On November 5, 2024, Vietnamese rapper MCK, whose real name is Nghiêm Vũ Hoàng Long, became the center of a major controversy when a highly sensitive, explicit image allegedly depicting him was leaked and widely circulated on social media platforms. The image, reportedly showing MCK without clothing and revealing his tattoos, sparked a frenzy online, propelling his name to the top of search trends across platforms like Google, Facebook, TikTok, and Threads. The leak, which originated from a private Instagram message or group chat, led to intense public scrutiny and debate.

The explicit image was first shared on November 5, 2024, through a private Instagram account (@ivannguyen23**) and was allegedly meant to be retracted after five minutes. However, it spread rapidly across social media, with netizens sharing and discussing it extensively. The image’s authenticity remains unconfirmed, as MCK has not explicitly denied it, though he also has not issued an official statement addressing the content directly. The tattoos visible in the image matched those known to be on MCK’s body, fueling speculation that it was indeed him.

Rather than retreating from the spotlight, MCK responded with cryptic and bold social media posts. On the evening of November 5, he shared an Instagram story quoting rapper Drake’s lyric from the 2018 song Emotionless: “I wasn’t hidin’ my meat from the world. I was hidin’ the world from my meat,” a playful rephrasing of the original line about hiding his child. Early on November 6, he posted another Instagram story featuring a selfie in underwear, captioned “for my pride,” alongside a video of two fighters with the phrase “Desperate times call for desperate measures.” These responses were seen as defiant, with some interpreting them as MCK embracing the controversy rather than shying away from it. However, he later deleted or hid some of these posts, leaving fans and critics divided over his intentions.

The leak ignited a polarized response. Many netizens criticized the spread of the image, arguing that sharing private content without consent violates personal privacy and harms the artist’s dignity. Others engaged in mocking or speculative commentary, with some questioning whether the image was genuine or manipulated. Discussions on platforms like VOZ Forums included crude remarks, while others urged restraint until MCK clarified the situation. Media outlets, including Techz.vn, Tuổi Trẻ Online, and Kenh14.vn, reported on the incident, noting the unprecedented spike in searches for MCK’s name, with over 50,000 mentions in less than 15 hours. Some fans defended MCK, emphasizing that he might be a victim of a privacy breach, while others criticized his provocative responses as inappropriate.

MCK, a 26-year-old rapper known for his bold fashion and “rap melody” style, is no stranger to controversy. His participation in Rap Việt (2020) and hits like Chìm Sâu (80 million YouTube views) have made him a Gen Z icon in Vietnam. However, his eccentric style—shaved eyebrows, high heels, and designer outfits from brands like Rick Owens—has often drawn criticism for being “too outlandish.” Past controversies, including insensitive comments about BLACKPINK’s Rosé in 2021 and provocative photos with ex-girlfriend tlinh, have kept him in the headlines. This leak, however, marks a new level of scrutiny, raising questions about privacy in the digital age.

Broader Implications

The incident highlights the challenges public figures face with privacy in the era of social media. The rapid spread of the image underscores how quickly private content can go viral, often without the subject’s consent. Some netizens called for respect for MCK’s privacy, arguing that sharing such content is unethical and potentially illegal. The controversy also parallels similar incidents involving international artists like Drake, whose own leaked content MCK referenced in his response. As of now, MCK and his team have not announced legal action or further statements, leaving the situation unresolved.

MCK: A Trailblazer in Vietnamese Hip-Hop and Fashion

Nghiêm Vũ Hoàng Long, known by his stage name MCK (also Nger or Ngơ), was born on March 2, 1999, in Hanoi, Vietnam. Raised in the vibrant Ngọc Hà ward of Ba Đình district, MCK attended Việt Đức High School and briefly studied abroad in Japan. Opting out of university to pursue music, his diverse experiences shaped his distinctive sound and bold artistic persona.

Musical Beginnings and Indie Roots

MCK emerged in 2018 as “Nger,” gaining traction in Vietnam’s indie scene with the CDSL ART COLLECTIVE. His debut track, Tình Đắng Như Ly Cà Phê (Bitter Love Like a Cup of Coffee), a collaboration with Nân, went viral, amassing over 50 million YouTube views. Songs like Vương, Suy, and Chạy Say Trong Cơn Xe showcased his ability to blend indie-folk with early hip-hop, earning him a loyal following.

Breakthrough with Rap Việt

In 2020, MCK rose to fame on the inaugural season of Rap Việt, mentored by JustaTee. His unique “rap melody” style, featuring autotune-heavy flows and charismatic lyricism, earned him praise as a “genius” by judge Wowy for his live autotune mastery. Reaching the finals, his performance of Dân Chơi Xóm with JustaTee became a TikTok sensation, solidifying his Gen Z appeal. He won the “Promising Rap/Hip-Hop Artist” award at the 2020 WeChoice Awards.

Post-Rap Việt, MCK evolved into a polished hip-hop and pop-rap artist, incorporating trap, V-pop, and R&B. His 2022 single Chìm Sâu (Deep Dive) with Trung Trần became a cultural phenomenon, topping Vietnam’s Spotify, Apple Music, and Billboard Vietnam Hot 100 charts, with over 80 million YouTube views and 33 million Spotify streams. His debut album, 99% (March 2023), featured hits like Chìm Sâu, Tại Vì Sao, and Cuốn Cho Anh Một Điếu Nữa Đi, debuting at #1 on iTunes and Apple Music Vietnam. Collaborations with tlinh, Hoàng Tôn, and Trung Trần highlighted his versatility and emotional depth.

MCK’s avant-garde fashion choices are as iconic as his music. At a Hanoi show in July 2023, he turned heads by shaving his eyebrows, wearing a riveted choker, and donning high heels from Rick Owens’ brand, priced at $2,145. His outfit, including a $1,985 blazer and $1,000 Detroit Cut jeans, was reposted by Michèle Lamy, co-founder of Owenscorp, known for its “bizarre and crazy” aesthetic. MCK frequently wears Rick Owens clothing, aligning with its edgy style.

His fashion extends to oversized clothing, full-face hats (popularized by rappers like Kanye West), and Raf Simons jackets. MCK embraces trends like the crow’s beak scarf, seen on artists like Sơn Tùng M-TP, and accessorizes with pit metal rings, glasses, and piercings in his ears, nose, and mouth. At designer Cường Đàm’s futurist-inspired fashion show in 2023, MCK wore a bandana across his waist with Louis Vuitton shirts and leather pants, embodying hip-hop culture’s bold aesthetic. His style, often deemed eccentric, has sparked both criticism and admiration, cementing his status as a trendsetter.

Personal Life and Controversies

MCK’s rebellious persona has made him a polarizing figure. His high-profile relationship with rapper tlinh, followed by their 2023 breakup and her subsequent romance with Wxrdie, fueled media buzz. A 2021 controversy involving alleged comments about BLACKPINK’s Rosé stirred mixed fan reactions. Despite these challenges, MCK’s authenticity and talent maintain his strong fanbase.

MCK’s music fuses introspective storytelling with modern hip-hop, exploring themes of love, youth, and rebellion. His autotune-infused “rap melody” style and trap beats resonate with Vietnam’s Gen Z while retaining a Vietnamese essence. Hits like Tại Vì Sao and Va Vào Giai Điệu Này showcase his knack for catchy hooks and relatable lyrics.

At 26, MCK has redefined Vietnamese hip-hop, transitioning from indie roots to mainstream dominance. With upcoming 2025 concerts and a growing global presence, he continues to push boundaries in music and fashion, representing a new wave of Vietnamese artists.