Dynamic Duo’s Gaeko Talks Today’s Hip-Hop, Rapper Choiza and More

[imienazwisko.livejournal.com]

Gaeko, who was always with Choiza, decided to go solo in 15 years since his debut. Putting down the name of Dynamic Duo, he will be returning to the fans with his first solo album Redingray. Although he is often named as one of the best rappers in the hop-hop industry, he lowered himself by saying, “I feel like I’m back as a new singer.”

How was meeting Gaeko in person

Gaeko met with reporters during his solo album showcase on October 14 in CGV Youngdeungpo. Although it has been over 15 years since he debuted, he seemed nervous and excited. He said, “My sweat is pouring down as I’m standing in front of the reporters. I can’t concentrate.”

But when the time came for him to introduce his solo album, he was different. From Rose, which is a serenade for his wife, to Silver Sonata, which criticizes lack of conversation between family members, he put all his effort into every song.

He said, “Sometimes I added my imagination, and sometimes I expressed my honest thoughts. I tried to make good music but also find the meeting point for me to communicate with the public.”

He didn’t leave out Choiza, who has been his friend and partner for over 15 years. He said, “There is a song that features Choiza in this album. I thought I needed Choiza for the song so we sang it together. He is my friend but I really like him as a rapper. I would like to thank Choiza for always supporting me.”

Q&A with Gaeko

How do you feel about releasing the solo album?

“I feel good. I didn’t write the songs to include in the full length album at first. I wrote them, thinking I would release them one by one, but I ended up releasing an album. I’m grateful for the people at my company for making the decision to produce the album.”

How is soloist Gaeko different from Dynamic Duo

“Dynamic Duo’s music begins with two people. I discuss with Choiza about everything, including the overall feel and the direction for arrangement. I focus on the story that we can empathize and make together. But Gaeko’s music is the opposite of that. I focused on my voice as I dug deep into myself.”

You produced the album with two CDs, unlike today’s trend of releasing digital singles

“After releasing Rhythm is Life a year and a half ago, I needed a way to ease my musical needs. Since then, my songs began to pile up. I didn’t think that I would want to release them if I revealed them one by one. So I thought, ‘I should put them together for an album.’”

What’s the reason you selected two representative songs?

“Like I said before, at first I thought of releasing them one by one. But when the songs began piling up, I started thinking about the overall feel. Since there are two CDs, I need to choose songs to represent each CD. I tried to select the songs that best suit autumn. I ended up choosing Rose and No Make Up.”

’No Make Up’ was participated by Ha:tfelt’s Ye Eun

“Ye Eun recently released her solo album. I was shocked when I heard that Ye Eun, who was a member of Wonder Girls, made an album with her own color of music. In a way I thought she was really cool. I personally contacted her to ask her to participate in the album and she accepted. She also appeared in the music video, so I enjoyed working with her.”

Many singers participated in the album, including Bumkey, Choiza, Ha:tfelt, Zion. T, Crush and Ailee

“I was asked about this a lot. They asked me why I didn’t work on it alone since it’s my solo album. Some even asked me if it’s not Dynamic Duo since I worked with Choiza. In my personal opinion, I am a very strict person. I wanted to work with talented people. I think it’s because I’m greedy.”

‘Being pretentious’ seems to be the key work in Korean hip-hop industry these days

“I think it’s type of a trend. I think it shows a side of our society. Since competition is so fierce and it’s hard to make money in this world. The people who become successful by chasing after their dream also become role models for young people. I’m impressed as I look at it. I just want to tell stories from my everyday life.”

What are your plans for future activities?

“I recently filmed KBS2’s Sketchbook on October 13. Other than that, I don’t think I will have any more broadcasting activities. I will be launching an exhibition, which will display pieces that were made based on my music, in Garosugil. I will be displaying designer Ma Young Bum’s pieces, which were produced as a visualization of my songs.”

What kind of feedback do you want to hear?

“I don’t want grand feedback. I would like to hear that the album has been well made overall. I put many thoughts into the album. I hope that people who listen to it can feel that.”
source: mwave

Comments

[canxi.livejournal.com]

I didn't listen to the album as a whole yet, but I really liked the two title songs he released. I'm sure the whole thing is another solid body of work.