Hip-hop emerging as new K-pop genre (2024)

Hip-hop emerging as new K-pop genre (1)
Hip-hop duo The Quiett and Dok2 of Illionare Records perform in season five of Mnet's rap competition series "Show Me the Money."


By Kim Jae-heun

The hip-hop songs introduced on "Show Me the Money (SMTM)," a Korean rap competition show that aired on Mnet from May to July, predominantly swept online music charts while the show was on the air. Many popular K-pop bands avoid releasing new albums during this period as they prefer not to compete with the rappers appearing on cable TV's hottest show.

Hip-hop was not the most favored music genre for most Koreans until recent years and before that it only played to devoted fans in underground clubs around Hongik University, western Seoul.

But it seems that the genre has gradually gained popularity among young people and SMTM has undoubtedly played a leading role in bringing the music out of the shadows.

Hip-hop emerging as new K-pop genre (2)
Winner BewhY performs in the seventh round of season five of SMTM. / Courtesy of CJ E&M


The rap survival series first premiered in 2012, casting seasoned producers such as Double K, 45RPM and MC Sniper as the mentors for participating rookie rappers. The first season started out with a disappointing viewer rating of less than 1 percent. The series returned with its second season anyways the following year, featuring a lineup of notable rappers, including Mad Clown and Swings as contestants. This improved the viewership to top 1 percent ― high enough for the cable TV show to win renewal.

It was the third season in 2014 that SMTM started to draw a larger audience with prominent Korean hip-hop artists from labels like YG Entertainment and Illionaire Records joining the program as producers. Not only did the ratings double to record over 2 percent but also the songs performed in episodes during the mission battles began dominating the online music chart rankings.

Hip-hop emerging as new K-pop genre (3)
Participants of the fifth season of SMTM celebrate after rapper BewhY wins the competition on July 15.


"In the cable TV industry, it is considered successful for a music show to top 1 percent ratings," said an official of CJ E&M, mother company of music channel Mnet. "Even Inkigayo, a music show broadcasted on national TV network SBS, records 2 percent ratings and it is a success if a cable TV hip-hop show like SMTM hits 2 to 3 percent."

SMTM's popularity peaked with season four last year, with its viewing rate recording 3.5 percent according to Nielson Korea, and its hype continued into season five. The show's video clips uploaded on the country's top web portal Naver's TV CAST hit the jackpot. Winner BewhY's stage performance of "Forever" in the seventh round of season 5 hit nearly 2.2 million views a week after the video was released and recorded a total of 3.87 million views as of Wednesday evening. Runner-up rapper C Jamm's eighth-round performance of "Beautiful" also recorded 3.2 million views.

Hip-hop emerging as new K-pop genre (4)
Runner-up C Jamm performs his song "MM" in the final round of SMTM season 5 on July 15.

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No other hip-hop music shows on either national broadcasting or cable TV have been able to compete with this success.

"Only because I am producing SMTM, I don't think differently about the diversity of other hip-hop shows on TV," said SMTM producer Choi Hyo-jin during a press meeting at M Academy in Gangnam, southern Seoul, on July 19. "Other hip-hop programs have different aims. SMTM and Unpretty Rapstar adopt a survival format and there is honesty between mentoring producers and contesting rappers while participants can drop out at any time. Both producers and rappers go through a hard time physically, mentally and emotionally. You can see how serious and passionate they are with their music and I think it is the key to SMTM's popularity.

Hip-hop emerging as new K-pop genre (6)
K-pop band Block B's rapper Zico, left, sings with runner-up C Jamm on "Beautiful" during the semifinal
on July 8.

"I also think (the popularity of hip-hop) connects to the demands of the times. It is my personal opinion but rappers write their own stories and most of them are expressed directly and strongly. The lyrics convey messages that reflect social issues like unemployment among young people, although it was not so much apparent in this season's SMTM. Many hip-hop musicians and rock bands live unstable lives," said Choi.

Culture critic Bae Kook-nam agreed in a way that hip-hop music speaks to young people's hearts in a straightforward manner and it is unique compared to other genres.

Hip-hop emerging as new K-pop genre (7)
Rapper Super B performs in the semifinal on July 8.

"Young people suffer under unemployment and a strict social hierarchy," said Bae during an interview with The Korea Times. "Hip-hop does not beat around the bush but speaks straightforwardly about the hardships they go through and it fits the music very well. Previous songs about love and relationships do not speak to young people.

"People have adapted to rap, rhythm and disdain culture too. It was uneasy to listen to it before. Hip-hop is one way of baring one's heart and complaining of an injustice. The genre was a commercialized product of defiance and the so-called hip-hop spirit was superficial before, but now people are empathizing with it," Bae said.

The musicians suggested similar opinions on the sudden popularity of hip-hop in terms of music.

Rapper BewhY said the genre collaborates well with other musicians and he thinks it reinvents itself.

"Just because music is distinguished by genres it doesn't mean they don't go along together. It just gets better when good tunes meet together and hip-hop has that absorbing power," said BewhY.

One of the hottest songwriters, Gray of Above Ordinary Music Group (AOMG), who participated in SMTM season five as a producer, said that rap music was mainly about American culture ― especially that of African-Americans living in poverty or involved in gang violence ― and Koreans could not relate to it. Now, the genre has been localized to bring more relevance in Korean culture and it has improved in terms of expressing lyrics.

"If you only look at the domestic market, hip-hop has risen as a major genre and I see a bright future for this genre abroad too," said Gray. "Hip-hop is also part of K-pop and I believe it can be successful overseas as next K-pop trend."

Hip-hop emerging as new K-pop genre (2024)

FAQs

Hip-hop emerging as new K-pop genre? ›

- Hip-hop/Rap: K-Pop's hip-hop scene pulsates with energy, as artists seamlessly fuse Korean and Western influences to craft dynamic rap verses and hard-hitting beats. Esteemed acts like Epik High and BTS's RM have been instrumental in shaping this vibrant landscape, pioneering a new era of hip-hop within the genre.

How has hip hop influenced K-pop? ›

And in the midst of hip-hop's golden age, hip Korean audiences got hooked. Over decades, that connection to hip-hop has developed and evolved to create the juggernaut that is contemporary K-pop. Today, the influence of hip-hop can be seen in K-pop dance, dress and even instrumentation.

What is the newest genre of hip hop? ›

Here are some music trends happening right now in HipHop:

Trap Music – characterized by its heavy use of 808 drum machines, trap music has become a staple sub-genre in hip hop. Afrobeat Fusion – incorporating elements of African music into hip hop beats and lyrics, this trend has been growing in popularity.

Is K-pop a hip hop genre? ›

K-pop, short for Korean Pop, stands as a music genre originating from South Korea, encompassing diverse styles such as pop, hip-hop, R&B, electronic, and beyond. Recognizable for its infectious melodies, striking visuals, and intricate choreography, K-pop has garnered global acclaim.

When did hip hop fully emerge? ›

It was the early 1970s and times were tougher than usual for the poorer parts of urban America. From a whole lot of nothing—and a whole lot of imagination—hip hop took form. DJ Kool Herc is credited with throwing the switch at an August 1973 dance bash.

How was hip hop introduced to Korea? ›

Since the 1990s, American hip-hop was brought into and spread through South Korea in several channels: tangible forms of music like cassette tapes and CDs from America to South Korea, individual bodies to/from America and within South Korea, and virtual communities of hip-hop listeners.

Why did hip hop gain popularity? ›

Although long believed to be popular primarily with urban African American males, hip-hop became the best-selling genre of popular music in the United States in the late 1990s (at least partly by feeding the appetite of some white suburbanites for vicarious thrills).

What is the trend in hip hop in 2024? ›

In 2024, a new wave of street style has emerged, and it blends contemporary aesthetics with nods to hip-hop's diverse culture. Retro styles from the 1990s and early 2000s are making a well-deserved comeback, with oversized silhouettes, vibrant color blocking, and iconic logos redesigned with a modern take.

When did hip hop become the biggest genre? ›

Hip hop became a best-selling genre in the mid-1990s and the top-selling music genre by 1999. The popularity of hip hop music continued through the late 1990s to early-2000s "bling era" with hip hop influences increasingly finding their way into other genres of popular music, such as neo soul, nu metal, and R&B.

What are the 3 main subgenres of hip hop? ›

Gangsta. Trap. Cloud Rap. Since the late '70s, hip-hop has spawned many subgenres.

How is K-pop different from hip-hop? ›

Lyrics: K-Pop songs often use English in rap verses, which conflicts with the Korean ideal of linguistic authenticity. American hip hop, on the other hand, is known for its explicit lyrics that often address social and political issues.

Who was the first K-pop group with rappers? ›

Rappers. When Seo Taiji and Boys debuted in 1992, their love of hip-hop style, breakdancing, and rapping laid a foundation for modern K-pop.

Is K-pop dance like hip-hop? ›

K-Pop dance combines elements of hip-hop and jazz, choreographed specifically to Korean pop music. The choreography often incorporates catchy and repetitive movements that complement the song's lyrics. Engaging in K-Pop dance not only offers a physical workout but also cultivates mental resilience.

Who is the father of hip hop? ›

Clive Campbell

What are the 4 elements of hip hop? ›

While there is some debate over the number of elements of hip-hop, there are four elements that are considered to be its pillars: deejaying, or “turntabling”; rapping, also known as “MCing” (emceeing) or “rhyming”; graffiti painting, also known as “graf” or “writing”; and break dancing, or “B-boying,” which encompasses ...

Who popularized hip hop? ›

Hip Hop Pioneers. Several people were influential in creating hip hop. However, the most notable pioneers are DJ Kool Herc, Afrika Bambaataa, and Grandmaster Flash. These three innovators are known as the “Holy Trinity” of hip hop.

What was K-pop influenced by? ›

American music started influencing Korean music, as pentatony was gradually replaced by heptachords and popular songs started to be modeled after American ones. In the 1960s, the development of LP records and improvements in recording technology led to the pursuit of diverse voice tones.

What was K-pop inspired by? ›

What is K-pop? K-pop or Korean Pop is the internationally popular, aesthetic-driven, style-bending, trendsetting, music genre of the 21st century. Originating in South Korea, K-pop draws influence from a range of genres like pop, experimental, rock, hip-hop, R&B, electronic, and dance.

What are the styles that influenced K-pop music? ›

The styles and genres that influence k-pop music are genres that exist from around the world, such as experimental, rock, jazz, gospel, hip hop, R&B, reggae, electronic dance, folk, country, and classical based on the roots of traditional Korean music.

What is K-pop dance influenced by? ›

K-pop's choreography has evolved significantly over the years. Initially rooted in traditional dance styles, it has embraced diverse influences such as urban dance, street dance, and even contemporary ballet.

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