'Rhythm Is Life' From Dynamic Duo Rapper Gaeko Tops Our Editor's List Of The Top 10 Korean Hip-Hop Songs Of 2014

Though it was often overshadowed on the charts by the eye-catching flash and slick production of boy bands and girl groups, South Korean hip-hop had a great year in 2014. And though an intersection clearly exists between rap and K-pop, there are still far too many Korean hip-hop artists, (considerably more than could ever be presented here), that are getting largely ignored outside of Korea and, in some cases, there too. Let's hope that 2015 brings with it a larger audience for that nation's growing number of immensely talented rap acts.

Here is my list of the top 10 essential Korean hip-hop tracks of 2014.

1. "Rhythm Is Life" by Gaeko

The high point of the Dynamic Duo rapper's solo offering "Redingray," turned out to be a high water mark for the year in Korean hip-hop. The opening track off of the sprawling double CD has a beat as powerful as anything in the world of hip-hop right now. Like classic Public Enemy or, more recently, Eminem's "Rap God," "Rhythm Is Life" has no vocal hook, just the wall-splitting rhythm track, some solid background singing and an MC that is clearly at the top of his game. Name checking everyone from Tyler, The Creator to Hannibal Lecter, Gaeko is on a rampage. "I've been doing this for years, but I'm gonna go harder," the rapper says at the beginning of "Rhythm Is Life." It is a promise he immediately proceeds to deliver on.

2. "JAJAJA" by YDG featuring Dynamic Duo and Crush

With shades of classic early-1990s New York City hip-hop and a delivery style reminiscent of Wu-Tang Clan rapper Cappadonna, YDG showed how hip-hop could still be a highbrow art form in 2014 on "JAJAJA." The song features a jazz piano clip that could have easily found it's way into Ali Shaheed Muhammad's sample bank. "JAJAJA" was also bolstered by well-delivered guest spots by R&B vocalist Crush and the Dynamic Duo, as Gaeko delivered yet another hip-hop highlight of 2014.

3. "Game Of Thrones" by Rhythm Power

With the anarchic spirit of early Beastie Boys or Run-D.M.C., Rhythm Power trapped lightening in a bottle with the over-the-top single "Game Of Thrones," reminding the world of hip-hop heads that maybe we're taking ourselves a bit too seriously, in the process. And with a video that captures the gritty side of the South Korean streets, the silliness has an authenticity behind it that is hard to fake. It's possible these guys are too linked to their local culture to go international, but that would be a shame. The world needs more insane innovators.

4. "Higher" by Jerry.K featuring Sleeq, Rico and Don Mali

With a keyboard loop that is sure to get you on your feet, "Higher" by Jerry.K featuring Sleeq, Rico, Don Mali, never received the attention it deserved in 2014, despite being a bone fide club banger. Though the hook may seem grating at first, when the Rick Rubin-produced "99 Problems" drums kick in, it doesn't take long for it to become a part of your DNA. The performances Jerry.K and guest stars Sleeq, Rico and Don Mali turn in are inarguably some of the year's best.

5. "Jam" by Kirin featuring Qim Isle and Hoody

Another top-notch track from 2014 that never took off is "Jam" by the rapper Kirin. A throwback to classic 1970s funk bands like Zapp and Parliament Funkadelic and the generation of West Coast hip-hop and R&B that they spawned, "Jam" dials in the vibe as well as anything released this year.

6. "Slot Machine" by ILLAP

Though they are practically unknown outside of Seoul, rap duo ILLAP released some of the most challenging and intriguing sounds to come out of the Korean rap scene this year. With the amount of potential this group has, let's just hope they continue to take the kind of huge risks that they have been with their music.

7. "Get That Money" by Okasian

Adding a somber spin to the ubiquitous materialistic hip-hop single, Okasian separates himself from the pack on "Get That Money." With its James Blake-meets-Kung-Fu-soundtrack-music mentality, the song works on a variety of levels. He may get that money, but it seems as though Okasian smells something rotten with the whole system.

8. "Let Me See That Tattoo" by Pinodyne

With shades of British vocalist Estelle's breakout 2008 single "American Boy" featuring Kanye West, "Let Me See That Tattoo" is a similarly rewarding guilty pleasure. Though hardcore hip-hop heads may roll their eyes, it's hard not to be charmed by this soulful song. Pinodyne also shows their ability to go against the grain on "Let Me See That Tattoo" by releasing a song completely divorced from current Korean pop trends.

9. "War Of Hormone" by Bangtan Boys

You know the South Korean music scene has a few core differences from the Western pop market when a boy band drops one of the year's heaviest hip-hop tracks. But despite their squeaky clean good looks, Bangtan Boys, or BTS as they are generally known, have the skills to back up their passion. Treading into the delicate territory of rap-rock on "War Of Hormone" the Boys emerge victorious, pumping out a one-note guitar riff that could rev up hip-hop and heavy metal fans alike.

10. "Up In This Club" by Joe Rhee featuring Keebomb

Sporting a Nord-driven groove that is a clear nod to Diplo, on "Up In This Club" Joe Rhee and Keebomb offer modern sounding hip-hop that is still rhythmically innovative and original. Perhaps this is the greatest feat of them all.

Tags
gaeko
Dynamic Duo
kirin
Okasian
BAP
Rhythm Power
JAJAJA
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