D.SANGUH

The number of hip-hop and R&B artists has grown exponentially in South Korea in the last decade. This influx of talent makes it increasingly difficult to sift through everyone to find some true gems. Since 2020 is just around the corner, the HiphopKR staff decided we’d share some of the artists we’re looking forward to.

Andrew‘s Picks

BIG Naughty

Following the splash he’s made on Show Me the Money 8 (paving his way into the semi-finals), Donghyun Seo (aka BIG Naughty) is the youngest talent to sign with Jay Park’s growing international label H1GHR MUSIC. He set the bar high with his debut single, “Where It All Started Remix,” which features veteran rappers Verbal Jint and Beenzino. With continued mentorship and support from his fellow label mates, 2020 will prove to be a big year for BIG Naughty.

Loco

The countdown is on! With less than a year until he completes his military service, Loco is one artist to look out for in the latter part of 2020. With over 50 million streams this year on Spotify alone, Loco proves he remains relevant despite his musical hiatus. Prior to his temporary departure, Loco released his EP titled “Hello” featuring Zion.T, pH-1, yeesang, Woo, and Paloalto, streamable worldwide.

Jiwoo

As the second artist under Colde’s label Wavy, Jiwoo made his R&B debut in July with his EP titled “Maison,” which is one of my favorite albums of 2019 (I highly recommend listening to his track “Comme des Garcons”). All tracks are written, composed and produced by himself. He is also active in the music scene as a DJ-producer-rapper (and member of WYBH) under the alias Hayake. It’s rare to see such a musical versatility. He is most definitely on my watch list of 2020.

Lena‘s Picks

The endless number of choices made it hard to pick only three, so I tried not to simply list my favorites that I’m eagerly waiting for (Beenzino who’s finally done with his service and Verbal Jint who’s hopefully done reflecting–not that I found it wrong) but instead search along the younger generations of artists.

Khundi Panda

Since SCV dug out this gem of a rapper in his “Mineral Excavation” Interview in 2015, Khundi has had my attention. During those four years, he has dropped a few mixtapes, gone through a number of crews, featured on nearly forty albums, released several albums in collaboration with other artists, won an award for Best Hip-Hop Album, and so much more. Yet he released his first solo single only this month. (I haven’t been this grateful to BewhY since “GOTTASADAE.”) The wait has been long, but it seems like Khundi is finally on the move. (How much further can he refine his skill anyway?!) Rumor has it that his first LP will drop in spring and I am more than ready for it.

Yuzion

Youth. Popularity. Talent. Freshness. Authenticity. She’s got it all. Yuzion is an exception among the rapping ladies with a voice easy on the ears and a naive charm. I was first captured by her when I discovered she had made a song with her 12-year-old little sister (with the cutest lyrics you will ever read) and a second time when her awkwardness in music videos reminded me of Tommy February6‘s—except it’s authentic. After the release of her debut EP, Yuzion’s popularity has risen, partly thanks to CHANGMO‘s shout-out. I can’t wait to watch how she will grow next year and whether she will stay independent or join a label.

E.viewz

If you’re one of the “SoundCloud people,” you will know this man. Yes, that smoky voice that poisons your ears with sweet breaths … E.viewz. The singer, whose artist name contains E. A. Poe, has signed with none other than Sony Music after only one year of uploading his music to SoundCloud. Then he released his debut single in both Korean and Chinese (because why not, if you speak Mandarin). And it doesn’t end there. As it turns out, he is also a talented producer with a number-one hit in China (你说真的吗?!). He has the voice, talent, looks, label and debut single. Can we look forward to an album next year?

Honorable Mentions

Tommy Strate. He’s always been up there, but I have the impression that he’s been working especially hard this year. He participated in over 18 releases by other artists, released three (!) mini albums and three singles and did a lot more, from rap lessons over live performances to casual SoundCloud uploads. This man deserves more attention in 2020.
I’ve also seen Jayci yucca‘s name everywhere this year, which I expect to be a prelude for more. And finally, I’d like to mention D.Sanguh, whose track “X” is a real insider hit, especially among Korean fans.

Cy‘s Picks

I want the record to show this was an absolute nightmare to concoct.

sokodomo

sokodomo has steadily become a monster MC. While his appearance on School Rapper 3 unleashed his talent to the nation, a sweep of his SoundCloud reveals just how hungry this young man is. He’s aggressive, powerful. When he’s truly let loose, he’s going to be a force to be reckoned with. “Too Much” (featuring Qim Isle) is the perfect example of just how wild he is on the mic. Dig back in his archives for some of his most powerful music, like his work on the “OVERRATED” EP.

Yeo Journey

The moment I heard “Blame Game” for the first time I knew Yeo Journey was going to be a whole problem. Dark. Heavy. This young man takes an alternative approach to his brand of R&B. There’s something a little off about everything he releases. A slightly sour note that sticks in the mind like a splinter. Jagged and insistent. He’s got the type of musical landscape that both intrigues and unnerves. I can’t wait for what he has in store for 2020.

Lee Young Ji

This. Girl. Is. NASTY! Hip hop in South Korea is long overdue for a wave of female firepower. With the influx of melodic rappers overflowing in the hip-hop scene, it’s about time the ladies threw their hats in the ring. We have the political and conscious rap of SLEEQ and the legendary status of Yoonmirae (and to a lesser extent Jessi). There’s so much room for another woman to truly test these guys out here. Her run on School Rapper 3 (and subsequent collaboration with MKIT RAIN founders nafla and Loopy) impressed me. One listen to her MIC SWAGGER performance was enough to convince me she’s next!

Honorable Mentions

My honorable mentions have some of the most devastating bars in the game right now. They also happen to be honorable mentions because they primarily rap in English. So that narrowed the list down a bit.

Gu is 9 has slowly become one of my favorite rappers in the past nine months or so. His pen is thorough, and he’s got a flow that’s just hypnotic. META4US (f.k.a. Metaphaurus Raps) is also in a league of extraordinary MCs. His lyricism is undeniable. The aggressive tone of his delivery sends chills up my spine. Call it nepotism, favoritism, whatever. But FLANNEL ALBERT will not be denied when it comes to that pen! He absolutely deserves more attention. Only when you truly pay attention will you understand the depth of what he does and is capable of.

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Of course, this isn’t an exhaustive list. These nine artists (and the few honorable mentions thrown in) are just the tip of the iceberg. Here’s to another 10 years of hip hop and R&B in South Korea! Who are some of the artists you’re looking forward to?