Indiefest 03 (K-Hip Hop ~ Drunken Tiger)

Virtually all Korean hip-hop music is performed and/or produced by The Movement, an unofficial crew of various hip hop artistes and groups. The crew comprises Drunken Tiger, Epik High, Dynamic Duo, Bobby Kim, Tasha Reid aka T and many more. Formed in 2000, The Movement has gone from strength to strength with many new talents cropping up over the years. They represent a bridge between underground and mainstream by producing music that is head and shoulders above the dime-a-dozen fluffpop hits that are seemingly ubiquitous in the Korean music scene.

Drunken Tiger is arguably Korea’s greatest hip-hop artist and is viewed unofficially as the leader and creator of The Movement. Born in Seoul, he moved to LA at the age of 12. Due to racial tensions between Korean-Americans and African-Americans, he alongside several others decided to use music as a medium to pacify the two sides. Because of his heritage, DT often uses English in his songs and has a fair number of hits that are English in their entirety.

Initially struggling to break past Korea’s oppressive censorship, over the years he has produced and written eight albums spanning numerous styles without compromising his essence. His prolific status, undiluted substance, amazing flow and unique style of delivery have cemented his place as a legend in Korean hip-hop.

Unfortunately, outside of the hip-hop circle, he does not get the type of recognition that he fully deserves which is why I decided to pick 10 of my favourite songs of his to share with you guys. Honestly, I had a really tough time picking these ten songs because I love virtually all his works.

Kkabuljima(Don’t be Rude) – From the album “The return of…”

Link : http://youtu.be/cNfoo1yhKPs

I have no idea what this song is about the English verses notwithstanding. It’s got a great beat, great tempo and a really vintage hip-hop feel to it.  Not one of Tiger’s deeper songs though.

Monster(English Version) feat. Rakim, Roscoe Umali, Lady T(aka. Yoon Mi Rae aka. His Waifu, a fellow rapper who is awesome in her own right) and Rakka(of Dilated People) – From the album “Feel gHood Muzik”

Link: http://youtu.be/JFNx5M_eOto

Yes, you heard it right. Rakim. The legend himself. That alone is indicative of the amount of respect others have for DT. Rakka, Rakim and Roscoe Umali’s laidback styles contrast with Lady T and DT’s more intense ones to create an interesting mash. This is hip-hop in its essence.

True Romance – feat. Lady T – From the album “Feel gHood Muzik”

Link: http://youtu.be/pZy49RNkNKY

Spanish, Korean and English. Yea, really. With Spanish guitar in the background, the song is rich with Latin flavour which gives off the image of a heady romance.

Feel Good Music – From the album “Feel gHood Muzik”

Link: http://youtu.be/sD_P6IzMoGw

This one takes its foot completely off the pedal and slows down the tempo to a languid pace. A perfect chillout song reminiscent of Nujabes. The light beat and chorus make the song completely like its namesake.

One 한 – From the album “Feel gHood Muzik”

Link: http://youtu.be/sSveHLDE7Rc

I really love the guitar in the background. Reminds me of film noir like A Bittersweet Life. I find it difficult to explain why I like this song without repeating what I’ve already mentioned several times. Great beat. Great flow. Great chorus. Ergo, great song.

Question. Feat Ann – From the album “Feel gHood Muzik”

Link: http://youtu.be/vz-1fBSVLsc

One of Tiger’s more profound songs that  reflects about his faith and the age old question of why tragedy happens. Sung and rapped in English, his sentimentality here adds another dimension to his repertoire. Check it out!

Love Song That Won’t Be Banned – From the album “ 1945 Liberation”

Link: http://youtu.be/fso4uidMu7U

This is new. He doesn’t rap here. Instead, he sings inebriated (or at least he sounds like it).

One Summer Night –Digital Single

Link: http://youtu.be/HNGy8GGyGew

Turning a cheesy old Hong Kong pop song into a great chorus; now that’s skilful sampling. Once again, Tiger collaborates with Tasha to produce another hard-hitting rap largely in English.

ny 2 shanghai – From the album “The return of…”

Link: http://youtu.be/HtRIY4kCwQo

Hard beats, hard verses. Sick flow.

8:45 Heaven- From the album “Sky is the limit”

Link : http://youtu.be/U1jP4xS_mTY

A song DT wrote as a dedication to his late grandmother. His sombre voice is accompanied by a deep, melancholy beat that befits the  heartfelt message.

 That wraps up my DT recommendation post. As always, feel free to hit the comments.

/ 4 Commentsleave a comment /

• Bass says:

  July 18, 2011

  Awww yea, I knew Drunken Tiger was just around the corner when you first started this series of posts.

  I still haven't gotten all his albums yet but I loved all the reccs you gave me of his work. Him and Epik High are really starting to change my view on asian hip-hop haha. Anything to get me away from the STUPID k-pop and j-pop boybands.

  Plus his wife is hot and talented lol
  My recent post Indiefest 03 (K-Hip Hop ~ Drunken Tiger)

  Reply
• fuu says:

  July 19, 2011

  Hell yea, I love this man. Nah mang, hip-hop(Asian or otherwise) has always been good. It's the bubblegum hip-pop bullshit hiding behind a facade of "hip-hop" that has tarnished its reputation. And I agree, those boybands are egregious. ~__~

  Admittedly, the girlbands are as bad. Only plus is they're great to look at. :p

  Reply
• Gene says:

  July 20, 2011

  It's funny, I was actually checking out some of DT's music a few days ago. His rap style is great so I'm definitely going to listen to all these recs.
  My recent post Nichijou ep. 11

  Reply
  • fuu says:

    July 20, 2011

    Nice to know he's being noticed. :D Here's a cookie(actually two cookies) for the interest.
    http://youtu.be/buj-Dvw0sv0 http://youtu.be/RzZwHRX442E

    Reply