Soul music Korean (Soul in Seoul: African American Popular Music and K-Pop), originally popularized in America and later adopted in South Korea, often incorporates elements of R&B. George Mason University affiliate professor Crystal Anderson documents this connection in her book: Soul in Seoul: African American Popular Music and K-Pop.
LeeHi
Lee Hi, best known for her debut as a competitor on K-Pop Star Season 1, made waves when she debuted as an original singer on this renowned reality TV show in 2012. Her distinct tone earned praise from experts like Kim Go-Geum-Pyeong who called her one of Korea’s most remarkable singers. Lee Hi also found great success thanks to her distinct style and charisma which has left a profound imprint on K-Pop culture as a whole.
After parting ways with YG Entertainment, she signed with Jay Park’s AOMG label and released the half album Seoulite in 2016. Subsequent single releases included HOLO and For You; 4 ONLY is her debut major release under this label and features various genres and styles that showcase her abilities as a vocalist.
HOLO is a soul ballad that draws upon classic R&B and blues music for inspiration, featuring emotional lyrics with an acoustic instrumentation that pairs beautifully with Lee Hi’s sensuous, sensuous voice. Additionally, its production process was heavily influenced by her longtime idols Janet Jackson and Mariah Carey; its message reflects Lee Hi’s own struggles with depression and isolation as well as providing hope to anyone going through similar experiences.
Other tracks on her album showcase her more experimental sides. On the groovy track ‘Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes’ she makes use of an iconic childhood rhyme into an irresistibly sensual piece; Safety Zone features more funk-influenced sounds while retro-style ‘Bye’ highlights her vocal prowess and versatility.
On top of that, the album features a collaboration with rapper and producer Code Kunst on ‘Safety Zone’ where their duo creates an unforgettable, intimate ambience while Lee Hi’s vocals create an irresistibly mesmerizing beat – as well as showcase her ability to switch seamlessly from lower register singing to melodic falsetto singing!
Lee Hi is inspired by music from various genres and brings her own personality into each track she creates, such as Jonghyun of Shinee who passed away in 2014. For this track’s music video, Lee Hi wears a black minidress while dancing before a mirror with her body double; filming took place in the same studio where her debut music video for My First Love was produced.
OffonOff
Offonoff is a contemporary R&B duo comprised of Colde and producer 0Channel. Their musical journey began on SoundCloud in 2015 with them releasing “mood”, quickly amassing an online following. Later signed to YG Entertainment sublabel HIGHGRND they have since joined hip hop crew Club Eskimo alongside Dean Millic and Punchnello.
Boy is their latest release and features silky R&B cuts with subtle jazz and neo-soul influences, creating an uplifted and relaxing listening experience. Additionally, it includes a music video for “cum (dance).” In it, they showcase their versatility by mixing RnB, hip hop and ballad elements – including including foreign dancing bodies in its production to disprove common criticism that Korean pop culture is homogeneous.
Although this album occasionally falls into some predictable tropes, it remains a very satisfying listen. The production is excellent throughout and manages to keep things interesting even with slight differences from track to track. Furthermore, vocalists stand out and convey feelings of melancholy and loneliness; especially notable is “homeless door”.
Contrasting with other hip-hop albums, the duo’s music leans more towards RnB than rap. Influences from Stevie Wonder and The Roots play an influential role in their sound; additional instruments such as piano and guitar complete its overall composition.
Not only have their musical influences inspired their lyrical content, but the duo is also inspired by personal experiences and relationships in their lyrics. Their music encapsulates humanity while attesting to R&B’s ability to transcend language barriers through R&B fusion; making their songs relatable and accessible for many listeners. While not household names, they have created a loyal following among K-pop enthusiasts as a vital element of K-pop scene – this should not be overlooked! The band looks set for success with many bright years ahead. Don’t sleep on them because there’s sure to be more talent ahead!
Jimmy Brown
Jimmy Brown is an up-and-coming K-pop artist with an international fan base thanks to his indie projects and collaborations with fellow musicians. Recently featured on major editorial playlists on Spotify such as BTS member Jimin’s favorites list or Red Velvet member Wendy’s recommended list, Jimmy can also be found as part of Good Days Boys duo with Rovv or writing music for various K-pop artists like GOT7’s BamBam’s BamBam! His album contains eight new tracks all related to love; beginning with soft R&B track “Complicated”, then slow jam “Say Less”. And lastly two softer tracks: faded and water.” Jimmy has showcased his delicate vocal talents full force!
“americana,” Brown’s final track from this album, is a rap song with an encouraging patriotism message that shies away from political activism for crossover appeal; later he would release an antiwar anthem called “America Is My Home,” inspired by visits to military bases.
Brown persevered despite early struggles with poverty to become an entertainer known for his energetic performances and infectious charisma and talent that attracted crowds worldwide. Additionally to his music career, he appeared in multiple movies such as 1979’s The Original Disco Man for which he won a Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance.
Brown’s latest release, For the Many, is an ode to his multiracial audience and commitment to his community. This project showcases an eclectic range of genres such as reggae, pop and R&B with musicians spanning multiple backgrounds such as drummer Ali Campbell, trombonists Fred Wesley and Ian Thompson, saxophonist St Clair Pinckney, keyboardist Martin Meredith as well as vocalists Gilly G and Matt Doyle all contributing.
Jimmy Brown is also a fifth-year teacher in the Gresham-Barlow school district and highly esteemed by his students for his creativity and encouragement. Outside of teaching, he enjoys playing soccer and basketball in his free time and listening to hip hop artists such as Chris Brown.
Heize
Heize (real name Jang Da-hye), became widely recognized after appearing on Season Two of Unpretty Rapstar. Though she began with hip-hop music, she has since transitioned into melodic R&B sound with P NATION being her label home and having released three albums so far.
Heize has once more mesmerized her fans with her eighth mini-album ‘Last Winter,’ an audiovisual journey through Heize’s soul that celebrates each season’s transformation. This mini-album includes collaborations with 10CM as well as an impressive music video for “Lips.”
Heize’s title track, “Eommaga Pilyohae,” is one of his most emotionally moving songs to date. It tells a moving tale about a woman who longs to win back her lover but fails in her efforts; even going as far as eating poison apple. Unfortunately, her attempts fail, with him showing no interest whatsoever for her efforts. Additionally, its music video is breathtaking with vintage aesthetic and fairytale themes.
Heize’s other tracks on this album are equally captivating: “Wind” is an intimate ballad while “Sorry” offers more upbeat funky tunes – both show Heize’s talent for writing emotive lyrics and singing them with conviction.
Another standout track on this album is Heize’s stripped-back rendition of “You, Clouds, Rain.” Fans can hear her vocals in its purest form in an intimate setting – making for a refreshing change from its original version! Don’t miss this opportunity to check it out for yourself.
“Not to See You Again” marks a fitting endpoint to this introspective and emotive album.