EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Dynamicduo on Twenty Years, Unwinding, and the “Smoke” Challenge

Being artists for nearly twenty years gives Dynamicduo pretty much legendary status in the book of K-Hip-Hop history. The duo, Gaeko and Choiza, who also bear the title of co-founders of Amoeba Culture, have been killing stages from east to west, influencing a myriad of artists that are at the forefront of K-Pop charts today. Despite the normal ebb and flow of a career of this duration, the duo have found themselves at the forefront of the Korean charts again this year. Over the summer they had two viral revivals. “AEAO,” from 2014, became a sleeper viral hit and a TikTok Top 10 summer song in Korea, while “Smoke” and the ensuing “”Smoke” challenge, that arose from Bada Lee and Street Woman Fighter 2, became a measure of dancing skill leading artists such as V and Jungkook from BTS, Jay Park, NCT, SEVENTEEN, ITZY, TXT (Tomorrow x Together), ATEEZ, IVE and many more from the idol community to pick up the gauntlet.

Stateside, you might have caught them at one of their many KCON appearances or festivals, or might have seen them on the screen as one of the judges/producers at Show Me The Money. The legends who launched their successful debut album in 2004, started as many hip-hop artists did at the time, within the underground scene. Over the years they would be part of the forefront of artists bringing K-Hip-Hop into the limelight. Their numerous number one hits include "BAAAM," "Nosedive," "Go Back," "Guilty," "Attendance Check," "Ring My Bell," and "Jam." As artists they have no intention of slowing down and it was an honor to have them take time out of their busy schedules to answer many of the questions that have been on our minds. Let’s see what makes Dynamicduo tick and read what they have in store for us.

Q: This year has been an amazing year for you. How do you feel about a new generation of listeners falling in love with your music?

Gaeko: First, thank you so much for having us. We are in an era where listeners are open to listening to music before their generation so I think that’s why we’ve been receiving so much love. We will work hard to keep it up.

Choiza: I am so happy to be able to reach people of all generations through music, and I hope to stay connected with you all for years to come.

Q: For new listeners, what three songs would you recommend to get to know Dynamicduo?

G: “All day,” “19,” “Hot Wings (Feat. Hyolyn of SISTAR).”

C: “Smoke,” “She Gonna Stop,” “Pied Pipers (Feat. dj friz)”

Q: Next year is your 20 year anniversary which is incredible. What do you see as your greatest achievement over the decades? Any celebrations planned?

G: I think a twentieth anniversary concert will be the best way to repay our longtime fans.

C: More than anything, I am grateful and proud of myself that I'm still an active rapper.

Q: As all artists struggle with ups and downs over the years, what is one way that you’ve brought yourself up when things were down?

G: We are both optimistic people and I think we were able to overcome our struggles and hardships by sharing it and empathizing with each other.

C: I think it helps that there are two of us. When we face adversity, the circumstances are bearable when we have each other. Also, those experiences become good stories that we talk about later down the road.

Q: Do you have any songs from your past that you’d want to remake now?

G: Rather than putting in effort on a remake, I would like to focus on making new songs.

C: If we were to do a remake, I'd like to do a remake on another artist's song rather than on our own.

Q: We have to ask, can you do the “Smoke” Challenge?

G: I tried it a few times in the shower, but I just don't have the talent for it.

C: It’s beyond my ability. Haha.

Q: What are both of you currently listening to or watching?

G: “Lee Juck’s Words” by Lee Juck, “The Creative Act: A Way of Being” by Rick Rubin.

C: [Novel] How Many More Times Will I Watch the Full Moon Rise? by Ryuichi Sakamoto. (Music) Music by THAMA.

Q: What do you do to unwind? Hobbies?

G: I subscribed to a yoga channel on YouTube and have been learning basic rules and steps on my own. And we both love playing golf.

C: I drink my favorite alcohol and eat delicious food to my heart's content.

Q: For rappers that are just starting out, what is one piece of advice you could give them?

G: Believe in yourself and be consistent.

C: Find someone to work with.

Q: Any last words or thoughts to share with our readers?

G: Thank you so much for reading our interview. I hope to meet you all someday!

C: We'll continue to work hard and share more music with you. Thanks for the love.

We look forward to hearing more about their Twentieth Anniversary Concert next year and excited to see what new music they’ll have for us going forward. In the meantime, if you haven’t yet, check out the recent “’Smoke Remix' Visualizer” with Dynamicduo, ZICO, B.I, Jay Park, Changmo, Jessi and Padi. Maybe it’s time for all of us to try the “Smoke Challenge” in the shower (just don’t slip!).

Thank you to Dynamicduo and Amoeba Culture for taking time to speak with us.