K-pop’s title tracks might gain most of listeners’ attention, but many album tracks are worth equal spotlight. I call these “buried treasures.” Beyond this, K-pop’s albums deliver thousands of additional tracks that settle for a more limited audience. It’s these songs that will become a part of my “battle of the b-sides” feature. In this … Continue reading
Since the start of The Bias List in January 2016, I’ve always looked back at my three favorite title tracks by K-pop artists each month. Now, it’s time to look even further into the past, one month at a time. And, yes, the top three rankings count toward The Bias List’s personal artist scorecard! November … Continue reading
Though he was already popular, Zico has enjoyed even greater success this year thanks to his viral Any Song. Personally, I find the “TikTok challenge” nature of that track emblematic of everything wrong with pop music at the moment, but I’ll admit that it’s catchy (if annoying). In a somewhat similar situation, K-pop legend Rain … Continue reading
I’m surprised at how long this Pepsi CF campaign has hung around. Though it’s officially connected to Starship Entertainment, the resulting songs have featured artists from across the K-pop sphere, often completely unrelated to Starship’s roster. Such is the case with Refresh, which pairs Zico with Kang Daniel. I can’t think of a trendier duo … Continue reading
Because of how early the Lunar New Year holiday falls this year, the remainder of January is going to be very slow when it comes to comebacks. Like, December slow. It’s in these times that I find myself writing about each and everything that gets released, even if I’d usually pass on it during a … Continue reading
When releasing an album, Zico often promotes more than one title track. On his 2017 album Television, he backed up the freewheeling Artist with the more melodic Anti, and this cross-genre approach worked well. With the first half of his new album Thinking, Zico seems to have replicated this release strategy. While Daredevil is a … Continue reading
After leaving Seven Seasons (home to his group Block B) late last year, Zico has gone on to create his own label, KOZ, for future solo activity as well as recruitment of outside artists. This seems like a good strategy for him, as he’s always had his feet in both the idol and underground hip-hop … Continue reading
Since the start of The Bias List in January 2016, I’ve always looked back at my three favorite title tracks by K-pop artists each month. Now, it’s time to look even further into the past, one month at a time. And, yes, the top three rankings count toward The Bias List’s personal artist scorecard! Which … Continue reading
Fanxy Child is a hip-hop collective featuring members Zico, Crush, DEAN, Penomeco, Stay Tuned and Millic. To say it’s not my thing would be an understatement, but their first official single, 2016’s Bermuda Triangle, was surprisingly compelling even for those who don’t gravitate toward hip-hop. Much of its success spawned from the interplay between a … Continue reading
Since the start of The Bias List in January 2016, I’ve always looked back at my three favorite title tracks by K-pop artists each month. Now, it’s time to look even further into the past, one month at a time. And, yes, the top three rankings count toward The Bias List’s personal artist scorecard! Which … Continue reading
A collaboration between Zico and IU is like a wet dream for Korean charts. Both artists routinely see their music lodged in the top ten for weeks (sometimes months) on end, seeming to attract a wide variety of fans. So why does the prospect of this pairing leave me cold? More and more, I’ve come … Continue reading
With the likes of Zion.T and DEAN relatively quiet this year, it feels like 2018 has been lacking in solo male K-r&b. This leaves a gap in the market for Crush, who’s enjoyed a steady level of success ever since his big breakthrough in 2014. I’ve been pretty hot and cold with his music over … Continue reading
For his new min-album Television, Block B‘s Zico has returned with dual title tracks, and each paints a very different side to his style. While Artist opted for a bouncy hip-hop/pop concoction, Anti takes things darker and more melodic. As part of this approach, Zico has enlisted r&b singer G.Soul for Anti‘s hook, and it … Continue reading
Over the past few years, Zico has been much more prolific as a solo artist than as a member of his group Block B. Though he’s only released two mini albums, both have been stuffed with tracks that served as comebacks throughout the year. Television is no different, compiling past singles with new songs. First … Continue reading
Since his solo debut in late 2014, Block B‘s Zico has enjoyed massive success. Every single he releases — whether promoted or not — seems to jump to the top of the charts. And in the space of just over two years, he’s compiled enough material for a proper countdown. Though his style isn’t always … Continue reading
It’s been awhile since listeners have heard the softer side of Zico’s solo music. As the leader of rambunctious boy group Block B, his sound is most closely tied with his playful, charismatic image. But of all his solo work, my favorite track is probably the soft, melodic I Am You, You Are Me from … Continue reading
It was a night of emotional acceptance speeches, expensive set pieces and, of course, a little behind-the-scenes drama as well. The MAMA Awards are always an exciting, larger than life capper on the year of k-pop, and this year’s broadcast was strong in a number of ways. But as with all award shows dedicated to … Continue reading
Block B‘s Zico has become one of Korea’s most prolific hit-makers, routinely releasing hip-hop tracks of various styles to massive success. His newest single is a collaboration with fellow “it” boys Crush and DEAN. By name recognition alone, the trio is a real supergroup, representing three of the biggest names in this particular k-pop sub-genre. … Continue reading
Mighty Mouth is a male duo that’s been active in the kpop world for eight years, minus time for their mandatory military conscription. Despite being such an established act, the reason I suspect most modern fans would be interested in checking this song out is that it was produced by Block B’s Zico. It’s probably a bit … Continue reading
At the end of each month, I’ll look back at my three favorite title tracks by k-pop artists. Unlike my end-of-year countdowns, jpop and Japanese releases by kpop artists are ineligible, though I will give the great ones a spotlight. For my top three tracks, I’ll take my own ratings into account, but there is a … Continue reading
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 