American Rapper Eli Sweet Reflects On China

Traditional music and dance are important parts of Chinese culture. But younger generations of Chinese, often influenced by foreigners, also have taken to more modern forms of expression.

Originally from Atlanta, Eli Sweet has been studying Chinese on and off for 10 years. He moved to Chengdu in the fall of 2006, where he's been teaching English, studying Chinese and performing rap in clubs.

"There is a community of Chinese hip-hop artists in Chengdu, and I perform with them from time to time in underground clubs," says Sweet. "Collaborating with the nascent hip-hop community in Chengdu is where my passion lies."