The Rapper, The Producer, The Legend: Bang Yongguk

Get to know more about the legendary rapper, songwriter, and producer Bang Yongguk in this exclusive interview.

With a 15-year-long career, a handful of charting songs, five mixtapes, and 146 writing credits, including songs for VIXX, JUST B, Sleepy, Song Jieun, and Moon Jong Up, if Bang Yongguk is not one of your favorite artists, he is most likely your favorite's favorite.

Bang Yongguk, also known as Yongguk, has not only been credited as an essential part of K-Pop idols having more creative freedom to be songwriters and producers, but idols often as well often cite him as an influence. Although his initial goal was not to become a K-Pop artist, he was influenced by the roles that Supreme Team and Dynamic Duo played in popularizing the genre in South Korea, and the rest, as we say, is history. Over the years, Yongguk has mastered his skills as a rapper, songwriter, and producer, appearing first as a solo artist in 2011 before subsequently serving as the leader of the boy group B.A.P up until 2018.

Yongguk remains an icon in the industry, bringing his own unique sound and originality to the scene. From his emotional high-hop solo debut track, “I Remember,” featuring Yang Yoseob, to the solid idol rap track “AM 4:44,” to the hauntingly beautiful “Drunkenness,” to the touching fan song “Orange Drive,” to the colorful track “Off,” and the newest addicting title track, “Ride or Die,” Yongguk’s discography has an ingrained sense of the artist within each track. But, what makes him synonymous with the terms “legend” or “GOAT” is his continued quest to hone his skills, all while being humble, adorable, and genuine.

Recently, Yongguk wrapped up his long-awaited first solo world tour, “The Colors Of Bang Yongguk,” traveling across five European cities, nine cities in the United States, and five cities in Asia. To commemorate his successful first half of 2023, Hellokpop spoke to Bang Yongguk about his journey in the industry, what color best represents him, important aspects of working on new music, and more.

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Congratulations on recently wrapping up your first solo tour, “The Colors of Bang Yongguk!” Can you share with us what the preparation was like? What was different compared to your past shows?

Yongguk: Compared to the European tour in 2019, I had many more songs to perform as a solo artist. I think it is the biggest difference. It was good that I could prepare a diverse tour as I got to have more songs with various genres and styles. Because I had a tour after a long time, I put almost a month into practicing, and I cared for my voice condition because I would be singing during a long period of the tour.

What was your most memorable moment from the tour? Is there a moment that you’d like to relive or experience again?

Yongguk: I remember all of the countries and cities I visited. It had been four years in short and eight years in long to visit. I tried to remember each fan who came to meet me. It used to be hard to sing while watching fans’ eyes before, but I think I can remember the memories and experience this time for a long as I tried to watch fans straightly with my eyes. Also, I miss the moments so much that I want to go back.

Touching on the theme of colors, which color do you think best represents you and why?

Yongguk: I think I can describe my music as black because I have many songs with dark moods. But I’m trying to diversify my music by making songs with a light mood for my recent album.

You made your musical debut in 2008, but we know your passion started way before that. What is your earliest memory of falling in love with music? Was there a moment where you knew that this is what you wanted to do as a career?

Yongguk: When I was young, I once uploaded a song after writing lyrics and recording. At that time, many people praised me, saying it was a very fresh and new song. When I got praised and supported through the internet by people who didn’t know me at all, I felt confident, and I decided to take on the challenge of music. From that time on, My motto for music has been changed and hardened. But this memory makes me keep loving music.

The words “legend” and “GOAT” are often associated with BANG YONGGUK among fans and other idols. How do you feel looking back on your career and what you have accomplished?

Yongguk: First of all, I think I have been dedicating myself a lot. I’m so proud of myself for doing my best at all moments. All of the praising words from fans are such an honor for me. I will be happy if people understand me as a musician who just has dedicated himself to music. Thank you.

What do you believe best represents your musical personality or artistic vision?

Yongguk: I think my live performances represent me best. When making music in my small studio, I always imagine myself singing those songs on the stage. When I perform those songs on stage, I realize the reason I’m doing music.

You’ve been performing for over a decade. Is there a specific song’s lyrics or choreography that you can never forget?

Yongguk: I think “Warrior,” the debut song of B.A.P, is the most unforgettable. It’s the first song with which we showed and shouted out ourselves. The long time that the members and I prepared for our debut ran through my mind. I remember I cried at that moment for the first and last time. I don’t think I have cried since then.

Read the full article on Hellokpop.