On The Pulse

Take Your Pick From The Classic, Chill Or Catchy. Here Are 8 K-Hop Tunes To Add To Your Playlist

Whether you’re into classic and old-school, chill and smooth, or fun and upbeat, we’ve got eight K-hip-hop tunes for your K‑Pop playlist.

It’s no secret that hip-hop has become an integral part of the world of K-Pop. Look at the rappers who have made their way into K-Pop ON! () and the top lists for 2022 Spotify WRAPPED, like Jay Park, ZICO, Jessi and B.I.

Plus, the prominence of rappers in almost every K-Pop group is undeniable. From RM, j-hope and SUGA of BTS, to SEVENTEEN having a whole hip-hop unit dedicated to their rappers – S.Coups, Wonwoo, Mingyu and VERNON. And of course, we can’t forget about BLACKPINK’s LISA and JENNIE, (G)I-DLE’s JEON SOYEON and ITZY’s Ryujin and Yuna.

Ready to jump into this side of Korean music? Here are eight K-hop (Korean hip-hop) tunes to add to your playlist.

#1 Crush’s Rush Hour (featuring BTS’s j-hope)

Alternating between rapping and singing, this song has an infectiousness that perfectly matches both rappers’ high-paced energy. All in all, it’s a fun and groovy bop that will have you clapping along.

#2 BE’O’s Counting Stars (featuring Beenzino)

With BE’O’s soulful voice and the song’s touching lyrics, it’s no wonder this hit won the rapper an “All Pass” from the judges during Mnet’s Show Me The Money Season 10. P.S. He wrote this song after his grandfather was admitted to the hospital. In an interview, he shared that seeing the stars that night got him thinking about many things in life, and this inspired his lyrics.

#3 meenoi’s I can’t wait! (featuring Loco)

This light and almost cutesy tune might not be what first comes to mind when you think of rap or hip-hop. But its catchy chorus and meenoi’s melodic rapping are guaranteed to take up permanent residency in your mind. It’s the earworm you never knew you needed.

#4 BIBI and Yoon Mirae’s LAW

Put two esteemed female rappers together and you’ve got the recipe for a swag-filled track commanding attention from the get-go. With lyrics that go, “Look at me slayin’ this whole world”, you would expect nothing less. The song was originally created for Mnet’s reality dance competition, Street Man Fighter, and it’s got fans – K-Pop artists included, learning the moves and rapping along too.

#5 DAMINI’s DOG OR CHICK 3

This song is lit! And it’s all thanks to DAMINI’s fiery rap against an almost haunting carousel-like BGM. She spits fire and drops bars like she’s been doing it for years, which is mind-blowing since she only debuted in February 2022. A testament to her potential, it’s no wonder this rookie rapper is fast gaining recognition in the K-hop scene.

#6 Tiger JK’s POV

Tiger JK’s music career spans more than two decades having debuted in 1995, and he has been rightly, and affectionately dubbed the godfather of K-hop. Offering a glimpse into the rapper’s creative mind, this tune indeed gives his point of view on where he is in life, and his love for music amid a soundtrack of ‘80s hip-hop trap and synths.

#7 Lee Young Ji’s Day & Night (feat Jay Park)

If you’ve always associated rap with aggressive beats, think again. This K-hop tune has a smooth R&B vibe that will have you grooving along to Lee Young Ji’s low-tone vocals, and neat and clear diction. Fun fact: Young Ji was the first female to win Mnet’s High School Rapper Season 3 in 2019 (a rap/hip-hop competition for high school students). And at only 20 years old, she’s proven herself to be a K-rapper to keep your eye on with her recent win on Show Me The Money Season 11 (a rap competition, also under Mnet). 

#8 Epik High’s Born Hater

We can’t talk about K-hop without including Epik High. Always one for keeping it real, this song expresses the trio’s feelings towards the haters. If you’re into that classic, old-school hip-hop vibe, then Born Hater is for you. PS. The track also features some well-known names in the K-hop world, like veteran rapper Verbal Jint to WINNER’s MINO and iKON’s BOBBY, as well as Beenzino and B.I.

Can’t get enough of K-hop? Channel your inner rapper with more songs on Spotify’s KrOWN playlist.