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South by Southwest has invited a number of Korean hip-hop and R&B artists to spotlight. The likes of Epik High, MFBTY, and Crush have all left their unique stamp on the festival. In 2019, the range and diversity of hip-hop and R&B acts has only broadened. Here I give a sneak peek into who I’m really excited to see (and who you should probably check out as well).

XXX

It’s been two years since XXX made their debut at South by Southwest. In the interim, the duo (comprised of MC/lyricist Kim Ximya and DJ/producer FRNK) has managed to carve a name for themselves as individual artists. They’ve also solidified their own niche in the ever-evolving (albeit saturated) hip-hop market in Korea.

With the release of their first full-length album, Language, they grabbed the attention of a number of international publications. Most notable among these were Billboard, Hypebeast, and Pitchfork. The combination of Kim Ximya’s vitriolic tongue and FRNK’s dreamlike composition has earned them a host of new admirers. Their follow-up, Second Language, solidified them as a premier group of the genre. True proponents of a genre with an increasing number of artists but few innovators in the country.

Ximya’s rough and brazen delivery has had many liken him to Schoolboy Q. Meanwhile, FRNK’s penchant for the cosmically weird and wonderful favors shades of artists like Clarence Clarity.

Together they’ve created a sound truly their own. Unique in a genre where artists who color outside the lines are a rarity. As this is their first time sharing the stage at the Korea Spotlight (this year held at Austin City Limits at the Moody Theater), they’re sure to make a huge impact and turn heads while doing so.

Colde

By now it’s no secret I have a soft spot for the members of club eskimo, the R&B/hip-hop collective lead by singer/songwriter/producer DEAN and producer/composer Millic.

A major component of what makes that group of like minds such an enigmatic unit is vocalist Colde. Together with producer 0channel, he formed group offonoff. As a unit their brand of R&B fits the unique composition club eskimo is known for. So much of that rests in the delivery of vocalist Colde.

Colde’s is a style purely his own. There’s a unique timbre to his voice that melds effortlessly with the smooth tones of the composition. His sound sits perfectly within the aural aesthetic that club eskimo has painted for itself. Wavy, unbothered, smooth. It’s this nuanced interpretation of R&B that has endeared him to so many fans of the genre. He’s extended this same ease into his latest crew, WAVY.

While Colde has made a name for himself in Korea’s independent R&B scene for a few years now, his visibility spiked with his appearance on MNET’s composer reality survival show “BREAKERS.” His curiously lo-fi musical leanings garnered him a wider audience of fans appreciative of his ability to bring so much color to a style so intrinsically understated. Of course, it helped that his comrades in club eskimo supported him so actively. Chief among these, his collaboration with Crush, “Your Dog Loves You,” allowed him to cement his spot among the show’s elite.

However, longtime fans of the vocalist had been mesmerized by his musical color. As he says himself, his voice is cold, but the music is warm. This duality was on full display with his first album, the aptly titled Wave.

This will be his first appearance at SXSW. His participation in the festival comes on the heels of his appearance on the popular web series Colors. His addition to the Korea Spotlight is a welcome bit of effortless cool among his more ostentatious peers.

MKIT RAIN

Comprised of rappers BLOO, Loopy, nafla, Owen Ovadoz, Young West, and DJ FLOJEE, MKIT RAIN is a stable of artists whose sole purpose is to create music free from restriction.

Along with rapper niahn, these friends and artists formed in LA. Their goal was simple: create music on their own terms. Their brand of hip-hop manages to integrate the laid-back groove of Los Angeles with the burgeoning popularity of the genre in South Korea. Among them, they have a wide range of aural aesthetics. Since their explosive Public Enemy mixtape, the crew has made themselves known in a big way.

nafla and Loopy helped solidify MKIT RAIN’s visibility in the Korean consciousness with their participation in the most recent permutation of popular survival competition “SHOW ME THE MONEY.” The two also participated in the Stage Sessions Tour. nafla himself was a part of DUMMIE‘s (a.k.a. Dumbfoundead) 2018 YIKES! Tour. niahn, unofficial member of MKIT RAIN, but lifetime friend of all the artists, just released his debut album extape. But MKIT RAIN has been slowly infiltrating the scene with their collective brazenness.

Their addition to the SXSW lineup during the hip-hop spotlight at Cheer Up Charlie’s is sure to further catapult the crew to reaching further heights.

Jvcki Wai

Very little is known about Jvcki Wai. What’s definitely undeniable about her is that she makes an impression. Her distinct vocal style has led many to liken her to artists like Nicki Minaj. Bold, ballsy, and boisterous. She has no problems going toe-to-toe with the boys in terms of lyrical content. However, she stands strong in her feminine energy and demands attention.

As one of only two female MCs to participate in the now legendary “119 Remix,” Jvcki’s was a voice that certainly stood out. While she’s only been on the scene for a few years as a solo artist, she’s cemented herself among a slew of artists that are bringing a nuanced aesthetic to the Korean hip-hop scene.

Don’t mistake her youth for inexperience or a lack of skill. Jvcki’s got a vicious tongue and a vigorous enthusiasm for the ostentatious. She’s been releasing her music (mostly on SoundCloud) since 2016. Her debut EP Exposure was nothing short of a small detonation. Her voice catapults out of the speakers. To the uninitiated listener, her aggressive style and tinkling vocal delivery is a shock to the system.

Jvcki’s latest release, last year’s Enchanted Propaganda, drew the attention of a worldwide audience with its heavy undertones and her signature flow. This year is her SXSW debut. Her presence at Cheer Up Charlie’s among a slew of male acts will do more than draw attention. Without a doubt, she’ll create a lasting impression.

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Who are some of the artists you’re excited to see at SXSW this year?