For this week’s Rapper In The Spotlight we are sharing the career of a former idol, rapper, producer and songwriter, that we feel deserves a lot more hype these days. Let’s dive into Bang Yongguk’s career.
Underground rapper to idol
Bang Yongguk debuted in 2008 as a member of the underground hip-hop group Soul Connection with the stage name ‘Jepp Blackman’. Once the crew disbanded he continued on with his career and was signed under TS Entertainment. Soon after he became well-known after participating in Song Ji Eun’s 2011 single ‘Going Crazy’.
At the end of 2011, he debuted as part of the rap duo Bang&Zelo with the single ‘Never Give Up’.
In 2012 he started his activities with the group B.A.P. as the main rapper and leader, and the group debuted with the single ‘Warrior’.
B.A.P. maintained their activities as a group until 2018. During the period he was active in the group he also released several solo singles including ‘AM 4:44’ in 2015, ‘Yamazaki’ in 2017, and ‘Portrait‘ and ‘Drunkenness’ in 2018.
Solo Career
After leaving TS Entertainment, he started off his official solo career with the single ‘Hikikomori’, in this single Yongguk, explored and shared his struggles and thoughts. Part of the lyrics go as:
“(…) Split normal and abnormal
Why would anyone else consider all wounds have the same depth?
The substitute of being alone
I know how it feels like
We were originally different
Just live even if we’re different again
At least my master keyboard and puppy, they won’t hurt me (…)’
Lyrics by: Genius.com
Before enlisting to his mandatory military service in 2019 he released the album ‘Bangyongguk’, followed up by the singles ‘Coming Home’, and ‘Orange Drive’ as a gift for his fans.
Current works
Yongguk came back from his hiatus in 2021 with the single ‘RACE’. He followed up this single with his EP ‘2’ in 2022.
For more of his music make sure to check out his Soundcloud and Spotify profile, and follow his Instagram for updates on his music and cool pics.
