The South Korean Hip-hop scene, an underground music scene in its native country, has gradually gained mainstream popularity overseas. There has been a gradual upsurge in the Korean hip-hop fanbase internationally, alongside the already dominant K-pop music Industry. In recent Korean hip-hop shows like Show Me the Money, High school rappers have given a push to the Korean hip-hop culture's popularity rise overseas. The onset of hip-hop culture in South Korea didn't start with DJs and rappers. Instead, dancers groove to the songs of New Jack Swing. Hip-hop was initially widely experienced in Korea in the bars in the Itaewon district of Seoul, close to the American base at Yongsan. Many of the most outstanding performers in the 1990s, such as Seo Taiji and Boys, Roora, and Deux, started from these clubs. Here is a list of the Top 10 Korean Hip-hop Artists
1. Tiger JK
Tiger JK, also known as Drunken Tiger, is a Korean American rapper and music producer. He is considered the godfather of Korean Hip Hop. Despite the controversial lyrical content, his first album, Year of the Tiger (1995), gained wide popularity. In 2009, he won the Mnet Asian Music Awards as the Best Male Artist for the hit track "Monster.” He is the founder of the music labels Feel Ghood Music and MFBTY. He is currently active in the hip-hop trio MFBTY with his wife, Yoon Mirae and, Bizzy.
2. G-Dragon
He is the King of K-pop, as the netizens call him. Debuted under YG Entertainment in 2006, G-Dragon is an internationally known face. He is a member of the famous K-pop group BIGBANG. Known for his famous nasal rap flow and sophisticated voice, G-dragon is one of the most influential face of the Korean Hip Hop Industry. His past number-one singles on the charts are "That XX, "One of a Kind " and Crooked. He has released several hip-hop tracks with his band members Taeyang and T.O.P.
3. Zico
Known for famous solo hits like "Any Song" and "New Thing,” Zico kickstarted his career as a K-pop idol under the group Block B in 2011. In 2014, he finally debuted as a solo artist with the hip-hop track "Tough Cookie.” Zico has also been actively working as a music producer. Later, in 2018, he parted ways with Block B and established his music label called KOZ Entertainment. It was revealed his company is working to launch a K-pop boy group.
4. Jay Park
The Founder of Record labels like AOMG and H1ghr Music initially made his debut as an idol in the famous boy group 2 PM. Following his controversial departure from 2 PM, Jay Park successfully re-established himself as one of the most successful K hip-hop artists in South Korea. Jay Park has also signed under the label Roc Nation of the famous American Rapper Jay Z. He also won the Korean hip-hop Artist of the Year for the fourth time!
5. Seo Taiji And The Boys
Considered the most iconic boyband from the 90s, this South Korean three-member K-pop group consisted of Seo Taiji, Yang Hyun Suk, and Lee Juno. Their music was pre-dominantly inspired from Western hip-hop and rap music. They were active from 1992-1996. Tracks like "Come Back Home" and "I Know" remains iconic among the young generation. Currently, Seo Taiji is working as a solo artist, and Yang Hyun Suk is the owner of YG Entertainment, which houses famous groups like Bigbang, 2NE1, and Blackpink.
6. DOK2
Dok2 (pronounced Dokki) established the famous South Korean hip-hop record, Illionaire Records with co-artist The Quiett. He was only 12 when he first performed at a music festival. Both his single and the album, topped the South Korean music charts, which made him gain mainstream popularity. In 2018, he stepped down as CEO of Illionaire Records. Dok2 announced on Instagram in April 2021 that he had joined Tyga's Last Kings Records.
7. Yoon Mirae
Yoon Mirae is among the first female rappers in the South Korean hip-hop scene. Her real name is Natasha Shanta Reid. She is the wife of the famous Korean rapper Tiger JK. She is half Korean from her mother's side and half African-American from her father's. Yoon Mirae is active under the label MFBTY with her husband, Tiger JK. She is credited for paving the way for the current South Korean female artists to the hip hop/rap culture.
8. Changmo
Winning the Best R&B/Hip Hop award for the track "Meteor" in 2020, Changmo is a South Korean rapper and music producer. He started his music career in 2014 under the label Deoksokids. In 2016, he signed Ambition Musik, the sub-label under Dok2 and The Quiett. He was selected twice for the prestigious Berklee College of Music, but due to a lack of scholarship funds, he didn't go. He is currently serving in the Korean Army.
9. DPR LIVE
Hong Dabin, known by his stage name DPRlive, is celebrated for his refreshing tracks like Jasmine and Martini Blue. Famous for his melodic rap and trendy beats, DPRlive is a rising new name in the Korean hip-hop scene. Debuted in 2015, DPRlive, along with his label mates, co-founded their music label Dream Perfect Regime (DPR). In 2021, His EP Iite Cool, was in the Korean Top Five on the music chart.
10. Youngji
Lee Youngji is a female rapper currently very active and famous in South Korea. She made a record by being the first female rapper to have won the Show Me the Money winner title in 2022. She was also the winner of the High School Rapper show season 3. Recently, she has become a TV entertainer. She is also hosting her Talk show on YouTube. Several famous artists like Jisoo (Blackpink), Jay Park, Chaeyeong, and Nayeon (Twice) have guested in her talk show.
