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[Korean Rap] Popular K-hip hop rappers and artists to watch

In this article, we’ll introduce popular rappers who are energizing South Korea’s hip-hop scene!

K-hip hop became much more widely embraced thanks to the audition program Show Me The Money, which began in 2012, and High School Rapper, which has featured high school students since 2017.

In recent years, collaborations with a variety of artists—from K-pop idols to musicians in Japan and around the world—have become common, offering many ways to enjoy the genre.

From handsome male rappers to talented female MCs, there are plenty of recommended artists.

Beyond the rap itself, it can also be fun to pay attention to your favorite artists’ fashion sense and lifestyles!

[Korean Rap] Popular K-hip hop Rappers and Artists to Watch (11–20)

아퍼 (Feat. Kid Milli, Lil tachi, 김승민, NO:EL, C JAMM)GIRIBOY

기리보이(GIRIBOY) – 아퍼 (Feat. Kid Milli, Lil tachi, 김승민, NO:EL, C JAMM)
아퍼 (Feat. Kid Milli, Lil tachi, 김승민, NO:EL, C JAMM)GIRIBOY

Giriboy, a leading figure in the modern Korean hip-hop scene.

You’ve probably seen his name often, thanks to his stylish tracks and collaborations with a wide range of artists.

The 2019 hit “We don’t talk together,” where he was featured on Heize’s song, is also well-known.

Some of you may have discovered him through that track.

With an exceptional eye for aesthetics, he has guided rappers to victory, and his production skills are highly trusted by idols like PENTAGON and Monsta X.

His trademark glasses and his adorable tendency to trail off into what sounds like “zero languages” nicknames add to his charm.

He’s also known for his love of Japan—he’s an avid reader of manga like ONE PIECE and has incorporated Japanese into his song “Hogu.” While Giriboy isn’t bound by genre, I personally think his laid-back tracks are especially wonderful.

Highly recommended for those looking for gentle hip-hop or mellow tunes.

All I Wanna Do (K) (feat. Hoody & Loco)Jay Park

Jay Park X 1MILLION / ‘All I Wanna Do (K) (feat. Hoody & Loco)’ [Choreography Version]
All I Wanna Do (K) (feat. Hoody & Loco)Jay Park

Jay Park, also known as Park Jae-beom, is an indispensable figure when talking about Korean hip-hop.

After leading the group 2PM as its leader from 2008, he left in 2010 and launched his solo career.

He founded the major label AOMG and, in 2017, established a new label, H1GHR MUSIC.

He captivates not only with his rap, but also with the breakdancing skills he honed in the United States and his strong vocal ability.

From mainstream hits to hard-hitting hip-hop, he continues to transcend genre boundaries.

His achievements in elevating Korean hip-hop on the global stage are widely recognized, including becoming the first Asian American to sign with Jay-Z’s Roc Nation.

It’s also recommended to start by digging into his signature, catchy tracks like the 2016 release “All I Wanna Do” and “DRIVE,” which features his labelmate GRAY.

METEORCHANGMO

창모 (CHANGMO) – METEOR [Official Music Video] (ENG/JPN)
METEORCHANGMO

Thanks to the audition program “SHOW ME THE MONEY,” Changmo began attracting significant attention.

Amazingly, he’s been writing lyrics since he was 13.

One of his signature songs is “METEOR.” The track captures the excitement he felt when he first started writing lyrics at 13, as well as the passion he still carries today.

With its bright, orchestral-style production, it’s perfect for anyone looking for a song that lifts their spirits.

Your ExistenceWonstein

[MV] 원슈타인 (Wonstein) – 존재만으로 (Your Existence) / Official Music Video
Your ExistenceWonstein

Wonstein is steadily securing his place in the Korean hip-hop scene.

His distinctive vocals and rap style drew attention with his 2018 single “Spider Web,” weaving a tapestry of sound as if spinning complex, colorful musical threads.

Amid the diverse tones, a pleasing rhythm and melody come together to draw listeners in.

His performance on Show Me The Money 9 in 2020 was particularly impressive and earned him a wider fanbase.

He also influences many people through his fashion and lifestyle.

Wonstein’s music is remarkable for the fresh spark it gives you just by listening.

He’s a must-watch rapper representing the new generation of K-hip hop!

and you (Feat. ZICO)meenoi

MEENOI (미노이) – ‘어떨것같애 (Feat. ZICO)’ Official Music Video [ENG/CHN]
and you (Feat. ZICO)meenoi

Minoi, a highly skilled R&B singer beloved in South Korea, made her single debut in 2019.

With a distinctive vocal style and a fresh sound that fuses R&B, soul, and hip-hop, she has captivated many listeners.

Her lifelong familiarity with music and her studies in practical music at Hanyang University likely underpin the depth of her artistry.

In 2021, she released her much-anticipated album “In My Room,” which reached No.

44 on the charts.

In 2022, she earned widespread acclaim, including a MAMA Awards nomination for a collaboration with Woo Won-jae.

She’s also a YouTube favorite for her talk show, where her witty banter and gentle vocals shine.

Pioneering a new frontier in R&B, her music is highly recommended for those who enjoy a refined, urban sound.