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BLOO

“I’m Happiest When I Do Music”: An Interview with BLOO

Rapper and MKIT RAIN member BLOO answered some questions for us before the release of his album “It’s not Love I’m just Drunk.”

MKIT RAIN has certainly made their presence known in Korea’s hip-hop scene. The label of friends and like minds has established themselves as one of the most unique crews in South Korea. (By virtue of them all being from the States, it’s easy to see how they’ve managed to distinguish themselves.)

Rapper BLOO is a huge reason why the crew has set themselves apart from much of the scene. He’s got a darker edge to his sound that seems to balance out the various parts of MKIT RAIN’s aesthetic. Before the release of his latest album, “It’s not Love I’m just Drunk,” BLOO took some time to let fans of his in to his world, if only just a bit.

Origins & Inspirations

Could you introduce yourself to our readers?
What’s up guys, it’s your badboy BLOO.​​

What made you want to make music?
The fact that music has the power to change someone’s life made me want to become a rapper/singer.​​

What about rap music inspired you?
I mean, I love every kind of music: K-pop to EDM. They all have different kind of mood and its own vibe to it.

I read that you’re a fan of Tupac, Biggie, and 50 Cent. You’re also a fan of Kanye West. What about them inspires you?
My fave one is actually 50 Cent. I love his songs, vibe. He writes gangster music to love songs, so his music spectrum is pretty big.

How did you come up with your stage name?
All my fave rappers’ nicknames [were] “bad boy,” so I combined “bad boy” and my sister’s nickname “loo.”

How did you meet nafla?
We had the same class in high school. He was a senior, and I was a freshman.

How did you meet niahn?
He was nafla’s best friend.

Feeling Lost

You lived in the States for a long time. What were your feelings when you moved back to Korea?
I felt kinda lost cus I did not know much about Korea even though I was born here. So I had a pretty hard time adjusting.

bloo-2

In the past you’ve talked about almost giving up on being a rapper because of the hate you received. Was there something specific someone said that pushed you to the point of wanting to quit?Honestly anyone who says bad things hurts my feelings, but what can I do?

What made you decide to keep going?
Because I’m happiest when I do music or when I’m on the stage.​​

Because there are always going to be people who speak negatively, how do you deal with the negative comments?
I really don’t know how to deal with those things. I have to figure it out.

Hip Hop with a “K”

What do you think is the biggest difference between hip hop in the States and hip hop in Korea?
​​I think hip hop in the States just has a bigger scene compared to Korea. Other than that I think it’s almost the same.​​

What do you think about the rap scene in Korea?
It’s getting bigger, so I think it’s good.

Do you think there’s something about you that makes you stand out from other rappers in Korea?
I’m not sure. I’m just doing what I can. Just doing music. I try to make my own original sound though.

If there was something you could change about rap in Korea, what would it be?
Nothing ahah.

Darker Mood

Your music is really moody. Almost dark. Do you make darker music on purpose? Or does it just happen to be that way?
I don’t really make music on purpose. I probably was in a darker mood, so that’s why it came out like that.

Many of your videos show you drinking heavily and partying. Is there a reason for that?
Um, not really. There’s no reason for that.

“Hennessy” talks about drinking as if there’s no tomorrow to relieve stress. Do you think that’s something a lot of people can relate to?​
It depends I guess, but I think alcohol makes me feel numb, that’s why I drink it.​​

“boyfromthemoon” seems like a song expressing your isolation. It’s also the most personal song you’ve made so far. What made you write this song?
[The] song itself explains everything. I was feeling alone but strong at the same time.

The video also shows someone suffering from addiction and some inner demons. Did you come up with the idea for the video? Is this your way to express some things about yourself?
Yes, me and my directors come up with the idea together, and that’s one way to express my feeling.

What songs of yours do you think best express who you are?
“I Am,” from “Downtown Baby” and “So Rude.”

“It’s not Love…”

BLOO - It's not Love I'm just Drunk (album cover)

Could you tell us a bit about your latest EP?
It’s about love. Love about my friends, my family, girls, and dogs and cats.

Your first EP, “BLOO IN WONDERLAND”, was very focused on bad romance, heartbreak, and unreturned love. Is that something you’re going to explore some more in your next EP?
I guess so, but it got upgraded.

The music on “BLOO IN WONDERLAND” was really dark. Are you going to continue to use dark themes in the production? Or are you going in a different direction?​
I think it’s slightly different, but I think it’s still very moody.

Are there any special collaborations on this EP?​Nope, I didn’t use any featuring. Maybe I should do some collaborations on my next album​​.

In a previous question I said “boyfromthemoon” seems very personal. Is this new EP going to focus more on your personal life/personal experiences?
Every song is from my personal life or my personal experiences, so yes.

What’s your favorite song on the new EP and why?
Song called “Haru Ah-chim.”

What was the hardest song to make on the EP and why?​
“To.dream” was hardest song to finish. I cried so much while writing it.

What’s the biggest impression you want listeners to get from this EP?
​I hope you can relate to my feelings. That’s all. Feel the hate, feel the love and fear, cus we are all going through same stuff. ENJOY!

Any final thoughts?
I can’t wait to see my fans all around the world. I’ll get more famous and I’ll come see you guys.​​

Follow BLOO:
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Metaphaurus took some time to revisit HiphopKR and answer some questions two years after our first conversation.

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Following the release of his latest effort, “Mo Sex,” he took some time to answer a few questions for us and introduce himself to our readers.

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First Time: An Interview with Up-and-Coming Artist Unmeek

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Epik High

We Do ‘Epik High’: An Interview with Epik High

It wouldn’t be a stretch to call Epik High legends. For over 15 years, the hip-hop Renaissance Men have enraptured audiences with their alternative perspective of the genre. With a penchant for creating music that digs into the insecurities and frailties of human nature, Tablo, Mithra Jin, and Tukutz have paved the way for a generation of artists who express themselves without fear.

Following the release of their second EP, “sleepless in __________,” the trio have embarked on a world tour. Before their stop in Austin, TX, they took some time out to answer some questions for HiphopKR.

Fearless Expression

Firstly, how is the tour going so far? Any interesting stories you’d like to share?

Tablo: The tour has been absolutely amazing. Beginning with Europe through N. America we will have met 30,000 fans in a little over a month since ‘Sleepless in __________’ has been released. We’re blessed to be able to see these many souls and share something with them. Also, I get to visit my other hometowns like the Bay Area and Vancouver, so that’s exciting!

Since your earliest days, when your music used to get banned from stations, music (and particularly hip-hop) has started talking more openly about controversial issues (mental health, the suicide rate, criticizing the government). Do you think your work has had a hand in making those issues come to light more prominently?

Mithra: There is no real way to gauge the extent of our influence, but we have been told that we inspired newer artists who speak on social issues, such as BTS.

Tablo: We’re happy about that because our intent in doing music was always to inspire others to have a voice, even if our own would get stifled in the process.

“[e]nergy” is one of our favorite Epik High albums. It’s just so emotional and so powerful. It was also the last album you put one of your lessons on until “Shoebox” five years later. We think it’s especially relevant considering our current political climate (One of the lines is “Isn’t it fun whenever the period recycles?”) What would Tablo’s Lesson be in 2019?

Tablo: When I have something to say, I put it in the music, so you’ll have to wait for Lesson 6.

If there were one aspect of “fame” or being a “celebrity” you could completely get rid of, what would it be?

Tablo: I’m grateful for everything, be it good or bad.

Who We Are

Many outlets describe you as “alt hip-hop.” Would you say that’s an accurate classification? If so, what do you think makes you “alternative” to “traditional” hip-hop? If not, how would you describe what you do?

Tukutz: We don’t really care, honestly. People can label us what they want.

Tablo: It really doesn’t change who we actually are and what we do.

Tukutz: We do ‘Epik High.’

Jin. You started out in the underground scene before you and Epik High really became internationally renowned and respected superstars. There are hundreds of rappers still grinding it out independently. Even rappers like RM and Suga who were underground rappers have found major success as mainstream artists (with BTS). What do you (or any of the members) think allows underground rappers/artists to go from underground/independent to popular/mainstream?

Mithra: Hard work and the fans. What I mean by hard work is perseverance.

Tablo: Yes, perseverance. Many people work hard, but only a few can persevere in the face of immeasurable odds. Like time, like suffering, like loss.

Tukutz. As a former b-boy, your connection to music is a little different than someone who writes and raps/sings. The musical range on all the albums has been so varied. What inspires how you create the music?

Tukutz: Tablo and I write songs together, and because we’re so different in personality, interests and life experiences, Epik High’s music automatically becomes diverse.

You’ve worked with record labels for 15 years. Do you think having the backing of a label made creating music less stressful? Or has the creative process always come easy for you?

Tablo: Even when we were with a label, we’ve always had complete creative freedom because we’ve always been willing to fight for it.

Mithra: Now that we’re independent again, all we have to fight is ourselves to continue to make good art.

sleepless in __________

You’ve worked with a wide range of artists over the years. If you were to do a “Born Hater 2,” who would you want to feature on it?

Tukutz: ‘No Thanxxx’ was ‘Born Hater 2,’ in a way. We already have ideas for the next squad song, but you’ll have to wait!

We have seen you describe “sleepless in __________” as a new beginning for Epik High. But it also seems like it’s a return to what made Epik High what it is (sort of revisiting the “purest” form of the group). What do you consider it to be most — a new beginning or a return to the beginning?

Tablo: I’d say both. Sometimes the best start is to go back to where you started.

Tukutz: Yes. I think the reception to the album has been so explosive because of this. People recognize and love that the album sounds like a classic Epik High album.

The intro to “sleepless in __________” is really fascinating: A monotone, almost robotic voice asking some very personal questions about loneliness and melancholy. Why was it important for you to start the album that way? Are those questions that ask yourself?

Tablo: Often, we don’t know what we’re feeling or dealing with because no one asks. This is why I made this track and this album.

Was the track “No Different” directed to someone in particular?

Tablo: Anyone that misses someone.

There was a focus on lo-fi for “sleepless in__________.” What drew you all to that sort of music? Was that an intentional musical choice for the album?

Tukutz: Lo-fi has always been our sound, even before it became a talking point. We were just doing what we do best.

Tablo: I found it interesting though that lo-fi music recently became this ‘sleep playlist/relaxing music/study music’ thing. I thought there would be a sense of irony to go super lo-fi on an album dealing with sleeplessness. That’s why in ‘Rain Again Tomorrow,’ I have lyrics directly addressing this: ‘Fuck em all, man I hate this.’

For each of you, what song on this album holds the most meaning to you personally and why?

Mithra: ‘Lovedrunk.’ I love the song and the video.

Tukutz: ‘In Seoul.’ It is like an audio painting of Seoul city.

Tablo: ‘Lullaby For A Cat.’ Because saving cats is my life goal.

The Future

What are you most looking forward to for the rest of the year?

Epik High: More concerts and festivals! We are planning a big year-end concert in Seoul around Christmas time, so book your flights!

Do you have any final thoughts for our readers?

Epik High: Thank you for listening to music. We are nothing without you.

Check out Epik High on tour!

Follow Epik High:
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Colde at ERR;OR Showcase, SXSW 2019

The Next Wave: A SXSW Interview with COLDE

SXSW is perhaps my favorite part of the year. There’s a certain amount of craziness that goes into covering the festival. But in the midst of all the madness, I have the unique privilege of getting to make connections with artists I respect. Despite mutual hectic schedules, HiphopKR got the opportunity to send some questions to R&B/hip-hop artist COLDE.

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