With it being as huge as it is these days, you have probably already heard a lot about Korean Pop, or Kpop for short. However, have you ever heard of the hip hop scene in Korea?
The Korean hip hop, or the KHH scene, has been around ever since somewhere in the 90s, and it has continued to grow and develop just like the Western hip hop scene has. KHH music contains influences of Western hip hop, but the artists add their own twists and style to it. To describe the difference between Korean and Western hip hop, the Korean rapper San E said: “Korean people prefer sweeter music, and Americans a more crazy, more gangster sound.” This becomes prevalent when listening, as there is a clear balance between “harsher” hip hop and hip hop with smoother undertones.
A lot of the well-known Korean hip hop artists started off in the underground rap scene and transitioned into fame. One of the best examples are the rappers RM and Suga from the Kpop group BTS. They were well-known underground rappers and had no plans of being Kpop artists until they were given the opportunity by an entertainment company.
Has your interest been piqued? Below you can find a list of amazing KHH artists with a great repertoire!
Jessi
Jessi is a female South-Korean rapper and singer who grew up in New Jersey. She is recognized and loved for her musical abilities and her unfiltered attitude. Some awesome Jessi songs include 눈누난나 (Nunu Nana), Gucci, Drip ft. Jay Park and K.B.B – a collaboration with Microdot and Dumfoundead.
Jay Park
Jay Park is a Korean-American multi-talented rapper. He debuted in 2008 in the Kpop group 2PM but left and went solo in 2010, after which he became active in the underground Korean hip hop scene. Jay Park garnered a lot of attention and fame with his music. In 2013 he founded the record label AOMG house to many prominent RnB and hip hop artists, and in 2017 he signed for Jay-Z’s label Roc Nation. Some Jay Park songs to check out are 몸매 (Mommae) ft. Ugly Duck, K-Town ft. Hit-Boy and All I Wanna Do ft. Hoody & Loco.
DPR LIVE
DPR LIVE is a hip hop rapper under DPR: Dream Perfect Regime. Whenever you hear a song start with “Coming to you Live”, you can bet it is a DPR LIVE song. His discography has a smoother sound to it, but still presents a strong beat. If you are in the mood for something more mellow, you should definitely check out his songs Jasmine, Martini Blue and Is You Down.
Simon Dominic
Simon Dominic started his career in the early 2000s under the stage name K-OUTA in the underground KHH duo Supreme Team. In 2013, Supreme Team disbanded, and he went on to become the co-CEO of Jay Park’s AOMG. Some songs of his to check out are Simon Dominic, Make Her Dance ft. Loop & Crush and Won & Only ft. Jay Park.
Listen to Simon Dominic on Spotify
BewhY
BewhY gained fame after winning the fifth season of the Korean rap competition TV show “Show Me The Money.” He is openly Christian, and instead of rapping about money and sex, he differentiates himself by writing music about the Bible and Jesus. He once stated he wants to spread his faith, quite a heavy topic, through a lighter medium. Compelling songs of his are Gottasadae, Protagonist, Bicheal Yackson and 9ucci Bank ft. Dok2.
