SXSW Artist Spotlight: DPR LIVE

One of the most dynamic debuts of 2017 came compliments of rapper DPR LIVE, who will be performing at the upcoming Korea Spotlight during the 2018 SXSW Music Festival. Be sure to check out our recommended tracks within!

About DPR LIVE

Born Hong Dabin, the Korea-born, Guam-raised artist joined then burgeoning production company Dream Perfect Regime (DPR) in 2016. With the guidance and support of founder Christian Yu, he developed a unique musical aesthetic that has garnered him both critical success and a very loyal fan base.

DPR LIVE exploded to worldwide notoriety with his participation in the now widely viral “Eung Freestyle,” which featured verses from rappers Sik-k, Punchnello, Owen Ovadoz, and Flowsik. Subsequent to the success of “Eung Freestyle,” he began to release more music, including “God Bless” and a feature on Somdef track “Ring Ring Ring” (where he shared the spotlight with Paloalto, Car, the Garden, and legend Verbal Jint). His debut album, Coming to You Live, was a sleeper hit that surprised audiences with its daring and nuanced composition and DPR Live’s powerful delivery. Its success paved the way for his highly anticipated sophomore EP, Her, which reached #8 on Billboard’s World Album chart.

Part of DPR LIVE’s pull is his ability to mesh gritty delivery with more esoteric production. That unique approach to music has garnered the respect of some of South Korea’s most popular and influential R&B and hip-hop artists. His collaborator list is a veritable who’s who of talent — the likes of Crush, G2, Dumbfoundead, Jay Park, and DEAN lending their voices to his debut album.

DPR LIVE certainly lives up to his namesake. He’s known for putting on quite an exciting live show. His participation in South by Southwest’s Korea Spotlight will mark his Stateside debut. With the success of sold-out concerts in Korea and London, he’s proven his worldwide appeal.