YG Entertainment Returns To Its Hip Hop Roots

On August 30, YG Entertainment released the music video for “I'm Him.” “I'm Him” is a solo track, featuring Mino (Minho), from the commercially successful and critically acclaimed WINNER album S/S 2014.

Mino received praise for his rap skills during his participation in the reality show “Who Is Next?” As a member of Team A, he went on to win the competition.

While WINNER leader Kang Seung Yoon established a solo sound which is more Korean pop rock, Mino is clearly one of the showcased rapper of the group.

With his strong flow and ability to compose rhymes, Mino is drawing comparisons to his seniors at YG Entertainment, Big Bang's G-Dragon and T.O.P. It may be too soon to make such strong comparisons, but Minho has clearly demonstrated his potential as one of the strongest rookie rappers at YG.

Team B member Bobby also demonstrated his proficiency as a rapper by moving into the finals of “Show Me The Money 3.” Bobby along with his fellow Team B member B.I, have provided great motivation for viewers who may not otherwise have an interest in K-Hip Hop.

During his previous performance alongside Illionaire Record's Dok2 and the Quiett, Bobby stood his ground. It will be interesting to see how he fares in the future, now that he has proven to Yang Hyun Suk that he is capable of winning the competition.

YG Entertainment has been one of the strongest labels to incorporate hip hop with K-Pop.

Since YG Entertainment was founded in 1996, there has been a long history of nurturing strong Korean hip hop artists. Beyond G-Dragon and T.O.P, YG Entertainment is home to 2NE1's CL, Epik High, and PSY.

CL has repeatedly demonstrated her proficiency as one of the strongest female rappers in Korean pop music. Her skills are most apparent when she is featured on collaborations with G-Dragon, as in the case with the “The Leaders.”

G-Dragon and CL also appeared together on the 2008 collaboration track “What” from YMGA. YMGA featured Masta Wu with many of YG's most talented hip hop artists including Teddy and Kush. “What” appeared on the album “Made in ROK.”

Before there was Big Bang, there was 1TYM. 1TYM was a four member group led by Teddy. 1TYM also included Danny Im of “Danny from LA.” Their song “Hot” was featured on the 2003 album “One N 4 All.”

Although PSY may have become famous throughout the world for the 2012 hit “Gangnam Style,” tracks such as his 2006 digital single “We Are The One” give context to his capability as a strong rapper.

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YG Entertainment
winner
Mino
I'm Him
bobby
Show Me the Money 3
G-Dragon
T.O.P
CL
1TYM
YMGA
Minho
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