When Crush released the double single “NAPPA” at the end of August, it was definitely a reminder of why he’s the best in the game.
The Vocal Genius of DEAN: “Howlin’ 404” Acoustic
When DEAN unexpectedly dropped the acoustic version of “Howlin’ 404,” he reintroduced fans to the power and subtle genius of his voice.
“BewhY GOTTASADAE!” How a Man Builds His Kingdom
“GOTTASADAE.” First of all, BewhY… ARE YOU KIDDING ME WITH THIS VIDEO?! How does one articulate the mastery of one of the most brilliant pieces of visual art to come out of South Korea? There are so many avenues. So many theories. However, one thing stuck out to me in about a dozen different ways. The ego of man. “GOTTASADAE” seems to be the perfect visual representation of a man constructing a kingdom unto himself. BewhY and director Hobin have expressed that with form, color, and references, all of which blew my mind.
The Brilliance & Whimsy of CIRRRCLE’s “Talkin to Watashi”
On Monday, August 5, trio CIRRRCLE released their collaboration with FLANNEL ALBERT and LATE LEE. “Talkin to Watashi” is a whimsical summer tune about summer flings and their potential to become something more by summer’s end.
Making Something Timeless: An Interview with Metaphaurus
I can’t tell you how much of a blessing it is to be able to talk to an artist who’s constantly working to improve himself. Josh Kim, best known by the hip-hop pseudonym Metaphaurus Raps, is an artist who strives for more than just a moment in the spotlight. His music is a means to open himself up and reflect. Dissect his past and push himself toward a brighter future.
Metaphaurus took some time to revisit HiphopKR and answer some questions two years after our first conversation.
A Pre-Release Review of Amismyk’s “Dead Rockstar”
After officially debuting as a rapper in 2018, Sima Kim reveals the sophomore EP of his alter ego Amismyk. He fashions himself a darker persona that talks brazenly about his fascination with female genitalia and distaste for personal relationships. As far as debuts go, it’s… well, it’s an interesting one.
Life Is Short, Life Is Complex: An Interview with AYEKAY
When it comes to hip-hop, it’s hard to sift through the dregs to find someone genuine. Someone who keeps the spirit of the genre and its history nestled closely to their own understanding of the craft. LA-based rapper AYEKAY was a risk for me. Going through his discography, however, kept me intrigued long enough to really want to get to know him.
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.
MKIT RAIN Closes the ERR;OR Showcase with a Bang
There was a lot of expectation for the ERR;OR Showcase. With the lineup it was easy to believe it was going to be quite a spectacle. Some of the performances were just that: exciting, tantalizing, outrageous. Others… not so much. When it came time for MKIT RAIN to hit the stage, there was a tangible anxiousness in the crowd. As it turned out, the crew was the perfect way to close the evening.
Colde Invites Us to His WAVY World at SXSW
There are few artists who live up to the mystery they project on camera. I can say unequivocally Colde is such an artist. It’s more than just the signature cap he pulls over his head (a seeming trend among artists of this new wave of R&B crooners from Korea).
He’s completely wrapped up in the persona. His aura is tinged blue, thus the deep purple hue he emits under the harsh red stage lights. As the third act of ERR;OR NYC’s showcase at SXSW, the mood of the night changed completely when he stepped up to the mic.
Dear Epik High, Thank You
As someone who writes a lot of critique, there are times when you just don’t know what to say. Words quite literally fail you. This is especially true for moments when an experience leaves you so utterly awe-inspired, so emotionally moved the prim professionalism of a music journalist seems petty. This is what happened to me following Epik High’s Austin stop of their North American tour. At times like these there’s really only one thing to say:
Thank you.