[ASKKPOP] Hip Hop Artist Spotlight: Okasian's Busy Year
Okasianwas one of themost activeundergroundrappers in Korea this past year. If you follow underground hiphop in South Korea like I do, it is likely that you took notice of the hustleand bustle of Okasian in his mad rush to keep the underground alive with hisdope music. Just last week on the 14th, Okasian dropped asingle called 'Damn Thing Funny' featuring a veteran in the game,Paloalto.
Several weeks before the NewYear began he also released a music video for another single 'PSHH' featuring some awkward chemistry between him andtall model Sam Mae. Aside from the castingwhich seemed to have been decided without much thought, everything else wassatisfactory. The video was shot in New York City with artful finesse, the beat is velvetsmooth, and Okasian's verses—though a close copy ofKendrick's rap style—leftnothing more to be desired.
In addition to his singlesthe rapper worked with the rest of the members of his label—Hi-Lite Records—toproduce a sleek, masterfully sampled compilation album. It came out in June oflast year comprising of thirteen tracks each packed with a diverse set of melodies. Asif all of the above was not enough Okasian is also a part ofCohort, a trioconsisting of himself,Kid AshandReddy. The three collaborated and producedan EP named 'Orca-Tape' which was released in October.
If you are fan of Koreanhip hop—or just hip hop in general—I strongly urge you to shoot them a sidewaysglance. Who knows, you may actually end up liking what you hear. Otherwise,simply pluck those headphones out of your earholes and just walk away.
You can check out theHi-Lite Records website hereand alsofollow Okasian on Twitter.