Nikolaus Kang (江庆义), known by his stage name Reverse Opium, is a hip-hop and alternative R&B artist from Portland, Oregon. His music blends introspective lyricism, experimental production, and cultural commentary, drawing from his diverse background and international experiences.

Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, to a half-Indonesian, half-Chinese father and a half-Filipino, half-German and Ashkenazi Jewish mother, Kang’s upbringing was deeply influenced by his multicultural heritage. At the age of five, he moved to Portland before later relocating to Tianjin, China, for high school, where he first discovered his passion for songwriting.

During his freshman year, he adopted the alias Kang Tha Konqueror, inspired by MF DOOM and the Marvel character Kang the Conqueror. In 2016, he began releasing music on SoundCloud under the name N义K, incorporating his Chinese heritage into his artistic identity. In 2023, he rebranded as Reverse Opium to make his name more searchable while also encapsulating his mission as an artist—liberating Asian American men from oppressive narratives, underrepresentation, and cultural identity struggles. His music serves as a vehicle for empowerment, challenging stereotypes, and reshaping perspectives within the industry.

Reverse Opium frequently collaborates with fellow artists Hejai, KysonMusic, and worryseed, bringing unique perspectives and sonic experimentation to his projects.

Beyond music, Kang is set to graduate from the University of Hawaii at Manoa with a BA in Chinese and is pursuing a career in dentistry, balancing his passion for music with his dedication to the medical field.