This week’s feature is a Hip-Hop legend with more than a decade in the industry. His music is unique and diverse, his lyrics are raw and able to reach audiences worldwide. Today we are talking about the one and only Simon Dominic.
Jung Ki-Seok (a.k.a. Simon Dominic) is a Korean rapper that debuted in 2009 as part of the Hip-Hop duo Supreme Team under the label Amoeba Culture. This duo disbanded in 2013 but left some incredible music, here are a few of their releases.
‘Supermagic’ from their debut extended play Supreme Team Guide To Excellent Adventure.
From their first studio album ‘Supremier’.
From the second EP ‘Spin off’.
From their last EP ‘Ames Room’ as Supreme Team.
Their last single before disbanding.
Solo Career and AOMG
Simon Dominic debuted as a soloist in 2011 with the album ‘Simon Dominic Presents: SNL League Begins’. One of my favourite tracks from this release is ‘Stay Cool’ ft. Zion T (This song is just so smooth), check it out.
In 2015, he left Amoeba Culture and became the co-CEO of Jay Park’s independent record label AOMG. Later on that year, he released his first extended play ‘Won & Only’. The song ‘Simon Dominic’ peaked the charts and became one of the most popular songs of his career. The lyrics are autobiographical and express part of his journey, my favourite verse goes like this:
“(…) My ambition is not easily visible
Money is not on the top 100
I just wanna rhyme with my homies
I enjoy when I can enjoy it
I will only live in music
That’s the coordinates of my success
One love (…)”
Source: Genius.com
Here is the music video.
Another memorable song that I absolutely loved from this release was ‘Won & Only’ ft. Jay Park. In this video Epik High’s Tablo and his daughter are featured. Check out the MV and turn on the cc.
In 2016 he became part of the producers in Show Me The Money 5 along with Gray. From this season I particularly liked his collab stage with One and Gray, and the producer special stage. Check them out.
Darkroom is his second full length album. Released in 2018, Simon Dominic expressed in an interview that this particular release represented a challenge for him, and he struggled a lot while making it. This album lyrically feels extremely personal, his lyrics are raw and expresses his personal story.
One of my favourite songs is ‘Demolition Man’, the lyrics in this track are heartfelt. Every single verse is incredible but I was particularly touched by this verse:
“(…)After coming back from tormenting people
I have blood pouring out, too
I only become sane when I hurt myself
Who would acknowledge me for this agonizing time
I have spent writing for this moment you’re listening right now
A big hole appears in my chest like being shot by a bazooka(…)”
All the songs in the album are lyrically incredible and worth a mention but to not make this article too long I will mention just a second one. ‘Me No Jay Park’ is absolutely legendary, this track reminds me a lot of his work in his mixtape ‘I Just Wanna Rhyme’ with an old school hip hop vibe. Here is the live version.
After releasing ‘Darkroom’ Simon Dominic resigned as the co-CEO of the AOMG but stayed on as an artist. In 2019, he released his second EP ‘No Open Flame’. My favourite tracks from this release are ‘Ya ain’t gang’ and ‘GOTT’. You can check out the MV’s below.
Undoubtedly, Simon Dominic is a legend of the Korean Hip-Hop scene. He has managed to keep his personal and unique touch in his releases, and was also able to put out songs that keep you wanting more.
Make sure to check out his collabs with other artists, they are also incredible. Here is his Spotify playlist and let us know what your favourite Simon Dominic song is.
