South Korean music competition television series
High School Rapper (Korean: ) is a South Korean survival hip-hop TV show, known as a students of high school counterpart of "Show Me The Money" and "Unpretty Rapstar".
About.
A hip-hop league tailored for students is available at free of admission. It's showcased on the Korean television music channel, "MNET," which stands for Music Network. The program debuted on MNET at 11 PM starting from February 10th to March 31, 2017. Each season comprises 8 episodes. The most recent Season 4 attracted 12,000 applicants nationwide, featuring a notable lineup of producers serving as mentors to evaluate and guide the contestants.
Structure.
An audition program focusing on hip-hop. The program announces its application date through social media channels, and applicants are required to submit their auditions via YouTube videos, showcasing their rap skills online.
Stage 1: Preliminary Round.
High school students from each of the six regional areas participate in solo performances. Mentors score each performance, determining whether the student advances or is eliminated. Students are expected to memorize their lyrics, perform without mistakes, and deliver their best performance.
Stage 2: Cypher Battle.
Students who receive similar scores engage in cypher battles, competing against students from other regional schools of the same grade level (e.g., freshmen versus freshmen). Participants perform under randomly selected beats, improvising lyrics for their rap.
Stage 3: 1 vs 1.
Students engage in one-on-one rap battles. Mentors determine the winner, and the loser is eliminated from the competition.
Final.
Remaining students collaborate on a performance using a beat provided by the mentor. Students also have the option to feature another performer of their choice, provided both parties agree.
Seasons.
Season 1 (2017).
Mentors
Finalists
WINNER: YOUNG B
Young B (Korean: 양홍원), born on January 12th, 1999, attended Munjeong High School and secured the first title in season 1 of High School Rapper. He is affiliated with Indigo Music, owned by Swings (also known as Moon Swings) and D.O.G Entertainment label. Young B gained recognition after debuting in 2015 on SHOW ME THE MONEY 4. He is a member of the hip-hop crew DiCKIDS, composed of high school students, which enjoys widespread popularity among Korean schools. One of his notable singles is "In the Morning," contributing to his ongoing prominence in the Korean hip-hop scene.
Season 2 (2018).
Mentors
Finalists
WINNER: HAON
HAON (Korean: 김하온), born on July 7th, 2000, attended Pangok High School. He is associated with the KC entertainment label, owned by Sik-K (권민식). HAON made his debut in 2018 with the single 'LOVE! DANCE!'. He is well-regarded for his distinctive pronunciation, voice, and flow, which have garnered widespread public appeal. His notable strengths lie in his lyric writing and rapping abilities, and he is known to have an interest in meditation.
Season 3 (2019).
Mentors
Finalists
WINNER: LEE YOUNG JI
LEE YOUNG JI (Korean: 이영지), born on September 10th, 2002, attended Sinseo High School. She is affiliated with the MAINSTREAM label. Young Ji made her debut in 2019 with the single "Dark Room" (암실). She achieved victory in both High School Rapper season 3 and SHOW ME THE MONEY season 11. Known by the nickname "K-CULTURE PRESIDENT," Young Ji is recognized for her humor and has appeared in numerous entertainment programs, including Running Man and "차린건 쥐뿔도 없지만" on YouTube. She is renowned for her unique, low-toned voice, which is distinct within the Korean hip-hop culture.
Season 4 (2021).
Mentors
Finalists
WINNER: TRADE L
LEE SEUNG HOON (Korean: 이승훈), born on July 21st, 2004, attended Kwonsun High School. He is associated with H1GHR MUSIC, owned by J PARK. Trade L debuted in 2019 and is recognized for his strong rapping skills. While his rapping style is still evolving, Trade L is known for his focus on R&amp;B-based and melodic music.
References.
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