Essential korean hip-hop listening

The albums that define korean hip-hop.

Our picks for where to start with korean hip-hop — with a one-line read on why each one matters.

Top Korean hip-hop artists

Start with one of these.

The korean hip-hop essentials

Twenty-four picks. Press play on any of them.

Cosmos

B.I

Cosmos

A vibrant fusion of K-pop and R&B driven by introspective lyrics and dynamic production.

Start here

Waterfall

B.I

Waterfall

A vibrant blend of hip-hop and R&B that captures raw emotion through lush production and introspective lyrics.

Start here

Love or Loved Part.1

B.I

Love or Loved Part.1

A vibrant mix of K-pop melodies and contemporary R&B grooves layered over infectious electronic beats.

Start here

Love or Loved Part.2

B.I

Love or Loved Part.2

A vibrant blend of contemporary R&B and hip-hop with introspective lyrics and infectious melodies.

Start here

Tadaima

B.I

Tadaima

A vibrant fusion of K-pop and contemporary R&B, blending catchy hooks with introspective lyrics.

Start here

To Die For

B.I

To Die For

A vibrant blend of K-pop and contemporary R&B, infused with introspective lyrics and catchy melodies.

Start here

Return

iKon

Return

A vibrant blend of catchy hooks and smooth production underscored by heartfelt lyrics and dynamic vocal performances.

Start here

D-Day

Suga

D-Day

A dynamic blend of introspective lyrics and genre-defying beats that captures Suga's artistic evolution.

Start here

Love Yourself: Her

BTS

Love Yourself: Her

A vibrant fusion of pop, hip-hop, and electronic elements that celebrates self-love and individuality.

Start here

Youth

BTS

Youth

A vibrant fusion of pop and hip-hop that captures the essence of youthful aspirations and emotional struggles.

Start here

Love Yourself: Tear

BTS

Love Yourself: Tear

A sonically diverse exploration of love's complexities, merging introspective lyrics with dynamic K-pop production.

Start here

Be

BTS

Be

A reflective blend of soothing melodies and introspective lyrics shaped by the challenges of a global pandemic.

Start here

Map of the Soul: 7 – The Journey

BTS

Map of the Soul: 7 – The Journey

A vibrant fusion of K-pop and dance-pop, layered with introspective lyrics and theatrical soundscapes.

Start here

Wings

BTS

Wings

An exploration of personal struggles and identity wrapped in vibrant K-pop melodies and intricate hip-hop rhythms.

Start here

Nuna

Jessi

Nuna

A vibrant blend of K-pop and hip-hop, showcasing catchy hooks and confident lyrical delivery.

Start here

Permission to Dance On Stage – Live

BTS

Permission to Dance On Stage – Live

A vibrant celebration of BTS's dynamic performances, blending powerful vocals with infectious energy and heartfelt connection to the audience.

Start here

Map of the Soul: Persona

BTS

Map of the Soul: Persona

A vibrant fusion of K-pop and hip-hop, exploring themes of identity and connection through infectious melodies.

Start here

BTS, the Best

BTS

BTS, the Best

A vibrant collection of anthemic pop and hip-hop tracks celebrating BTS's journey and global impact.

Start here

Proof

BTS

Proof

A celebratory tapestry of BTS's evolution featuring vibrant pop, introspective lyrics, and anthemic choruses.

Start here

Face Yourself

BTS

Face Yourself

A vibrant collection of K-pop hits that blend catchy melodies with introspective lyrics and dynamic production.

Start here

The Most Beautiful Moment in Life, Pt. 2

BTS

The Most Beautiful Moment in Life, Pt. 2

A vibrant blend of introspective lyrics and eclectic production that captures youth's fleeting beauty and existential dilemmas.

Start here

Skool Luv Affair

BTS

Skool Luv Affair

A vibrant fusion of K-pop and hip-hop, brimming with youthful energy and heartfelt storytelling.

Start here

Love Yourself: Answer

BTS

Love Yourself: Answer

A vibrant fusion of K-pop and hip-hop infused with introspective themes of self-love and acceptance.

Start here

The Most Beautiful Moment In Life: Young Forever

BTS

The Most Beautiful Moment In Life: Young Forever

A vibrant tapestry of K-pop that blends introspective lyrics with infectious, danceable beats.

Start here