YG Entertainment, renowned for its roster of talented artists and influential music, has seen many trainees make significant contributions to the music industry even before their official debuts. YG trainees are recognized for their exceptional abilities, often standing out among their peers. Many former YG trainees have debuted as main vocalists and rappers in groups under other agencies, highlighting the rigorous training they received.

Notably, some exceptional idols who debuted under YG had the chance to feature in their senior labelmates' songs before officially entering the industry. These pre-debut opportunities build anticipation and buzz for their debuts. Let’s check out some of these collaborations.

G-DRAGON [BIGBANG]

Hailed as the King of K-pop, G-Dragon showcased his rapping and songwriting prowess even during his trainee days. In 2002, YG Entertainment released the track "HIP HOP GENTLEMEN" by YG Family, featuring a then 14-year-old trainee, G-Dragon, as part of their second album, ‘Why Be Normal.’

TAEYANG [BIGBANG]

BIGBANG's main vocalist, Taeyang, initially trained as a rapper before transitioning to vocals. As a YG trainee, he contributed in the rap verse of YG soloist Wheesung's 2003 single "Player" from the album ‘It's Real.’

CL [2NE1]

In 2007, before her official debut with 2NE1, CL made a significant impression as a YG trainee by participating in BIGBANG's track "Hot Issue – Intro." Even at the pre-debut stage, CL's skills were so polished that she stood out as more than just a trainee.

PARK BOM [2NE1]

Park Bom, the main vocalist of 2NE1, established herself as a standout YG trainee by featuring in several tracks by senior labelmates, including BIGBANG’s “We Belong Together” and “Forever with U,” Lexy’s “Baby Boy,” and Red Roc’s “Along My Way” with Masta Wu.

B.I [FORMER iKON]

Former leader of iKON Kim Han-bin, aka B.I, gained recognition for his songwriting and rap skills even as a trainee. Prior to his debut with iKON, he featured in senior labelmate EPIK HIGH’s lead single “BORN HATER” along with Bobby and Winner’s Mino in 2014.

BOBBY [iKON]

The main rapper of iKON Bobby won the survival show “Show Me the Money 3” as a YG trainee. Renowned for his rap skills, Bobby’s pre-debut features include EPIK HIGH’s “BORN HATER,” HI SUHYUN’s “I’M DIFFERENT,” and MASTA WU’s “COME HERE” with Dok2.

JENNIE [BLACKPINK]

Jennie Kim from BLACKPINK was often dubbed the YG princess and was very popular as a trainee. In 2013, she made a mark with pre-debut features on senior artists' tracks: Lee Hi’s “Special” in March, Seungri's “GG Be” in August, and G-Dragon’s “Black” in September.

ROSÉ [BLACKPINK]

BLACKPINK’s main vocalist Rosé joined YG Entertainment as a trainee in 2012, and in the same year she participated as a featured artist in G-Dragon’s popular solo song “Without You,” showcasing her vocal skills early on.

CHOI HYUNSUK [TREASURE]

Choi Hyunsuk, one of the leaders of TREASURE, is acclaimed for his skill as a rapper and songwriter. Prior to his official debut with the YG boy group, he contributed as a lyricist and featured artist on senior soloist Lee Hi’s 2019 b-side single “1, 2.”

"What’s your favorite collaboration from this list? Let us know in the comment section below.