K-Hip-Hop Throwbacks: The Classics You Can’t Miss
I’ve heard it time and again: there are many K-Pop fans who are interested in entering into the K-Hip-Hop space but have no idea where to start. Doing a simple Google search can help, but it can also be incredibly intimidating when presented with the overwhelming talent within the genre. But fear not, The Kraze is here to help you start your journey into the K-Hip-Hop world.
“Born Hater” - Epik High
What better place to start than the kings of K-Hip-Hop themselves, Epik High! The 2014 release boasted a lineup featuring Beenzino, Verbal Jint, future iKON members Bobby and B.I, and WINNER member MINO. The release remains an important staple of the genre, marking an important full re-entry into the music scene after the members’ military service and a scandal (that was frankly ridiculous) for front man Tablo that almost caused the demise of his career, which he addresses in his rap on the track. The song remains a classic amongst the community, with Epik High’s sound remaining true to the roots of early ‘90s rap. Plus, listeners can get a taste of pre-debut idols known for their rap skills.
“Pour Up” - DEAN ft. ZICO
Okay, fine, this song is more K-R&B but we couldn’t help but include it. Back in 2015 when DEAN released his first album, everyone and their mother was obsessed with the entire thing. But something about “Pour Up” has the most influence. With a sexy R&B tempo and his smooth accompanying vocals, it’s hard not to get addicted to this song upon first listen. Add on then-leader of Block B ZICO for an impactful verse, and you have the makings of a staple industry track.
“Mommae” - Jay Park
If there is one thing Jay Park is good at doing, it’s bridging the East and West. The Seattle native took the Korean scene by storm when he returned after leaving 2PM and created the most well-known hip-hop label in the game, AOMG. His 2015 track “Mommae” is one you will surely recognize, considering just about everyone alive was obsessed with it upon its release. The song is a perfect example of Jay Park’s Western influences, with the track having much more of an American hip-hop sound (and aesthetic, considering how sexual it is) that can capture even the most stubborn local. On top of being an amazing businessman and killer artist, Jay Park has done so much to popularize the hip-hop genre in Korea.
“Bermuda Triangle” - ZICO ft. Crush & DEAN
Yes, ZICO gets his own spot on the list. He’s a great example of an idol branching over genres, shifting his career from your standard idol to a producer and huge influencer in the Korean hip-hop space. The 2016 track “Bermuda Triangle” took the entire scene by storm, featuring ZICO’s hard-hitting raps at the forefront supported by the R&B sensations Crush and DEAN. The trio is an undefeatable one for sure, and it is indeed a shame that this was a single and one-time collaboration.
“Bang Diggy Bang Bang” - MFBTY
You can’t mention the Korean hip-hop scene without shining some light on Tiger JK and Yoonmirae, two huge influences on the expansion of the genre. Their trio MFBTY (including rapper Bizzy) is one of the pioneers in Korea and has helped build the empire, including starting their own indie label in Feel Ghood Music. “Bang Diggy Bang Bang” is a 2015 track with an infectious beat and Indian influence that is incredibly catchy and is just a taste of what MFBTY is capable of.