FRNK

SXSW 2019: Who We're Excited to See

SXSW Spotlight: Who We’re Excited to See

South by Southwest has invited a number of Korean hip-hop and R&B artists to spotlight. The likes of Epik High, MFBTY, and Crush have all left their unique stamp on the festival. In 2019, the range and diversity of hip-hop and R&B acts has only broadened. Here I give a sneak peek into who I’m really excited to see (and who you should probably check out as well).

XXX

XXX (Kim Ximya and FRNK)

It’s been two years since XXX made their debut at South by Southwest. In the interim, the duo (comprised of MC/lyricist Kim Ximya and DJ/producer FRNK) has managed to carve a name for themselves as individual artists. They’ve also solidified their own niche in the ever-evolving (albeit saturated) hip-hop market in Korea.

With the release of their first full-length album, Language, they grabbed the attention of a number of international publications. Most notable among these were Billboard, Hypebeast, and Pitchfork. The combination of Kim Ximya’s vitriolic tongue and FRNK’s dreamlike composition has earned them a host of new admirers. Their follow-up, Second Language, solidified them as a premier group of the genre. True proponents of a genre with an increasing number of artists but few innovators in the country.

Ximya’s rough and brazen delivery has had many liken him to Schoolboy Q. Meanwhile, FRNK’s penchant for the cosmically weird and wonderful favors shades of artists like Clarence Clarity.

Together they’ve created a sound truly their own. Unique in a genre where artists who color outside the lines are a rarity. As this is their first time sharing the stage at the Korea Spotlight (this year held at Austin City Limits at the Moody Theater), they’re sure to make a huge impact and turn heads while doing so.

Colde

colde_sxsw

By now it’s no secret I have a soft spot for the members of club eskimo, the R&B/hip-hop collective lead by singer/songwriter/producer DEAN and producer/composer Millic.

A major component of what makes that group of like minds such an enigmatic unit is vocalist Colde. Together with producer 0channel, he formed group offonoff. As a unit their brand of R&B fits the unique composition club eskimo is known for. So much of that rests in the delivery of vocalist Colde.

Colde’s is a style purely his own. There’s a unique timbre to his voice that melds effortlessly with the smooth tones of the composition. His sound sits perfectly within the aural aesthetic that club eskimo has painted for itself. Wavy, unbothered, smooth. It’s this nuanced interpretation of R&B that has endeared him to so many fans of the genre. He’s extended this same ease into his latest crew, WAVY.

While Colde has made a name for himself in Korea’s independent R&B scene for a few years now, his visibility spiked with his appearance on MNET’s composer reality survival show “BREAKERS.” His curiously lo-fi musical leanings garnered him a wider audience of fans appreciative of his ability to bring so much color to a style so intrinsically understated. Of course, it helped that his comrades in club eskimo supported him so actively. Chief among these, his collaboration with Crush, “Your Dog Loves You,” allowed him to cement his spot among the show’s elite.

However, longtime fans of the vocalist had been mesmerized by his musical color. As he says himself, his voice is cold, but the music is warm. This duality was on full display with his first album, the aptly titled Wave.

This will be his first appearance at SXSW. His participation in the festival comes on the heels of his appearance on the popular web series Colors. His addition to the Korea Spotlight is a welcome bit of effortless cool among his more ostentatious peers.

MKIT RAIN

Comprised of rappers BLOO, Loopy, nafla, Owen Ovadoz, Young West, and DJ FLOJEE, MKIT RAIN is a stable of artists whose sole purpose is to create music free from restriction.

Along with rapper niahn, these friends and artists formed in LA. Their goal was simple: create music on their own terms. Their brand of hip-hop manages to integrate the laid-back groove of Los Angeles with the burgeoning popularity of the genre in South Korea. Among them, they have a wide range of aural aesthetics. Since their explosive Public Enemy mixtape, the crew has made themselves known in a big way.

nafla and Loopy helped solidify MKIT RAIN’s visibility in the Korean consciousness with their participation in the most recent permutation of popular survival competition “SHOW ME THE MONEY.” The two also participated in the Stage Sessions Tour. nafla himself was a part of DUMMIE‘s (a.k.a. Dumbfoundead) 2018 YIKES! Tour. niahn, unofficial member of MKIT RAIN, but lifetime friend of all the artists, just released his debut album extape. But MKIT RAIN has been slowly infiltrating the scene with their collective brazenness.

Their addition to the SXSW lineup during the hip-hop spotlight at Cheer Up Charlie’s is sure to further catapult the crew to reaching further heights.

Jvcki Wai

Jvcki Wai - Enchanted Propaganda (album cover)

Very little is known about Jvcki Wai. What’s definitely undeniable about her is that she makes an impression. Her distinct vocal style has led many to liken her to artists like Nicki Minaj. Bold, ballsy, and boisterous. She has no problems going toe-to-toe with the boys in terms of lyrical content. However, she stands strong in her feminine energy and demands attention.

As one of only two female MCs to participate in the now legendary “119 Remix,” Jvcki’s was a voice that certainly stood out. While she’s only been on the scene for a few years as a solo artist, she’s cemented herself among a slew of artists that are bringing a nuanced aesthetic to the Korean hip-hop scene.

Don’t mistake her youth for inexperience or a lack of skill. Jvcki’s got a vicious tongue and a vigorous enthusiasm for the ostentatious. She’s been releasing her music (mostly on SoundCloud) since 2016. Her debut EP Exposure was nothing short of a small detonation. Her voice catapults out of the speakers. To the uninitiated listener, her aggressive style and tinkling vocal delivery is a shock to the system.

Jvcki’s latest release, last year’s Enchanted Propaganda, drew the attention of a worldwide audience with its heavy undertones and her signature flow. This year is her SXSW debut. Her presence at Cheer Up Charlie’s among a slew of male acts will do more than draw attention. Without a doubt, she’ll create a lasting impression.


Who are some of the artists you’re excited to see at SXSW this year?

XXX - Second Language (album cover)

XXX release second full-length album, “SECOND LANGUAGE”

Producer FRNK and rapper Kim Ximya, BANA‘s successful hiphop duo XXX, have released their second full-length album, “SECOND LANGUAGE,” today.

“I was invited to the party but I chose my own seat at the table”

Release Date: February 15, 2019
Type: LP
Label: BANA

Tracklist:
  1. Intro (무뢰배)
  2. We Are (우린)
  3. Ooh Ah (우아)
  4. Bougie TITLE
  5. FAD
  6. Scale Model
  7. Language TITLE
  8. Fine (괜찮아)
  9. Done (다했어)
  10. Desk Job (사무직)
  11. About It (Limited Edition BONUS)
  12. Melody Loops 70 (Limited Edition BONUS)
Credits:

Music: FRNK
Lyrics: Kim Ximya

Streaming:
Follow XXX:
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Source: Mnet

XXX - Language (album cover)

XXX release first full-length album, “Language”

Hiphop duo XXX, consisting of producer FRNK and rapper Kim Ximya, released its first full-length album, ‘Language‘, yesterday.

Two weeks ago, XXX pre-released one last track, ‘Sujak‘, before the album finally came out yesterday.

With the release of their LP, XXX also announced a 2-CD-album titled ‘Second Language‘, which will hold the following tracks:

무뢰배
우린
우아
Bougie
FAD
Scale Model
Language
괜찮아
다했어
사무직

The time of release has not been revealed yet but fans can look forward to ten additional tracks. Meanwhile, enjoy the ten tracks that were released yesterday on international music platforms like YouTube (see above), iTunes/Apple Music, and Spotify!

‘Language’ Track List & Credits:
  1. 18거 1517 (18G 1517)
  2. Ugly
  3. 수작 (Sujak) TITLE
  4. 간주곡 (Ganju Gok) TITLE
  5. Trust Us
  6. S_it
  7. 뭐 어쩔까 그럼 (What You Want)
  8. Arranged
  9. Bad For You
  10. Told You
  11. Just Like (Limited Edition Bonus Track)
  12. Noise (Limited Edition Bonus Track)

Lyrics: Kim Ximya
Music: FRNK
Track 4 co-arranged by Leechae Kang
Distribution: IRIVER
Presented by BANA

Follow XXX:

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XXX - Just Like (cover art)

XXX pre-release ‘Just Like’ off ‘Language’ LP

XXX have pre-released the track ‘Just Like‘ off their upcoming first full-length album, ‘Language’, today.

Rapper Kim Ximya and beatmaker FRNK have been pre-releasing tracks off their first full-length album for a while now. In February, the duo released the single ‘What You Want‘, and in May, a track whose title has not been revealed yet came out as part of FRNK’s ‘Copy and Creation Mixset Vol. 1‘.

Today, the two have pre-released a third track off the LP. You can find the single on platforms like iTunes/Apple Music and Spotify.

‘Just Like’ Credits:

Lyrics: Kim Ximya
Produced by FRNK
Presented by BANA

Follow XXX:

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Source: Mnet

FRNK - Copy and Creation Mixset Vol. 1 (cover art)

FRNK releases ‘Copy and Creation Mixset Vol. 1’ including new XXX track

bana’s producer FRNK has revealed a new mixset titled ‘Copy and Creation (모방과 창작) Mixset Vol. 1‘. It includes a track off XXX’s upcoming album ‘Language’.

In February, XXX released ‘What You Want‘, the first pre-release off the duo’s upcoming first full-length album, ‘Language’. After fans were teased with mysterious images on Instagram, FRNK has uploaded a mixset to SoundCloud yesterday. At the end, the set includes a new XXX track which bana revealed to be another pre-release off ‘Language’. On clanking electronic sounds, Kim Ximya spits his trademark raw rap.

Listen to the mixset above! The pre-released track starts at around 1:01:00.

‘Copy and Creation Mixset Vol. 1’ Credits:

Mixed by FRNK
Lyrics and Rap: Kim Ximya

Related Links:

[x_block_grid type=”three-up”][x_block_grid_item]XXX    [icon type=”facebook-square”]     [icon type=”instagram”]     [icon type=”soundcloud”][/x_block_grid_item]
[x_block_grid_item]FRNK    [icon type=”instagram”]     [icon type=”soundcloud”][/x_block_grid_item]
[x_block_grid_item]Kim Ximya    [icon type=”soundcloud”][/x_block_grid_item][/x_block_grid]