K-Hip-Hop & K-R&B Roundup for October
It’s been a big month for K-Hip-Hop and K-R&B releases, so many that we can’t contain them in just one article. For this roundup of comebacks, we’re covering releases not already mentioned in previous articles.
GIRIBOY
It’s been an especially busy month for GIRIBOY, with not only his new mini-album release but a feature for both AOMG princess Hoody and legendary behemoth Epik High. The rapper, songwriter, and producer has been on the music scene for 10 years and has produced countless hits, so any new music from him is always a treat. "You Turned Around” is a funky R&B track with a driving beat that has a bit of a retro feel. He combines elements of different genres into a cohesive piece that expresses a changing relationship dynamic, which appears to be for the worse given the imagery used in the music video.
Gaeko
One half of Dynamic Duo, rapper Gaeko is back with a new solo track with some familiar names. Produced by CODE KUNST and featuring JUSTHIS (another busy artist this month), new single “논해” is in the rapper's wheelhouse, where his rapping skill takes center stage. The catchy hip-hop beat is a perfect fit for both Gaeko and JUSTHIS, allowing their skills to shine while providing the perfect background beat. The soft piano melody heard within the beat adds a surprisingly soft color to the overall song as well, making for a very addicting and complex sound overall.
sogumm
A newer addition to the AOMG lineup, sogumm’s new album [Precious] features two title tracks. If you’re familiar with the singer, her voice lends itself to more melancholy types of tracks, which is exactly what we get in “처방전 (Prescription).” The song has a more indie and dreamy feel, with her vocals not being the most prominent sound in the track, instead being somewhat overshadowed by the lofi beat. Watching the video, you definitely get a sense of the more somber type of concept and sound, but it remains very uniquely sogumm in execution and style.
Xydo
Xydo brings the K-Drama OST vibes in his latest single “아이” featuring MINSEO. In this single we see a very raw and emotional track, spearheaded by Xydo’s vocals. The ballad has a very simple piano melody accompanying the vocals, which places heavy emphasis on just how talented both of these vocalists are. It’ll be impossible not to feel something when listening to this track, the vocals are just that moving.
Suran & San E
Vocalist Suran teamed up with rapper San E for new single “Photography.” This track has a softer tone than may be expected of San E given his more hard-hitting releases, but he does surprisingly well with the lighter, mid-tempo track. The song definitely feels like a sentimental Suran release, but the rap addition melds surprisingly well into the melody and gives it a bit more depth.
Rothy
Rothy’s gorgeous vocals are on full display for her new track “Cold Love.” Fitting for the middle of autumn as the hours of sunlight dwindle, “Cold Love” evokes a feeling of heartbreak in a very powerful way. Her voice is so indescribably beautiful that you feel the exact emotions she’s conveying through the lyrics even without translation.
Jessi
We’re ramping up the intensity for the final release covered this month. When it comes to Jessi, we know we’re going to get some hard-hitting rap. “Cold Blooded” definitely fits to this trend, with a catchy hip-hop beat kicking off the song before Jessi comes in with her powerful rapping. We can always count on her to bring a good new bad b*tch anthem. While the fall tends to bring the more melancholy R&B and ballad type of sounds, Jessi is here to remind you to not forget to tune into your bangers even into the cold months.