T H E
FEATURING GROUND #12
RISING OF HIPHOP IN KOREA
HIGH SCHOOL RAPPER
TIGER JK
INTERVIEW FEAT SLEEPY
FEAT FEBRERO 2015
CONTENT
08 THE RISE OF SOUTH KOREAN UNDERGROUND HIP-HOP An article that talks about the recent growth of hip-hop in Korea and the new opportunities that arise to both mainstream and underground rappers.
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MNET SHOW: HIGH SCHOOL RAPPER
INTERVIEW: UNTOUCHABLE’S SLEEPY
DRUNKEN TIGER (JK)
MNET presents a new show that allows high school students to show off their rap skills.
Untouchable’s Sleepy talks about his new CD and shares his thougts on the Korean hip-hop industry.
Tiger JK will release last Drunken Tiger album and prepares for solo activities with his wife.
EDITORIAL
THE FEATURING UNDERGROUND presents in its 12th issue the rising of South Korean underground hip-hop, talking about how the hip-hop industry was seen before, how they used to think about rappers clothing and attitudes. We also have an exclusive interview with the famous rapper of the duo Untouchable, Sleepy, who talks about his new album, the origin of his name, his thoughts on the music and the opportunities in the industry. Mich the Eirian Graphic Designer
Underground rising*
THE FEATURING GROUND
The Rise Of South Korean Underground Hip-Hop In the early ‘90s, it was an underground phenomenon that existed outside of Korea’s main music; people would almost speak of it as if it were a cult.
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UNDERGROUND RISING
by daniel milroy maher
In South Korea, much like everywhere else, hip-hop started small. In the early ‘90s, it was an underground phenomenon that existed outside of Korea’s main music scene; people would almost speak of it as if it were a cult. Members were rumoured to wear ill-fitting, baggy clothing, and participate in things called “rap battles.” To witness it was to witness something entirely alien, to the general populace. What was it about? Nobody knew. Skip forward two decades and Hi-Lite Records’ Keith Ape has stormed the internet with a refix of OG Maco’s “U Guessed It”, and received worldwide recognition as a prize. With the help of crew member, JayAllDay, Ape and his Seoul-based team, The Cohort, built a bridge between South Korea and Japan by bringing together artists from both countries to feature on the track they re-titled, “It G Ma”. Never before has an underground Korean rapper caused such a sudden stir outside of Asia—Keith Ape has truly made history here, and he is truly grate-
ful for the love. “It’s important to me to be acknowledged by the birthplace of hip-hop culture,” he tells Complex, “and I am thankful for everything that has happened. Many Western people who don’t speak Korean now know the phrase ‘It G Ma.’ It has truly amazed me; it still doesn’t feel real.” However, Keith’s rise to fame hasn’t come from a place within mainstream Korean hip-hop. That part of the scene is still very much stagnated by K-Pop infused rap (see: “Gangnam Style”), which has done little in the way of exhibiting the country’s underground talent. Which isn’t to say there’s a lack of growth—new artists are popping up all the time—but there is a lack of individuality. Labels like Hi-Lite Records have been working to change that, though, and bring some diversity into the mix. While many of the bigger K-Pop rap acts are sticking to the polished, plastic feel that is conventional of modern Korean music (see: CL), these artists are trying something different. Part of this diffe-
rence comes in the form of more raw, heavily influenced Western-style production (inspired by the likes of Joey Bada$$), while retaining all the novelty of Korean rap. Paloalto, founder of Hi-Lite Records, says the move from the conventional K-Pop style prevalent in South Korea, to the more eclectic, trap-based hip-hop that is dominating the Western scene right now, has been helpful. But he’s also wary of relying too much on Western influence: “I believe it will hold us back from growing as artists if we only emulate it without turning it into our own.” With the new focus this has been bringing to the genre, opportunities have started to open up for hip-hop artists around the country. World DJ Festival, which is held annually in Seoul and usually dominated by electronic artists, has been giving more slots to rappers as part of hip-hop’s growing influence. “This year, hip-hop artists will actually be performing on the main stage, which hasn’t happened before, and we want to support both mainstream and underground rappers,” explains WDFJ’s business manager. This recent growth also holds special promise for the underground Korean rappers, who have never considered a career in the genre to be a profitable one. The scene itself hasn’t yet reached a point where it can be considered financially thriving, but with new connections being made outside of the country, money looks set to start flowing.
DJ SOULSCAPE “The late ‘90s saw hip-hop spread into the club scene, and a movement began due to exposure through the internet.”
THE FEATURING GROUND
MNET SHOW: HIGH SCHOOL RAPPER ”We hope to show the process (of the high schoolers) working toward and gradually achieving their dreams”
UNDERGROUND RISING
by cheif producer go ik-jo
Mnet has kicked off its newest audition program pitting the nation’s top teenage rappers against each other. “High School Rapper,” which aired its first episode Friday, features rap battles between those of high school age -even ones currently not attending school. According to the producers, the idea is to show the high schoolers’ stories and their school life through the genre. Some 2,000 participants from across the country have thrown their hats in the ring to be judged by seven established rappers -- YDG, Jessi, Swings, Mad Clown, Deepflow, Xitsuh and Giriboy -- who will also act as their mentors. Mnet boasts a track record of promoting rap, including competition shows “Show Me the Money” as well as the female version, “Unpretty Rapstar.”
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Chief producer Go Ik-jo, who produced both shows, said he found during auditions the teens are just as passionate and sincere toward the genre as the adults.
“We hope to show the process (of the high schoolers) working toward and gradually achieving their dreams,” he said. But it won’t be just the rappers evaluating the participants. The crowd -- made up of high school students from various regions where the auditions are held -- will get to grade them as well. Each mentor will judge the participants according to his or her own criteria, which in Deepflow’s case is the first impact, tone and voice. Producer Go said the show will shed light on a more positive and lighter side of hip-hop. The winner of the show will get the chance to release a single to be produced by rapper Tiger JK, considered the godfather of Korean hip-hop. “If you’re feeling it and can express it in your own way and voice, anyone can be a star. That’s hip-hop,” said Tiger JK. “The MC’s philosophy is stronger than the bullet.”
Rapper activities*
THE FEATURING GROUND
INTERVIEW: UNTOUCHABLE’S SLEEPY
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RAPPER ACTIVITIES
As one half of Hip Hop duo Untouchables, Sleepy is one of the main innovators in the Korean hip hop world. After releasing two full length albums and numerous EPs, Sleepy has decided to launch his third single. Sleepy talks to xxx about the making of the single, his first album and his thoughts on the Korean hip hop industry. What type of sound have you portrayed in your solo album that will be different from what we see of you as part of the duo Untouchable? I have tried to integrate my recent feelings into the music so it turned out to be more bright. On the other hand, if I get sad or depressed, these emotions will get reflected on my music as well. So I think the main difference between the previous Untouchable songs and my solo album is that the current songs have more acoustic and cheerful sounds.
What aspect did you enjoy most about the title track Kibuntat? It certainly looked like you were having fun in the music video! I get so happy to read comments that says my songs make them happy by just watching the MV. I wanted to spread my happiness to the others and I was very excited to have the MV reflect what I wanted. What is the meaning behind the album title, What Did I Do Wrong? It’s a song that describes how a man sometimes can’t understand why his girlfriend gets mad at him because she doesn’t express herself clearly, leading to misunderstandings. Why did you choose the name “Sleepy” as your rapper name? I was always the boy who loves to sleep and I still am so my friends called me ‘sleepy’. It doesn’t have any specific meanings to the name it’s just a nickname I had for a long time.
“MUSIC IS BEING CONSUMED AS AN INSTANT PRODUCT, AND A STYLE FOR A SUCCESSFUL HIP HOP MUSIC IS SET WHICH I FEEL IS THE DOWNSIDE OF THE CURRENT MUSIC INDUSTRY.” by kim seong won aka sleepy
Untouchable has been in the industry as a unit for almost 10 years, and you yourself have been rapping even longer. In your eyes, how has the rapping industry changed, both positively and negatively? In the industry perspective the music market did expand, increasing the number of artists who makes profit. The environment rap musicians have also improved which I am really happy about. However increasingly music is being consumed as an instant product, and a style for a successful hip hop music is set which I feel is the downside of the current music industry. This I think is something which all Korean rappers have to work together to improve. What are your thoughts on competitive survival rapping shows such as Show Me The Money and Unpretty Rapstar? For producers they have to entertain the audience and increase viewership at the same time so some parts of the programs do get exaggerated. But I see
the positive side of the survival rapping shows in providing opportunities for underground musicians to be on stage and perform in front of an audience who haven’t had the chance to shine. You have done collaborations with an innumerable amount of artists. Who would you like to collaborate with most in the future? There are a lot of talented artists who I want to collaborate with, and they will be seen working with me in my other albums.
B.A.P’s Bang Yong Guk and Untouchable’s Sleepy TS Entertainment stated that the two rappers are working on a track whose music video has been recently recorded.
As someone who has gained success and recognition in their art, what advice do you have for the many aspiring young rappers, both in South Korea and abroad? If you believe in yourselves and have the love for music and rap, hold on to the mic no matter what.
In the released music video you will first see a green light almost surrounding the whole area as Sleepy make his appearance on a car apartment and started his upbeat rapping.
THE FEATURING GROUND
DRUNKEN TIGER (JK) ”It simply means that this will be the last album released under the name Drunken Tiger” by daniel milroy maher
RAPPER ACTIVITIES
Tiger JK is preparing Drunken Tiger’s 9th album for release in 2017, and it will be the last for Tiger JK under that name. Feel gHood Musik, Tiger JK’s agency, clarified that this does not mean that Tiger JK is retiring: “It simply means that this will be the last album released under the name Drunken Tiger.” Feel gHood said that the direction of Tiger JK’s future activities has yet to be determined. He may continue working with MFBTY (a hip hop group made up of Tiger JK, Yoon Mi Rae, and Bizzy), or he may take on solo activities. Outside of his own music, Tiger JK make be focusing more on promotions for Junoflo, who signed with Feel gHood in August 2016, or work on expanding his agency with more artists. Aside from that couple Tiger JK and Yoon Mi Rae will be performing on the American stage. According to an entertainment affiliate on January 31, the rappers will be heading to Austin, Texas in March, along with group MFBTY and rapper Junoflo. They will be representing the faces of Korea in ‘South By Southwest’ (SXSW). This will be Tiger JK’s first appearance at the festival. SXSW is an annually held interactive music and film festival/conference celebrating and honoring the artists in the entertainment industry. The hip-hop couple will be attending ‘K-Pop Night’ and holding a special performance with rapper Junoflo in light of the 5th anniversary.
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It has been a while since Yoon Mi Rae performed overseas, as the singer has been occupied lately in Korea.