Relaxing K-R&B Tracks For Late Autumn
As the days get colder and the light each day gets shorter, it feels better to snuggle up with a cozy blanket, some tea, and relaxing tunes. The Kraze has chosen a few favorite K-R&B and K-Hip-Hop tracks with that comforting, lofi vibe fitting for the season.
“Honsool” - Agust D
Right off the bat, Agust D’s “Honsool” has a haunting and somber vibe, highlighted by the strange sound effects with no melodic accompaniment. The first voice heard isn’t Agust D’s, but a slowed down, eerie vocal tone that is difficult to decipher. The slow tempo and haunting aura elicits a feeling of calmness, though it may seem contrary. Agust D’s rap cuts in smooth and low, but the real kicker in this track is the chorus where he sings, “Now I’m feeling like I’m flying,” with a surprisingly beautiful intensity that only increases as he drops half a step with each vocal iteration. The song is perfect when settling on the couch in a blanket with a glass of soju, just quietly analyzing the events of the day. “Honsool” is the kind of song that makes you contemplate life while soothing the soul at the same time, even if it has such a melancholy feeling.
“No Different (feat. Yuna)” - Epik High
Epik High’s album Sleepless in _____ has an amazing number of relaxing tracks given the nature of the composition of the album, but something about “No Different” ironically hits differently. The all-English track featuring Yuna details the growing struggle in a long-term relationship, and though the song has a melancholy tone, there is a whisper of hope and comfort within the lyrics that makes the song realistic, yet incredibly warm. The subdued beat remains stagnant and allows for Tablo and Yuna to shine in the expression of the lyrical storyline.
“Read Me (feat. punchnello)” - HA:TFELT
If you’re a fan of R&B and haven’t taken a listen to HA:TFELT’s discography, you’re definitely missing out on some of the best content. “Read Me” was one of her first releases as a soloist and features all the best elements of a relaxing R&B track that highlights her stellar vocals. The slow tempo accompanied by a steady beat and heart-shaking orchestral melodic support provides a homey comfort that is only accentuated by HA:TFELT’s velvety tone. punchnello features on the track for a rap verse that ties the song together for a perfect composition.
“우리 (Feat. meenoi)” - punchnello
Speaking of punchnello, the rapper has a very versatile discography, ranging from strong, hard-hitting pure rap tracks to more relaxing R&B influences. “우리” definitely fits into the latter category, kicking off with a soothing lofi beat that is immediately infectious before diving into the soloist’s rap verse. His tone is light to fit the less intense track, though he does clearly still have a strong distinctive flow. meenoi joins the track to add a bit of vocal flavor that works in direct contrast to punchnello’s rap flow.
“질투 (카니발 광고음악)” - Zion.T </h1>
This is definitely not a well-known Zion.T track, and truth be told the only reason we knew about it was because SUMIN was a producer on it and posted it on social media. Regardless of origins, the song has a lovely melody that is soft yet uplifting and is a perfect bright R&B track for the season. It’s almost like a popular Christmas song without all the holiday flair in the melodic line. SUMIN’s influence is definitely heard after the first chorus in the heavy synth use, adding her distinct style to an otherwise classic R&B melody.