việt in 2020. Although he did not win the top prize, he quickly became one of the most recognized faces in the Vietnamese rap scene, known for his unique blend of rap and melody, as well as his use of autotune.

The conflict arose after the success of his album 99%, which was a collaboration with his longtime friend and producer. Following the album's peak success, tensions escalated over issues related to financial distribution and copyright, ultimately leading to a complete breakdown of their relationship. MCK announced that he would donate all profits from the album to charity and remove several joint projects from streaming platforms.

In a recent interview, MCK expressed that this fallout significantly impacted his next project, leading him to scrap all 23 songs he had written and demoed, including the track 'Tây Thi.' This decision left him feeling lost and uncertain about the future of his music career.

However, during this challenging time, MCK found new musical partners, including Maiki and Fuji, who helped revitalize his sound. Together, they created a new album titled HVL, which debuted on June 17, 2026, and achieved remarkable success, reaching #4 on the Spotify Global Top Albums Debut chart.

Despite the challenges he faced, MCK's ability to adapt and create new music has kept him in the spotlight. Recently, he inadvertently revealed his impressive earnings of approximately 1.6 billion VND (around $62,000) per month from YouTube, showcasing his financial stability even without constant performances.

Reflecting on his tumultuous artistic journey, MCK's decision to let go of 23 songs marks a significant moment in his career, emphasizing his commitment to authenticity in his music rather than conforming to traditional expectations.