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Girl Crush: KittiB

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Like most fans abroad, the first time we heard about South Korean rapper KittiB was when she appeared on the second season of “Unpretty Rapstar.” If you watched the show, you’re aware it was met with criticism that both the contestants and the format of the show was subpar to its first installment. KittiB was one of the few rappers who was an actual underground rapper, with most contestants being either from idol groups or rookies. Alas, her journey was rocky and it took her literally the entire show to win a feature on the song; the last before the finals. To her credit though, “On the Edge” produced by YDG is probably one of the best, if not the best, song from the season.

However, after “On the Edge” and making it onto the semifinals, something sparked in KittiB’s head, for she woke up from her season-long slumber and began to slay. Her verses on the collaborative songs with the rest of the contestants were also fire. And let’s not forget about the masterpiece that is “Ronda Rousey Flow.” A trap anthem about shutting down bitches who try to put her down but don’t measure up (*cough*, Yubin, *cough*). Unfortunately, she didn’t win the show. She did, however, win the title of “baddest bitch,” because just like Yezi, they were the only two contestants who proved they’re the real deal and can back up their claims of greatness.

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Fast forward a few months, KittiB, who formerly released her music independently, is now signed to Brand New Music — home to rappers San E and Verbal Jint and singer Bumkey. She recently dropped her latest single, the first signed to the label, “Doin’ Good” and it’s a continuation of what we already know: KittiB slays. The track follows the trap trend, but doesn’t go into full-on stereotype. Verbal Jint, who’s featured, and KittiB mellow it down and keep the instrumentals simple to highlight the song’s message. The lyrics tell her story about being in an abusive relationship compellingly, declaring that even though she was broken down by the former lover, she’s now doing good. Unlike Yezi’s “Crazy Dog” which was ruined by San E’s participation, Verbal Jint complements KittiB’s flow and overall concept; he’s the yin to her yang.

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It takes a certain level of guts and confidence to put out songs like “Ronda Rousey Flow” — which owns all the bad comments directed at her, especially being fat shamed, and discredits them because her talent speaks louder than that — and “Doin’ Good” — which speaks candidly about a topic a lot of people feel ashamed of speaking out about. Not only is she hot (fuck the fat shamers, she’s actually just curvy), but her lyrics are never empty, yolo-swag, #turnup jams.

Her two last songs on “Unpretty Rapstar 2” plus her newest single earned her spot in Korean rap table with other great rappers of all genders. Let’s hope she now gets the attention and kudos she deserves. Other female rappers should watch their crowns for KittiB is well on her way to snatch it.

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What do you think of KittiB’s latest song? Share your thoughts in the comment section below and be sure to subscribe to the site and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr to keep up with all of our posts.

Artist Spotlight: Giriboy

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If you combine cute, good looks with a made for variety TV dorky persona, and rap-songwriting skills, what do you get? Not an idol, that’s for sure. Or at least not in Giriboy’s case. The up-and-coming not-so-underground-anymore Korean rapper with his big rimmed glasses and soft, melodic flow has been creating a flawless bridge between this genre and K-pop since his debut in 2011.

Signed under Swing’s label Just Music Entertainment, Giriboy has been taking the Korean entertainment industry one step at a time by releasing several solo albums, stacking up the featurings on other artists’ songs, and appearing on TV shows. Many might remember him from his participation in the hip hop competition program Show Me the Money 3 and as a mentor and judge on Mnet and Starship Entertainment’s survival show NO.MERCY.

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Hong Si Young’s stage name translates to “to see the way” in Korean, which, to him, means that no matter what he does, the things in front of him are bright and promising. “Giriboy” serves as the best metaphor for the multifaceted rapper and singer. Because even if he’s signed under the Show Me the Money 2 fierce winner’s label and on the roster with artists like Vasco, Nochang, CJamm, and Black Nut, Giriboy is the type of rapper the ladies love. No, seriously, he has a big female following…

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via imcheol @ Tumblr

As opposed to what’s trending in hip hop nowadays, Giriboy’s style is similar to that of Crucial Star. His flow is soft spoken and tender, and the music and beats he tends to rap over are feel-good with melodies at the hook that are easy to sing along to. Which, in theory, completely clashes with the notion that Swings consistently features on most of his songs, starting with his debut single You Don’t Look Good To Me. And yet, Swings puts the yang in Giriboy’s yin. Swings generally kicks back and delivers a slower paced rap, never diminishing Giriboy’s style. In last year’s Camp, both artists contrasted swag with emotion seemingly effortlessly.

The thick rimmed glasses wearing rapper’s discography includes Fatal Album and Sensual Album, while his latest solo release is Evil Cut. As is accustomed by rappers, many other of his acclaimed peers have collaborated on songs for his albums, such as You’re a Chemical with Beenzino and 계획적인 여자 with Zico.

Last year, critics speculated that his distinct style might have been the reason why he didn’t perform as well as the other contestants on Show Me the Money 3. But even if he didn’t survive long among traditional rap heavyweights, he quickly won Tablo as a fan, who was eager to work with him, but Giriboy ultimately chose YDG’s team and the Epik High leader often sulked about it. Moreover, upon his increasing popularity, the mainstream rapidly jumped on his mellow flow. Some of his K-pop collaborations include Anticipation Note with NS Yoon-G and Arm Pillow with SISTAR’s Soyu and NO.MERCY trainee Kihyun, and this is only the beginning.

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Giriboy’s voice and flow are a great alternative to the traditional hard, jumpy, EDM infused hip hop that’s so hot right now. His assertiveness lies in his lyrics, proving that you don’t have to spit aggressively to be a valid rapper.

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Do you like Giriboy? Share your thoughts in the comment section below and be sure to subscribe to the site and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr to keep up with all of our posts.