As part of the celebration of the 50th anniversary of hip-hop worldwide, Spotify has rolled out an array of fresh content that shines a spotlight on this electrifying genre’s rich history and far-reaching impact, including a chapter on South Korea's vibrant hip-hop landscape.
Central to this celebration is a visually arresting animated series that takes viewers on a journey to iconic hip-hop locations across the globe. This series is a canvas where the stirring narratives of different hip-hop markets, spanning over nine unique regions, including South Korea, come to life through the masterful illustrations crafted by the renowned Korean artist, Yewon Hwang.
Guided by the charismatic narrative style of rapper BILL STAX, the South Korean episode delves deep into the heart of the K-hip-hop culture, offering viewers a riveting account of its evolution and rich history. A significant portion of the narrative is dedicated to exploring the pulsating energy of Seoul’s Hongdae neighborhood, a hotbed of vibrant hip-hop culture.
Audiences can immerse themselves in this vivid storytelling experience through Spotify Korea's official social channels, including Instagram and Twitter, where the animated episodes are available for streaming.
Earlier in August, the platform unveiled the ‘Hip-Hop Turns 50’ hub, a specially curated space bringing together over 40 global playlists that encapsulate the essence of the genre’s diverse eras, regional variations, and groundbreaking trends that shaped it over the decades.
A notable highlight is the inclusion of the Korean hip-hop playlist ‘KrOWN’ in this hub, which stands as a testament to the genre's thriving scene in Korea. Moreover, the ‘Global Hip-Hop’ playlist features stellar tracks by Korean artists, including the beats of “AEAO” by Dynamic Duo and DJ Premier, and the rhythmic poetry of “Monet” by Beenzino, affirming the indelible mark Korean artists have made in the hip-hop domain worldwide.
“Interacting with listeners for a long time, hip-hop has evolved into various styles and become a globally beloved genre and culture,” said Tiger JK, the renowned artist known as the godfather of Korean hip-hop. "The 50th anniversary of hip-hop holds profound significance, resonating not only with global audiences but also with listeners in Korea. I am genuinely thrilled to witness K-hip-hop receiving well-deserved recognition within Spotify's global campaign. My hope is that this will pave the way for more opportunities, allowing Korean hip-hop artists and their music to forge deeper connections with listeners worldwide."
"A platform where artists and their music are presented to fans and new listeners worldwide is crucial," said Dynamic Duo, featured in the latest cover of KrOWN. "We hold the aspiration that Spotify's playlists and campaign will serve as a significant avenue for introducing numerous talented Korean artists to a broader global audience."
"From K-pop to K-hip-hop, Spotify is dedicated to the globalization of diverse Korean cultural content. As part of our ongoing commitment to this endeavor, we've shone a spotlight on the vibrant Korean hip-hop scene through our hip-hop 50th anniversary campaign," said a Spotify spokesperson.
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