I'm sure some of you have heard of the genre of music called K-pop. Well, let me introduce to you something even better: Korean hip hop, and the artists that dominate it. Most people know K-pop as the genre of Korean music where boy groups and girl groups are generated and produced by entertainment companies. Many of these are handed songs by famous producers, having no say in the creative process. And within these groups, each member has a position, such as leader, main singer, rapper, dancer, even a visual (The best looking in the group). And usually, the rappers in these groups are the ones that can't sing the best and can't dance too well. But, some of the rappers in these groups have a passionate love for hiphop music and want that to be their career. Those in k-pop groups are often not considered real rappers. Most of the artists in the korean hip hop scene are not assigned to an agency and not in a K-pop group, they are considered "underground". But the korean hiphop genre is vast and large, and there is even a TV show dedicated to finding the best rappers in korea called Show Me The Money.

Here are my favorite 15 Korean hip hop songs that deserve some more recognition.

1. DΞΔN x Zico - "Pour Up"

Using a stage name inspired by the famous James Dean, DΞΔN is bringing a new, laid back, western r&b sound to Korea, something never heard there before. A track you would want to hear at a club with your friends. *Subtitles*

2. Jay Park, Simon Dominic, GRAY - "Metronome"

Jay Park was the leader of a hit kpop boygroup, until he was kicked out in 2009 for a scandal over myspace messages. Since then, the Seattle-born Korean has co-founded his own record label and created a new name for himself in Korean as an established rapper and CEO. *Subtitles*

3. Zico and Mino - "Okey Dokey"

Both apart of idol groups, Zico was a mentor of Mino on the korean rap survival show, Show Me The Money 4, and the two created a beat so good it can’t be ignored. Mino came in second place that season, but is still considered one of the best rappers to be in a K-pop group.

4. Yezi - "Cider"

Yezi is a member of the girl group Fiestar, has appeared on Unpretty Rapstar 2, and has became a ruthless female rapper in a dominantly male world. She is fearless and it shows through her music. *Subtitles*

5. Jay Park and Okasian - "You Know"

If you know the rapper Keith Ape, you should know his friend and fellow rapper Okasian. His verse on this song mixed with the chill and unique beat is something else. *Subtitles*

6. DΞΔN - "bonnie & clyde "

Another song off of Dean’s debut EP “130 mood : TRBL”, the song is dark with a thick beat to make you wanna go on some late night drives down a long winding road. Dean continues to bring Western influences into the Korean music scene. *Subtitles*

7. Kisum feat. Jooyoung - "You & Me"

A light and pretty song, Kisum is a personal favorite of mine among female rappers who creates her own sound and does it all by herself. *Subtitles*

8. Jay Park - "In This B*tch"

For those who seem to can’t get over the language barrier, Jay Park’s songs go hard in both languages. This video also includes a bit of his other song "My" at 2:05. There are subtitles for that as well.

9. ZICO, Hyolin, Paloalto - "Dark Panda"

Hyolin's light voice sings the chorus so well, in contrast to the deep voices of Zico and Paloalto. A dark, unsettling song that makes you want more from the trio. *Subtitles*

10. Giriboy, Mad Clown, Jooyoung, NO MERCY Trainees - "0 (Young)"

The song starts off slow, but at about 0:45, the beat gets going and the song goes from there. The 5 no mercy trainees were rappers and singers at a record label that were yet to make their debut, so they worked with Giriboy, Mad Clown, and Jooyoung who are all well established artists.The trainees were still working hard preparing for their debut music, and they proved they were worth it. *Subtitles*

11. San E and Mad Clown - "Sour Grapes"

Mad Clown’s unique voice paired with San E’s lyrics was a match made in heaven. A music video that’s aesthetically pleasing for a unique song that never gets old. And who doesn't love "Hot Line Bling" recreation. *Subtitles*

12. ZICO - "Veni Vidi Vici"

Zico is the leader of the popular boy group Block B, and is the one who writes and produces all of their music along with his own. Rappers in k-pop groups have a prejudice against them when it comes to being "real" rappers, but Zico is considered one of the best in all of Korea for his talent and his work. *Subtitles*

13. Iron - "System"

After a controversial weed scandal in April, Iron came back this June with the song “System”, a diss track to the Korean laws, music industry, and just about everyone else in it, and believe me, it’s worth listening. Here is a video with English subtitles if you want to read the crazy lyrics to the song.

14. Crush feat. ZICO - "Oasis"

Crush, the Korean r&b singer created this summer hit about a year ago and it's still good. Zico's verse is what ties it all together really, with a surprise cameo by fellow r&b artist Zion.T.

15. Simon Dominic, G2, One, Bewhy - "Who You"

And lastly, a song off of this year’s season of Show Me The Money, a song about not being the same person you once were.