It’s certainly been an exciting time in hip hop in South Korea! Undoubtedly, 2019 was the year for up-and-coming rappers. One of the most promising MCs in the last year is Minjae Song, known most commonly by his stage name PLUMA.
With his appearance on School Rapper 3, the young rapper has made a name for himself among some of the country’s brightest. Shortly after his time at MU:CON, he took some time to answer some questions for HiphopKR.
“I’m rapper PLUMA.”
Please introduce yourself to our HiphopKR readers.
Hello, I’m rapper PLUMA.
Did you always want to be an artist?
I had many dreams when I was young, but I’ve always dreamed of becoming an artist since I was in middle school.
“Pluma” is the Spanish word for “pen.” You’ve been known to have really powerful lyrics. Is this the inspiration behind your rapper name?
Yes, when I was in middle school, my dormitory took out all electronic devices from me, so I was able to write the lyrics only with a pen and paper. So, I always carried my notebook, which had all the lyrics that I wrote and pens with me, but I forgot my pen one day, and I was upset because I couldn’t write the lyrics all day. That’s why the pen is so precious to me. I named myself PLUMA because I wanted to help someone’s dream come true and become an indispensable person like a pen does to me.
What about rap music impressed you so much it made you want to become a rapper?
I started rapping after watching “Show Me the Money 4.” When I was forced to study as a student, I found that hip-hop had such powerful and straightforward lyrics and energy.
Who are your biggest influences?
I think they’re my friends who play music with me. We’ve been together for about two to three years. I think we’ve been affected the most.
Parental Guidance
Are your parents supportive of you being an artist?
They asked me to work as a hobby before, not becoming to work as a job. But they support me from the start of making great achievements! I think my parents are my No. 1 fans now!
You’ve participated in a couple competitions. Notably, you won Rookies of KAC in 2018. What made you decide to compete in Rookies of KAC?
That was the condition that my mother let me drop out of school. Win the KAC competition and receive the necklace from “Show Me the Money 777.” I made both of them at once and dropped out.
The Fearless High School Rapper
You also participated in School Rapper 3. What made you audition for that show?
I wanted to become famous. It was a path that I had to take to promote myself and my music and become a great artist.
In the first episode, they played the track for “Body Language” by Usher and Tinashe. You were the first one to grab the mic. What was going through your mind when you grabbed the microphone?
I was confident. I wasn’t always nervous or scared because I trusted myself.
You got to collaborate with The Quiett and Code Kunst. They’re legends in Korean hip hop. How did you feel getting to work with them? Did they offer you any advice?
They told me that it was not all about the show, so try to continue making great music after the program “High School Rapper” finishes. It seems to be the simplest thing, but at the same time, it’s the most important and necessary thing!
Many rappers and even producers who’ve been on the show have said the process is very exhausting. How did you handle the strain of being on the show?
I enjoyed every process of “High School Rapper” a lot. I was very excited and enjoyed every moment.
What are the biggest lessons you learned from these competition shows?
I have gained more faith and confidence in myself than learning. I feel like my future will be brighter and I like it.
Collaborations
I saw you at MU:CON this year. How was that experience for you?
It was a fantastic experience to be on a great stage. It was also an honor to see famous artists whom I admired a lot in one place.
How was your experience working with Portuguese producer Holly during MU:CON Collabo?
We worked out very well. It was very nice to get positive and pleasant energy from him.
You’ve worked with Loopy and nafla this year. What were your impressions of them before and after you worked together? What was it like working with them?
I always respected them so much. I was so happy to work with them, since I was always listening to their music a lot since I was young.
You released your first single, “Weekend,” in November. Can you tell us what the song means to you?
I tried to write about me, the 18-year-old boy who was struggling with the responsibilities and schedules that he had to deal with and need some rest especially on ‘this weekend’. I wanted to release this single before I pass my teenage year. It’s a song about me being young and delicate!
How was it working with Reddy?
It was really great to have a good song.
Who are some artists you want collaborate with?
I want to collaborate with Penomeco, Beenzino, Young B, and Giriboy, whom I always respected.
PLUMA Stays Positive
Your lyrics seem to express the idea that you shouldn’t waste your youth and work hard to reach your dreams. Why is that so important to you?
I think the most prudent thing for anyone to spend is time. I’m never coming back from the moment that I participated in this interview. I believe it is important to spend ‘now’ without regret. I want to spend my time wisely and live a life without regret.
Are there times when staying positive is difficult? How do you stay focused?
I think staying positive has become a habit now. I always laugh when I’m sad or tired, but when I laugh, I feel happy. The only thing that can bring about failure and despair is a lesson. We have to learn something and get away from it quickly.
What impression or image do you want people to have about you?
I hope they remember me as being bright, positive, and energetic.
Ambition & the Future
What is your greatest ambition as an artist?
I want to be the best.
Do you have any advice for your juniors who are thinking about making music?
I want to tell them to have faith in themselves. You are the only one who can trust and support yourself.
What can fans expect from you in the future?
“I can show you excellent music and a wide spectrum on me”
Any final thoughts?
Please keep enjoy listening to the song “Weekend” and please look forward to all the music that I work on and seeing me keeping working on great music.
It really is a blessing to be at the dawn of an artist’s career. PLUMA certainly has much to look forward to in the coming year. He’s already got a list of top-notch collaborations under his belt. PLUMA has quite a 2020 in store for him!
Follow PLUMA:
[icon type=”apple”] [icon type=”instagram”] [icon type=”soundcloud”] [icon type=”spotify”] [icon type=”youtube”]Interview answers provided in English by HIGHLINE Ent.
