pH-1 Brings Electronic Flair to Hip-Hop with Double Single loves

H1GHR Music’s pH-1 has supplied fans with two more tracks to chant at the club. His latest double single, loves, is a collaborative effort featuring PENOMECO and producer Thurxday, who is also featured under the moniker Mokyo.

The title track “Cupid” is another example of the rapper’s flexible flow. It’s a high-tempo track that matches the message; pH-1 pleads to both the girl as well as Cupid to hurry up and make her fall for him. The brief breakdown in the chorus is a smooth transition that makes the buildup to the beat drop extra effective. It slows down even more during the bridge, accompanied by PENOMECO’s alluring ad-libs that make the song more sonically interesting. The music video is equally engaging, with artistic images of neon figures and lyrics splattered on the screen.

It doesn’t seem like a big deal since it’s common knowledge pH-1 is Korean-American, but his transition between English and Korean flows particularly stands out. In great effort, many rappers in the K-Hip-Hop scene attempt to insert English lyrics although it is neither comprehensive nor grammatically correct. But pH-1’s strong grasp of English allows him to switch his flow effortlessly, and it is cohesive in both languages. It’s a small detail, but is appreciated and respected when noticed.

The rapper slightly switches the mood with the all-English B-side “Groupie.” English tracks from artists based in the Korean music industry are always a treat. It reveals a different side of their musical style that might be held back if it were in Korean. “Groupie” is most likely an unpopular subject for Korean audiences, but English-speaking fans are more than familiar with the message. The mellow trap beat echoes the easy, chill groove of pH-1’s earlier projects like “iffy” with Sik-K and Jay Park and “Penthouse” also featuring Sik-K. “Groupie” is perfect for those nights out fueled by the need to unwind.

Check out pH-1’s “Cupid” music video here: