SPIN Magazine is known for being a go-to source for music from all over the world. Recently, they have released their top albums in the hip-hop genre. This list ranges from veterans who have been in the business for decades to newcomers, all which released something new in 2015.
The article is labeled ‘The 50 Best Hip-Hop Albums of 2015’ and it has an impressive list. You can tell that the SPIN staff know their music when they pick such artists as A$AP, Milo, Big Sean, and Tink. They have literally touched on rappers from all over the globe, though mostly in the United States. What surprised most Korean music fans was that, this year, BTS member, Rap Monster, ranked in at number 48 among such a prestigious list.
It’s not that fans doubt Rap Monster’s ability at all. Kim NamJoon has been in the industry long before he started training with BigHit Entertainment when he was an underground rapper known as Runch Randa. Before he even accepted an idol way of life, he had a slew of tracks already circulating, including having worked on a collaboration with Zico from Block B on one of them. He was also one of the original members when BigHit’s first idea was to debut an all hip-hop group with Suga, J-Hope, Iron, Supreme Boi, i11evn, and Kidoh. Eventually, the last four parted from ‘Bulletproof Boys’ and we have the Bangtan Boys we know and love today.
Rap Monster made the list for his first official solo album, ‘RM’, in which he had a hand in writing all the lyrics for and working with a few producers. If you listen to the album, you can feel the seriousness and bluntness of his tone and lyrics. He is in your face as he spits rhymes mixed with Korean and English (which he taught himself and doesn’t have a hint of an accent), and his words carry a resounding presence in your ears due to his deep voice.
The great part about being a fan of Rap Monster is that you get amazing raps like he did for his mixtape and has been doing for BTS since day one, and you also get this fun, goofy, intelligent man of only 21 years of age. NamJoon carries both sides so well, it’s hard not to be a fan of his.
SPIN praises Rap Monster for his lyrics and music choice, which is why he made it on the list, and mentions he could have a definitely make a dent in the US market “provided he sticks to doing him.” SPIN also does make mention of Kpop having a terrible rep of using blackface and even speaks on how Rap Monster has had a moment of “talking black” on a show, but thinks that maybe when BTS went on ‘American Hustle Life’ it helped them mature. At least, they think it definitely helped Rap Monster hone his skills, but still are not fans of his art work. (See above)
All in all, SPIN chose ‘RM’ as a top album and I would have to agree with them. I also have a sense of pride because not only is Rap Monster being recognized internationally by SPIN magazine but he is also the only Korean artist to make the list. Are you a fan of Rap Monster? Let us know.
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Source: SPIN
Edited by: Morgan Oswald
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