smtm recap

HiphopKR - Show Me The Money 5 Exclusive Weekly Recap Episode 3 (May 28, 2016)

Show Me the Money 5 – HiphopKR Recap (Episode 3)

Check out our exclusive recap of “Show Me the Money 5” Episode 3: “Attack of the United States”… Warning: Spoilers ahead!


Last week, we got a sneak peak for what was to come in this episode: 37 contestants who passed Round 2 auditions in Seoul, Korea, will be joined by a handful of contestants who auditioned in Los Angeles, California (check out our exclusive recap of Episode 2 here).

Episode 3 is divided into two parts: Los Angeles auditions and round 2.5 cyphers (will be explained later on this article).

A diverse group of contestants who auditioned for Show Me The Money 5 in Los Angeles, California.

The episode reveals that 26 Los Angeles contestants pass the first round of preliminary auditions (a cappella verse) and are faced with their next challenge: 60 seconds cypher survival (very similar to round 2 held in Seoul, Korea).  The four producers (Kush, Dok2, Simon Dominic and Gill) are joined by the legendary American producer Timbaland.

Here are some remarks by our Korean producers:

  • Simon Dominic: Judging alongside with Timbaland seemed surreal … It was an honor.
  • Kush: I still have several Timbaland tracks on my playlist.  Just sitting beside him was like … wow.
  • Dok2: It was as if I was watching television.
  • Gill: Being able to meet him in person, I would like to send my thanks to the #SMTM5 staff.
American producer Timbaland joins the judge panel alongside with Simon Dominic, Kush, Dok2 and Gill
American producer Timbaland joins the judge panel alongside with Simon Dominic, Kush, Dok2 and Gill.

Producer Timbaland comments on Show Me the Money: “I think [SMTM] is the most innovative show that I have ever heard of.  Big up Korea for doing the very first hiphop show.  They took something that is heavily American culture and made it their culture.  Korean hiphop, Show Me the Money: the newest wave.


The first contestant is Mike Chun, also known as Verseatile.  You may have seen his round 1 audition video that circulated on the internet prior to this episode drop.  The artist has been in the hiphop scene for a while, with connections to Snacky Chan and being featured in an album by Uptown.  Kush and Simon Dominic state that they want to see Verseatile and Snacky Chan battle in round 3.  Check out the music video for his latest single titled ‘Car Tunez‘:

Unfortunately, all five producers fail the contestant.  American producer Timbaland comments, “The rap selection is wrong, and the beat selection is wrong.  You have to try a new style.

ep3-4
Rapper Verseatile (Mike Chun) in round 2 preliminary auditions.

The next contestant is Los Angeles-based Korean American rapper Sean Rhee.  The artist comments, “There is no platform for Korean hiphop artists in Los Angeles … through this show, I hope to pursue my passion in music more freely, without needing to worry about money.”  Check out his most recent single titled ‘YA JA SU (야자수)’ below:

The artist receives an ALL PASS.  Simon Dominic comments, “[Sean Rhee] raps very tightly.

Los Angeles-based Korean rapper Sean Rhee receives an ALL PASS on round 2.
Los Angeles-based Korean rapper Sean Rhee receives an ALL PASS on round 2.

Up next is Los Angeles-based Korean American rapper Junoflo (of Native Souls).  The artist comments, “I’ve always been a fan of Korean hiphop.  When I heard that ‘Show Me the Money’ was coming to Los Angeles, I thought it was a good opportunity to participate and win.”  Check out his latest single ‘That’s iLL‘ on his SoundCloud channel:

Impressed by his verse, the producers give him an ALL PASS.  Dok2 notes that Junoflo was consistently unshaken and did very well.  Gill notes that he is a winning candidate of the show, “In my view, Junoflo is number one in Los Angeles.”  Simon Dominic also adds that “He’ll probably gain a lot of female fans [for his charm, charisma, looks, etc] through this show.”  When Simon Dominic asks Kush why he had failed the contestant, the producer responds, “To make him stronger.”  Timbaland adds to the conversation, “Very wavy.”

Native Souls member Junoflo receives an ALL PASS and will move up to round 3 preliminary audition.
Native Souls member Junoflo receives an ALL PASS and will move up to round 3 preliminary audition.

The next contestant is a well known Korean artist in the Los Angeles Korean hiphop scene: Cycedelic Records artist Sikboy.  Gill asks, “Why are you so popular in Los Angeles?”  To which Simon Dominic adds, “Is it because you dissed San E?”  This is a reference to Sikboy’s San E diss track that dropped a few years ago.  Gill then asks, “If San E came out again [as a producer] this season, would you have competed?”  To which Sikboy said he wouldn’t as he still dislikes the Brand New Music artist.  Check out the music video for his latest track ‘LALA’ below:

Unfortunately, the contestant forgets his lyrics and consequently is eliminated by the five judges.  The artist is disappointed and admits that his nervousness got the best of him.

Sikboy of Cycedelic Records
Sikboy of Cycedelic Records

The next contestant is Orange County-based Korean American rapper KillahGramz, who is another artist under Cycedelic Records (led by Compton Kirk read more about him and the world renowned Compton records store here).  Simon Dominic proudly introduces KillahGramz, stating that he had passed the contestant during the round 1 preliminary audition.  The producer adds that he enjoys the contestant’s rap style, “I think we’d make a great duo.  My tight low tone with his tight high tone … we would kill this sh*t.”  Check out his collaborative track with fellow label-mate Sikboy titled ‘We Good’ featuring Kidkat and Beat Rhino:

https://soundcloud.com/714sikboy/we-good-feat-x

Timbaland is impressed by the contestant’s unique style, “That was different [unique] … you got something.”  Producer Gill adds to the feedback, “He killed it.  I really enjoy rappers like KillahGramz …  He’s got his own color.”  Lastly, Dok2 adds, “In the hiphop scene, it’s very important to represent where you come from.  The beat he chose had a very Los Angeles vibe.”  KillahGramz qualifies to the next round!

ep4-7


This episode also features many non-Korean contestants who competed in the Los Angeles auditions, [distastefully] using Wiz Khalifa’s ‘Black and Yellow’ as a backing track to introduce these African-American artists.  Dok2 comments that the hiphop culture is prominent in Los Angeles, and Simon Dominic wonders if they would see artists with the West Coast, Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg vibe.

The first non-Korean contestant is Miss LA, who dominated the stage with confidence, as Dok2 points out after the performance.  Unlike the other producers, Kush failed Miss LA, “There’s a lot of talented female rappers in Los Angeles … She was talented but I didn’t see anything beyond that.

Miss LA spits, "Calling all you rappers and now you wanna be me // Learning Korean and no, just not Kimchi
Miss LA spits, “Calling all you rappers and now you wanna be me // Learning Korean and no, just not Kimchi”

Next contestant is Legendary TeMo, who passed her first round of preliminary auditions by Kush. The producer, after listening to her a cappella verse in the previous round, was curious to see how she would do with a backing track.  Timbaland states, “Let’s see if she can rock it on the beat.”  With the exception of Gill, the other producers praise her catchy, trendy rap performance.  Gill questions whether or not she would have anything more than the current trendy hiphop she brought to the table.

Legendary TeMo moves the crowd with her 60-second cypher.
Legendary TeMo moves the crowd with her 60-second cypher.

Up next is a familiar face: Hiphop duo (82 Hottest MC’s) member Superbee, who decided to try out ‘Show Me the Money’ in Los Angeles this season.  Based on his personality and characteristics from last season, the artist was notorious for dissing HIGHGRND and Tablo in relation to artist Incredivle.  Dok2 comments, “I didn’t feel very good about the fact that Superbee dissed Tablo, who is a very good friend to me.  However, ‘Show Me the Money’ is … Show Me the Money (i.e., for entertainment).”  Gill adds, “Any artist is free to diss others.”  Superbee admits to his immaturity last season and states that he is back in this season as a different person, “I want to show a positive image of myself this season.”  After his performance, Timbaland comments, “That was fresh.”

Superbee (of 82 Hottest MC's) receives an ALL PASS from the Los Angeles producers.
Superbee (of 82 Hottest MC’s) receives an ALL PASS from the Los Angeles producers.

The next artist is a New York-based Korean-American rapper Flowsik (of Aziatix).  As soon as he introduces himself, the producers comment on his deep voice.  Timbaland states, “That voice is like a star’s.”  Simon Dominic recognizes that Flowsik has dropped several albums in the past and is currently very active in the scene.  Dok2 adds that Flowsik’s group Aziatix is currently signed under Cash Money Records, a renowned record label for working with artists like Lil Wayne, Nicki Minaj and Drake.  The contestant explains why he chose to participate this season, “I know that my roots are from Korea … my parents are Korean.  I wanted to see if I could make my mark in my parent’s country.”  Dok2 states that he has been a fan of Flowsik “since day 1.”  Check out his latest Korean collaboration with artists LIVE, PUNCHNELLO, SIK-K, and OWEN OVADOZ:

Flowsik receives an easy ALL PASS.  Timbaland comments, “My favorite from this audition was Flowsik … ‘Sikflow’ or ‘Flowsik.’  Either one it go, he do both: he flows sick, and he’s a sick flow-er.”

Aziatix member Flowsik "flows sick" in front of the Los Angeles producers.
Aziatix member Flowsik “flows sick” in front of the Los Angeles producers.


What follows next is a contestant named Yung Kameo who passes the first round audition (by Kush) for his intensity during his verse.  However, he fails in round 2.  Kush states, “You’ve got a lot of energy, which is good, but you were so excited that you weren’t even on beat.”  Timbaland agrees, “It was too much.”  This was received negatively by the artist, who stomped out of the stage cursing at all the producers and contestants.

The eliminated contestant stomps out of Show Me the Money 5.
The eliminated contestant stomps out of Show Me the Money 5.

The last featured Los Angeles contestant is a New York-based Korean-American rapper JKey (Jaeki Cho), who was featured on HiphopKR for his mixtape [Gyopo Anthem: 퀸즈 돈벌어].  You can also check out his recent music video drop ‘SHABANG (샤방)’ below:

The contestant receives a pass by Timbaland, but fail from the other producers.  JKey comments, “Yo, God bless you, Timbo.”  However, Timbaland, after seeing the other fails, responds, “Yeah, uh .. I feel like, you know, it was a miscall [to pass JKey].”

JKey (Jaeki Cho) receives a pass from Timbaland.
JKey (Jaeki Cho) receives a pass from Timbaland.

Producers bring out the nine contestants back to the stage.  The contestants soon find out that only five of them will be fly to Korea for the next round of ‘Show Me the Money 5’.  Timbaland states that the producers chose four contestants that will automatically pass to the next round: Flowsik, Junoflo, Superbee and KillahGramz.  The last five contestants are left to participate in a cypher, in which the winner will fly to Korea.

Los Angeles round 2 preliminary audition winners.
Los Angeles round 2 preliminary audition winners.

Out of the five contestants, the producers cannot make a decision between Legendary TeMo and Miss LA.  They agree to do another round, but this time with Timbaland beatboxing.  After much contemplation from the producer team, the decision is made: Legendary TeMo wins.  However, she drops out of ‘Show Me the Money 5’ due to personal reasons.

Los Angeles contestants that will fly to Korea for round 3 preliminary audition (minus Legendary TeMo)
Los Angeles contestants that will fly to Korea for round 3 preliminary audition (minus Legendary TeMo)

Cue back to Korea in an abandoned warehouse: the 37 contestants meet MC Kim Jin Pyo, who congratulates them for making it this far.  The host states that round 3 will be, as previous, 1 vs. 1 battle, where contestants will be randomly drawn to choose their opponent.  To get a good grasp of other contestants’ rap skills, the contestants will participate in a “Cypher Search” round where each contestant will have an opportunity to spit their verse.

The contestants will be divided into teams based on how many “PASSES” they received from round 2 auditions:

  1. Team SANG (ALL PASS): Woo Taewoon, G2, Boy B, myunDo, Hash Swan, CJAMM, BewhY, Sanchez, Reddy, etc.
  2. Team JOONG (3 PASS): Snacky Chan, Jung Sang Soo, Kim Hyo Eun, Yang Hong Won, Donutman, ONE, etc.
  3. Team HA (2 PASS): Seo Chul Goo, Evo, J-Dub, Kim Seung Hwan, MOJAE, etc.
  4. Team “Dangerously Close to Elimination” (1 PASS): J’Kyun, Kim Tae Jeong, Shim Hyeji, etc.
Show Me the Money 5 contestants face their next challenge: Cypher Search.
Show Me the Money 5 contestants face their next challenge: Cypher Search.

After categorizing the contestants, MC Kim Jin Pyo mentions that they will be joined by four contestants from Los Angeles: KillahGramz (Team SANG), Superbee (Team SANG), Junoflo (Team JOONG), and Flowsik (Team SANG).

Team “Dangerously Close to Elimination” begins the cypher, followed by Team HA, then Team JOONG, and it’s wrapped up by Team SANG.  After each cypher round, the other contestants are given the opportunity to write comments anonymously regarding the cypher.  Here are the comments mentioned in the episode:

  • Cho Seung-Yeun (1 PASS): His rapping is … typical
  • J’Kyun (1 PASS): I can confirm that he is “dangerously close to elimination.”
  • LeellaMarz (1 PASS) (who calls out Superbee during the cypher): LeellaMarz should be nice to Superbee
  • Seo Chul Goo (2 PASS): The Korean Eminem … Why are you in “TWO PASS”?
  • Snacky Chan (3 PASS): God-nacky Chan
    • Hash Swan comments, “There is a reason why Snacky Chan is still here despite his hiccup last round … Because we know how good he is.
  • ONE (3 PASS): ONE’s homework: memorize his lyrics
    • ONE forgets his lyrics twice during the cypher. Donutman jokes, “He kept repeating the same line … I thought he was just doing the hook.
    • ONE reflects on his cypher: “I’m staying positive with the mindset that I will do better.
  • Junoflo (3 PASS): The water must be different in the United States.  Never want to battle you!
    • G2 comments “Junoflo did very well–I really like his rapping voice.
    • Hash Swan states that Junoflo is the best out of the four Los Angeles contestants
    • BewhY felt that Junoflo should have been in Team SANG (ALL PASS)
  • CJAMM (4 PASS): No need to say anything else but GOOD.  Winning candidate.
  • G2 (4 PASS): He reminds me of a tiger.  Powerful and winning candidate.
    • KillahGramz comments, “I could hear everything G2 was spitting … he had great delivery, and his confidence boosted his overall rap performance.
  • BewhY (4 PASS): He’s a king.  Winning candidate.
    • Junoflo comments that he enjoyed BewhY’s verse and unique voice
  • Woo Taewoon (4 PASS): Disposable … If you’re gonna rap like that, then ‘Copy Ma Lyrics’ (reference to his latest single)
    • Due to his nervousness, he forgets his lyrics.  He makes a decision to use the same verse from round 1 auditions, which Mnet points out
    • Boy B mentions that Woo Taewoon did NOT know Notorious B.I.G.’s ‘Hypnotize’ and states that “any true rapper would know this track.”
  • Reddy (ALL PASS): Receives all positive comments
    • Although Reddy forgets his lyrics several times, the other contestants support him, unlike they did with Woo Taewoon, as Reddy appears to be more likeable than Woo Taewoon
  • Flowsik
    • Seo Chul Goo critiques Flowsik, “I could barely understand what he was saying.
  • KillahGramz: His voice is surprisingly good ... His rap was fresh, unlike his physical appearance

You can check out the official cypher videos of some of the contestants by accessing the videos below:


Uncut versions of Junoflo, Boy B, CJAMM, and BewhY:


Did you enjoy reading our weekly recap of Show Me the Money 5? Please let us know on our social media channels for us to determine whether we should continue the series or not. Thank you!

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SMTM5 Weekly Recap Episode 1

Show Me the Money 5 – HiphopKR Summary (Episode 1)

Check out our exclusive summary of Show Me the Money 5 – Episode 1 … Spoilers ahead!

 

introThe fifth season of Show Me the Money is probably the biggest one yet, with approximately 9,000 contestants in the first round of auditions held on two different continents (Seoul, South Korea and Los Angeles, California).


The first featured contestant is a familiar one: Angdreville Crew member Seo Chul Goo returns to Show Me the Money after he was eliminated last season during the Guerilla Cypher Mission featuring American rapper Snoop Dogg.  Check out our translated interview article to see why he was eliminated and left the show.  He rapped his verse for KUSH, who then asked him to do a freestyle.  Seo Chul Goo, given his extensive experience, easily freestyles with the given topic of “2:30 am”. Seo Chul Goo qualifies for Round 2.

seo chul goo


The next contestant, Yang Hong Won is a high-school student who also appeared on the Guerrilla Cypher Mission on Show Me the Money 4.  He was also judged by KUSH, who is thoroughly impressed by his rapping.  Yang Hong Won qualifies for Round 2.

yang hong won


The next segment features Team Dok2 and The Quiett. The initial warm welcoming of Dok2 and The Quiett onto the contestant floor quickly dissipates as The Quiett begins judging.  One contest after another, The Quiett eliminates if he is not impressed within the first few seconds of rapping.  At one point, The Quiett drops 50 contestants in 3 minutes.  He argues that “3 minutes was plenty of time [to make a judgement call]… all it takes is the first 5 seconds.”

His concise judging strategy provokes a contestant as he [literally] spits a freestyle diss verse at The Quiett for dropping him in 3 seconds.

the quiett diss rap

Contestants continue to be eliminated until he stops at Kim Hyo-eun, who seems to be the first rapper qualified to the second round by The Quiett.  Kim Hyo-eun qualifies for Round 2.

kim hyo eun


On the flip-side, Illionaire co-CEO Dok2 seems to have a soft spot for young contestants who remind him of himself when he first started to rap as a kid.  Even after the young contestants mess up their verse, Dok2 encourages them to try again.

The next contestant in the spotlight is Bizniz, a veteran hiphop artist who has returned to the scene after a brief hiatus.  The contestant expresses his concern, “to be honest, I hoped that I was judged by anyone other than Dok2.”  The viewer soon learns that Bizniz and Dok2, who are 18 years apart, go way back during the underground days when the scene was much smaller back then.  Bizniz dropped his first album in 2002 under a team called Infinite Flow with artist nuck (member of Soul Dive).  Infinite Flow won the “New Artist of the Year” award over MC Sniper and Leessang, but eventually disbanded thereafter.  Producer Mad Clown states that he was a “huge fan of I.F.” and KUSH “looked up to Bizniz.”  Simon Dominic mentions that he collaborated on a track with Bizniz titled “Hip Hop For Respect” (also featuring Dok2) which can be viewed below:

Bizniz was motivated to participate after seeing his ex-group mate nuck (Soul Dive) win the second season of Show Me the Money.  Given his years of hiphop experience, it came to no surprise that the golden necklace is passed on from Dok2.  Bizniz qualifies for Round 2.  Check out the track ‘Why Am I Here (ft. Dead’P)’ to listen to the full verse Bizniz uses for Round 1:


The next segment featured the “Cypher Battle” event hosted by Angdreville member and SMTM3 contestant Olltii.  The scene focused on the battle between rappers Bad Homie and  존재인 (pronounced John Jane).  The two battled for first place at the SRS 2015 Championship.

bad homie john jane

Despite the confidence that Bad Homie brought onto the contestant floor, Producer KUSH eliminates him before he could finish his verse.  On the flip-side, John Jane (???) passes with ease. John Jane qualifies for Round 2.


The next segment focuses on Producer Simon Dominic, who previously dissed Show Me the Money, stating that he will never accept the invitation to be featured on the show because he “doesn’t need the show to make money.”  Simon Dominic stands his ground on the latter statement, as he is able to “live well and eat well to his standards.”  He concludes by stating that he isn’t too concerned about the criticism about participating on Show Me the Money 5.

As Simon Dominic begins to judge, he passionately provides constructive feedback to each contestant.  The AOMG artist states that he “only needs to listen to the first 3 seconds [of rapping] to assess their rap skill.”  He continues on, “When I first started hiphop, I remember being nervous before going on stage or before rapping in front of my seniors.  Due to these reasons, I found myself to empathize with a lot of the nervous contestants.”  Dok2 comments, “I’ve never seen anyone judge like Simon Dominic.  The Quiett and I listen [to the contestants] quietly.”

simon dominic


Producer GRAY is portrayed as the “handsome producer” of Korean hiphop and R&B.  The Quiett supports this statement, stating that he “follows him on Instagram” but clarifies that he doesn’t go as far as liking GRAY’s photos.  Female contestants are at a loss for words when judged by GRAY:

gray

The next contestant up is Ha Joo-yeonalso known as Baby J of the female group Jewelry who are known for their hit track ‘One More Time’:

After 14 years of activity, Jewelry disbanded and Ha Joo-yeon went on musical hiatus.  After a few years of working part-time, she hopes to return to music, with Show Me the Money 5 being the first medium to continue that aspiration.  Unfortunately, the contestant forgets her lyrics more than once (due to nervousness), and is eliminated by GRAY.

jewelry one more time


Here are some interesting fashion ideas by contestants:

appearances


Next up is G2 of Paloalto’s hiphop label HI-LITE Records.  Many of the Producers consider him a potential candidate to win this season.  As a rising “super rookie” of the Korean hiphop scene, he is praised for his presence on stage.  G2 begins rapping his verse in front of GRAY, but forgets his line near the begining.  Despite this, GRAY gives him the golden necklace, which causes a sense of confusion from the rest of the contestants who watched G2. G2 is qualified for Round 2.

g2


The contestants become very nervous after finding out that GILL will be their judge.  Many forget their lyrics, and some even forfeit prior to their first attempt due to GILL’s intimidating presence.  GILL asks Mad Clown, “Do I look scary?” to which his team partner replies with “Don’t you look at yourself in the mirror everyday?”  We find out that GILL uses the phrase “That won’t do! That won’t do!” when the contestant does not meet his standards to qualify for round 2.

leessang gill


Producer Mad Clown appears to be more sympathetic towards the contestants, such as when they forget their lyrics.  Mad Clown states, “Forgetting their lyrics is not my deciding factor for pass/fail.”  Gill calls him out on it, “Isn’t it important that they don’t forget their lyrics?”  Mad Clown replies, “I personally forget my lyrics all the time…”  The Quiett attests to this, “Back when I was under the same label with Mad Clown called Soul Company, he was known to forget his lyrics all the time.  When he was able to perform without forgetting his lyrics, we as a label poked fun at him by giving him a certificate for “successfully remembering his lyrics during performance.”  Mad Clown posts on his Instagram, “I’ll give you another chance if you forget your lyrics. #ShowMeTheMoney5”:

mad clown


 

The next contestant up is female rapper Ash-B who previously appeared on Unpretty Rapstar 2.  During this show, Mad Clown criticized her for her inability to deliver her lyrics.  Ash-B appears nervous, but gains confidence as she starts rapping.  Ash-B is qualified for Round 2.

ash-b


Next up is Jin Doggae (Kim Jung-hoon), who previously won second place next to Loco on the first season of Show Me the Money.  He is well known for his unique rap flow/style, where the flow of the words are slurred as if intoxicated, but at the same time delivered effectively.  However, he is eliminated by GRAY.  Simon Dominic comments, “It is difficult for us as judges to pass a contestant who has been on the show already that does not show improvement.”  GRAY adds, “It’s unfortunate to drop him, but we have to judge fairly.”

jindoggae


Following Jin Doggae’s elimination, Just Music artist CJAMM is put in the spotlight.  The Show Me the Money 3 semi-finalist (lost to IRON) returns to the show, but is certainly not welcomed with wide arms open.  Contestants question his reappearance on the show as CJAMM is no longer considered a rookie to the hiphop scene.  Throughout the scenes, CJAMM looks very comfortable.  Despite Gill’s attempt to stay unbiased (as he admits to watching CJAMM on Show Me the Money 3), the Producer is impressed with CJAMM and happily passes the golden necklace.  CJAMM is qualified to Round 2.

cjamm


Female contestant Giant Pink previously encountered her judge Simon Dominic 3 years ago, wherein she asked for his feedback on her rapping skills.  According to the artist, he wasn’t entirely impressed.  Her main concern was that she might get the same feedback by Simon Dominc on Show Me the Money.  However, Simon Dominic is impressed with her verses and passes the golden necklace to her.  Giant Pink comments, “My previous experience with Simon Dominic was traumatic… it feels like heavy weights are lifted from my shoulders.”  Giant Pink is qualified to Round 2.

giant pink


Second HI-LITE Records contestant Reddy is known for his fashion sense and stylistic rap flow.  The artist comments, “I’m thankful when people call me cool, but I am even more appreciative if I am complimented on my music.”  The artist raps in front of Simon Dominic.  Reddy is qualified to Round 2.

reddy


The next segment features doppelgängers of MC Gree, LOCO and actor Hong Jong-Hyun.  The first two are eliminated by GILL and The Quiett (respectively).  However, contestant A-Tom (of Topp Dogg) impresses Zion.T with his rap flow.  A-TOM is qualified to Round 2.

topdog atom


Next up is Sanchez (also known as Fassnakuh), who is currently under the music label Brand New Music and group Phantom with fellow artist Hanhae (contestant on last season of the show).  He is also the older brother of Microdot, who also competed on Show Me the Money 4.  Although he is known well as a talented vocalist, he originally started his music career as a rapper (under the name Fassnakuh). Dok2 comments, “Sanchez was very good… even better than Microdot.”  Sanchez is qualified by Dok2 to proceed to Round 2.  

sanchez


The next contestant #Gun (Sharp Gun) is surprised by a special visitor who came to support him: MINO (of WINNER), the YG artist that placed second on Show Me the Money 4.  #Gun states that the two are cousins, and he is known as “MINO’s cousin.”  He expresses the good and bad of this relationship: they have a special brotherly relationship, however he is often hidden beneath MINO as an artist.  #Gun decided to compete this year after being inspired by MINO’s performance of ‘Fear (겁) (ft. Taeyang)’ from season 4.  #Gun raps for Producer Zion.T, who is impressed with the acappella performance and sends him to the next round.  #Gun is qualified to Round 2.

gun


The next contestant is a familiar face who gained popularity through the last season of Show Me the Money: BewhY.  He showed great potential on the last season, but fell off to Microdot during the 1 vs. 1 battle.  Dok2 (jokingly) comments, “Microdot should have fell off instead..”  BewhY comments that Show Me the Money is a great medium for talented artists to become successful in the industry, which is the reason why he is back on this season.  He is easily passed by Zion.T.  BewhY is qualified to Round 2.

bewhy


Another familiar face is put in the spotlight: ONE (competed on Show Me the Money 4).  Following his success on Show Me the Money 4 (albeit eliminated before making to the top 8), ONE signed a contract under YG Entertainment.

Due to YG’s history with Show Me the Money (BOBBY winning first place on season 3 and MINO placing second on season 4), ONE admits that there is a lot of pressure into coming back to this show.  ONE comments, “I am happy that I joined YG Entertainment, but it was tough because I didn’t join this label as a trainee or a full artist.  I was in a situation where I had to get myself to 100% before being able to showcase my music.  I had thoughts like “when will I ever be able to showcase my rap? Through this mental process, I’ve concluded that I will be able to do just that through Show Me the Money 5.”

ONE became nervous as he saw that Dok2 was his judge.  After he finishes, Dok2 requests ONE to perform another rap before passing on the necklace to the contestant.

one

Ps. Some of you may wonder about the contestant who freaked out at Dok2.  Long story short, he demanded Dok2 to answer why he gave the necklace to ONE but not to himself as he claimed to be better that him.  Dok2 keeps his cool the entire awkward interaction where the contestant attempts to provoke him through verbal abuse.  The contestants gets kicked off.  The end!


The last contestant on this episode is comedian MC Minji (Jung Joonha of Infinite Challenge).  The contestant admits that his decision to enter Show Me the Money was triggered by losing a bet with artist and comedian Ha Ha.

Despite people not wanting to take him seriously for pursuing as a contestant on Show Me the Money, he continued to practice and even had ZICO mentor him up until the day of the event.   He comments, “When I first decided to challenge myself to enter the show, I was criticized by many people.  But I appreciate the culture of hiphop.  I gained interest in the scene when I emceed for a LOCO and GRAY concert.”  As he rapped for Simon Dominic, the crowd cheered him on louder and louder, supporting his effort.  Simon Dominic noted, “I was very surprised.  His rap was powerful and full of sincerity, so it was a hard decision to make.” (note: Simon Dominic is likely inferring that his rap technique was lacking, but his passion and delivery outweighed the former).

EDIT: In the scene where Gill is tearing up at the end of the episode, the caption states “What is the meaning of Gill’s tears?” implying if he’s crying because MC Jimin received the necklace or if he was eliminated.  Based on this information, we are not certain whether MC Minji is qualified to Round 2.  Thanks to @thekimboi for point this out!

mc minji infinite challenge jung jun ha


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