RAP STAR

Chapter 65 [verse 11. Hommie Vol. 1]

“Lee Sang-hyun from 888 Crew, right? Ah, yes. That friend who dissed our subsidiary, Show Business, not long ago.” Though Yeon-joo couldn't comprehend Hong Gyeong-su's words, she clearly heard the name Lee Sang-hyun. “He's the hottest name in the hip-hop scene lately. Became a super rookie in the blink of an eye without even releasing a few songs. He looks much better in person than in photos.”

Ignoring half of what Hong Gyeong-su said, Yeon-joo focused on Lee Sang-hyun. They hadn't known each other for long, but he seemed tall.

‘Was Lee Sang-hyun the rapper?’

It was intriguing to see someone who had left a strong impression during their first meeting now rapping on stage.

"Don't use our parents' death as a pawn in the game you're playing."

The voice that had haunted her echoed through the speakers, leaving her feeling strange. Lost in her peculiar musings, Yeon-joo concentrated on Lee Sang-hyun's rap.

‘He's good.’

Lee Sang-hyun was good at rapping. Even to Yeon-joo, who knew nothing about rap, he seemed impressive. Or, to be precise from her perspective as someone who knew nothing about rap, he put on a good performance.

There was a subtle power in his rap that captivated people. Moreover, he was clever. When he mentioned the names of different regions, it somehow felt like she should join in too.

"You're really good," Yeon-joo said, earning a pleased smile from Hong Gyeong-su. For him, a die-hard hip-hop enthusiast, it felt good that Yeon-joo was the first to react positively.

"Right? Actually, about half the reason I came to today's performance is because of that friend."

"Why's that?"

"There's a part of me that wants to hear a live performance of 'Back to the Show Biz,' and I also want to recruit that friend to Ogyeong ENT."

Hong Gyeong-su was the team leader responsible for the music part of the Media Content Department. Him mentioning recruitment meant he intended to sign Lee Sang-hyun to their agency.

"Are you saying you want to debut him as a singer?"

"That's right. That friend has real marketability." Hong Gyeong-su hummed, stroking his chin. "He still looks a bit young, but his face is fine, his height is decent, and his proportions are good. He may not rap like a madman, but he has something beyond skill that sucks people in."

"I see," Yeon-joo thought it was a promising story. After all, Ogyeong ENT was the second most successful agency in South Korea after SM Entertainment. For most aspiring singers, it was a dream agency.

Of course, there were still issues like slave contracts and profit exploitation, but relatively speaking, Ogyeong ENT was a good company compared to others.

'If you're serious about dreaming of becoming a musician, you have to join an agency. Ogyeong ENT should be fine.'

After Lee Sang-hyun's "Gwangju UP" ended, the next song, "So Tight," began to maintain the enthusiastic atmosphere. This song featured a female rapper.

Hong Gyeong-su's eyes lit up.

'This friend is good too, isn't she? At least in terms of appearance.'

Contrary to her Eastern and feminine appearance, she had a tight and structured rap style, which was quite attractive. Moreover, in Korea, female artists who rap properly were rare besides Yoon Mi-rae.

Watching the stage, Hong Gyeong-su thought there was a lot of talent in the 888 Crew.

While he was hesitant to elevate another rapper besides Lee Sang-hyun and the female rapper to a main position, as a group, they had enough potential for a debut.