A deft freestyler and producer, MinhLai brings a catalytic force to the Vietnamese rap scene. Lights finds him paying tribute to his artistic forbears while tapping an array of collaborators for a style-spanning mixtape that knits its American references with distinct Saigon flair. As angular, minimalist opener “BÌNH THẠNH FREEZEVER” gives way to “QUẰN”, a floaty, ear-snagging duet with singer-songwriter M NAIVE, the stage is set for an exploration of trappy, bass-drenched bravado with forays into misty R&B—the rapper’s stories derive strength from both street smarts and touching vulnerability.