series

Swaggers Made in USA (main title)

[Translators’ Notes] Swaggers Made in USA 14-17

Here are our translators’ notes for episodes 14-17 of AKATV’s web series Swaggers Made in USA.

In these four episodes, all performances end and the overall winner is revealed. Afterwards, the Swaggers visit a strip club and explore downtown Atlanta.

Subtitle Credits Episodes 14-17
Translations, Timing, Edit: Lena
Translation Check: Nahae
Quality Check: Lena, Nahae

The subtitles for the final batch of episodes is currently in the making and we hope you can be patient — you surely wouldn’t want to miss the fun that the final four episodes are!

Related links:
AKATV  [icon type=”facebook”]   [icon type=”instagram”]   [icon type=”play”]   [icon type=”youtube”]
AKATV’s mascot MC AKA  [icon type=”instagram”].
Superbee  [icon type=”facebook”]   [icon type=”music”]   [icon type=”soundcloud”]   [icon type=”twitter”].
myunDo  [icon type=”facebook”]   [icon type=”instagram”]   [icon type=”soundcloud”]   [icon type=”twitter”].
Tarae  [icon type=”music”]   [icon type=”soundcloud”]   [icon type=”twitter”]   [icon type=”youtube”].
Jung Sangsoo  [icon type=”music”].

[x_custom_headline type=”left” level=”h1″ looks_like=”h3″ accent=”true”]Episodes and Translators’ Notes[/x_custom_headline]

Episode 14: 2nd Performance

  1. When Superbee says that his ears are telling him that they like JBo, the Korean on-screen text reads: “He can converse with his body.”
  2. In this 2nd round, Sangsoo performs ‘부산을 대표해(Represent Busan). The on-screen text describes him a “truly passionate man.”
  3. Sangsoo’s secon track is ‘절대 안놓쳐’ (Never Letting Go) off his EP ‘Color Glasses‘.
  4. In case it wasn’t clear, after Sangsoo’s performance, Tarae imitates him.
  5. Note: We do know that Tarae did not actually leave the venue, only the stage, but that is what the Korean on-screen text says so we kept it as is for the sake of tension (?).
Episode 15: 2nd Performance

  1. The song Tarae performs is an unreleased track called ‘착한놈’ (Nice Guy) which is supposedly going to be part of his upcoming mixtape. You can watch the full performance here. The track appears several times throughout the episodes, for example when Tarae rapped at allkpop or in episode 17 as he drives off to buy breakfast.
  2. Some explanations for Tarae’s lyrics:
    1. “13 years of rap, I stalk her, crazy obsession” — The “her” refers to hiphop.
    2. “I apologize and develop like Steve Jobs” — The Korean word for “apologize” (사과하다, sagwahada) can literally be understood as “do/make/create an apple” which obviously refers to Apple.
  3. Note: Just felt like pointing out that during the performances, Jung Sangsoo is always standing and being supportive.
  4. Superbee performs ‘아빠차‘ (Dad’s Car or Daddy’s Car –we used the shorter version for the subtitles– also titled ‘APPA CAR’).
  5. 오빠차‘ (Oppa’s Car) is Incredivle’s version of the song. He was chosen by Tablo & JINUSEAN over Superbee on SMTM which is why Superbee calls them ‘thieves’. He let out his anger towards them amongst others in the song ‘냉탕에 상어‘ (Shark in the Cold Pool — here is the full translation).
Episode 16: Strip Club

  1. The part where Jung Sangsoo is shown having fun in the strip club and there is text on screen and someone speaks, that is part of the song ‘킬리만자로의 표범’ (Leopard of Mt. Kilimanjaro) by Cho Yong-pil off his eigth album. The actual lyrics (what is being spoken) go: “Have you ever seen a hyena hanging around the foot of a mountain to find prey? / A hyena at the foot of a mountain that only wants the rotten meat of beasts / I do not want to be a hyena but a leopard”
  2. When Jung Sangsoo asks woman who are interested in him to contact him, the Korean on-screen text reads: “public proposal
Episode 17: Atlanta Downtown

  1. When Superbee lowers his pants, the Korean on-screen text actually says: “As expected, hiphop (style) pants should look like you shit in them”
  2. The song Jung Sangsoo performs in the street is ‘명사수’ (Sharpshooter) off his EP ‘Color Glasses‘.
  3. Just a note: Remember how they said in the beginning that if one of them runs out of money he will be on his own? Now Superbee is offering to help out Tarae. :)

If you like Swaggers Made in USA, also check out AKATV’s other web series, Rapper Car! The first two episodes with Olltiithe second two with MC Sniperthe third two with Phantom’s Hanhae, and the fourth two with KittiB are now available with English subtitles.

Swaggers Made in USA (main title)

[Translators’ Notes] Swaggers Made in USA 11-13

Episodes 11-13 of AKATV’s web series Swaggers Made in USA are finally available with English subtitles. Read on for the links and all the background information!

In these three new episodes, the first round of performances ends and the winner is revealed. Superbee and Sangsoo have a fall-out and finally, the Swaggers go to Grand Hustle Records to meet T.I.

Subtitle Credits Episodes 11-13
Translations, Timing, Edit: Lena
Translation Check: Nahae
Quality Check: Lena, Nahae

New episodes with English subtitles are usually released every Wednesday, we apologize for being so late this time. The next batch of episodes are 14-17 and they will be up on YouTube on Wednesday but the subtitles will take a bit longer. We hope for your understanding.

Related links:
AKATV  [icon type=”facebook”]   [icon type=”instagram”]   [icon type=”play”]   [icon type=”youtube”]
AKATV’s mascot MC AKA  [icon type=”instagram”].
Superbee  [icon type=”facebook”]   [icon type=”music”]   [icon type=”soundcloud”]   [icon type=”twitter”].
myunDo  [icon type=”facebook”]   [icon type=”instagram”]   [icon type=”soundcloud”]   [icon type=”twitter”].
Tarae  [icon type=”music”]   [icon type=”soundcloud”]   [icon type=”twitter”]   [icon type=”youtube”].
Jung Sangsoo  [icon type=”music”].
Young Dro   [icon type=”instagram”]  [icon type=”music”]   [icon type=”twitter”].
Hannah Kang  [icon type=”home”]   [icon type=”instagram”]   [icon type=”twitter”].

[x_custom_headline type=”left” level=”h1″ looks_like=”h3″ accent=”true”]Episodes and Translators’ Notes[/x_custom_headline]

Episode 11: 1st Performance

  1. When Superbee says that having a cold doesn’t influence his rap, the Korean on-screen text describes him as “man who attacks Tarae.”
  2. After Tarae’s performance, Superbee is described as “dongsaeng who is embarrassed of Tarae-hyung.”
  3. Sangsoo performs his latest single ‘Hiphop Style Rap‘ — here are some notes on the lyrics:
    1. The lyrics say “ZAP” which I translated as “jab” since ‘zap’ has all kinds of strange meanings in English. In Korean, it is a term used in video games and means to attack or to hit.
    2. The “I tap to the next level” part might refer to the game Tap Heroes.
    3. “The map of my life gets broader by day” — Think of video games where you uncover the map as you go along.
    4. DEUX (듀스) – Time 2 Wreck (with Ness)
    5. Wu-Tang Clan – Protect Ya Neck (The Jump Off)
    6. stim pack — another video game term referring to a type of items that increases a game character’s abilities.
  4. As Superbee comments on Sangsoo’s performance, he is described by the Korean on-screen text as “1 person who found Sangsoo-hyung’s rap funny,” Tarae as “the man who uses the same room,” and Sangsoo as “1 person who is satisfied with his performance.”
  5. Some notes on Superbee’s lyrics:
    1. He likes to refer to his hair as “mop head” or “broom head.”
    2. Superbee obviously does not say “google,” he literally says that people search on “Naver.”
    3. The word translated as “left-overs” is another video game term (some Korean rappers love to use these). It refers to enemies (other players or monsters) that a player missed during a fight against a group of enemies because they walked away out of sight and are thus “left over” and after finishing off most of the enemies, the player goes after the “left-overs” to kill them off as well.
    4. “I’m not a cap but they call me the best” is a pun on the word cap (a type of hat) and ‘캡’ (read: cap) which is a slightly older colloquial term meaning “the best.” It is said to have originated from “captain.” Sangsoo used it in his lyrics as well: “I’m the best at this type of rap”
  6. After his performance, Superbee is described as “1 person who wants to be recognized,” and myunDo as “a friend who envies Superbee.” Then, Superbee is described as “guy who is popular in Atlanta,” Jung Sangsoo as “man who did not find Superbee’s performance that great.”
Episode 12: Drunken Sangsoo

  1. Throughout the episode, Tarae keeps talking in Gyeongsang dialect with Jung Sangsoo, although Tarae is from Suwon where the dialect is not spoken.
  2. When Tarae tells Sangsoo not to drink and cuss again, he refers to the incident on SMTM3 where Sangsoo did exactly that.
  3. As Jung Sangsoo tells Superbee to follow him outside, staff members also follow out of worry, but Sangsoo tells them that it’s okay and that they can go back.
Episode 13: Grand Hustle

  1. As they sit in the car with the food, Jung Sangsoo suggests to eat in the car and says: “If we go back, they’ll want our food.” Food sharing is common in Korean culture which is due to several cultural aspects like community or the value of food.
  2. After having made up, Superbee and Jung Sangsoo eat together in peace. Here, Sangsoo uses Gyeongsang dialect as he speaks which indicates that he feels comfortable.
  3. Jung Sangsoo suggest that the Swaggers will meet Korean rapper Crown J.
  4. When asked what they want to say to T.I., Sangsoo uses banmal (familiar speech).
  5. Superbee and myunDo’s song is ‘좌! (Jwa!)‘.
  6. myunDo makes a “be quiet” gesture and says “Shh!” because they lyrics at that part are about being quiet.
  7. Sangsoo performs his latest single ‘Hiphop Style Rap‘ again.
  8. Tarae’s track seems to be another unreleased one, it’s the same he performed at the club. It’s probably called ‘뭣도 모르면서’ (which roughly translates to “You know nothing” or “You know shit”).

If you like Swaggers Made in USA, also check out AKATV’s other web series, Rapper Car! The first two episodes with Olltiithe second two with MC Sniper and the third two with Phantom’s Hanhae are now available with English subtitles.

Rapper Car with Hanhae

[Translators’ Notes] Rapper Car with Hanhae

Rapper Car is the latest web series by AKATV in which Kjun invites rappers for a drive with talking and live rapping. The third two episodes feature Hanhae of Phantom and are now available with our English subtitles. Read on for all the details!

Swaggers Made in USA (main title)

[Translators’ Notes] Swaggers Made in USA 08-10

Episodes 08-10 of AKATV’s web series Swaggers Made in USA are available with English subtitles. Read on for the links and all the background information!

In these three new episodes, the Swaggers visit the producers that are going to offer their beats to the winner. They are Major Seven who produced for example ‘The Devil Is A Lie‘, “Dow Jones” and “Henny” of Tha Bizness who produced amongst others for Chris Brown and R.Kelly, and JBo of Ear Drummer Records. Then, the Swaggers’ first competition starts with myunDo being the first to perform …

Subtitle Credits Episodes 08-10
Translations, Timing, Edit: Lena
Translation Check: Nahae
Quality Check: Lena, Nahae

New episodes with English subtitles are released every Wednesday.

Related links:
AKATV  [icon type=”facebook”]   [icon type=”instagram”]   [icon type=”play”]   [icon type=”youtube”]
AKATV’s mascot MC AKA  [icon type=”instagram”].
Superbee  [icon type=”facebook”]   [icon type=”music”]   [icon type=”soundcloud”]   [icon type=”twitter”].
myunDo  [icon type=”facebook”]   [icon type=”instagram”]   [icon type=”soundcloud”]   [icon type=”twitter”].
Tarae  [icon type=”music”]   [icon type=”soundcloud”]   [icon type=”twitter”]   [icon type=”youtube”].
Jung Sangsoo  [icon type=”music”].
Major Seven  [icon type=”soundcloud”]   [icon type=”twitter”].
Tha Bizness   [icon type=”facebook”]   [icon type=”soundcloud”]   [icon type=”twitter”].
JBo  [icon type=”instagram”]   [icon type=”twitter”]

[x_custom_headline type=”left” level=”h1″ looks_like=”h3″ accent=”true”]Episodes and Translators’ Notes[/x_custom_headline]

Episode 08: Major Seven

  1. Whenever the on-screen text expresses Sangsoo’s “thoughts” or speaks for him, it is in Busan dialect since Sangsoo is from Busan.
  2. When Sangsoo performs first, his lyrics are the same from episode 04, like myunDo notices.
  3. On his second try, Sangsoo performs lyrics off his latest single ‘Hiphop Style Rap‘.
  4. Tarae raps lyrics from his track ‘Steve Blass Syndrome‘.
  5. On his third try, Sangsoo raps part of his track ‘부산을 대표해 (Represent Busan)‘.
  6. Superbee raps lyrics from ‘Hot Gimchi‘.
Episode 09: Tha Bizness & EarDrummer JBo

  1. It is very funny how the producers and cameramen all try to scare Superbee and Tarae by playing on prejudices, they clearly are not being serious so do not take it the wrong way. The Korean on-screen text describes Superbee as “scared SUPER Baby”.
  2. To be exact, Tha Bizness is a producer team made up of “Henny” and “Dow Jones,” who is the one doing the talking.
  3. Tarae’s ‘Driver‘ has still not been released.
  4. Superbee plays ‘냉탕에 상어 (Shark in the Cold Pool) (Feat. Black Nut)’. Go here for the full lyrics translation and lyric video.
  5. Sangsoo’s track is ‘Hiphop Style Rap‘ (he also raps its lyrics at JBo’s studio).
  6. myunDo’s track is Hottest MCs’ Rockin’ With The Fresh (Rockin’ With The Best Remix) off their mixtape ‘나쁜 김치 둘 (Two Bad Gimchis) Vol.1′.
Episode 10: First Performance

  1. Opinion: on the first watch, I thought that they were being pretty biased, feeling uncomfortable in that club full of African Americans. After consideration however, I have found that maybe the reason why they are all so nervous at that club is because for Koreans: African Americans = (original) hiphop. All of the four contestants know the history of hiphop and its origins, and it has been an important topic in the Korean hiphop scene to distinguish Korean hiphop from its “original.” What I mean to say is that they must have felt like amateur soccer players on the field being watched by people like Messi and Ronaldo–super intimidated and nervous. The way I see it, it is not a problem of stereotypes or being biased but more a question of awe and respect. Also, it is only natural that they are nervous and uncomfortable in those new surroundings and situation.
  2. While Superbee and Tarae say how they are nervous, the Korean on-screen texts describe them as “scaredy-cat 1″ and “scaredy-cat 2,” while Sangsoo who is mingling with the crowd is described as “Korean Afro American” since he fits right in.
  3. Before myunDo performs, we see a flashback of how the contestants met and Tarae says, “I didn’t know him.” To be exact, he says, “I couldn’t know him,” and probably means to imply that myunDo was not shown on TV in SMTM and that Tarae never had a chance to meet him in person or otherwise find out what he looks like.
  4. myunDo performs ‘신사임당 (Shin Saimdang)’. (Please excuse the mistake, it should be “Shin Saimdang” and not “Shinsaimdang” as written in the subtitles.) You can rewatch the performance here. Shin Saimdang is shown on the 50,000 won bill, which is the highest won bill available. So the song is basically about money, as clear from the lyrics.

If you like Swaggers Made in USA, also check out AKATV’s other web series, Rapper Car! The first two episodes with Olltii as well as the second two with MC Sniper are now available with English subtitles.