Lately it seems like the world is a buzz over YG Entertainment rapper and Big Bang leader G-Dragon and his latest album COUP D'ETAT. Not just in his native Korea, but across the globe, people are tuning in and paying close attention to his original sound and unique style.

Among the countless number of K-Pop idol entertainers, G-Dragon is definitely a standout - but in order to really understand his position in the music industry today, it is important to look at where he's coming from.

His agency, YG Entertainment, has a long history of producing fresh music and was an essential player in the rise of the hip-hop genre in Korea.

Founded in 1996 by Yang Hyun Suk, one of the former members of Seo Taiji and Boys, an iconic Korean pop group credited with the foundation of modern-day K-Pop, the company paved the way for many early K-hip-hop artists.

Just as he did with G-Dragon and his fellow Big Bang members, Yang Hyun Suk discovered and molded the careers of many now popular and influential artists. Among that long list of talent is hip-hop duo JinuSean.

Made up of members Jinu Kim and Seung Hwan (Sean) Noh, JinuSean rose to popularity in the late 90's for their original sound that combined elements of hip-hop and funk.

The pair were also among the first to combine Korean and English lyrics in their rap verses.

Jinu first debuted as a solo artist, and when Yang Hyun Suk heard his song "I Was the Captain," he insisted on meeting and some time later convinced the young performer to join his company.

YG's fearless leader then introduced Jinu to another new signee, Sean, and in 1997 the pair released their first single together, "Gasoline," as well as an album of the same name.

The duo quickly rose in popularity and their second single, "Tell Me" was a gigantic success.

JinuSean went on to release four more albums, the last of which was Norabosae in 2004.

JinuSean is a quintessential artist for any K-Pop or K-hip-hop fan to know and their music helped forge the trails blazed by their modern-day musical successors like G-Dragon.

Check out JinuSean's first single and see for yourself just how influential the group was for some of today's biggest stars.

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