Our guest writer Amy visited Hongdae to meet up with the upcoming Korean artist Yellopumpy. The two had a chat about his current music, his experience with Show Me the Money, and his upcoming projects.
The Interview
For those who aren’t unfamiliar with you, can you introduce yourself.
Hi I’m Yellopumpy (recently changed from Lil Mind). I’m a rapper in Korea, my hometown is Mugeuk (무극) but I came to Seoul 2 years ago. And, I just really love hip hop!
Can you also describe your music for those who haven’t heard it before.
My music is for having fun and giving good vibes to many people.
Which of your songs would you recommend to first time listeners?
Slay
When and how did you become interested in hip hop?
When I was in middle school, I became interested in hip hop because I discovered Michael Jackson and Eminem. Then one time, whilst on a school trip, I performed Epik High’s song “Fly” and so many people who were watching loved my performance, I remember the girls screaming for me (hehe).
Who are your favorite artists and how have they inspired you in your own music?
Lil Wayne, Kanye West, Big Shaq (recently). Lil Wayne inspired me because he really started the bottom with no money and built himself up.
Nowadays hip hop is getting increasingly popular in Korea, why do you think that is?
I think because of the media, there are so many TV shows which display hiphop nowadays. Also, I think that a large amount of pop songs just talk about love whereas hip hop talks about various topics and it makes people feel comfortable to use more expressive and harsh language. It’s more sincere and upfront.
Were your family always supportive of you wanting to pursue a career in the music industry?
Yeah they always supported me.
What advice would you give to young people who feel like they can’t pursue their dreams due to societal pressures (particularly in Korea)?
If you want to achieve something, if you have a dream, don’t follow other people’s thinking. Just go your own way. Because those people are not you. You are you.
You passed the first round of auditions for SMTM6, can you describe your experience with the show and why you chose not to go back?
On the first day of auditions Tiger JK failed me but on the second day DEAN passed me. On the first day, I didn’t understand why I was failed by Tiger JK. I was proud of myself and I know that I’m a good rapper so that’s why I went again on the second day- and passed and got a chain. (Also DEAN hugged me!) However, I chose not to go back after the passing that audition due to personal reasons that I can’t say.
Would you consider auditioning SMTM again?
Yeah, sure.
You were previously working under a company but quit to start your own crew, can you give more details on this?
I just want to be free and go my own way. If I follow other people and get successful it’s okay but later I may feel regretful because I followed someone else’s way, compared to if I did it my own way and became successful. Also, I want to make a crew with people I’m close with.
Who would you choose as the ultimate dream collaboration?
Chance the Rapper because he has good vibes and I feel so happy when I hear his songs, so I want to collaborate with him.
Can you give us any details about upcoming projects?
I’m working on a new single about love, but it’s not about a romantic love, it’s the kind of love you give to someone to cheer them up. Because I feel like a lot of people these days are feeling down or sad so I want to cheer people up when they hear this song.
Any upcoming performances?
Not until after releasing my next single and album.
Lastly, is there anything you want to say or express to our readers? Express yourself!
Because of doing the things I want to do I have a lot of things I feel sorry about to my family and the people close to me. Though, when I commit more and more to doing what I want, I can give back everything to them eventually. I am not different from other ordinary people but, amongst the many people who want to be different, if you could know about me it would be good! From now on, please listen to my music a lot and love me.
