5 KHH (Korean Hip Hop) Track You Should Check!
KHH - Korean Hip Hop
KHH, an abbreviation of Korean Hip Hop, has been taking the internet by storm. K-pop has always been known as a genre that likes to take inspiration from many other genres, particularly hip-hop, rap and pop music but also r&b, edm, Latin music and even classical music; these have all been varied and adapted for K-pop.
Do you want to know which hip hop songs have we chosen for you? Then keep reading! And if you want to know more about your favorite K-Dramas and K-pop groups check out also the other articles on Daebak.co!
Also, just to be clear, the order in which the songs have been placed is in no way connected to their rating, since these tracks are all very different from each other.
DPR Live - Hula Hoops
Hula Hoops is a groovy, retro song which also features Beenzino and Hwasa, probably one of the most unique vocalists of South Korea. It's a KHH you should check.
The track is quite upbeat and has a strong summer vibe, this light and cheerful mood is also reflected in the lyrics, which seem to vaguely create a metaphor between the hula hoops and life going on thanks to the circularity of both.
Hula Hoops is part of the album IITE COOL, which DRP Live released in July 2021.
DPR Live is part of the label Dream Perfect Regime, which he co-founded with DPR Cream, Ian and REM, and he is not only a rapper and a singer but also directs his videos, so he is a 360* artist. Talk about how talented these KHH artist are. Take all our money!
Since 2017 DPR Live has slowly built a name for himself in the KHH scene.
BeWhy - GOTTASADAE
Part of BeWhy album The movie Star, which as hinted by its title has a very cinematic influence, the song talks about what BeWhy defined as ‘reaching enlightenment’ or, in other words, the process through which he became the artist he is today, one that doesn’t want to follow trends just to reach fame, always faithful to himself, and to God, since he also is a Christian.
As for the musicality of this song the beat is very clear and powerful presented in KHH, something not very easily described as not with ‘BeWhy unique style’.
BeWhY is also the author of Sweet Home’s opening Side by Side. Opening track to a popular series? Check! A KHH song? Double check!
He debuted in 2012 and won first place in the rap competition Show Me the Money in 2016.
B.I. - BTBT
Probably the most known song on the list by the former iKON member, B.I, which gained an incredible success this summer due to its very ‘summer night’ vibes, BTBT features Soulja Boy and DeVita.
The song, as the title itself suggests (BTBT sounds like a heartbeat when pronounced) talks about an intense romantic and sexual attraction between the singer and an unknown person, and the slow tempo is perfectly accompanied by B.I. slow and breathy rap who, for this song, also added a very particular pronunciation of the Korean lyrics, which sounds similar to Chinese. B.I definitely sound ethereal on this KHH song!
The song was part of the latest B.I. album, Love or Loved part. 1.
B.I. started his career as the leader of K-pop group IKON and then debuted as a solo artist in 2021, with his self-founded label, 131 branching out to KHH as its genre. Talk about no-skip buttons, not on KHH!
Dean Dayfly
Mostly known for his song Instagram, the first of his songs I’ve ever listened to, Dean's Dayfly is an incredible song that fewer people may know. Dean’s incredible voice here blends perfectly with Sulli and Rad Museum’s voices, and their mixture gives the song this chill almost eerie vibe which fits perfectly the melancholy of the lyrics.
The song, in fact, talks about a sad and painful breakup, one where both parties feel at fault - presented in KHH point of view. Dayfly was released as a single. It's a KHH song YOU should not should miss!
Debuted in 2015 with his EP, 130 Mood: TBRL, and collaborated a lot through the years with various KHH artists, among them Zico, Crush, Penomeco, Milic and Stay Tuned with whom he is part of the Fanxy Child Hip Hop crew. It's a KHH song no one should miss!
Ravi BUM
If you especially like the mixture of completely different sounds, you will love this song by RAVI, featuring Chillin Homie, Kid Milli and most particularly the Jeonju Pansori Choir, which performs the Korean Folk music we can hear throughout the song. It's a unique approach towards KHH which stands out.
The lyrics compare the three rappers with tigers who can easily defeat every enemy on their path and draw on Korean traditional music for their wordplay and references.
BUM was released as a single. It's a KHH song no one should miss!
Ravi was a member of K-pop group VIXX and debuted as a solo artist in 2017 with his mini album R. eal1ze. It's a KHH song no one should miss!
Since there are too many good KHH songs I want to make two honorable mentions!
Bobby iKon - Cherry Blossom
Bobby iKON recently released Cherry Blossom, a song about a one-sided love for a woman as beautiful as cherry blossoms, whose sound is upbeat with a rock vibe due to the use of an electric guitar. It's amazing how the iKON member's are branching out to KHH.
Bobby also won first place in Show Me the Money in 2014.
Jessi’s Spirit Animal
Jessi’s Spirit Animal, a song about loving yourself despite what haters may say, characterized by Jessi charming personality and attitude, the beat is simple and catchy like her flow and voice. Her vibes is simply just a screaming KHH.
Jessi participated in the first season of Unpretty Rapstar in 2015, where she placed second but gained a lot of popularity.
And you? What are your favorite KHH recommendations? Did you know any of the songs in the article? If you didn’t go add them to your playlist and tell us if you would like more articles like this!
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