Interviews

Dok2 - Multillionaire (cover)

Dok2 releases ‘MULTILLIONAIRE’ with DJ Mustard | Commentary with HIPHOPPLAYA

In celebration of his 25th birthday, 1LLIONAIRE Records CEO and artist Dok2 released his latest track ‘MULTILLIONAIRE’ with American producer DJ Mustard, who is known for his past work with American emcees such as Tyga, YG, Kid Ink, Meek Mill, Chris Brown, and more. Check out HIPHOPPLAYA’s interview with Dok2 about his latest track.

HIPHOPPLAYA: DJ Mustard is one of the hottest producers in America. Did you initiate the collaboration? Or vice versa?

Dok2: My friend Ben Baller connected me to DJ Mustard. I didn’t want to form a collaboration solely through monetary incentive. Instead, I played my tracks to DJ Mustard who really enjoyed it. In the end, DJ Mustard charged me a low fee (lower fee than I would charge in Korea) to jumpstart this collaboration.

https://instagram.com/p/0vGOMapMrj/

HIPHOPPLAYA: What kind of track is ‘MULTILLIONAIRE’?

Dok2: The track is more or less similar to my usual work. (laughs) I didn’t want to try something new that I may or may not have enjoyed, especially since I was given the opportunity to collaborate with DJ Mustard. That’s a contradiction in my opinion. I wanted to create something I will enjoy.

HIPHOPPLAYA: Is this the beginning of your presence in the US? We’ll say this again but DJ Mustard is hot over there.

Dok2: Not exactly, but I did my best to separate myself from other Korean hip-hop artists by following the trendy style that is currently popular in the US.

https://instagram.com/p/0k5mIXJob2

HIPHOPPLAYA: The first single of your upcoming album features DJ Mustard, which heightens the anticipation for the full-length album. What can you tell us about your album [Multillionaire]?

Dok2: It’s a full-length album. As exemplified by my first full-length album [HUSTLE REAL HARD], this album will draw a perfect picture and will exceed my [high] standards.

HIPHOPPLAYA: Can we expect your album to drop in April?

Dok2: Most likely so. I am doing my very best to complete this album as soon as possible.

HIPHOPPLAYA: Are you currently in Las Vegas to complete your album [Multillioniare]?

Dok2: I went to Vegas for a photoshoot and to write lyrics. I find it easier to write my lyrics after a relaxing vacation rather than to write in my home.

https://instagram.com/p/0uAonpJoSN/

Dok2’s latest digital single ‘Multillionaire‘ dropped on March 28 KST and is available through various music portals.

DOK2 http://www.instagram.com/dok2gonzo
DJ MUSTARD https://instagram.com/djmustard

[ Source | HIPHOPPLAYA ]

[ Translation | HiphopKR ]

 

 

Keith Ape & co.

HILITE Records comments on Keith Ape hit track “It G Ma”

Earlier this year, Keith Ape dropped the MV for his track ‘It G Ma (잊지마)’ which recently surpassed 4 million views on YouTube. Despite the continued controversy over the track “It G Ma” and the alleged “cultural appropriation” of American hip-hop (more specifically, OG Maco’s “U Guessed It”), Keith Ape’s presence in the US is now greater than ever. Korean hip-hop magazine HIPHOPPLAYA sat down with Keith Ape’s record label HILITE Records to discuss this matter.

HIPHOPPLAYA: “It G Ma” recently passed 4 million hits on YouTube. Did you ever expect this sort of outcome?

HILITE: When Keith Ape played the hook for “It G Ma” for the first time, we immediately liked it. We remember Keith Ape telling us that this will be the single of 2015.

HIPHOPPLAYA: When “It G Ma” first dropped in January, the response was positive from OGG [OG Maco’s label]. However, OG Maco more recently criticized the track through an interview and various Tweets. This was followed by a photo of both Keith Ape and OG Maco [at SXSW 2015]. What happened?

https://twitter.com/OGMaco/status/563012341194035201

HILITE: The two met recently at the SXSW festival. Despite the obvious tension in the air, the two shared a meaningful and constructive conversation. Let’s forget the past.

https://twitter.com/OGMaco/status/579468587338891264

HIPHOPPLAYA: Can we expect a collaboration with OGG?

HILITE: When the time is right, we believe there will be a creative collaboration between the two parties.

HIPHOPPLAYA: How did Keith Ape come about performing at the SXSW festival this year?

HILITE: Keith Ape is currently supported by record label in Los Angeles called Cash Only. Great people.

HIPHOPPLAYA: Keith Ape shared the stage with Korean artists Okasian and JayAllday in New York.

HILITE: All three are part of The Cohort crew. JayAllday, who has great connections with artists overseas, reached out to others and made this possible.

HIPHOPPLAYA: How did the collaboration between Keith Ape and Azizi Gibson come about?

HILITE: After “It G Ma” blew up, Keith Ape and JuniorChef (“It G Ma” co-producer) was reached out by various artists overseas. Through FaceTime, Keith Ape shared his other music to Azizi Gibson and vice versa, which ended up in a collaboration.

HIPHOPPLAYA: I feel like this is just the beginning of his growth. Given that this was an abrupt trip to the US, what if Keith Ape decides not to return to South Korea?

HILITE: We hope that he stays busy enough overseas to remain in the US. We kept this quiet but we were reached out by several international contacts. As a Korean hip-hop artist, Keith Ape is experiencing a unique phenomena. Keith Ape needs to seize this opportunity and continue to surprise everyone while receiving the support he deserves. This is truly a miracle.

HIPHOPPLAYA: The fifth year anniversary of HILITE Records is coming up. Any plans for this year?

HILITE: Artists are working hard to complete and release their respective work, which will be celebrated with the fans on stage. Let us continue the movement together.

Article | HIPHOPPLAYA
Photo | OG Maco
Translation | HIPHOPKR

Jay Park collaborates with Jahlil Beats for upcoming project | Commentary

The following is a commentary on the collaboration between Jay Park and Jahlil Beats, who is known for his past work with Meek Mill, Kid Ink, Busta Rhymes, Ace Hood and others. ‘Jahlil Beats’ ‘PROJECT EP’

 

HIPHOPPLAYA: How did this collaboration come about?

Jay Park: The collaboration started through the artist MINA KWON, who worked with and subsequently introduced me to Jahlil Beats.

HIPHOPPLAYA: I was under the impression that you received the beat about two years ago. Is there a reason you decided to release this now?

Jay Park: I’m not sure if you knew but I dropped an English mixtape back in 2012, and was planning on dropping a subsequent one shortly after. I was going to include this track on my second mixtape, but my plans changed with the creation of AOMG and other commitments. So I said, ‘Ah! Whatever’ [laughs] and decided to release the track.

HIPHOPPLAYA: Jahlil Beats is a very well known artist, which means you would have likely been successful selling this track on iTunes. Any reason why you decided to release this track for free?

Jay Park: Although I consider myself to be better known artist in Asia, that isn’t the case in America (with the exception of K-POP fans). That’s why I dropped it for free; to promote my name using mixtapes, free tracks, and videos. Similar to what American artists would do.

HIPHOPPLAYA: We would love to hear about your plans to collaborate with international artists.

Jay Park: I am currently working on a project EP which will hopefully feature a number of artists from overseas. I will leave it at that until everything is confirmed.

HIPHOPPLAYA: What is the plan for AOMG in 2015?

Jay Park: We are all planning to release something this year. Big things coming.

 

Author | HIPHOPPLAYA
Translation | HIPHOPKR

Jay Park – Lotto (Prod.by Jahlil Beats)

[verse 1]
No I ain’t a D-boy but I am a B-boy
never dealt drugs but I’m stackin G’s boy
no gat not strapped I ain’t never seen toys
but I’m always takin pics so U know I get that cheese boy
you know I’m ill with it
keep on rappin till I make a hunnit mill with it
and no I do not have a deal fucka deal with it
It’s me and Jahlil on the beats we gon kill kill it
Seattle 2 Seoul, So U know that I’m coasting
give yo girl the D but her legs wide open
always winning so I always feel like toasting
spit hot fire so you know my mic smoking
no shaft but i’m one bad muhfuckah
no disguise but I got yo girl under covers
AOM all day brotha’s from another mother
man u know I got them moves hotter than a Sydney summer

[Hook]
Yeah, let’s get it
U know I’m poppin’ bottles
yo girl a turkey on my dick gobble gobble
I’ll fuck her till her knees wobble wobble
celebrating everyday like I hit the lotto

[verse 2]
I’m a Seoul city ridah Sea-town lion
a king mothafucka man U see that crown shining
I’mma keep on hustlin till I own my own island
yall don’t know the hal of what is in my pan frying
so I don’t have time for the fuckery to my face they pretend fake wishing luck to me
behind the scenes pulling strings
u know they be wanting me dead and long gone but I’m styling on them comfortably
so I’m just smiling like a winner
while I’m leaving sweet u mothafucka’s is bitter
no I ain’t a gansta no I ain’t a thug
but a couple drinks I be gettin ratchets at the club
so every nights a party like there’s no tommorow
hit it up like there’s no work tommorow
faded in this bitch it’s gon hurt tommorow
yo chick thirsty murcielago

[Hook]

[Bridge]
we hella high in the air
hella high in the air
hella high in the air
so ain’t no motha fucka gonna be us down

[Hook]

Keith Ape

Keith Ape, ‘What matters is that our movement is becoming recognized’

Check out HIPHOPPLAYA’s recent interview with HILITE Records artist and Cohort member Keith Ape.

HIPHOPPLAYA: After signing with HILITE Records, you changed your name from Kid Ash to Keith Ape. Please explain.

Keith Ape: I no longer wanted to have ‘KID’ as part of my name. There’s no deep meaning behind my name change, but simply put, the word ‘KEITH’ symbolizes my refined [fresh] image, and ‘APE’ was added as a contrast. That’s my current image as well as the image I strive for. At first I wanted to use ‘SAVGEHARING’ but decided against it as it was too lengthy. I used to be a huge fan of Keith Haring’s art.

HIPHOPPLAYA: Have things been different since you joined HILITE Records?

Keith Ape: A lot has changed, but I am grateful for being able to make music without worrying about money.

HIPHOPPLAYA: Recently you dropped the MV for ‘It G Ma (잊지마)’. The track and MV features Japanese artists Kohh and Loota. How did this collaboration start?

Keith Ape: I met Kohh and Loota through Jay Allday. Jay used to hang out with these artists back when he stayed in Japan for several years.

HIPHOPPLAYA: As we mentioned during our interview with Okasian, we feel that both music and fashion are growing liberally. This movement can be seen through your music video. As usual, you worked with Jan’ Qui. How did this come about?

Keith Ape: It was spontaneous with no prior planning.

HIPHOPPLAYA: The track and music video is quite similar to OG Maco‘s ‘U Guessed It’. Intentional?

Keith Ape: Guessed it.

HIPHOPPLAYA: After your music video drop, you were personally contacted by OG Maco, received various shoutouts by American artists as well as featured on Complex magazine Facebook page. What are your thoughts?

Keith Ape: I was quite surprised when we were contacted by artists overseas. However, you can’t trust anyone 100% until the official product is released to the public. The important thing is that our movements is becoming recognized by people worldwide.

HIPHOPPLAYA: Any upcoming plans with Cohort and Brain Wash?

Keith Ape: I don’t think there will be any plans with Brain Wash as it was just a project. However I plan to collaborate with G2 in the future. Cohort is likely to drop another compilation album.

HIPHOPPLAYA: What kind of music did you listen to growing up?

Keith Ape: I listened to a lot of foreign [American] music as well as rare unground artists.

HIPHOPPLAYA: Any artists you would like to collaborate with?

Keith Ape: I already have.

HIPHOPPLAYA: What is your current go-to music/artist?

Keith Ape: Divo and Jay Allday.

HIPHOPPLAYA: How is your album coming along? Can you comment on the direction and color your album is heading?

Keith Ape: The album is coming along, and I am enjoying the ride. The album simply defines me and my world. I believe every individual have their own world, but I like to think I am more deeply intoxicated with mine. Some people agree with this idea while others disagree; however this is a way for me to show my true colors.

HIPHOPPLAYA: When can we expect your album?

Keith Ape: Most likely in February.

HIPHOPPLAYA: Aside from music, what are your current interests and hobbies?

Keith Ape: Movies, clothes, drawing, ‘I Want To Know That’ TV show, South Park.

HIPHOPPLAYA: The new year is bright. Can you comment on your vision and plans?

Keith Ape: I wish everyone a happy new year. My vision came to fruition last year, and I will attain it this year. Game time.

 

Translation | HIPHOPKR
Interviewer | Cha Yejoon, Lee Sangwon (HIPHOPPLAYA.COM)

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