K-Pop's 10 Greatest Hip-Hop Tracks of 2013

As 2013 comes to a close, many of us are eagerly searching our brains to come up with the best jams of the year. K-Pop continued its momentum and many artists released fresh, energetic singles that awed fans around the globe.

One particular genre, Korean hip-hop, made huge strides this year with many rappers and R&B vocalists shooting up to international fame.

Below are some of the best K-hip-hop releases of 2013, and whether you agree or disagree with the ranking, give them a spin and see for yourself how cutting edge the hip-hop scene in South Korea has become - and of course, let us know what you think and if there are any other awesome tracks we may have overlooked in the comments section at the bottom.

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Honorable Mention: Primary and Park Myung Soo (of Infinite Challenge) - "I Got C"

"I Got C" was created as part of the bi-annual music festival hosted by the cast members of the wildly popular variety show Infinite Challenge and was the song created by hip-hop star Primary with comedian Park Myung Soo.

Immediately after the song was revealed to the public, it shot up the music charts with its catchy beat and multi-generational sound. However, not long after, it was suggested that "I Got C" might not be wholly original. Similarities were found between Primary's creation and Caro Emerald's tune "Liquid Lunch" and ultimately resulted in the Infinite Challenge producers halting all sale of the single.

10. B.A.P - "One Shot"

As the only idol group to make it on the list, B.A.P proved throughout the entirety of 2013 that when it comes to blending the pop stars and rappers, they have what it takes to reach across genre lines to create dynamic hit songs that include expert rapping and incredible choreography.

"One Shot" is just as energetic and gripping as B.A.P's previous releases and kicked off a very busy 2013 for the group. Released in February, the single helped catapult them to international fame leading up to their sold out four-city US tour in the spring and official Japanese debut this fall.

9. Yankie - "I.N.D.O" (feat. Tablo)

Yankie was the second Amoeba Culture artist to release a track as part of the label's NOWorkend project (after Dynamic Duo's Gaeko dropped "Rhythm is Life") in early 2013.

A track that utilizes the seamless flow of Yankie's rap style (with the addition of equally smooth lyrical delivery from Epik High's Tablo), "I.N.D.O" criticizes those who try to disrupt and control life's natural course.

8. Outsider - "Bye U" (feat. G.O of MBLAQ)

Famed Korean speed rapper Outsider made his official post-military comeback in July 2013 despite problems with his former label, Sniper Sound. Taking matters into his own hands, Outsider created his own label ASSA Communication and released the EP Rebirth Outsider after a three year hiatus.

The album contains a variety of collaborative efforts, but the title track "Bye U" marks the first time the rapper has gotten in the studio with a popular idol singer.

7. Bumkey - "Bad Girl" (feat. E-Sens)

R&B singer Bumkey has been on the scene for quite some time and has worked with many of Korea's hottest stars, but "Bad Girl" was his first real venture into creating his own sound.

With the help of fellow musicians and long time collaborators Primary, Zion.T, and E-Sens, "Bad Girl" is a narrative track that deals with a man's unfortunate love affair with an unsavory gal and showcases Bumkey's knack for songwriting.

6. Drunken Tiger - "The Cure"

Drunken Tiger is one of the best known hip-hop acts in South Korea and in early 2013 Tiger JK revamped his sound with the help of his wife Yoon Mirae and friend Bizzy who together formed the project group MFBTY (My Fans Better Than Yours). The trio dropped "Sweet Dream" in January eventually making a full-on comeback under the name Drunken Tiger in September with the 9-track album The Cure.

The title track "The Cure" is equal parts calming, melodic rhyme and introspective that brings Tiger JK back to his earlier reggae-infused style while pushing the group's entire sound forward into new territory.

5. G-Dragon - "Niliria" (feat. Missy Elliott)

In the ultimate crossover track, Big Bang leader and songwriting mastermind G-Dragon unveiled his long-awaited collaboration with American hip-hop legend Missy Elliott at Los Angeles's KCON in late August. "Niliria" is the prefect bridge between the two artists' styles and harmonizes old school beats with G-Dragons fresh, inventive sounds.

The track is among many exceptional songs featured on the K-Pop superstar's second full-length solo album COUP D'ETAT.

4. San E - "Rap Circus"

San E left his label JYP Entertainment in the middle of the year and signed with Brand New Music, not because of any bad blood with his former agency, but rather because JYP, known for its management of pop stars and idol groups, was not well-equipped to market his brand of rap. (For proof of this, check out San E's last release before leaving JYP - a featuring on 15&'s track "I Didn't Go To School")

Since joining up with Brand New Music, San E has released a handful of well-received singles, but "Rap Circus" is the point where everything changed for him. With a heavy coating of coarse language and a raw sound, "Rap Circus" was the start of a whole new career for the young rapper.

3. CL - "The Baddest Female"

In late May, 2NE1 leader CL declared herself "The Baddest Female" in K-Pop with the release of her first solo track. Calling on the spirit animals of the ladies of hip-hop who have come before her, CL is playful, flirty, and sensual, all while giving the impression that she is a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.

In "The Baddest Female," CL calls on many of her label mates and friends to create a new sound that mixes her intense stage charisma and poise with a bit of dubstep to make a killer debut track.

2. Swings - "King Swings"

In case you missed it, in late August, South Korean rapper Swings ignited a full-scale diss track war in the world of K-hip-hop with the release of his free online track "King Swings."

The song was inspired by Kendrick Lemar's controversial verse in Big Sean's "Control" and Swings used it as a platform to call out other members of the Korean hip-hop scene for their wrong-doings, particularly the Amoeba Culture label.

The diss track alone is nothing special, but the battle that waged on after the release of "King Swings" was epic enough to put K-hip-hop in the international hot seat for a week over the summer, and spawned responses from some of the genre's biggest names down to the lowly underground rappers still trying to make a name for themselves.

1. Dynamic Duo - "BAAAM"

Choiza and Gaeko proved that seven really is their lucky number with the release of their seventh studio album LUCKYNUMBERS and the title track "BAAAM."

Always inventive and drawing inspiration from a variety of sources, "BAAAM" is nothing like the K-Pop scene has seen before. The song is the perfect summary for the album as a whole that explores new styles, beats, and arrangements for the group.

The hook is one that sticks with you throughout the day and the fun melody lends well to the absolutely incredible dancing showcased in the music video. A fun, addictive song, it is hard not to like "BAAAM" - and that is why it takes the number one spot for K-Pop's best hip-hop track of 2013.

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How does our ranking compare with your own? Sound off in the comments section below!

Tags
Primary
BAP
Yankie
Outsider
Drunken Tiger
Bumkey
San E
swings
Dynamic Duo
CL
G-Dragon
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