Check out Beenzino’s mini interview with Naver Music about his album ‘Up All Night’.
Beenzino – B Magazine Interview
Read Beenzino‘s interview with B Magazine about toys and games from the February 2013 issue.
He, the rapper, says that when he was small, building something with Lego following the instructions was too boring for him, and that if he couldn’t finish building it, he considered himself inferior to the toy.
Beenzino (Lim Sungbin) Musician, rapper / 26
Your first album was released last year in summer.
Exactly speaking, it wasn’t my first. It is although the first album I’ve worked on alone since the project group Jazzyfact’s album in 2010. Honestly, I didn’t expect a lot. I thought of finishing it up quickly and producing something better the next time. But I received better evaluations than I had thought, so no matter the process, I felt good. I am satisfied regarding the point that a few more people have gotten to know the rapper Beenzino.
How would you evaluate your first solo album yourself?
Many rappers write their own stories in their lyrics, but even if telling the same story, it often happens that they seem banal. Concerning that, I am confident that I can show something different than others. Before, I focused on making fancy and smooth rap but then I realized that the lyrics are less touching that way. Lately, I’m concentrating the most on my lyrics, so my technical rap skills have probably gotten a lot worse than before.
The fact that you are a rapper and an arts student at the same time is interesting.
When I was really small, I naturally approached arts – to the extend, that I don’t even remember if there was a moment I swore to do arts. If arts have been in me from the beginning, then music is something which touches me by finding enjoyment in it. Entering arts school was actually like a task that I had to finish to do music, thinking “I will finish just this” [then I will do music].
Since when have you wanted to make music?
Since 6th year in elementary. I joined something like a club on the internet, diligently searched and listened to hip hop online, and started to write lyrics in my diary instead of diary entries. In high school I had performances together with others from a hip hop club, trying hard not to lose music [in my life]. All I could do was enjoy music by myself, because it wasn’t anywhere around me.
In the lyrics of the album “2 4 : 2 6,” you are often referring to certain brands.
Hip hop has the advantage of being able to include any content in the music. I am actually very interested in brands, especially in fashion, I like to go shopping a lot. Within one week, I go shopping over two times.
Is Lego also one of the brands you’re interested in?
Ah, I talked about Lego in a magazine interview before, but it was nothing that nice. From ten to about eleven years of age, I lived in New Zealand, and when my mom bought me Lego, I’d throw away the instructions and played with them as I pleased.
Why did you do that?
When I was small, Lego were very boring to me. They were angled and they had to fit together, plus they could only be fixed with a board. On top of that, the finished picture was already on the toy’s box, so all there was to it was building it after the instructions. If I couldn’t complete that though, I felt like a person inferior to the toy. Those things felt a bit unpleasant to me, because I don’t really like copying anything, like reading a comic book and drawing its characters. In arts, copying something is actually the basic of the basics, but there is nothing left if you just copy something. Because I think that it is not mine. Thinking about it now, I guess I do not get attached to things that aren’t mine. It was the same with Lego. On the other hand, when I drew characters out of my imagination, I really couldn’t abandon them. Even if I threw away other toys, I’ve been keeping those drawings in boxes.
So in the end the problem was [having] to follow the instructions?
It didn’t feel any different from reading textbooks. I still have those habits, so even when I buy electronic products, I don’t look at the instructions. The same goes for programs like Photoshop. In high school, I once made a concert poster with Photoshop, which I did without looking at the manual at all. After working with it [Photoshop] by myself for some hours, I figured out my own way [to work with the program]. Of course it wasn’t perfect, but regarding my limits it was a good job.
It is usually said that Lego raise children’s creativity and imagination.
Of course, that is true on one hand. But I feel that it is more limiting. I don’t know how Lego express imagination. I think they are close to developing technical skills. Relating that to creativity is difficult. For example, plastic models are similar. I haven’t built a glider either, which everyone has built at least once when they were small.
So when do you think imagination can be shown the most?
I think you can use your imagination the most when you want to do something but can’t. In that sense, imagination can be used even in poor [living] conditions. The more prepared, the less you can imagine. I think when you don’t have anything at all, you can use your imagination the best. The finished Lego toy is already all over the box, so what is there to imagine? That makes [building] it nothing but an assignment.
If you approach it as a basic principle of Lego, you can see this another way, though.
That’s right. You can build endless other figures of just one simple set of Lego. Music has a similar side to it. When I concentrated on the flow of rap lyrics for quite a while, pronunciation felt quite three-dimensional for me. It was nothing but the sound when reading letters, but depending on which syllable you use, the three-dimensional degree was quite different. I worked while associating the pronunciation to visuals. It also felt like making a jigsaw puzzle.
Don’t you have any enjoyable memories of Lego?
I think I preferred the process of going to buy them over what you can build with them. I admired the finished Lego models exhibited in the stores. They do have more infatuating elements than visual toys like water color or books. Seeing the finished model, I got the thought “Ah, I also want to try that,” but way more often I took it home and neglected it after putting it together a few times.
So which classic toy do you prefer?
There was no toy I especially preferred. Compared to other kids of my age, I didn’t really like the robots they played with either. While drawing, I enjoyed becoming and acting the characters I drew. Playing two roles at once was the most fun, because when playing with someone else, I couldn’t control the other person as I pleased. One thing I was quite hung up on were the NBA basketball cards.
Basketball cards?
It was more collecting than sharing them, they were cards with famous players active in the NBA league were printed on. I remember they cost about three dollars. The value of every player was different, but the cards of particular players were worth even about one million won. Choosing [a packet] randomly without knowing which cards will come out was fun. It happened that I had the same card three times, but I also went to sell my cards at shops. Among my friends, we also exchanged cards the others liked.
Toys have the purpose of playing but also the subject of collecting.
After those cards, there actually was nothing I especially collected. Possessing something is a burden, I really don’t like the feeling of being restrained by objects. That’s why I throw things away easily. In high school, my friend gave me something like an Evangelion figure, but after playing with it for a while, most of them ended up stowed away somewhere. In the end I lost them. I don’t tend to treasure objects. I see them as good as consumables and don’t cherish them.
You must have friends who collect toys enthusiastically.
Now and then, yes, I honestly don’t understand that but I respect [other’s] preferences. And it’s fun to watch them. Two years ago I went to Akihabara in Tokyo with some friends, it was toy heaven. I saw incredibly lots of toys but I didn’t buy any. One toy cost several ten thousand won. With that money I could buy a good set of clothes, and I thought even if I ate one bowl of food I could still eat something more delicious.
Then what do you mainly do when meeting those friends?
Pro Evolution Soccer. I like watching soccer, so that’s the only game I enjoy. It is exciting, because the actual environment of the soccer league and the player transfers are applied the same every year. As long as the league keeps existing, I don’t think I’ll get sick of that game. I’ve been playing it since middle school, which is quite a long time. Not long ago I bought a TV and together with it a Playstation, but having that at home isn’t really fun. Only when playing it at other people’s places or at “Playstation rooms,”((An establishment similar to internet cafés where you can go to play Playstation and also buy food and drinks.)) it feels right. When we [me and my friends] meet up at a “Playstation room,” we basically play two to three hours. Although lately I realized we weren’t talking to each other that much, so I am refraining a bit from playing games (laughs).
Is there a play you personally are enthusiastic about?
That has to be shopping. Some time ago I read something, which said that the difference between a boy and a man is the price of their toys. Lately, I keep wanting to buy expensive things. In the long run, I think the things I buy are my toys. I recently bought music equipment, a TV, a watch and a MacBook … Next year I want to buy a car too. I keep being in search of my toys.
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[ SOURCE | BEENZINO FANPAGE ]
Please note that the blog including the post with the magazine scans has been deleted.
Beenzino – Memories of My Bed
Read what Beenzino personally wrote about his bed in Bazaar‘s February 2013 issue.
The bed that is occupying one corner of my room is a tiresome 118 x 208 cm super single size. It looks quite simple, but as if representing the incidents, accidents and memories within it, my bed is always complex and a mess due to scattered garments, blankets and unidentifiable crumbs. How would it be if my bed was located in a public place where anyone could peep in? Aware of people’s gazes, I’d probably decorate it simply and at the same time coolly, as if it was wearing clothes, but I’d definitely be very stressed by it. For me, my bed is existing only in a blind spot where people’s eyes cannot reach, in a very private and most personal space. When I was small and liked to draw by myself, the thing I wanted more than anything was to become a character inside of my drawings. After finishing drawing after several hours, my bed became a kind of stage. Of course I jumped on it! Based on the script I drew in my sketchbook, psycho-like plays started with innocent imagination. I could jump way higher on the bed than on the floor and even if I threw my body on it hard, due to the synergy with the soft bed, the curtains fell successfully.
During elementary and middle school I lived in Munho-ri, Seojong-myeon, Yangpyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do. There were no “plays on the bed” anymore but I had a new hobby. Before falling asleep, I turned out the light and tilted my head a tiny bit [lying on my bed], then I could excellently see the night sky through the window, which was sufficiently exciting for me. I could imagine and dream endlessly. If my bed hadn’t been next to the window, or the headboard had pointed the other way, I don’t know if I would have ever become interested in the night sky. And looking back now it was astonishingly good luck. The night sky I saw through the window pane back then, the combination of the stars and the moon was very dramatic and I let myself be captivated by it and fell for that sight. Good music was assisting my “ritual before falling asleep” like a sauce [accompanies food]. Honestly, I don’t know how often but I nearly cried a few times. But really unfortunately, that happiness couldn’t last long. Soon, a ‘love hotel’ for “other adults’ more secret rituals” was established behind our house and in the end, only a red neon sign was shining flashily into my room.
So during high school I used to sleep mostly in the classroom with my arms on my table. When my friends were sleeping sweetly, I was clutching the phone and fighting with my girlfriend all night. Because of the continuous quarrelling until dawn, my bed became stained with anger. With coming and going telephone calls and studying, I ignored the college I got accepted into with difficulty and only worked hard at music. At that time, I lied on my bed while writing stories about the “creaking” world and ironically wrote the lyrics of “Always Awake” too, which are about sleep refusal.
Looking at my bed now, [I think] “that’s how it was back then:” I was quite young, didn’t know this and that, was excited and wrote, those sweet times. I thoroughly remember very trivial incidents. The secret memories buried in my bed. It has been quite some time but the after-images are vivid and lingering heavily. And on 15th January 2013, I am still doing “something” on my bed. Text: Beenzino (musician)
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[ SOURCE | BEENZINO FANPAGE ]
Please note that the website including the post with the magazine scans has been deleted.
Beenzino – Dazed & Confused Interview
Read Dazed & Confused‘s interview with Beenzino about his album “2 4 : 2 6” from their September 2012 issue.
MY FIRST STORY
Beenzino, who has been active with Hot Clip and Jazzyfact, has released a solo album “2 4 : 2 6.” It is full of the life, lethargy, passion and despair of people in their twenties.
In your lyrics you say you become arrogant in the summer, how do you feel now after releasing your album?
I don’t think I’m satisfied with it, I myself had a problem with it somewhere, I had it hard somewhere, since I know after what kinds of ups and downs the album was made. In the beginning I didn’t even want to release an album. “Why release such an album?” I thought but now that it’s released, people like it and I like that I can sing new songs at concerts. Jazzyfact’s album was released in 2010 but I performed those songs until 2012, the people who called us to perform them are awesome and it’s fascinating that I still went to perform although I knew that [the songs were old] (laughs). Overall it’s an interesting mood, I have fun living these days.
What were you dissatisfied with?
After I made it, there were many soft songs. Right now I don’t seem to be in the right situation and mind to make songs that overflow with charisma. I think my current situation has been reflected quite well [in the album]. It’s as natural as possible and without any petty tricks, it’s my album.
Still, since you were chosen by Dazed, please tell us which parts you think you did well.
The way of expressing the “fishing ground” in “Aqua Man,” the hook of “Boogie On & On,” and the way of expressing a woman in the streets in “Nike Shoes.” I think those points are good, well, there are extremely many [I like] (laughs).
It’s an album that covers your thoughts and feelings from 24 to 26 years of age, what did you think of most while making the album?
I was dominated by many slumps and times of tiredness. After releasing the album I came to know that equally worse hardships were waiting for me and that it wasn’t only as fun as I had imagined it to be. Furthermore, random things like college kept me from concentrating and working when I wanted. I didn’t like the overall mood and environment. It also felt like a restriction to meet people I had to see for work and I wanted to get away as soon as possible. I was very tired so I think that’s why I put that camel on my album cover. I imagine the camel to walk slowly through the desert.
How was the situation when you wrote “If I die tomorrow?”
I wrote it when I wanted to be alone. I didn’t ponder on it long, I just thought “What should I write about?” and the song naturally came out. It’s not that I was extremely sad when I wrote it, I actually had fun writing it. I jokingly told my girlfriend “If I die, only let those people come that I’ve invited” and started to tell her who I’d invite. I wanted to be chic and just write a few people but once I started there were so many [people] (laughs). I have to invite that person too and this hyung as well … There were so many that I naturally came to a closure while writing it.
The way from a member of Jazzyfact to a solo album seems natural but the results of your solo work have a wide spectrum. There are cute as well as rough songs, aren’t you set on one genre?
No, when I listen to music I don’t listen to nothing but south hip hop, R&B or soul day and night, I also listen to rock sometimes. I’m quite capricious so I easily get sick of things, that’s why [the album has many genres]. But I think that my own style is inside of that. That’s why I think it won’t become a problem.
So when you get sick of singing these songs you will release another album?
I’d like to possibly release it when I’m the least tired of them, if it takes too long it’ll be too painful for me. I’ll feel outdated, just like worn-off clothes. If other people are singing new songs at concerts but only we [I and the featured artists] keep singing old songs, I don’t feel well. I’d like to release a single, an EP, a full album or a mixtape, anything, as soon as possible,
You also talk about your sponsor Carhartt as well as about times when you’re frustrated, it seems like the sensitive feelings of people in their twenties are expressed well in your lyrics.
I do have the must fun when my honest feelings are delivered. I think the songs “If I Die Tomorrow,” “Always Awake,” and “Vibra” from Jazzyfact’s album contain my real stories. I feel good when the words I wanted to say are delivered clearly to my opponent and that’s the same with music. I also used the words I made up when I was small as well as words which I think were made for rap. That way, I think I really wrote down the words I wanted to say in my lyrics and feel refreshed inside. I think that’s my highest priority when making music.
I heard you even made songs about the gap between rich and poor when you were younger?
Haha. Yes, I think I was thirteen years old?
How did you think of writing rap back then?
I think I wanted to. I don’t know how I started writing either, expressing myself was my main goal when I was small too, as I enjoyed painting and listening to music until four in the morning all by myself. There was nobody who’d complain if I played loud music at our house. Instead, when there was no music playing I thought “Why is there no music today? It’s so quiet, I can’t sleep.” I just naturally start doing something but I do remember the time I quit something very well. During high school I suddenly went to an acting school but it was too difficult so I immediately quit. I often think of that incident (laughs). I don’t think I remember the process of really wanting to do something and working towards it myself. It’s the same when starting to date someone, you can’t say when exactly you fell in love and with what exactly. You meet, become closer, converse and become even closer at one moment. I think it’s the same with music.
How much are you confident of and trust your own talent?
I absolutely don’t think I’m the best. I think I really lack a lot but I think I have enough [talent] to live doing what I want and enjoying life.
“A good flow, a good groove, good lyrics.” I’ve heard many different things but which elements of hip hop do you see as the most important ones?
I think the first time I released something, people said I have a good flow and a good groove. But back then, my lyrics and pronunciation were pointed out as problematic. That’s when I realized the importance of lyrics and started to give special attention to them. When you release an album, people tell you which lyrics they like. That makes me a lot happier than words like “a good sense of beat,” “a good groove” or “a good flow.” People listen to the songs, understand and feel them. That I produce those feelings in people makes me happy. I’m especially happy when there are people who understand the parts that I wrote with extra care. For example, in “Nike Shoes” there is this line: As tight as the line of your eyebrows in the wind of the river. So a girl is working out at the Han River wearing Nike shoes. While she’s working out, wind is blowing so she closes her eyes. Here I imagined her eyebrows take on the form of the Nike logo. I’m happy and thankful when anyone realizes those details and secret codes I’ve hidden [inside my lyrics].
You borrowed one line of Mac Miller’s “Nikes On My Feet.” Did that come to you right away when listening to the song or did it happen by accident?
Mac Miller’s line goes like this: Nikes on my feet keep my cypher complete. It means the Nikes I’m wearing make my rap complete, and hearing that made me want to tell about my ideal type, a girl wearing Nike shoes. That phrase actually originates from one of Nas’ songs. I reinterpreted it in my own way: Nikes on her feet make my love complete. The process of making the song was fun. My girlfriend wears lots of trainers too, she doesn’t wear heels often.
Wasn’t Carhartt sad [that the song is called “Nike Shoes”]?
No, the camel on my album cover is covered with a blanket and when you look at it closely, it says Carhartt on it. It’s a Carhartt blanket (laughs).
If you could let aliens who’ve never listened to hip hop before listen to one of the songs of your album, which one would you choose?
I’d like to let them listen to “If I Die Tomorrow.” It’s possible that the aliens invade and kill us, so if they listen to that song they might just think “Ah, we’ll let this guy live.”
EDITOR Jiyeon Nah
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[ SOURCE | BEENZINO FANPAGE ]
Please note that the website including the original post with the magazine scans has been deleted.
Beenzino – The bling Interview
Check out Beenzino’s interview with The bling magazine that was published November 2012.
Beenzino – North Face Interview (2011)
Read the interview of the Korean North Face Blog with Beenzino from 2011.
NO SURPRISES! The underground rapper Beenzino of Jazzyfact meets the Original Pack.
Jazzyfact? Beenzino? He raps, paints and sings? Although there are people who are unfamiliar with him and wonder who he is, I think there are many who happily say “Oh, it’s Beenzino!”
The person I meet today is the underground musician Beenzino.
Hello. I am from the North Face blog. Please introduce yourself.
Yes, hello! I am underground musician Beenzino. And Jazzyfact’s Beenzino (laughs).
Wow! You’re quite manly. You are keener than I thought, how should I say this, you look docile. It’s nice to meet you!
The team Jazzyfact is made up of you, Beenzino, and Shimmy Twice, correct? As it’s evident in the team’s name Jazzyfact, I heard your genre is jazz-hip hop but honestly I’m a bit unfamiliar with jazz-hip hop. Could you briefly introduce Jazzyfact’s jazz-hip hop? :)
In jazz-hip hop, hip hop and soft jazz meet. Listeners who usually don’t enjoy hip hop can listen to the genre comparatively easily and comfortably. The musician representing jazz-hip hop is Nujabes. And Jazzyfact (laughs)!
I think Jazzyfact’s jazz-hip hop is the most refined and human, warm jazz-hip hop possible in Korea. As I see it, the willing ability of being able to also approach people who don’t know hip hop is Jazzyfact’s forte.
Wow, Nujabes and Jazzyfact ..
Ah that was a joke, a joke! Nujabes is a musician I sincerely respect. I heard there was a commemoration concert with the title “Luv Luv Nujabes” last month.
There is this question I’ve always wanted to ask a musician when I met one. I’m curious about this: you wrote lots of songs and they’re all yours but I’m sure there are some you like more and others you like less, so which song of yours do you treasure the most?
Of course as I am human too, there are those I like more and others I feel regret for among my songs. There are also those songs I feel a bit embarrassed about when I listen to them after a long time. The song which remains in my memory the most is Jazzyfact’s title song “아까워” [It’s A Waste] but lately I often listen to “Vibra.”
We’ve taken a photo of you working, seeing the Original Pack inside of a studio feels fresh. Can you tell us something about the Original Pack by North Face?
Personally, I don’t like the feeling of excess or forced coolness but the Original Pack by North Face’s simple design appealed to me the most. Backpacks these days are all trying to stand out with a special design or are just crude, so I liked this clean design with nothing superfluous. It also goes well with anything else. I’m going to school lately and I’m taking it there almost every day!
Wow! So you’re a student. I envy you :)
Yes, I’m going back to school and my major is sclupture .. Lately, I’m doing assignments and I work at the same time, so my days are stressful.
So the Original Pack is accompanying you with your assignments and work! You said you liked the simple design, what do you think about its usability?
If you look inside the bag, there’s a small pocket with little things inside, do you see it? It’s convenient to keep those [little] things separate. The best thing is, I originally thought if you open the zip fastener on the front of the bag there would be an extra pocket but it turned out to be an opening to the bag’s inside. At first I was a bit taken aback by that but after using it for a while I liked it, as the things inside the bag can be taken out fast and easily.
Since you’re a musician and student, I’m curious what’s inside your bag.
There’s actually not much inside. I listen to music on my cellphone, so the things I carry in my bag are my drawing book as well as material and books on plastic art. Honestly, I’m not the type who extremely cherishes and loves objects.
So you’re as simple as the Original Pack by North Face (laughs)!
I think the simpleness of the Original Pack’s black color seems to fit you well :)
Then let’s talk about music again. Could you recommend a song by Jazzyfact for everyone reading this interview who doesn’t know about Jazzyfact? A song which clearly shows Jazzyfact’s sensitivity?
We have a song called “Addicted 2,” it’s the first we worked on as Jazzyfact. It was made in 2009, at the time I recorded the vocals for it at home. When you listen to it, it becomes obvious that the beats and the lyrics were made and written recklessly with just a lot of eagerness. It’s an instinctive song we just made among ourselves because we wanted to do music. Of course we have a variety of songs, but I’d like to greet everyone who’s getting to know Jazzyfact with that song.
I’ll definitely buy the album and listen to the song you recommended! When you’re working on music, when do you feel the most strained and when the most satisfied?
In my case, I actually feel strained more often. The more I rap, the more I discover my shortcomings. The hardest time is when I worry about music all day, feel irritated and can’t think of anything else. On the other hand, that kind of everyday life also makes me happy. Others are passing their time aimlessly, I think compared to that, having a hard time because of music is a blessing. I suppose I feel satisfied when I sometimes find myself suddenly on the verge of tears while singing along to my honest lyrics.
Wow! Because you’ve filled those intact emotions into the song, you can feel them again and nearly cry when you listen to it, right? I think that when I’ll listen to your songs from now on, I’ll concentrate even more on the lyrics. I’ll probably listen to the songs you’ve recommended today in another light, too.
Is the album you’re working at the moment Jazzyfact’s next album? Could you tell us a tiny bit about it? :)
It’s not Jazzyfact’s next album, it’s my solo album! The theme of my solo album which is scheduled to be released in summer is “Beenzino who you absolutely cannot hate” (laughs). I actually don’t have a specific frame yet. I definitely want to take the feelings I recently have in everyday life and put them into the album the way they are.
(Laughs) I’ll be looking forward to the solo album of Beenzino, who you absolutely cannot hate! Whether you can be hated or not will be judged in summer :)
I had a good time meeting the versatile underground musician Beenzino with a major in plastic art. Time went by really quickly while talking about this or that interest. I convey my thanks to Beenzino, who wittily and kindly replied to my continuous questions!
While awaiting the solo album of Beenzino who you absolutely cannot hate, I’ll listen to “Addicted 2” which Beenzino recommended as the song which represents him and Jazzyfact best. I’ve kept my promise to buy the album and listen to the song! :)
Well, anticipate the next interview for the Original Pack by North Face. Which awesome person will we meet, what interesting stories will be told …
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[ SOURCE | NORTH FACE BLOG KR ]
Please note that the blog with the original post no longer exists.
Beenzino – Vogue Girl Interview (2012)
Read Beenzino’s interview from Vogue Girl’s December 2012 issue.
From one point on, I kept hearing his name everywhere around me. I filmed in the studio while it was filled with his voice and I searched his name as if bewitched. That moment, a young boy with a mischievous gaze stuck right to my heart.
In middle school, I added my name’s syllable “-bin” [/-been] to the American rapper Benzino‘s name and created the stage name Beenzino. Before that, I actually had the pioneering stage name Cypher but changed it after realizing that serious things aren’t cool. I am currently enrolled in Seoul National University’s Department of Sculpture, so people saying I have academic ability simply makes my life easier. There’s nothing about my looks I’m particularly fond of since my face isn’t the type I like. I prefer narrow and nimble faces, like Jonathan Rhys Meyers’ from “August Rush.”
Lately, my gaze keeps getting drawn to expensive things. Among them, I tried on a biker jacket from Balmain in select stores and department stores several times. Then, at one point I just bought it. How can I say it, since I had seen me wearing it so often, it felt like I had already bought it. Like the song “Aqua Man,” which is about the anguish a man faces when a woman plays him, I receive ideas for my lyrics in [every-day] life. I also wrote the song “Nike Shoes” after walking past a girl wearing Oreo-colored Air Jordan 5, I liked the feeling of them so I wrote the lyrics (Oreo Nike Shoes sounds strange, therefore I changed it to mint color). You ask if she was close to my ideal type of woman? No, she was small. I like tall women, I don’t care if they weigh more than me.
My girlfriend of seven years, who calls me “Lim-sugar” (but it absolutely doesn’t have that sweet meaning you’re all imagining right now!), was a friend of my [older female] relative. She saw me on the cover of a magazine for entering college called “College of Fine Arts Entrance Examination” and was the one who shouted the loudest [among other girls at my relative] that she wants to get to know me. What made me fall for her is that she isn’t pretending to be pretty. Above all, it is really fun to be with her. One fan I remember is a girl that pierced through the crowd when I came down from the stage after a concert and she gave me a kiss. If she had kissed my lips I would have really chased after her and confront her, but at that time I was sweating a lot so it must have been nasty and salty, that’s why I wonder why she did that. Editor Hyemin Lee
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[ SOURCE | VOGUE GIRL ]
Beenzino – Musinsa Interview (2012)
Read Musinsa‘s short but sweet interview with Beenzino from 2012.
Musinsa, meeting Beenzino.
This year, Beenzino released a new album and time for him just flies by. And meeting him, time flew by as we talked. We asked everything, not only the important questions. Of course, all the questions he had received several times before as well. Because we thought that way, Beenzino would become tired and a dead body on the sofa((Reference to the lyrics of Beenzino’s Boogie On & On)) and be here tomorrow as well.
This year, we’ve seen you in Carhartt’s last season’s collection Lookbook and through the release of your album “2 4 : 2 6.” But an interview is a first.
That’s right, it’s the first time Musinsa is interviewing me as the rapper Beenzino.
Please introduce yourself first.
I’m the rapper Beenzino who is active under Illionaire Records.
I want to make you say things you’ve said several times before. I’m curious about the meaning behind your name.
As often as I get that question, I’ve answered it, but people still ask it a lot. In America, there’s a rapper called Benzino. I don’t like him. There was a lot of fuss about him because he dissed Eminem. In middle school, my friends and I parodied names of rappers. The parody of Benzino was Beenzino. That’s how the name was made. My friend’s name was Doctor Crab and mine was Beenzino. I didn’t know I’d use it for such a long time (laughs).
Benzino, I mean Beenzino is a rapper. How did you start with hip hop?
The first time I became interested in hip hop was when I lived in New Zealand, I was about 11-12 years old. Since then I’ve been interested in hip hop. I somehow had lots of interest in rap. I rapped along to songs and I was very interested in it. No matter if it was Tony Ahn’s rap in a song by H.O.T or an English rap, I rapped along to all of them. In sixth grade of elementary school, I started writing lyrics. I think that was the beginning.
Which musician do you like best?
I like Wiz Khalifa, Kendrick Lamar and Franc Ocean, he’s not a rapper though.
You normally work with musicians you’re close with but this time you only worked a lot with your Illionaire label mates.
I think that’s because we have lots in common regarding the style of our music.
There’s a rumor saying you personally painted the camel on the album jacket of your album “2 4 : 2 6.”
I didn’t paint it myself. The illustrator Cha Inchul who designed Jazzyfact’s album covers painted it. I told him that I’d release and album and he produced the painting. If I had painted it, the album might have not come out ……
How are you working that it’s possible the album might not have come out?
That’s different from season to season. These days, I first search for a beat I like. After thinking of what I’d like to do with that beat, I think of a theme and approach it. The lyrics I want to express are mostly written at home but I also go out or to a book store to read books [to get ideas for the lyrics].
What books do you mainly read?
I’m the type who reads books that catch my eye. I don’t read that much but I definitely know which books I like: Alain de Botton’s “Status Anxiety” and Lee Sukwon’s “Ordinary Existence.” They left a deep impression and remain long in my memories.
From where else do you get inspiration for your lyrics, other than from books?
Sometimes I think of lyrics while watching movies. I’m the type to feel a lot when reading books or watching movies. If something comes to me that way, I try to get home as fast as possible and work.
Other than books and movies, which person has the most influence on you?
The most influence on my producing has Jazzyfact’s producer Shimmy Twice. I’ve been friends with him since high school, so we both know what the other likes and get along well. The music we listen to isn’t similar but we understand each other.
You’ve already worked with him; is there anyone else you’d like to work with?
I don’t know at the moment. There isn’t anyone I especially want to work with. If I have to pick someone, I’d say Yang Donggeun, with whom I’ve never worked with until now.
You were quite famous as part of Jazzyfact. What kind of music is Jazzyfact making?
It’s been 2 years since Jazzyfact has released an album. But I’m always thankful for fans who still remember it (laughs). It’s a funny fact, but Jazzyfact’s music is based on jazz rap. But it’s not different from the music I’m making now. I think the basic sample is a bit more plain.
You’ve done a lot during your twenties. Now that you’re drawing near their end, what do you think is different from their beginning?
That I’m making more money (laughs)? It’s changed a lot to the better. Of course there are also things which got worse. In the beginning of the twenties, my brain worked fast and no matter what I did, it went well. I didn’t hesitate, no matter what it was. But now that time’s passing, I think my brain is also getting old. Maybe it’s because I’m only working. Before, when I wanted to go to college, I went, and when I didn’t want to go, I didn’t go. What I mean is, now it feels like I’m aging because I’m doing the things I have to do, instead of living the way I want to. I absolutely have to take a break. I want to take a break and gain experience by doing the things I want to do in that time. So my goal for November is to take a break and to concentrate on myself as much as possible during that time.
Now that you’ve mentioned school, has the title “student of Seoul National University” ever burdened you?
It doesn’t burden me a lot. I think if people like it [that I’m a student of Seoul National University], then it’s good, and if they don’t like it, they don’t. I don’t care a lot about it.
Those are true words, what is your dream as a musician from now on?
In the end, the life I want is to make the music I like and do arts as well, while earning lots of money. Instead of living life the way others tell me to, I’d like to live my life the way I want.
That’s good to hear, anything else you’d like to say in the end?
I’m having a solo concert soon. The hip hop label “Illionaire” (www.illionaire.kr) which I’m signed to is also going to have a concert. I’d like for many to come. Dok2 and The Quiett will also release new stuff, it would be great if you show lots of interest in our activities. Last but not least, thank you!
Editor: Kim Bo-eun | Photo: Jun Sungsoo
Published: 09/28/2012, 9:08 p.m.
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[ SOURCE | MUSINSA ]
Beenzino – Young Samsung Interview (2012)
Read Young Samsung‘s interview with Beenzino back in September 2012 about music, life, and dreams.
Meeting the hip hop ‘fine’ artist “Beenzino,” Lim Sungbin.
Do you like hip hop?
If so, you might know Beenzino. Beenzino who turned up in 2009 like a comet, is called the best MC among those who appeared [in the scene] in the last few years. (In hip hop, MC refers to a person who personally writes lyrics and raps.)
If you know Beenzino, you might notice “Seoul National University Sculpture Faculty” first. You say it’s similar to “Pavlov” who we interviewed some months ago? As expected, Beenzino Lim Sungbin is Kim Minkyeong’s (interviewer) student senior.
He needlessly shrugs once. The school I attend is a school for fine arts so it’s not a school which trains celebrities but a school which trains fine artists. Going to such a school but becoming famous through music which isn’t his major – that such a person is my student senior is simply amazing.
As soon as his name was known, Beenzino participated in albums by many teams like Dok2, Epik High, Supreme Team, Verbal Jint, etc. and as P’Skool’s guest MC he strengthened his position. Albums by Hotclip, Jazzyfact etc. followed, groups in which he participated, and received much love from the fans. In July 2012, his first solo album “24:26” was released and he was referred to as a “newcomer who should receive attention” on music portals. People from all media scrambled for an interview, a pictorial, etc. with him, he became the center of attention.
But he can’t be seen on TV. He who isn’t being active in the so-called “over” but in the “underground” is already a famous star among hip hop fans. His fans say his strength is his “chewy” rap, which even people who don’t know hip hop that well can enjoy. Of course his handsome looks play a part as well!
A young boy who went to art school because he likes fine arts, one who went to no less than Seoul National University’s Sclupture Faculty immediately became a young hip hop artist. How did he end up making hip hop?
The anecdote of a video he uploaded on the net which was by chance noticed by Supreme Team’s Simon D. who then scouted Beenzino is already known to fans.
By taking that chance, Beenzino has released a solo album under his name before he knew it.
I met “hot” rapper Beenzino who’s spending busy days with his solo album.
Rather like a student senior than a singer, and rather like a nice oppa than a student senior, we chatted naturally during the interview.
The names of hip hop artists are always unique, so I’ve always been curious how he got that name. So I asked before starting the real interview.
Q. How did you get the name Beenzino?
I made that name for fun. There’s a so-so rapper called “Benzino.” In high school, me and my friends gave each other names of rappers so mine became “Beenzino” (his real name is Lim Sungbin((The pronunciation is the same: Been = bin))).
Q. So you’ve liked hip hop from way before. But wasn’t it difficult to decide on this career? You’ve been doing fine arts for a long time but suddenly change paths.
No, not at all. Of course I’ve been drawing and liked it since I was a kid, but as you know you realize things when you enter art school, college. The fight after the entrance examinations made me come to dislike school.
Because I wanted to finish college and the tiring examinations fast to freely do the music I like.
Ah, of course that’s not the right answer but I thought it was the most befitting choice for me. So I absolutely didn’t go to college because I thought of it as a tool for making music. I’ve always planned to do music after college so I didn’t have any big difficulties.
Q. The song “Profile” of your solo album in which you actually talk about yourself appeals with the expression of two specialities (fine arts and hip hop which he’s currently doing). These two specialities, I’m curious what you think about that part.
I have two choices for my career so I’ve become more relaxed, from the viewpoint of my fans or someone else I appear as someone special and the people who like me feel good about it, etc. I think it has a lot of merits.
To the question if fine arts help to do music Beenzino answered decisively with a serious expression.
Yes of course, it helps a great lot.
If I hadn’t been doing fine arts I would be writing lyrics like everyone else and I think I probably would be making only extremely boring songs.
Nearly all songs contain a lot of Beenzino’s personal stories. Because he writes from experience, he says. But I questioned “Aqua Man.”
Beenzino has a girlfriend with whom he had been going out since high school. The one who suggested him who likes hip hop to record his music and upload the video was his girlfriend.
“Aqua Man” which is about a guy who gets played by female player, is it indeed Beenzino’s own story?
He replies to the mischievous question, saying that probably everyone has had such an experience before and just smiles cutely, asking me to protect his privacy.
Q. The Song “I’ll Be Back” is for your fans. Is there a fan you remember?
I have quite a good memory! So I remember a lot. But no matter how heartily fans think about me, the small group of fans who have been with me since my first concert through ups and downs of course remain the most in my memory.
Beenzino was also popular during his time at art school. But he didn’t know about that at all!
“You should have made more effort. Because I didn’t notice anything! (Like “Kyaaa Oppa~?”) Exactly. And a bit of cheering as well.”
The art school holds an exhibition every year and it’s a tradition to give flowers to friends or other students who exhibit their art. I wanted to give him flowers then but it was hard to do (he was my senior and his girlfriend as well) so I couldn’t give him any. When I tell him that, he asks why and makes an expression that says it’s a pity.
Q. Personally I was deeply impressed when I heard “If I Die Tomorrow.” It is somewhat frail and sad. I think the title is strong. Is it your personal story?
Of course. It’s 100% my story.
But that song isn’t only sad, don’t you think it’s cute?
The title is simple. I think it’s appropriate just because that’s the theme.
Q. Is there a song with a special story behind it?
“If I Die Tomorrow.”
(This song was composed by “Philtre” (real name Jang Jaewon) from Map the Soul’s producing trio “Planet Shiver.”)
I was supposed to make the beats and I wrote it in a rush. But I’ve never made beats before so it was lacking a lot. That’s why I asked Philtre-hyung to make it cool for me.
It’s a quite meaningful song for me as well. Because I’ve made the beats in the beginning so it has 100% my feelings in it. If it had come out in that state I could love it even more (laughs) but anyway that’s the kind of song it was.
It was a song I … had made from beginning to end!
(But a song which you make all on your own, even producing, will come out, won’t it?)
Of course! That would be good. Isn’t that probably the dream of every musician?
Q. Which song do you treasure the most?
“Always Awake” from Jazzyfact’s single album.
I imagined a lot while writing that song. “Those who do fine arts can listen to it at night while doing their assignments,” I thought. Anyone could listen to it, I thought. In fact I wrote that with college students in mind. Because they really have to pull all-nighters often, our students. So I wrote it with those thoughts.
The words “our students” sound touching. Isn’t it because Beenzino’s a college student that this can be felt?
[…]
Q. How do you write lyrics?
Hm. For example, for “Aqua Man” the beats came out first and I wrote the lyrics while listening to them. I went back and forth between my house and cafés and also read books for inspiration and wrote a bit. Doing that, it suddenly came out like “pop!” The beat somehow has the feel of an aquarium so “fish tank” came to my mind. “Ah, so with ‘fish tank’ I’ll weave ‘fishing'((‘Fishing’ is what a player does in their ‘fishing grounds.’)) and make the song,” that’s what I thought.
And it’s one of my golden rules, if the title’s “fishing,” I don’t ever write that word in the lyrics. It becomes completely childish then. It’s the same if you draw a painting the way its title can be immediately known, that’s childish and nothing special.
And expressions and words have to be as fresh as possible.
I mind writing what others didn’t write or combining words to new ones.
For example, in “Nike Shoes” there’s the expression “implanted a color sensation into the cement,” the combination is different [and interesting], isn’t it? And there’s the song “Big” from Jazzyfact’s single album. During showcases, rappers often use the expression “I’m so hot” but in that song it’s become “the degree of my temperature is really hot.” The expression “degree of temperature” gives off a different feeling, doesn’t it? “The night sky is composed.” That’s also a new combination.
I want to make it as fresh as possible. If not I can’t survive. If it’s the same [as everyone else’s] it won’t work. I bet nobody would listen to my music? I think that’s the most important thing when writing lyrics.
Seeing how extremely serious Beenzino answers, I feel his passion. Who could be his role model?
“Verbal Jint-hyung and Dynamic Duo’s Gaeko-hyung were my role models. Verbal Jint went to Seoul National University but his rap was cool and Gaeko was a fine artist while doing rap which was cool. I think I’ve taken both their specialities and followed in their footsteps similarly (laughs)!”
Q. A vocalist you like?
Frank Ocean. The genre is soul and he’s re~ally good. Do listen to him! I strongly recommend him!
As for popular singers hmm, Kim Gwangsuk. Thanks to my parents I liked him a lot when I was young. In the mornings I listened to “Get Up” to get up. (While laughing – that’s not the meaning of the song!)
(Lim Jieun didn’t know the song so she asked if its meaning really was to “get up” (as in get out of bed) and we all laughed a lot. The late Kim Gwangsuk’s song “Get Up” is a song to give strength to keep on going, like “you can do it.”)
My mother also woke me up saying “Sungbin, get up~.”
“Sungbin, have courage and get up, have courage and wash up,” she said. Because it needs courage. It’s really exhausting. That’s why I like Kim Gwangsuk.
“Have courage and get up~,” the reason he likes Kim Gwangsuk was so simple and short that we laughed again. Was “Get Up” truly a rising song? Laughing excitedly due to the funny stories, Beenzino reminded us again to definitely listen to Franc Ocean. He said it with an expression that looked like he really liked him so if you like music do listen to him. Or if you’re Beenzino’s fan!
We asked him, a student who’s walking ahead towards his dream, for advice for those who are struggling between dreams and reality.
In Korean culture there’s always a time for something, there’s a frame which says what to do when you’re a student or when to marry but I want you to free yourself of that. And if you get rid of the worry how parents, girlfriend, teachers or people around see you, it’ll be a lot easier. You have to go at your own pace, you can’t keep up with other people’s pace. I think it’s important to concentrate on yourself and find out on your own what you do well and what you like.
I recently read a book by Salvador Dalí, although he was an oddball he was a genius. For example Dalí only ate what he wanted to. He always knew very well what he wanted to eat. I’d like for all people to live that way, to live according to what they like. Then they wouldn’t have to ponder about things like “Can I do this?”
Q. Many lecturers say that, but if you can’t find anything you like or you do well it’s no use. You only vaguely know what you’re interested in.
My thoughts are these: There’s something you’re interested in? Do that for now. If it’s not the right thing you can just go back. People are very afraid of “going back.”
During second year of high school I went to an acting school. I didn’t go to class [in high school] but went there for six months starting summer vacation. Of course it wasn’t easy. But still, I did it.
(While having your major as art student and always preparing for entrance exams as well as receiving lessons after school, that’s not an easy thing to do. It rarely happens!)
After six months during the winter vacation of third year of high school I realized “No. I can’t do this, it isn’t my way,” and I went back to school and started modelling figures again.
Q. Weren’t you confused and worried a bit at that time because of that blank of six months?
I was confused a lot. But I wasn’t worried, just confused.
When I said I wanted to go to acting school my parents said:
“Do it if you want to. But if you realize it’s not your thing, come back right away instead of wasting your time.”
I thought my friends will laugh at me, should I really go back, but the confusing thing was wasting my time. I first have to try before knowing what I can do and what I do well. Since I’ve tried it, I know that acting isn’t for me and I liked that I didn’t have to bother myself with pondering about that.
Somehow it was an obvious but very adult-like answer. With that earnest and serious face (still cute though) he was giving advice to his peers. In that, I saw “the human Lim Sungbin.”
Did the late Kim Gwangsuk’s song “Get Up” really give him courage?
Beenzino who is passionately going his way, after boldly finding it, emanated a light. It was tough, but he mastered studying, fine arts and got admitted to Seoul National University, tried acting and is just now going the way of hip hop. And that extremely “well.” I became curious of courageous Beenzino’s dream.
Q. I’m interested in your upcoming life plans.
Aren’t you asking something too important (laughs)?
First, I’d rather call it a goal than a plan.
I think the environment in our country to like and do hip hop music the way you want is difficult. Do as you please, earn a lot of money, become famous and be treated as a singer, that’s not possible as of now.
The influence of big investing companies and the broadcasting industry can’t be overlooked. But right now that people are liking me and are interested in me I want to push ahead the way I am to make a better environment for people who do hip hop. That’s the purpose of Illionaire (his label) anyway, so that’s my biggest plan.
Beenzino who wants to share the strength he has gained through his own effort with everyone who does hip hop.
At the end of the interview I can’t help but fall for his passion for humanity, his courage and warmth. Who is this man?!
What’s left after the interview with him are Franc Ocean, “Get Up” and courage, as well as my two red cheeks. He’s serious but also makes witty jokes. He definitely has his own swag which no one can copy.
I cheer on Beenzino Lim Sungbin who’s continuing to shout his own stories into the world.
Meeting the hip hop ‘fine’ artist “Beenzino,” Lim Sungbin.
I thank my student senior for taking time in his busy schedule to answer the questions for our Young Samsung interview.
Writer: Kim Minkyung
Photos: Song Hyunsup
Footage: Lim Jieun
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[ SOURCE | Young Samsung ]
Beenzino – HiphopLE Music Salon (2012)
Read Beenzino‘s interview with HiphopLE back in January 2012 where he talks about how he entered the Korean underground hiphop scene.