exclusive interview

Lake Kim - BITTERSWEET (mixtape cover)

[Exclusive Interview] LAKE KIM releases third mixtape ‘BITTERSWEET’

LAKE KIM of NEON Crew has released his third mixtape ‘BITTERSWEET‘. Our exclusive interview with the rapper was in fact rather sweet than bitter–but find out for yourself!


Lake Kim - BITTERSWEET (tracklist)It has been three years since LAKE KIM last released a mixtape. ‘BITTERSWEET’ consists of nine tracks and features his fellow crew member WooRam, Paiddy of XOX, Yuldia, and producer The Plan8. The songs are about the bittersweet feelings LAKE KIM experienced during the college entrance exam, college life, and during his leave of absence from college.
He has promised ‘BITTERSWEET’ to be the starting point of more steady music activities from now on.

[x_alert heading=”Download” type=”warning”][x_button shape=”square” size=”small” float=”none” href=”http://www.mediafire.com/download/n9t45k6eji24ih3/LAKE_KIM_3rd_Mixtape_%5BBITTERSWEET%5D.zip” target=”blank” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover”]Link 1[/x_button]    [x_button shape=”square” size=”small” float=”none” href=”https://www.dropbox.com/s/jh2851xpmgpl1fp/LAKE%20KIM%203rd%20Mixtape%20%5BBITTERSWEET%5D.zip?dl=0″ target=”blank” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover”]Link 2[/x_button][/x_alert]
To celebrate the release of the mixtape and help you get to know the artist better, we have translated track 01. Childish Intro and track 08. Drama for you. LAKE KIM personally revised both translations, so be sure to check them out!


[x_alert type=”success”]HiphopKR’s wonderful readers on tumblr have brought LAKE KIM to us for this interview; a big shout-out to them for making this possible![/x_alert]

Hello LAKE KIM! Please introduce yourself to the fans who are not familiar with you yet.LAKE KIM
Hello, I’m a 20 years old rap/hiphop artist and I go by the name of LAKE KIM. I released three mixtapes. ‘Lake Registration’ (2012), ‘Sophomore’ (2013), and ‘BITTERSWEET’ (2016). I was in a crew ‘Paperblockz‘ for like 5 years since 2010. I had a few performances by the name of Paperblockz and LAKE KIM. However, currently I’m in a crew NEON which includes Damiano, Lil Cham, SQ, WooRam, CaterNine, Lil Vice, Udumo, Keemda, 149cm. I had a little break about 3 years but now I’m trying to do my best on music.

 

Where does your artist name come from, is there a special meaning behind it?

Well, it’s not that special. The artist name ‘LAKE KIM’ came from a TV drama called ‘Jungle Fish 2‘. I named after the main character of the drama. 2010 when I was 15 years old (Korean age), also when the drama was on TV, I used to have a chat with my best friends about the drama because we enjoyed watching it, put our lives on the drama because the drama resembles our live so much.
Additionally, I got impressed by the Jungle Fish 2 because when I watched the drama, I had a bunch of good memories such as first love and good times with my beloved people. So I named after the main character naturally under sympathy and some kind of admiration.

[x_alert type=”info”]The main character of Jungle Fish 2 (Korean drama from 2010) is called Min Hosu (played by actor Hong Jong-Hyun). ‘Hosu’ translates to ‘lake’. The ‘KIM’ of LAKE KIM is the rapper’s own surname.[/x_alert]

We are having this interview in English. How come your English is so good?

Thanks for telling me but I don’t think my English is that good to be mentioned! xD Umm … if you really want to tell me the secret, then let me tell you guys …! (joking) I think I developed my English by listening to English culture’s music. I always wondered meaning of English lyrics and out of curiosity, I searched lyrics and every time I caught with awkward words, I studied the meanings of words or expressions.
Like 4 or 5 years ago, I found out a very useful lyric translation site (explains inside facts about lyrics which include historical background or artist’s intentions) called ‘genius’ and it really helped a lot. By the way, I major in English Language & Literature.

Which track or mixtape of yours would you suggest to listeners who have never listened to your music before?

I would like to suggest all tracks! Sorry xD Out of my third mixtape ‘BITTERSWEET’ I would like to recommend 3 songs to listeners who are first with me.
02. Picture Perfect Love – I really love this kind of beat. Chill, bright track with a calm and mellow rapping. I think this track can tell you which atmosphere/genre I’m good at.
06. Disco2nite (feat. Yuldia) – I really love this track personally. Especially, I really love the verses. You will be listening to my smooth verses with funky sound.
09. Fly High (Up In The Sky) (feat. 우람) – I really love to rap on a beat which includes piano/string instruments. This track will give you impression as a closing track and as the track itself.

 

As far as I know you were part of the PaperBlockz Crew with Jay Moon, amongst others, what happened to it, are you still part of it?

I’m now done with Paperblockz. None of us are in Paperblockz now. We decided to break the crew by personal conflicts. Instead, Paiddy & Coldkidd & LAKE KIM (me), previous Paperblockz members, decided to make a squad called ‘XOX‘.

How did you spend the three years until the release of ‘BITTERSWEET’?

I was obsessed with the university things. As you know, in South Korea, college/university is a big matter to both parents and students. I decided to do both things – music, studying. So I was busy with my entrance exam and I concentrated on university when I was a freshman, last year 2015 (during these periods, I made few songs but released just a few of them).

How was the mixtape created? Did you decide on a concept first?

I had a little slump thing due to period of blank. It was not easy to create songs like back-in-the-days. But I knew I should break the slump thing and start over. It was really difficult when I made songs without a concrete plan such as mixtape. I decided to begin my career again first by setting a concrete goal. After setting a goal which was releasing a new mixtape, everything became clear and I took pace again.
The title “BITTERSWEET” came up with my usual thoughts in my head about life. I’ve always thought that if I should choose a word which defines my life, I think I would choose “bittersweet” to describe my life. Because sometimes life is sweet and nothing bothers, but sometimes life is bitter and anything can bother. I didn’t really have difficulty in choosing subjects because all I’ve experienced in my life became subjects of each tracks. Then after it, I wrote lyrics and I put melodies and rhymes and that’s all.

Are you already planning your next release?LAKE KIM

Not really, I am now working on diverse work including photo/music (no fixed genre)/video. I am going to hold a performance with my crew members. Also, I’m going to release single with new producers! Maybe it can be an official album release, or it can be my 4th mixtape.

You especially wanted this interview to reach out to your international fans. Do you have a special relationship with them?

I’ve always known that there are a lot of international Khiphop fans all over the world via Twitter. I had some followers who gave me their attention and I was really glad that my music could be spread all over the world even though it is only a small movement yet.
I really got impressed by the fact that people can share their feelings when hearing music under different languages/cultures/lives. Of course I thought that my music is worth more than just staying in internal range: South Korea.
I really appreciate the attention and love I’ve got from international fans, and this time I want to repay them with my new mixtape.

Last but not least, feel free to say whatever is still on your mind!

If you’re reading this, it’s not that late. My mixtape released just about a week ago and better late than never!
It was a joke haha … I really appreciate your precious attention about me and my music!
Thanks a lot HiphopKR subscribers and whoever reading this.
I will keep making cool, warm, touching songs like I’ve always been.
So plz look forward to LAKE KIM. I won’t disappoint you.
With love.
LAKE KIM

LAKE KIM

 

Look forward to LAKE KIM’s upcoming activities, we will keep you updated!


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Microdot Vancouver Exclusive Interview

Microdot – Exclusive Interview

On April 23, I sat down with independent artist Microdot for an exclusive video interview.  We discussed topics such as his music career after Show Me the Money 4, his upcoming album (and the featured artists), his international tour experience, the globalization of “Downbad.” movement, and his upcoming projects.  A special shoutout to Astro Vancity for inviting me to Microdot’s Vancouver show.  You can check out the exclusive interview and concert footage here!

Microdot, Korean Hiphop, Korean, Show Me The Money

Microdot Exclusive Interview – Ask Your Questions with HiphopKR!

The young and talented New Zealand-based Korean rapper Microdot recently kicked off his worldwide tour in Australia and will be performing in the United States this week.  On April 23, the artist will begin his Canada tour in Vancouver where HiphopKR will conduct an exclusive interview. Find out how Microdot can answer YOUR interview questions!


Read our first exclusive interview with Microdot: “This time it’s different… this time I’m doing this in God’s way


Ever since Microdot made his booming entrance back to South Korea last year through Show Me the Money 4, this Aukland rapper made waves in the Korean hip-hop scene, performing in countless shows and collaborating with several artists including Dok2, The Quiett, Sanchez (aka Fassnakuh), Bumkey and Babylon.


Through his hard work and dedication, Microdot breaks barriers with his international tour in Australia, the United States and Canada. Check out the following posts for his tour information:

HiphopKR will be attending Microdot’s shows in Vancouver (April 23, 2016) and San Francisco (May 7, 2016). In addition, I will be conducting an exclusive interview in Vancouver. Read on to find out how YOU can submit your questions for Microdot to answer!


Submit your questions for our exclusive interview:

There are several ways you can submit your question for Microdot. Just follow these rules:


Facebook: Comment on our main Facebook post with the following hashtags: #HiphopKR #Microdot


Twitter: Tweet your question with the following hashtags and account: #HiphopKR @HiphopKR

https://twitter.com/HiphopKR/status/722267116603244545


Instagram: Comment on our main Instagram post with the following hashtags: #HiphopKR #Microdot


Lastly, you can ask your questions below on our comments system!

Questions to be incorporated in the interview be can submitted by 11:59 pm (MT) April 22, 2016 in the social media channels above.


Credits:
Featured image: @photo_scent (used with permission from Microdot)

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Exclusive Interview with B-Free

Exclusive Interview with B-Free, “My music will never be bound by Korean society”

Check out our exclusive interview with Korean-born, Hawaii based rapper B-Free of HI-LITE Records. In this interview, we discuss about the Green Club Project, his upcoming solo album, HI-LITE compilation album #2 and much more. Check out the full interview below!


Can you tell us about your upcoming track ‘Yoga Flame’?
Yoga Flame’ (featuring Okasian) comes out early August. It was supposed to come out sooner but we’re gonna release it with the music video for ‘Kawasaki‘ which was delayed but is now almost complete. ‘Kawasaki‘ is part of my collaboration with Sway’D for our project album called [Green Club]. The track ‘Yoga Flame‘ will be part of my upcoming solo album.

Note: B-Free’s ‘Kawasaki (ft. Play$tar and Sway’D)‘ MV along with ‘Yoga Flame‘ is now available. Check them out below:

What can you tell us about your upcoming solo album?
It’s going to be a while before I drop the album. I’ve been making a lot of beats everyday, but only some of them will make it into the album. I might even get some beats from other people in the future… because making beats for the whole album is harder than I expected.

How many tracks total?
I consider myself old-school, and the old-school albums are usually long and goes up to twenty tracks. Nowadays though, not a lot of rappers in Korea put out that many songs in an album, and I’m thinking kind of the same way right now. If the album is good with 10-11 tracks, I’ll finish it up and drop it. Back then, I would have 10-11 tracks and I would think “No, that’s not good enough… I need more” and the album would take more time and end up getting delayed. If I have a decent amount of tracks, I’ll just put it out.

Your previous albums [Hope] (2012) and [Korean Dream] (2014) had a lot of positive messages such as overcoming hard times and achieving your dream. Will this be a common theme for your upcoming album?
I’ve been thinking a lot about this after [Korean Dream]… I was kind of tired doing that, you know? I started to feel like I was becoming a nagging big-bro type of image. I sounded like I was always telling people what to do. That’s why I started working on the Green Club album, because I wanted to get away from that image and try something fresh. That being said, I still feel like the album is gotta have some kind of story. The album will have a story with a message, but likely won’t be as deep and personal as before.

Can you tell us about the HI-LITE Records compilation album #2?
Everybody at HI-LITE Records feels that each of us need to grow as an individual artist. We all agreed that we would pursue compilation album #2 when the time is right… and I think that time is now. We actually have some very exciting news: we are bringing in new artists very soon. New artists mean new energy. We will see… we will work on new stuff and if everyone feel like making the album, then we’ll just do it.

I saw that HILITE will be performing a show in Tokyo next month. Any plans for touring elsewhere internationally?
We are also in talks with Macao to perform a show there. And I did a feature with a Taiwanese artist, so maybe if he invites us, we’ll go there too. If anyone invites us, we’re willing to go.

Recently you posted a photo on Instagram of you competing in a boxing tournament.
Yeah, it’s just my hobby. I’m not trying to be a professional boxer. It’s my form of exercise, you know? I love boxing. Growing up in Hawaii, you need to know how to fight. I feel like boxing is the best exercise for me.

https://instagram.com/p/2x6YgrtBYe5Q0GYvYwhi5A9qxeAxr4Q3_K4-80


In addition to boxing, you’re married and making music full-time… how do you balance it all?
I’m glad that I’m this busy. I’m glad that I’m working, especially with music. People don’t know, but as soon as I wake up to the moment I sleep, I work on music, whether making beats or writing my lyrics. Even up to the [Hope] album, I was working part-time doing other stuff. I’m always thankful for getting paid for what I am doing right now. I’m happy that I’m busy. I hope I get busier. *laughs*

Where do you see yourself in 3 years?
In 3 years time, I see myself continue making music… that’s it. Hopefully I’ll be in a better position so that I can help other artists and produce beats for them. I also want to be a in a position where my label is bigger and respected.

Where do you get your inspiration from?
For my previous albums I used to talk about my past events like my childhood memories. Nowadays, I really get inspired by the up and coming artists in Korea. New artists like Okasian and Sway’D inspire me to do better and make fresh tracks. My biggest inspiration comes from my fans. I gotta give them something new and something better which pushes me to do better.

On Show Me the Money 4, producers Tablo and San E expressed that the status of being an “idol” is irrelevant if they are able to show that they are good rappers.
I think that’s true. It doesn’t matter whether or not the artist is from an idol group. The reason why I didn’t like idol rappers in the past was because back then, it seemed like the companies would force them to become a rapper in the group despite not being able to rap or even like rap for that matter. But now, the quality of rap from idol rappers is much better. They stepped up. They write their own lyrics and they do their thing, so I don’t think being an idol matters anymore.

But it’s not just about the rap. It’s not just about whether or not you can rap good. I think it deals with the culture and the attitude before everything else. There are so many rappers that I respect and want to collaborate, not because they can rap good, but because of their attitude toward the rap culture.


On the topic of Show Me the Money 4, we discussed about the relationship between him and San E. B-Free stated he feels sorry for the nickname he made for San E through his track ‘My Team’ featuring HI-LITE Records.

B-Free: I didn’t know it was going to be such a big deal. The track blew up out of nowhere… everybody started calling him that. At first, I thought it was cool that my verse blew up, but then after a while I realized how harsh it became on San E. I feel sorry for him. I plan to apologize to him in person.


As a Korean hiphop artist, have you ever felt bound or restricted by the Korean culture in your ability to express yourself musically?
Hell no. my music will never be bound by Korean society. Ever since I first started rapping, I was against the Korean government, especially the military. I feel like it is our job as real artists to talk about these issues, so that we can influence the current and next generation to make the changes we want to see.

In closing, is there anything you want to say to your international fans?
I’m very thankful that I have fans overseas who like my music. I’m going to keep working hard so that I can go see them and open a show wherever they are. That’s my goal.

https://soundcloud.com/freefromseoul/spaceship


B-Free | Twitter | Soundcloud | Instagram

 

Microdot

Microdot, “This time it’s different… this time I’m doing this in God’s way”

Check out our exclusive interview with Korean-born, New Zealand based rapper Microdot, where he talks about his music, his experience with Show Me the Money 4, and his personal ambitions and future direction.


Let’s start from the beginning. Can you introduce yourself to your fans from overseas?
My name is Microdot from New Zealand. I used to be a part of ALL BLACK with Dok2. This time it’s different – this time around I’m doing this in God’s way. Because if I do, it’s impossible to fail, you know? Whatever happens at Show Me the Money 4, it’s all planned. It’s one of the reasons why I got no fear of starting this again. It’s hard to start again when you’re once well known and then you disappear for a while. I feel real privileged and blessed that I know all these people. I got a very good support team: my brother Sanchez, he’s a good dude… my long time close brothers like Bumkey and Dok2… and my girlfriend – she’s probably my best and critical supporter. But it’s hard because she’s over there [in New Zealand] and I’m here, you know?

For those that got to know you through Show Me the Money 4, they may not know your past, such as [Microdot EP] (2013). Can you tell us about the mixtape?
I started working on the mixtape when I visited Korea about 3-4 years ago. It was a free release – I wanted to show that I am still doing music. My visit to Korea was inspiring and motivated me to do music again. But I gotta graduate [from University] and have other important things to focus on at that time. The tracks on the mixtape are an expression of my feelings and experience in life – the way I see the industry… how my name used to be known, but not anymore. It was me trying to help listeners relate to my life experiences – good and bad, and helping them get through the bad ones. It was never started as a money making project.

The tracks you released in the mixtape has a lot of well known producers and artists, such as Bumkey and Phantom (Sanchez and Kiggen). I also noticed that American producer Just Blaze produced a track too… how did that come about?
The beat was available for free online. I listened to the beat and was hooked onto it immediately. I used it for my track ‘Growing Up’ which is a track about my life in New Zealand. The struggles, how I got along with my family, coming to a new country… I think the track was real good for the Gyopo (교포) people. I get a lot of messages from Korean Americans that really feel the song because they can relate to the struggles. It takes a while before you become one with the city that you live in.

Going back to the people that didn’t know you before Show Me the Money 4, if you could choose one of your tracks as an introductory to yourself, which one would you recommend?
Twenty.’ It’s a remix of a Drake track. This is one of my favourite tracks because the lyrics I used on it was what people can relate to at the time and age I was at when I wrote it… “sick of saying in the morning what happened last night / don’t recall but it was the best night, that’s right” and “I’m turning twenty soon, they say I should live my age, / saying… If I don’t live now, regret will cave in, / but I’m living in stages, tryina lift my wage.”

It’s hard because, the time and age I was in, my dream and faith was so strong. I wanted to become such a bigger rapper but it was so difficult. The lyrics was about introducing myself to the adulthood. I talked about how I got the best girl to support me in whatever I do.. that’s one of the biggest blessings you could ever get from God. To have someone who is by your side going through everything you do. The track talks about how nineteen and twenty year olds act. I used to party a lot before starting my University career which made me realize I had to take things more seriously, you know? So many fans who are in University and College told me that they can relate to this song which pushes them even harder to work. Twenty is definitely my favourite.

Can you tell us about Downbad.?
Downbad. is a movement that started from my hometown Auckland, New Zealand. A person feels “Downbad.” just before they are about to do something they know they shouldn’t be doing. For example, if a guy who has a girlfriend goes a club and is about to get a number from another girl, he is being “Downbad.” In other words, “if you feel Downbad., don’t do it.” The movement is a way to spread positivity. I wanted to make it into something people can physically feel a part of, so the slogan became a clothing line and street wear. It’s definitely not merchandizing off Microdot. It’s more like Microdot is sponsored by Downbad.

https://instagram.com/p/5_kDvAizyu

 

During the music video shoot for my track ‘For The Road To Riches’ I printed a Downbad. crew neck jersey, and my friends were hitting me up later asking where they could get one. From one person, to second, to thousands… it all started from the bottom *laughs*

Does Downbad. ship internationally?
Of course. Wherever you are, email us and we’ll ship our merchandize to your country.


downbadlogofrontpage
Downbad. Limited

http://downbadlimited.com
@downbadlimited (Facebook, Instagram, Downbad)


One of the main topics fans want to hear is your involvement with Show Me the Money 4. How did it all come about? Was it all planned?
Nah man, I didn’t even know what Show Me the Money 4 was until three weeks before the competition started. My brother Sanchez called me up and encouraged me to sign up for the competition. He knew my ambition to make music, and he thought this was a way to kickstart that dream. It was a very hard decision. It meant I had to leave everything I was comfortable with… my job, my family, my girlfriend and friends. I’ve done that before [during the ALL BLACK era] and I didn’t want to go through all that again.

I was actually visiting Korea earlier this year to shoot a music video, and it turns out Show Me the Money 4 was happening at the same time. I had no intentions for Show Me the Money 4, but when I arrived in Korea, I applied for the show not thinking too much about it.

The first round of Show Me the Money 4 came, and I passed onto the next round. I thought, “What? This is weird but pretty cool” but I really had no intentions to make it further than the first two rounds. Week after week, I didn’t have time to prepare like other rappers… I prepared for my verse one week before the first round of the show. Second round I prepared and memorized two verses in one week. Third round, three verses in one week. It was constant and really stressful. To be honest, I didn’t know what I was doing, just like when I started ALL BLACK in 2005. My path in Show Me the Money 4 was turning out to be like my path with ALL BLACK ten years ago. But I kept pushing and going up.

The best part about my experience with Show Me the Money 4 so far was meeting BewhY. During the first round, I remember praying to God, “Is this the right thing I’m doing? If so, please show me something, some kind of message.” Soon afterwards, I met BewhY. It turned out he was very Christian too. We talked about God, His grace, and our personal experiences. And then Owen Ovadoz came over and joined the conversation. I realized that I’m in an MNET show, in a worldly situation with music and fame and materialism, and here we are talking about God in this situation. At that moment, I knew that this could be start of something good. Something that I could do… God using me as his messenger.  And it all rolled out from there. It was incredible.

https://instagram.com/p/49cbWUizxR/?taken-by=microdot


With the new friendships made through the show, do you plan on collaborating with BewhY and Owen Ovadoz?
With Owen, definitely. With BewhY I’m already hitting hit him up about my new project, you know? When someone gives you a positive vibe, and it returns in a give and take relationship, collaborating is something you gotta do. Some things happen for a reason. I’m definitely going to collaborate with BewhY.

During the second round, BewhY and I were the only ones that didn’t fight each other. As soon as our friendship grew, I told him, “Let’s empty our greed and show these judges and make them really have a hard time deciding who moves up to the next round. Let’s not diss each other. Let’s show them a performance people would be willing to pay to watch.” And that’s exactly what we did.

A lot of people hate on MNET, but they work hard. They’re just like us, you know? Most of them are underneath people, so they just follow the rules. There’s nothing they can do. They really, really work hard. And plus, when you know that MNET is a company known for the Devil’s Cut (악마의 편집) , don’t do the stuff that they can portray you poorly! It’s simple as that.


So you don’t have any concerns that MNET is going to twist your words and portray you poorly on the show?
Nah man. Nothing. And I never acted either on the show. I never put myself trying to make myself someone I’m not. What you see on the show is the true me.

A few years ago in an interview article I found, you mentioned that during your visit to Korea you asked Dok2 for a collaboration, but I don’t think that fell through.
Nope. No collaboration. *laughs* He said he’d help me out, but truthfully I didn’t expect anything because I returned to New Zealand shortly afterwards. At that time, I was young and naive. Looking back, I understand the place he was in. Every step he made was calculated so that every step was solid. He’s very smart… probably one of the smartest in the music industry that could ever do what he has done.

Back then the collaboration didn’t go through, but now that I’m in Korea, we are definitely going to be collaborating in the near future.

https://instagram.com/p/2JWgD-Cz7l


Any other Korean artists you would like to collaborate with?
Not in particularly. I’ve already collaborated with my brother Sanchez. If I could choose five, it would be BewhYBumkey1LLIONAIRE, Hyukoh and Choice37. But I’m always down for new music and collaborations, as long as it suits me.

What do you look for in a collaboration?
For me, the message of the track is definitely a strongpoint when considering a collaboration.

How about international collaboration?
There’s a lot. I want to tour North America… I would collaborate with pretty much anybody, everybody. Big Sean, Kanye, DJ Mustard, Young Chop, Jay-Z, J.Cole, Kendrick… anyone… Taylor Swift. *laughs* I’m a big fan of her music. Her album [1989] is crazy! I would list that album in my top 5 albums in the last two years.

Other favourite albums on your list?

  • J.Cole – [Forest Hills Drive] (2014)
  • Big Sean – [Dark Sky Paradise] (2015)
  • Dok2 – [MULTILLIONAIRE] (2015)
  • San E – [The Boy Who Cried Wolf (양치기소년)] (2015)
  • Drake – [If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late] (2015)

Let’s talk about your hobbies. I read somewhere that you are really into fishing?
Definitely! I actually have a fishing brand… it’s called Fishing Experience NZ (New Zealand). I have a lot of experience in fishing, so I provide fishing tips with photos of my catches and the products I use. I actually meet up with the people in the product line so in that sense, I know the products inside out which allows me to provide these tips online.

How did that come about? Did you start fishing with your family?
My dad taught me how to fish when I was real young… like five or so, and I built up from there. When I was in high school, my mates and I would go fishing with our parents. As soon as we hit sixteen, we took the boat out ourselves. Fishing has always been and will be something I love doing. When you go out on a boat on the water and all you see is water around you, you feel like there’s absolutely no problem. All that problem goes away, because the only thing you concentrate on is when the fish is going to bite, which is all the time because I know where to go. *laughs*


Wave Dancer & Catch Fishing (Facebook)
Fishing Experience New Zealand (Facebook, Instagram)


Where do you see yourself in 3 years?
In 3 years? Hopefully I’ll be married. I want to have a kid. I want to tour the world with my family and do what we love. I want to crack the North American scene, because my english rap is way tighter than my Korean, any day of the week. *laughs*

I would love the opportunity to jump on North America, but it’s all in God’s time. One thing Dok2 has taught me is that every single person will get there time. It might be ten years’ time, it might be a week. But that’s something you just cannot rush… because you’ll regret it. Just wait for your time. That wisdom comes straight from Dok2‘s personal experience. He also taught me that “if you drop out of Show Me the Money, don’t cry. *laughs*

On Show Me the Money 4, producers Tablo and San E expressed that the status of being an “idol” is irrelevant if they are able to show that they are good rappers.
I agree with that completely. As artists in the industry—underground or over—I think jealousy results in harsh comments toward other rappers. Idols could be dope ass rappers, but they could be restrained by their company. No artists work harder than idols in this industry. Mad respect for them and the things they go through. If they’re dope at rapping, it’s going to show one day. That being said, if they don’t love what they do, then they shouldn’t do it, you know? I mean, why make your image so solid to the point of being something you’re not? Bottom line is, if you want to be an idol, be an idol. If you want to be a rapper, then be a rapper. Be happy about it.

https://instagram.com/p/5PaOygCz7E


Do you have any closing remarks for your fans from overseas?
Everything I do, I just hope [the fans] respect it and appreciate my music. Feel free to reach out to me online, you know? I’m easy to contact. To me, there’s so much more to life than the materialistic stuff like money and fame… these don’t come close to what really matters to me. This is just a part of the package that unfortunately comes with my dream.

Never put your head down, because life is short. Make the right choices, don’t regret, have an open mind, have faith, and trust in God or whatever you believe in, you know?


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