-Seung Jo
Unlike the First generation, where there were only handful of hip hop artists, second generation of hip hop in Korea was getting a lot bigger due to the success of their predecessors. The dividing line can be a bit transparaent after the second generation, because people only care about the first generation. Here is the list of the most popular/successful second generation artists:
Mainstream - Dynamic Duo, Leessang, Epik High, T
Underground - MC Sniper, Defconn, Palo Alto, Vasco, Double K, Dok2
Mainstream - Dynamic Duo, Leessang, Epik High, T
Underground - MC Sniper, Defconn, Palo Alto, Vasco, Double K, Dok2
Dynamic duo
Dynamic Duo is made up of Gaeko (개코) and Choiza (최자). They originally belonged to the first generation under the name 'CB Mass', but due to one of their members (Curvin) betraying them (took their money and fled), group broke up and Dynamic Duo was formed. Being already a popular rappers beforehand, Dynamic Duo debuted with exploding popularity and took 1st place as the most album(their 1st album 'Taxi Driver') sold of that year(2004). They have grown into one of the most respected hip hop artists of Korea and their own label, 'Amoeba Culture', has become very successful. In 2013, 2 major events took place that had negative effect on the team. First was the diss battle, which was mainly involved around Amoeba Culture and the second was Choiza's scandal with girl-idol Sulli of f(x), who is one of the most popular idols in Korea.
M/V that won the best M/V of the year in 2007. | Title song from the most recent album(2013). It was a first time for Dynamic Duo in getting 1st place in Music programs. |
Leessang
Leessang (리쌍) is a hip hop duo made up of Gary (개리) and Gil (길). Similar to Dynamic Duo, Leessang was also part of the first generation under the group, Honey Family. They debuted in 2000 and has released 8 albums to date. Every single one of their albums managed to place first on the charts and last 3 albums managed to "all-kill", meaning that every song on the album was placed in the charts. Although not an official member, female vocal named Jung-In featured in many of Leessang songs since the debut. They have recently gained even more popularity due to Gil joining the TV program 'Infinity Challenge' and Gary joining 'Running Man', two of the most popular TV programs in Korea.
Title song from Leessang's first album. Initiated the exponentially growing popularity of Leessang. Also features Jung-In. | Leessang often brought out of box form of music to the industry. This song had sexual depiction, which is heavily frowned upon in Korea, but still managed to reach 1st in charts. |
epik high
Epik High is a trio with Tablo, Mithra Jin, and DJ Tukutz. The picture above is from 2003 to 2013 from left to right. Even taking into account of photoshop, they have seem to grow younger. During their earlier days in 2003-2005, they struggled to become popular, but once they did, there was no stopping to their domination. In 2006, they had multiple hits from a single album fighting for the first place in charts with each other. They started winning best artist of the year for every other year or so since then. In 2010 and onwards, they took turns doing mandatory army service and once they were done, they joined YG Entertainment, which gave them another boost in popularity. Tablo has released his solo album with YG and that turned out to be a huge hit as well. There was a huge controversy in 2010 targeting Tablo's education. Tablo graduated from Standford University with the Bachelor's and Master's degree in only 3 and half years combined. Notorious netizens of Korea formed a site called 'Ta Jin Yo' (We demand the truth from Tablo). Despite both Tablo and Stanford University providing proof, people still couldn't accept the truth.
Title track from the 3rd album. Instantly put Epik High as one of the most popular hip hop group in Korea. | This song, 'Fan', and another song called 'Umbrella', are two most popular songs by Epik High. |
First album with YG Entertainment. 'Don't Hate Me' and 'UP (feat. BOM from 2ne1)' were huge hits. | Tablo's second solo album with YG. Taeyang featured in the song, which helped Tablo get recognized. 'Bad' from his first solo ablum was also just as popular. |
MC sniper
MC Sniper is, without doubt, one of the most significant figure in Korean hip hop. He was like a Garion, but with a lot more popularity. MC Sniper debuted in 2002 and he was, "immediately became recognized for acrid lyrics that challenged economic, governmental, and societal conditions - his backdrop: a powerful mixture of hip-hop and traditional Korean music". He then formed underground hip hop crew, 'Buddha Baby'. Few years later, he created hip hop label, 'Sniper Sounds'. His crew/label has always been the one of the top 3 hip hop crews/label in Korea alongside Drunken Tiger's 'The Movement' and Garion's 'Soul Company'.
One of the masterpieces by MC Sniper. It can clearly be seen how he incorporates Korean culture to his song. | Title of this song can be translated into "Four Microphones". Other members of Buddha Baby featured in this song to show the skill of their crew. |