By Darius
Recently, Chinese singer Cai Xukun — once widely known for the viral meme "I love singing, dancing, rap, and basketball" — has managed to shift public opinion with his new single Deadman. Many have praised him for genuinely focusing on his music rather than relying solely on fame and empty hype.
Looking back, Cai initially became a laughingstock due to an overly exaggerated performance on a talent show. His awkward basketball dribbling moves during the audition further drew ridicule from basketball enthusiasts, who mocked him with comments like "He dribbles like my grandpa, yet he tries to incorporate it into his dance—what a fxxking joke. #hype" and "Stop this NONSENSE in the name of your audience! #LMAO"
Cai's meme remained popular for years, spawning countless parodies and fueling heated debates between his fans and critics. At its peak, the catchphrase "How awesome is your brother Kun (Cai Xukun)?" became ubiquitous online. Perhaps to rehabilitate his image, Cai later appeared on variety shows, presenting a more well-rounded persona. However, public attention remained fixated on memes and parody videos.
Now, while his new single is undeniably well-produced, its popularity can largely be attributed to the massive attention generated by his past detractors. As the saying goes, "a butcher becomes Buddha the moment he drops his cleaver." When someone previously dismissed as untalented delivers solid work, it naturally draws more scrutiny.
This raises a question: What truly determines a celebrity's public perception? In my view, setting aside inherently subjective factors like appearance, an artist's image in the eyes of the public generally hinges on two key aspects: professional competence and personal integrity.
For celebrities, if one of these areas is weak, maintaining a decent reputation requires the other to at least be passable. To achieve a favorable reputation, they must either excel in both or compensate for a deficiency with exceptional strength in one. For example:
An actor with mediocre acting skills might still earn public goodwill if they're widely known for kindness, charity, and philanthropy.
Conversely, an artist embroiled in scandals and questionable personal behavior could still amass a devoted fanbase if their professional skills—be it musical talent, acting prowess, or work ethic—are extraordinary.
Of course, there are limits. If an artist crosses legal or moral red lines (e.g., drug abuse, violence, or solicitation), even exceptional talent may not salvage their career. Similarly, someone utterly devoid of artistic charm—no matter how saintly their character—won't thrive as a public figure.
In my observation, top-tier celebrities embody two roles: industry role models and public figures. As leaders in their field (or at least perceived as such), their professional abilities are paramount—after all, no one wants to see unqualified individuals dominating the industry. At the same time, given their influence, their conduct must avoid extreme negativity. Even behaviors like heavy drinking or clubbing can trigger relentless media scrutiny, while more severe issues (e.g., drug use, domestic abuse, or prostitution) spell disaster.
We often say artists should "excel in both virtue and artistry," but human nature is complex, and moral standards vary. Personal ethics are inherently subjective, and overtly "flaunting" one's morality can come across as performative vanity. Thus, the simplest (if not easiest) way for an artist to rehabilitate their image is to hone their craft and deliver tangible results, proving they're more than just hype.
In this sense, Cai has chosen the optimal strategy: releasing a strong single to redefine his legacy.
Well, how awesome is your brother Kun?
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