As a country filled with so many talents and potentials in the arts and entertainment, South Korea has a myriad of cool rappers. By definition, rap is a singing technique where someone sings verses in a very fast tempo. Not only in hip-hop music, but this rap technique can also be applied in any genre and type of music. In South Korea, rap is also often used in some parts of K-Pop songs. However, its use is not too often. Outside of K-Pop music, it turns out that there are also a number of South Korean rappers who have the ability to rap that is no less good than the one American rappers have. Not only from the style-style that is on point, but also the songs that are often really “hypnotizing” people in other countries to come to hear, even though sometimes they don’t understand the lyrics, it doesn’t matter! In this article, Channel-Korea will introduce you with several South Korean rappers who have outstanding talent when it comes to rapping. So, let’s go to the article!
Kang Gary
Kang Hee-gun was born on February 24th, 1978. He is better known by his stage name Kang Gary. He is a South Korean rapper, songwriter, record producer, dancer, entertainer, promoter, television celebrity, restaurant owner, and founder of the Leessang Company. He is a member of the hip-hop duo, Leessang. He is also currently a member of one of the most successful variety shows in Asia, which is the South Korean television series, Running Man. His nickname during High School was “Gae” (which means “dog” in Korean), which was adapted to be a stage name, after deciding between “Gaemi” (ant) and “Gary.” In his youth, he was more interested in dance than rap. Gary went to Yong In University and trained as a bodyguard. He is a former amateur boxer for almost 10 years and holds qualifications in various martial arts up to 8th “Dan.” In 1997, Gary joined X-Teen and contributed to the release of two albums, one in 1998 and one in 2000, and met Gil, who is a member of X-Teen. At that time, Gary said that the two of them were not handsome and their music would not succeed in attracting the interest of fans, which eventually made them both leave the group. Gary and Gil finally joined “Honey Family” and released two albums in 1999 and 2000 where Gary was later responsible for the group’s disbandment and he stated that he “began to feel like a celebrity.” Gary, Gil, and Diggity decided to form “Leessam Trio” (“sam” means three in Korean). They released a compilation album called 2000 Korea, in 2000. When Diggity left the group, Gary and Gil changed their name to LeeSsang. In January 2014, he released the mini-album Mr.Gae. Gary released the title song “Shower Later,” which then successfully sat at number one on eight different real-time music charts simultaneously! In 2010, Gary joined the reality-variety show Running Man as a co-host, which is a new genre in urban variety shows. He also did a cameo in Wonderful Radio, and in February 2014, in Emergency Couple.
Kang Gary’s Music Videos
Kang Gary’s Latest News
Leessang’s Gary is returning as a solo artist for the first time in approximately a year, with a summer digital single titled “Purple Bikini.” This single is a chill summer hip-hop genre, just like the laid-back mood of Gary’s latest MV which still cuts above and below. Contrary to last year, when Gary showcased a moody, emotional side to his music with his single “Sun” feat. Chancellor, the rapper plans on returning with a lighter side. Let’s check out the MV here!
Dok2
Born Lee Joon-Kyung and known to his fans as Dok2, this South Korean hip-hop artist formed the Illionaire Records label (along with fellow musician The Quiett) and recorded such popular albums as Flow 2 Flow, Hustle Real Hard, and Love & Life, The Album. Dok2 was born on March 28th, 1990. But this figure who has Spanish blood has had a career in the hip-hop genre since he was 12 years old. At the age of 13, he joined the Cho PD label, Future Flow Entertainment. Since then, Dok 2 has composed songs for many other famous hip-hop artists such as Drunken Tiger, Dynamic Duo, and Epik High. He recorded his first demo tape when he was just twelve and subsequently wrote and produced music for established hip-hop artists. At the age of sixteen, he and another young rapper, Microdot, released a collaborative single titled “Chapter 1/MUSIC, 2006.” He became a member of a hip-hop group called The Movement Crew. He is of Spanish, Filipino, and South Korean descent. He is a contemporary of fellow South Korean rapper Min Yoon-gi.
Dok2’s Music Videos
Dok2’s Latest News
In September 2019, South Korea’s top rapper and producer, Dok2, will be kicking off his world tour in Canada and Europe! He will be making three stops in Canada: Vancouver, Montreal, and Toronto before heading to Europe to perform in seven cities: London, Madrid, Paris, Milan, Berlin, Warsaw, and Amsterdam. Titled as THUNDERGROUND, the tour is set to prove as an unforgettable experience that allows audiences to witness some of K-Hip-hop’s best tracks live. Beginning his career in 2005, Dok2 has gained worldwide success not only through his music, releasing six studio albums and five mixtapes, but also through his work in the industry as a record producer. Promoted and produced by Stage Session, Dok2 will be making three stops in Canada and seven stops in Europe for DOK2GONZO WORLD TOUR 2019 THUNDERGROUND.
Cheetah
Cheetah is a South Korean rapper under C9 Entertainment. She was a member of the duos Blacklist and Masterpiece. She is best known as the winner of the first season of Mnet’s competition show Unpretty Rapstar. She made her solo debut on June 27th, 2014, with the mini-album Cheetah Itself.
Cheetah’s Music Videos
Cheetah’s Latest News
One female rapper from South Korea, Cheetah, has just given happy news to her fans. Because the singer born in 1990 has just announced she will make her first comeback in 2019. This was announced by Cheetah herself through her personal Instagram account. On Friday (April 26th), Cheetah stopped by her personal Instagram to officially confirm that she would be releasing a new song. Following the announcement, the singer of “Star Wars” also uploaded a funny teaser in the form of a screen capture chat application. In the photo chat, Cheetah can be seen talking to herself. But apparently, the singer wanted to make it appear as if the readers of the text were fans. The following is a translation of the text of the Cheetah (C) and fans (F) chat: C: “It’s been a long time haha, I’m busy preparing my new song. Do you want to listen??” C: (sends mp3 files) F: “Wow ~ you made this? I’m really happy to be able to contact you ~ Daebak? When will it be released??” C: “It will be released on May 3rd at 6 pm!” F: “I will definitely listen to that song like crazy on that day haha” C: “It’s May 3rd!! Please look forward to it” In accordance with the teaser photo that she uploaded, the latest Cheetah song will be scheduled for release on May 3rd at 6 pm local time. This will be the first comeback of the female rapper in one year and three months. Meanwhile, Cheetah herself is known as a famous South Korean rapper. The singer, whose real name is Kim Eun-young, debuted with the song “Stop” as a member of a duo group called Blacklist. Together with this group, Cheetah released two songs titled “Nothing Lasts Forever” and “Stop.” After the Blacklist broke up, Cheetah decided to become a solo singer and also collaborate with other rappers. Cheetah is also known for her appearances in the rap contest Show Me The Money. In 2012, she joined Crush and formed a duo group called Masterpiece. The duo released a single titled “Rollercoaster” in May 2012 and disbanded shortly thereafter. In addition, Cheetah is also known for her appearance on the show Produce 101 as a rap coach. Cheetah participated as a rap coach in the first Produce 101 season and also Produce 48.
