In this edition of Rapper in the Spotlight, we want to share a new find that completely captured our attention. Let’s dive into Marv.
Kim Jin-ho, better known as Marv, officially debuted in 2022 under Freekin with his first EP, ‘RIDAH’. The release featured Owen and immediately stood out as a refreshing debut, blending trendy sounds with a smooth urban hip-hop vibe that felt both current and effortless.
Following his debut, Marv returned with the collaborative single ‘Loyal’ alongside Owen. Later that same year, he released the single album ‘HOLLOW / MAMA’, marking a noticeable shift in his sound. With this comeback, Marv began incorporating afrobeats into his music, adding a fresh rhythmic layer to his growing discography.
In 2023, Marv dropped his second EP, ‘Souly’, which included tracks previously released as singles. This EP solidified his evolving musical identity, combining smooth flows, catchy melodies, and an even more refined afro-influenced sound.
First album
Marv reached a major milestone in 2024 with the release of his first full-length album, ‘Souly. (Deluxe)’. The album worked as both a compilation and an evolution of his earlier releases, including the pre-release single ‘Ok’ featuring Jay Park.
This deluxe album highlighted Marv’s artistic growth, balancing rich instrumentals with his now-signature afrobeat-driven tracks, while also introducing new sonic textures that elevated his overall sound.
Latest release
His most recent comeback came with the single album ‘Ö! / Flower’, featuring two tracks, one of them in collaboration with Gist. Both songs are pure vibes, showcasing Marv’s smooth delivery and confident musical direction.
Marv is clearly an artist in motion, constantly evolving and refining his sound. With a solid and increasingly diverse discography, he’s definitely one to keep on your radar. Make sure to explore his music and follow him on Instagram for updates and future releases.
