Rap has always been a vital feature for many K-Pop groups, it’s is exciting, different, fast-paced, and intriguing. K-Pop rappers are oftentimes regarded to be the key figures in most groups, they’re bold, fierce, captivating, and exude so much power that makes them look so attractive. This important skill can make or break any song, give it life or sudden death. Today, however many rappers are breaking out of the “rapper” tag are trying to express themselves more musically, following suit with the American music trend where many rappers like Pop Smoke, Juice Wrld, Drake, and Post Malone, rappers who have broken the mold and shown they can also hit a note or 3. It takes a lot of determination, practice, and talent to be a K-Pop idol these days, so it is no surprise when we see rappers who can also sing really well, especially with many members having to take hiatus or serve in the military, it’s safe to say, there is a need for other members to learn and if not fully, but adequately fill in the shoes of their members. That being said, here are 5 K-Pop idol rappers who double as amazing vocalists.
1. MONSTA X’s Joohoney
Known for his raspy, powerful, and intense rap style, the rapper could also pass as a rocker, often times showing off his amazing vocal range and power in songs, like ‘Gambler’ and ‘Who Do You Love’
He first made waves back in 2018 when he covered Bruno Mars’ ‘Versace on the Floor’, leaving many surprised at how good his singing voice was. In 2020, he shocked fans with his exceptional singing talents during his appearance in MBC’s “King of Masked Singer” where he gave an outstanding rendition of Brown Eyes’ ‘Been Already a Year’ and Lee Jung’s ‘Look At Me’. After his performance, he said, “I want to be an all-around player. I want to be a singer who raps, sings, and produces music. My goal is to become a musician like Michael Jackson.”
2. Jessi
Many know Jessi has one of the most popular, talented, and outspoken rappers in K-Pop right now. Her fast-paced rap filled with so much power, swag and sass always leave listeners wanting more and more! But surprisingly, so does her vocals. Many times, fans and critics alike have commented on how much of a good singer she is, especially when she sings ballads. It is a softer, charming, intriguing, and powerful side. It’s something we don’t see from her every day. With hit songs like ‘Nunu Nana’ and ‘What Type of X’, where she showed her exceptional singing vocals, making fans stream and giving her two of her most viewed music videos on YouTube and streamed music on Spotify.
Recently, she featured on Henry Lau’s YouTube series “Carpool Karaoke” where they performed a duet of his hit single, ‘Radio’ shocking fans with how soft, sensual and raspy her voice sounds.
3. Stray Kids’ Han
The all-rounder! Stray Kids Han debuted as a rapper but these days, he gives vocalists a run for their money. Often taking more of the singing parts in the K-Pop group’s songs, the rapper has been tagged by many as an all-rounder because of how many talents he possesses.
He shocked fellow contestants and viewers of the MNET’s show “KINGDOM: LEGENDARY WAR” with his singing abilities especially with his cover of BTOB’s ‘I’ll Be Your Man’.
4. GOT7’s Jackson Wang
The multi-talented K-Pop idol originally debuted for GOT7 as a rapper further strengthening their rap line that has Mark Tuan and BamBam. However, that quickly changed as the idol grew and evolved into so much more. With so much practice and training, these days Jackson Wang has gone from being just a rapper to a bonafide musician.
His voice is so soft, low tune, and captivating, exuding certain charms that give goosebumps and sends chills down the spines of many. As a solo artist, he has released so many hit songs like ‘LMLY’, ‘100 ways’, ‘Magnetic’ ft Rain, and ‘M.I.A’ ft Afghan, that explore both his raps and vocals perfectly, giving fans a double dose of his soothing vocals and powerful rap lines.
5. BLACKPINK’s Jennie
With one of the most-streamed music videos on YouTube, Jennie showed that she is not just a fierce rapper but also a good vocalist, lending both talents on her hit single ‘Solo’, she proved to many that she can be more than a rapper.
Often lending her vocal talents in the group’s songs, it has taken sheer determination, talent, training, and hard work to be seen and recognized as the artist she is today! MONSTA X’s JooHoney’s Evolution As A Talented Rapper And Powerful Producer KPOP STORIES|Aug 9, 2021 These Are The Top 10 Best Live Rappers In K-Pop KPOP STORIES|Jul 21, 2021 K-Hip Hop Artists And K-Pop Groups We’d Love To See Collaborate KPOP STORIES|Jul 16, 2021
