RAP STAR

Chapter 101 [verse 15. Trend]

The video of 888 Crew was quite erratic. It seemed like it wasn't organized yet, as scenes of performances, hanging out in the practice room, and recording alternated. Already feeling sleepy, Dread took off his headphones and asked if they could skip the scenes of the crew just hanging out and focus on the interview segments.

Kim Byungwoo, who was controlling the video, complained that he didn't know how to skip to just the interview scenes since 888 Crew wasn't his assigned team. Meanwhile, Dread seemed oddly fixated on the interview, even though it was expected that there would be mutual insults between 888 Crew and Code Name. Despite Kim Byungwoo's thoughts on Dread's behavior, Dread remained focused on the interview, where members like Isangmina, Uminho, Kim Hwan, and Ominji were barely edited out during the guide editing process, resulting in mostly interviews with Junhyeong, Sanghyeon, Inhyeok, and Hayeon.

The interview primarily focused on Junhyeong and Sanghyeon discussing the crew's working methods and concepts. Junhyeong explained that their work process didn't have a consistent method and varied from moment to moment, depending on the members' individual styles. As Dread listened intently, he found himself drawn into the unfamiliar world of 888 Crew, where album concepts were decided by the company's composers and A&R team, and lyrics were written by designated codenames.

Then, the interviewer asked a sensitive question about how they viewed overground hip-hop groups like Code Name and Bounce Lime, to which Junhyeong responded cautiously, asking for clarification on whether the question was about their thoughts on those specific groups or on overground hip-hop in general.

On the contrary, I think it combines art with capital. In a sense, overground rappers might face more challenges. Their desired music could be tainted by capital. However, I don't see those who lack a sense of "their own music" as artists. They're just individuals who consume scenes and generate biases. Not rappers.

Then, how do you feel about Code Name and Bounce Lime?

Uh... it's a bit difficult to put into words. I'll be honest. I don't mind if it airs. Guys, it's okay, right?

As the camera zoomed out, capturing the faces of the 888 Crew members watching from behind, Kim Hwan shrugged and said, "The leader can decide."

Uh... First of all, personally, I think Dolphin and Female Rapper Edition from Bounce Lime are okay. They may lack in skills, but they can express their own vibe in rap. However, their musical sense seems lacking. The albums are subpar, and some verses seem poorly analyzed. If these issues stem from the label's determined album concept and beats, then it's not their musical problem.

What about Shin Gak from Bounce Lime?

Uh... Not really. Just not really. I don't have much else to say about it.

Next, about Code Name?

Junhyeong hesitated for a moment before speaking up.

I don't want to label them as rappers. Lip-syncing and pretending isn't rap, right? Well, I acknowledge their exceptional dancing skills and good looks.

Can you be more specific?

I mentioned it before. I don't see those who lack their desired music as artists. I think Code Name lacks a musical mindset aside from the technical aspects of rap.

After that, Junhyeong discussed topics like Stars Records and Hip-hop The Vibe format.

Watching Junhyeong's interview, Dread smirked.

Just as expected. He probably wanted to mix in some insults, but he didn't have the courage to do it in front of the camera.

"How great they think their music is."