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Korean hip-hop artists: a beginner's guide
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Korean hip-hop group, Epik High. Left-Right: Mithra Jin, Tablo, DJ Tukutz. (YG Entertainment via Korea Herald/-)
W
hile avid Korean hip-hop lovers will already have their own list of favorite rappers, those who are totally new to the genre may feel hesitant about starting to listen to Korean hip-hop. First there's the language problem, and second, is there really enough swagger to be enjoyed?
Here are five Korean hip-hop musicians with a beginner’s guide to their music. Turn on the closed-captioning (CC) for translations.
Epik High
Epik High could easily be everyone’s favorite. Tablo, Mithra Jin, and DJ Tukutz have never failed to create music that leaves a mark in the hearts of their fans. Since their debut days in the early 2000s, Epik High has brought forth many relatable songs with the touch of Tablo’s cleverly written lyrics. Epik High is known for its mature and sharp music, often about various topics, including complex problems in society.
(Read also: Five fresh Korean dramas to obsess over)
BIGBANG
From its debut, BIGBANG always went for a more hip-hop route compared to its peers. Although now you won't hear any old school hip-hop sound in their music, BIGBANG mixes a lot of genres and the group's evolution via its rappers, G-Dragon and T.O.P. has appealed to fans worldwide.
Verbal Jint
If you have a high appreciation for multitalented hip-hop musicians who don't only rap but also produce and write their own songs, we'd like you to meet Verbal Jint. Born Kim Jin-tae, the rapper is also a scholar who holds an economics degree from Seoul University. He's been featured in many popular songs, including SNSD Tae Yeon’s I and If The World Was Perfect, Brand New Music’s Heat It Up, and Baek Ji Young’s Medicine. He has also appeared in various programs, including rap survival programs Show Me The Money and Unpretty Rapstar.
(Read also: Korean girl group 4Minute may disband)
San E
A chart-topper in the mainstream Korean music market, San E is known for creating various topics and styles that appeal to the public. His hit songs include A Midsummer Night’s Sweetness and his collaboration with Rania, from girl group After School, on Story of Someone I Know and Sour Grapes (feat. Mad Clown).
Zico
Since he began his solo career in 2014, Zico, the leader of idol group Block B has had many successes. This year alone, his song I Am You, You Are Me has sold more than 1 million digital copies, which is super high in terms of digital sales and a huge success in the Korean digital market. Although known for his various styles of rapping, sometimes Zico also sings, and one example can be found in I Am You, You Are Me. (asw)
