K-Pop Mixtape: The Best Of Korean Hip-Hop

By Nikole S. Oct 18, 2014

Epik High just dropped their latest single, "Born Hater," a song that features some of the biggest (and newest) names in Korean hip-hop. Established rappers Beenzino and Verbal Jint lend their talents to the track and get a better glimpse at how newcomers B.I., Mino, and Bobby fit into the overall spectrum of Korean hip-hop.

But while this is just the latest "epic" release in the genre, hip-hop has long been a thriving part of the Korean music scene. Check out our rundown of the best Korean hip-hop has to offer.

With over 10 years of experience, the popular trio of Epik High has definitely made a name for themselves in the Korean music industry. Epik High consists of DJ Tukutz and rappers Mithra and Tablo. Leader, Tablo, boasts quite the list of produced songs throughout his career with Epik High. Both DJ Tukutz and Mithra have participated in writing lyrics for the group as well.

Along with their Korean trakcs, Epik High has also released a series of English tracks, the most known being “Map The Soul”. Since 2003, Epik High has released a total of seven full albums and plans to release their newest album, Shoebox, on October 21st.

Dynamic Duo has been in the Hip-Hop game for over a whopping ten years debuting back in 2003. The fearsome duo consists of Choiza and Gaeko under the label Amoeba Culture. Dynamic Duo is one of more of the well know Hip-Hop artists having collaborated with a countless amount of other artists including Supreme Team, SISTAR’s Hyorin, Zion. T, Primary, Seo In Young and many others.

Gaeko in particular is also known for his smooth R&B style vocals that pair with his dominating rap style. He also just released his first solo track, "No Makeup."

Outsider has one of the fastest raps in all of Korea and fans sure can tell. When Outsider raps, it is as if he is spewing lyrics at 100 miles per hours and he is actually counted among the fastest in the world. Sometimes it may be hard to keep up with but the people love it.

If Outsider is the fastest male rapper, then Tymee would be the equivalent being the fastest female rapper.

Solo rappers Beenzino, Dok2, and The Quiett are also strong forces in the in the world of Korean Hip-hop. The three artists have released multiple tracks collaborating with not only each other but also various other prominent Hip-Hop artists. These three talents are all under Illionaire Records, a major indie hip-hop label founded by both Dok2 and The Quiett, and usually perform together.

Short for Yang Dong Geun, YDG was a theatrical performance major that turned rapper and was even featured on a track of Zion.T’s chart topping ‘Red Light’ album. What’s unique about this particular rapper is his extensive filmography. YDG has starred in dramas, movies, and musical even while during his military service.

Another talented Korean hip-hop duo known for their playful nature is Baechigi. Moowoong and Tak are the members that make up this skilled duet. Though they are known for their quirky hip-hop style, the boys proved that they could make serious and emotional hip-hip by releasing the track, “Mirage”, for the popular and thrilling action packed drama, ‘Three Days’ starring Park Yoochun.

Solos, duos and trio’s seem to be the main trend when it comes to Korean Hip-Hop and Leesang is no exception. Composed of Gil and Gary, Leesang offers emotional hip-hop when it comes to their music and gut wrenching laughs when it comes to variety shows. Gil and Gary first debuted in the nineties as part of Honey Family before becoming strictly Leesang. The duo has since produced 8 albums and continue to retain their unique attitudes and sound.

Gary also made his first solo album this year, and saw a lot of success with his tracks "Shower Later" and "Zotto Mola."

AOMG is known to house quite the range of talent; from Hip-Hop to R&B to even some skilled B-Boys. Some of the most notable artists under AOMG include Jay Park, Simon D, Loco, Gray, and Ugly Duck.

The official AOMG label was established in 2013 by Jay Park and later partnered by Simon D. Ugly Duck previously collaborated with Block B’s Zico and R&B singer Crush for a remake of Gaeko’s “Rhythm is Life”.

Drunken Tiger – To call Drunken Tiger (also known as Tiger JK) the King of Korean Hip-Hop would be an understatement. Drunken Tiger has run the Korean Hip-Hop scene since the mid-90’s all the way to present day. Drunken Tiger has released a total of nine albums throughout his career has even participated in the group MFBTY alongside Bizzy and Queen of Korean Hip-Hop and Yoon Mi Rae (Tasha).

For those of you are not familiar with Drunken Tiger and Yoon Mi Rae, the two rulers of Korean hip-hop wed back in 2007 have one son named Jordan. Yoon Mi Rae more recently has been lending her soulful singing voice for dramas including ‘Master’s Sun’ (2013) and ‘It’s Okay, That’s Love’ (2014). Drunken Tiger and wife Yoon Mi Rae have collaborated on multiple occasions including for the hit track “Monster” and “True Romance” from the album ‘Feel gHood Music: The 8th Wonder’. Together Drunken Tiger and Yoon Mi Rae make the perfect Hip-hop and soul combination.

The is still quite the long list of skillful Korean Hip-Hop artists and rappers, like the smooth rapper Swings and popular rapper battler and “Korean Jesus”, Dumbfoundead.

As a special mention, last year at the 2013 HipHopPlaya Awards, Block B’s Zico, Ugly Duck and Crush the award for best ‘Collaboration of the Year’. The trio came together for the track “Feel So Young”; a powerful and speaker pounding track. The track was previously released as a solo by Dynamic Duo’s Gaeko but was turned into a remix by the three.