TL;DR Top K-pop rappers often mentioned include Zico, RM (BTS), Suga (BTS), Jay Park, and Changmo. Each has distinct styles and contributions to the genre.
Popular K-Pop Rappers
Several names frequently appear in discussions about top K-pop rappers. Zico from Block B is noted for his diverse sound and ability to switch between fast-paced rap and softer tunes [2]. RM and Suga from BTS are recognized for their unique wordplay and lyrical prowess
[1:6]
[2:1]. Jay Park is also widely acknowledged for his impact on the Korean hip-hop scene and his role in mentoring other artists
[4:4].
Fast and Technical Rappers
Gwangil Jo is praised as one of the fastest modern Korean rappers [1:3]. BewhY is another rapper known for his technical skill and ability to find unique pockets within instrumentals
[3:3]. These artists are celebrated not only for their speed but also for their artistic formulation and storytelling abilities.
Influential Figures in Korean Hip-Hop
Several artists have been pivotal in shaping the Korean hip-hop scene. Drunken Tiger, Dynamic Duo, and Epik High are often credited with paving the way for Korean hip-hop [4:1]
[4:3]. Changmo and Beenzino are recognized for their contemporary influence and popularity
[4:2]
[4:9].
Idol Rappers with Distinct Styles
Within idol groups, several rappers stand out for their distinctive styles. Changbin from Stray Kids, Soyeon from (G)I-dle, and Mingi from Ateez are highlighted for their unique rap styles [5]. The BTS rapline, including J-Hope, is noted for its creativity and versatility across different projects
[5:1]
[5:5].
These discussions highlight the diversity and talent within the K-pop rap scene, showcasing a range of styles from fast-paced technical rapping to storytelling and lyrical artistry.
For someone that grew up with the g-funk era and the west coast and beats, I was used to slower less lyrical rap. But for some reason I'm into this genre even though for some reason I know I shouldn't be. And now it seems it has been taken world-wide, although American rappers don't really collab or recognize rappers from Asia than say Europe or the Arab world. Here's a few good rap flows here, one from the Phillipines and South Korea:
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/DWrRC15VPwc
Anymore from Kpop? I know some Korean singers are also rappers and have put out tracks that are fast rap. I know there is Outsider from Korea, but he raps so fast that there is no musical flow or rhythm or it doesn't harmonize with the tune. Sorry I was spoiled from the Bone Thugs era and their east coast midwest chopper style or whatever they call it, jk. Like, I like the musical flow from the fastest Chinese rappers from China. I know they butcher the tonal language but that's what happens when you rap fast haha. But the language is spoken slower than other languages, enough that it can slow down with the beat. Here is the ones I mean:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A9yDDyvW02Q
Let me hear your suggestions, I'll hear them once and then put it away as a guilty pleasure. If you're not into rap that's okay, I know I shouldn't be considering my posting background and views, eh heh.
Zico, Simon D, loco are a few but not sure you'd class them fully as "kpop"
Also Jay Park.
I'll check them out, Jay Park sounds familiar, but I bet he is probably a new rapper.
Jay Park has been in the industry for some time, has his own record labels and was massive in SK at one point.
His record labels are still kind of running but he's branched off more into solo work now. He does have a lot of rappers under his wing and helped kickstart many of their careers under his label.
Edit: jay park: https://youtu.be/AahnaZ428ms
man....how could you left off pH-1?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OkEDeFKRnio&pp=ygUKcGgtMSBkaW5nbw%3D%3D
Hence why I said "are a few" 😎
Haven't really been into the Korean hip hop scene for a while but two come to mind:
Gwangil Jo - probably the fastest modern rapper.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aKuS6T2SZoI
BewhY - doesn't always rap fast but sounds good when he does and imo is one of the best rappers in Korea
First one is fire. It's like his rapping is on rapid-fire when he raps. Dang alright I'll check some more out from this guy. 2nd one is has a rather interesting intro, but I'm not digging the beat too much not my style for some reason. I like the ones I showed, haha. But thanks for the suggestions. It's been awhile since you've listened to kpop? Yeah been a long while for me, I grew up in the International Channel KPOP Revolution Music Countdown with that host Sophia Choi and those two male hosts. I'm just starting to get back and it never hit me that Korea has been releasing some fast raps or has been. I think probably cause the language allows for fast talking so naturally we'd see some rappers or singers have some fast rap tracks.
RM from BTS is also fast, you should hear Joker, his newer songs are not that fast but also great as well
Top big bang
I'm from Korea, so I know pretty well about the rap scene in Korea. If you have to confine it the to K-pop industry, then I would say G-Dragon, Jay-Park, and Zico, but these are not my personal favorites actually.
Here are my top choices:
C-Jamm, SILKYBOIS, Keith-ape, Okasian, Sik-K, YangHongWon, Zene-the-Zilla, HAON, Kid-Milli.
Definitely try out their songs:
https://youtu.be/9Rt9hkooRPY?si=UbVOVRcIJvC_m6ee (ㅈ(Error) - Cjamm)
https://youtu.be/zwA1582MhMA?si=X-nyxdQsS5ojvvEG (코케인 러브(Cocaine love) - Cjamm)
https://youtu.be/Xmg3a_XCRxI?si=JXxpTL9Z0fEMdPVG (메들리(Medley) - Cjamm)
https://youtu.be/phBW7BjMcqY?si=mjqRZSbsvKjgOxCW (BOMAYE - SILKIBOIS)
https://youtu.be/s1CY9AYUa7U?si=ShV7aEKhifCnp9YQ (Gospel - Keith-Ape)
https://youtu.be/X0PqkT_dnxs?si=qWS8sKzcHTkGvlqw (뻔하잖아(You know) - Okasian)
https://youtu.be/DPC9erC5WqU?si=4lOSfgZjp03ImPBn (It-G-Ma - Keith-Ape)
https://youtu.be/WCjqOiWQTak?si=GGPfKdLzQtYZ1IhJ (TRAP - Sik-K)
https://youtu.be/CRdvIvcvNms?si=Zn3CZCJ6InuYtVNg (00:01 - YangHongWon)
https://youtu.be/NeGtZn_5CrY?si=fgBcihO9tdbkBxvi (On the top - YangHongWon)
https://youtu.be/4U3FmkKCGDk?si=ISnbK4dF4dZinzJM (No easy - Zene the Zilla)
https://youtu.be/Metzq5MbeVs?si=Ihlj-CApQyYByK6w (꼴통(Bastard) - HAON)
https://youtu.be/1JS5Td0MeNE?si=t9VlwuS1PXCLGntX (25 - Kid-Milli)
Tysm for putting me on
I’ve seen a lot of people talk about how bts, Big Bang, monsta x, stray kids, winner, ikon etc. Have the best rappers. I personally think Block B’s Zico is the best rapper in the industry. Zico has amazing flow, delivery, and pronunciation. You can easily understand what he is saying. Zico is also extremely diverse with his sound. He can go from a fast, hard rap like in his song “Extreme” then immediately switch to something like the soft, but impactful “I am you, You are me”. I also believe Suga and Zelo can come in as a close second and third best rappers in the industry.
I guess top 10 is easier to list out but choosing one as the best is impossible objectively. GD's reputation as a producer kind of places him high in the list but Top is the better rapper imo. Also your top 3 has Suga, but I would place RM slightly above him. His wordplay is unlike I've seen in any other rapper in k-pop. That's what makes him unique but yeah ultimately it's a matter of preference. I've seen Zico get mentioned A LOT though, so not sure if it's an unpopular opinion. Saying he's the best rapper in k-pop is probably unpopular, just because it's impossible to pick the best out of all these insanely talented people!
Good points. It is impossible to pick the best rapper in the industry. The more I think about it the more I start to doubt myself. But I just did this just based off of personal preference which is why I put Suga up there. I like how he doesn’t have the same flow or delivery as other rappers in the industry. Of course rm would have to be in the top ten though.
This isn't really unpopular though...on most lists Zico comes second only after GD and even then a lot of people argue that GD relies more on his "swag" and music than technical ability.
I think it's more like BlockB was never super popular internationally, so ifans tend not to talk about them as much.
GD is a lot better producer/lyricist than he is rapper. Not sure I would put him top 5 either, but thst’s my personal preference
But I agree with you that I am not sure if this is unpopular as a lot of people atleast put Zico top 3 on their lists.
I don't really know enough about music composition/rapping enough to rank any rapper myself. Just saying that on most online publications's lists of idol rapper rankings, GD will be on top because of the number of song credits he has and (presumably) Big Bang's success.
For idol composers, it was GD, Zico, and Jonghyun before BTS starting blowing up. And I want to say GD, Zico, and Ravi for rapper-songwriters?
Anyways, the point is Zico isn't really underrated in Korea or Korean rankings at all. I think he's only underrated to ifans, mostly because BlockB as a group is less famous than BB or BTS.
I agree. I don’t usually see people talk about Block B or Zico as much as other rappers so I just wanted to put my opinion out there:)
I like Mino of winner and Bobby if ikon. They both won SMTM and they are just super talented. I think Zico may have been on SMTM as well but i don't feel like checking lol.
But i think mino is one of the best. Fear is one of my all time favorite songs ever. And his solo album is a literal masterpiece.
Definitely! They are amazing rappers. I’m not completely sure if Zico was on SMTM? But this was just a personal preference and Zico was at the top for me��
Zico was Mino's mentor when he got runner-up, and in SMTM6 he was Hangzoo's mentor when he won. So Zico being both a winning producer and a runner-up producer makes him the most successful idol to participate in the show.
Do people even think of Zico as an idol rapper anymore. He kinda jumped out of the kpoo realm with his solo career and idk Block B isn't a group that comes to mind these days even in relation to Zico.
For me the best rappers are ZICO and 3RACHA
Yes! 3RACHA is also really good. I don’t think Bang Chan necessarily is as good as Jisung or Changbin, but he’s a pretty good rapper overall.
I put artists in quotations coz i’m specifically talking about the rappers whose music is very artistically formulated, and heavily focused on lyricism and storytelling. My favourite artists are some who i’d consider great artists (Woo, pH-1, YANGHONGWON, Kid Milli). Kid Milli not as much, but the rest are very reliant on telling stories in their music and focus on lyricism rather than trying so hard to uphold the image of a rapper and just rapping fast. Woo and pH-1 especially, and even YANGHONGWON in more recent years since his name change. Who would y’all consider some of the best?
Probably Woo, but pH-1 and changmo are up there as well
I’m surprised BeWhy hasn’t been mentioned yet. The Movie Star is an artistic feat from the concept, the production, songwriting and the pockets he is able to find in an instrumental.
agreed bewhy’s articulation with his storytelling is great too
Epik high and especially crush with his album From Midnight To Sunrise
i can’t believe i forgot epik high 😭
Giriboy
Second this, particularly Giriboy's last couple albums
someone downvoted you for liking Giriboy's last couple albums 😂 only on reddit
Giriboy its just amazing :)
justhis
Who would the general Korean public frame as the biggest Korean rapper. Considering sales, charts, overall impact and overall popularity; who is standing out the most and marked the Korean hip hop scene with their impact. We may also have to consider generations and who is overall known and acknowledged in all different age groups.
My personal guess would be either Jay park for obvious reasons. Not only is he known massively in Korea but also internationally. Many people collaborated with him and he is mentor in almost all SMTM seasons (and other survival shows).
Another guess would be Beenzino. Here I think the Korean public knows more about him than what is known about him internationally. You can see many Korean rappers look up to him themselves - with him being mentioned in multiple rap songs. But this is just my personal view and I don’t know if his fame got down a little more in the past years.
But yeah what do you guys think? Do you think idol rappers count into this?
Hmm...
In today's age, my mind directs to "Changmo". I feel like everyone wants to work with him, whether it's for a verse or for a beat.
Greatest of all time?? Toss up. There's the few who helped "pave the way" (Drunken Tiger/Tiger JK, Dynamic Duo, LeeSSang, whoever else from that era), but then there's the many that helped popularize k-hip-hop to be whatever it is (Jay Park, Dok2, Beenzino, Zico, maybe even G-Dragon).
I don't mind idol rappers as long as they actually can rap. Look back at the pop groups of the past, and you'll see their "rappers" REALLY can't rap.
Honestly changmo never came to my mind, I just checked his melon views and damn I think it’s true
In this sub, there was a recurring joke that “changmo left to fulfill his military duties so others could catch up to him” lol.
Also, he probably has produced some of your favorite songs. Whether it’s hip hop or even KPOP.
Excluding idol rappers since i feel like it would be a bit skewed based solely off their popularity, I would say it’s either one of those two, but Changmo is up there as well.
Beenzino also recently won Artist of the Year at the 2024 Korean Hiphop Awards.
If we’re talking about who paved the way and made an impact for hip hop in South Korea, I would put Seo Taeji and Boys, Drunken Tiger, and Dynamic Duo up there.
I also considered dynamic duo as a impactful duo, but for paving the way I think they are high up there
Icl i think epic high even though they are a group are up there, they were the first Korean group to perform at coachella
Jay Park is more of a pop musician overall. I would say it's been Changmo for a while and Beenzino before him
Yes you could also consider him a pop artist so I get your point
Lots of answers around current popularity, but in terms of making hip hop what it is today, I think there are quite a few: Seotaiji, Drunken Tiger, The Quiett, Paloalto, Dynamic Duo, Epik High, and Garion.
Can't believe I scrolled this far before seeing epik high even mentioned
I also forgot Leessang, IF, and MC Sniper!
I think you could just pick one of the three illionaire boys and be somewhat right yk
I'll go first: Changbin- Stray Kids Soyeon- (G)I-dle Mingi- Ateez
I really love the BTS rapline but depends on what song and delivery but a lot of times I vibe with J-Hope the most so I'm gonna say him
for women idk if it counts but XG has great rappers that have very satisfying verses
I like yoongi’s rap style a lot,for female I’d say soyeon
Changbin and Han- Stray Kids , Suga and RM- BTS Soyeon- (G)I-dle , TOP- BigBang
Personally for me it's J-Hope
Who else could pull off Hope World AND Jack in the Box??
Exactly! Than to do HOTS Vol 1 is just 🔥. All his solo and collab are so creative and different from each other.
For me, the BTS rapline. Each of them has a very distinctive style and the lyricism is top tier.
Does anyone have any good recommendations for k rap/hip hop artists, and if possible, specific songs? Thank you
I don't listen to much k rap but liked Bewhy Gottasadae
Thank you! I listened and it sounds dope
All added to my playlist! Thanks so much!
Big naughty - joker
pH-1 - nerdy
Mirani - daisy
Zico - human
Ash Island - carabiner
I absolutely loved all of those, especially carabiner!
Mino (literally my favorite Korean artist) - Wa (!!!!), Run away, Fiancé, moneyflow, Ok man, Hop in, Lonely, honestly his whole discography is amazing please listen
Epik High - Face ID, the full Epik High is Here Pt. 1 album
Changmo - Selfmade Orange, Maestro, Aiya, Swoosh Flow, Band
Agust D - Daechwita, What do you think?, Honsool, Give It to Me
BewhY - Newly, Let me know God, Side by Side, also hardcore seconding Gottasadae
Zico - Summer Hate, No you can’t
Kid Milli - Bankroll, Why Do Fuckbois Hang Out on the Net, Midnight Blue (not really rap though)
Life of Hojj - Monday, Salsa
Sik-k - iffy, Addict, Giddy Up, Gang Remix, Nowhere
Giriboy - A Rat in the Trap, Sooljalee, What’s Wrong
Okasian - Save Time, Get That Money
Bobby - Tendae, Up, U Mad, Lilac, No Time, Ur Soul Ur Body, Holup!
Justhis - Star, IndiGO, Gone
BI - illa illa, Illusion, Stay
UR A REAL ONE WOAH THANK YOU???
[removed]
Definitely head on over to r/khiphop
There are some great Korean rappers and that sub can definitely help you find what you like
I am wanting to expand my taste and have been finding myself listening to 90% hip hop K-Pop songs!
For reference my favourite groups are Stray Kids, NCT, (G)I-DLE, and Ateez, and I love their rap-lines the most.
for khiphop artists i love Changmo, Sik-K and Epik High
Gary, MC Mong, Epik High, and Jay Park
BewhY is in my opinion one of the absolute best rappers in the Korean music scene. I highly recommend checking out his Killing Verse. He's a super unique artist and his music slaps! He just released his new song Holy Toast which is a total banger.
Just saw him this weekend at a festival and he's an absolute monster live, too. One of my favorite rappers in the khh scene
Surprised I've seen no mention of Justhis, he's pretty great.
For idol rappers, Zico is my ultimate favorite - I may be biased as a Block B fan, but his presence is incredible! Jed of 1st gen boy group D.Bace also has/had a great voice and cadence.
For hip hop musicians and/or rappers in general, some of my favorites include Verbal Jint, Dynamic Duo, Side-B, Outsider, Swings, Gray, LOCO, Bizniz, Leessang, Garion, Uptown, Lee Youngji, KittiB, Tymee (f.k.a E.via), Cheetah, etc. Yeah, I had a HUGE hip hop phase once. LOL
Thank you so much!
Hey y’all, I know the feeling towards K-Poppies isn’t the greatest around here but i’ve always been a big fan of YG rappers & R&B artists, and would like to try to delve into the KHH / KR&B scene more.
The rappers I usually listen to include : G-Dragon, Jay Park, RM, Agust D, Bobby, B.I, PSY, T.O.P, JINUSEAN, 1TYM, CL, Yezi & Masta Wu.
The R&B i generally enjoy is : BIG MAMA, Gummy, Wheesung (Realslow), SoulstaR, Dean, Crush, Baekhyun, Jaehyun & Taeyang.
Are there any artists that you guys know of that sound similar to people on this list that I should check out? Again, I appreciate the willingness to read and help respond, im always a fan of getting recommended good music :)
Also, what is the general KHH scene’s opinion on G-Dragon? Do you guys respect him as a rapper, Brush him off as just another idol or just see him as mid? Id love to know your honest thoughts as he is my ult bias but there isnt many people in kpop that could actually give him “competition” unlike KHH.
Edit #1 : Listened to Sik-K’s “FL1P” album, wasn’t the biggest fan. Mostly because i want to be able to hear their voice more naturally when rapping if that makes sense? Ive never been too fond of the autotune rap sound even from my favorite artists. Great rapper, just not my style. I can totally see why someone would enjoy them though!
Edit #2 : I have fallen in love with MIRANI.
God bless whoever suggested her, i pray that your pillow is always cold and that your phone is always charged when you wake up
I would suggest Changmo, Ash Island, Ourrealgoat and Keem Hyoeun also imo G-dragon is cool and I think he is as much a rapper as anyone else. But then again I don’t believe in the whole Kpop Stan and Khh Stan segregation so idk
I'm surprised you don't have Epik High on there
I definitely missed them but they’re in my playlist!
MINO, ZICO , DPR LIVE
Mirani, Heize, Lee Young Ji, ZICO, Ash Island, Kim Seung Min
The others I enjoy have already been mentioned in a previous post
In the interest of having a posts on this sub.
Tell me your favorite K-pop rap songs or moments Here are mine:
Mic Drop - Jhope’s verse
Daechwita- Suga
I got it- Han Solo song (skz)
Thunderous- Changbin’s opener
Matz- Ateez Hwa and Hongjoong
Woke Up- XG Maya’s verse
Tell me yours!! Especially if you’ve been into K-pop or krap for more that 3 years. Or if you know smaller groups or girl groups I want to hear it!
(Pictures of some of my favorite rappers because who will stop me I’m the only person posting here)
Uh, you think ya big boi, throwing three stacks
I’ma show you how to ball, you a mismatch
Opinionated but I’m always spitting straight facts
Throwback, I might throw this on an eight track
hanse in flip a coin
jooheon in should i do
top doom dada
Who are the best kpop rappers
Key Considerations for Evaluating K-Pop Rappers:
Skill Level: Look for rappers with strong lyrical abilities, flow, and delivery. Their ability to write and perform complex verses is crucial.
Versatility: The best rappers often showcase versatility across different genres and styles, adapting their rap to fit various musical contexts.
Stage Presence: A captivating stage presence can elevate a rapper's performance, making them stand out during live shows.
Collaborations: Successful collaborations with other artists can highlight a rapper's influence and popularity in the industry.
Impact and Recognition: Consider their contributions to the K-Pop scene and any awards or accolades they have received.
Top K-Pop Rappers to Consider:
RM (BTS): Known for his deep voice, impressive lyricism, and ability to rap in both Korean and English. He often writes and produces for BTS.
Suga (BTS): Also known as Agust D, he is recognized for his raw and emotional lyrics, as well as his unique flow and production skills.
Zico (Block B): A talented rapper and producer, Zico is known for his catchy hooks and versatility in various music styles.
Jay Park: An influential figure in the K-Pop and hip-hop scene, he is known for his smooth delivery and ability to blend R&B with rap.
Lisa (BLACKPINK): While primarily known as a vocalist and dancer, her rap skills have gained significant attention, showcasing her versatility.
Changbin (Stray Kids): Known for his rapid-fire delivery and powerful stage presence, he often writes and produces for the group.
Recommendation: If you're exploring K-Pop rap, start with BTS's "Cypher" series for a showcase of RM and Suga's skills, or check out Zico's solo work for a mix of rap and catchy melodies. Each of these artists brings something unique to the table, making them stand out in the K-Pop genre.
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