Top-rated rappers Tiger JK and his wife Yoon Mi-rae donated 50 million won ($42,000) for the earthquake-stricken victims in Nepal, Oxfam Korea said on Tuesday.
On April 25, a 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck Nepal, causing 8,500 civilian casualties. Relief agencies such as Oxfam have been working to reconstruct buildings and send out aid to those in need. As the relief aid is not enough and victims face dire difficulties, the couple decided to help the people of Nepal.
“When I heard about the earthquake in Nepal, my dad came to my mind as he truly wanted to visit the Himalayas when he was alive. Then I thought, maybe I could help those people in Nepal,” Tiger JK said.
“We know that there are still people out there who suffer from the lack of clean water, food and shelter. We would like to give them both practical and sustainable help so that they can continue on with their lives,” the couple noted.
The CEO of Oxfam Korea said that the help from Tiger JK and Yoon would help those victims in need of relief supplies and reconstruction.
The donation will be used for providing clean water, supplying hygiene kits, and building temporary bathrooms and shelters to further prevent any infectious diseases or starvation, Oxfam Korea said.
There are many aspects within the MFBTY band that Tiger JK, Yoon Mi Rae and Bizzy created. Even though Tiger JK was out of the mainstream spotlight for over three years while he was going through the hardest moment of his life (the loss of his father), he didn’t lose the spark. Instead, he came back stronger than ever. With his long time friend, Bizzy, and his wife, Yoon Mi Rae, by his side, MFBTY wows the crowd and freshens the eardrums every time they step on to the stage. An interview filled with surprises, MFBTY speaks about their music and fashion style.
Written by SooAh Son
What was the reason you decided to form a band? Were you all originally close?
Bizzy – We’ve been on the stage together for over 10 years so we are like brothers. We started out by recording tracks freely with no confinements and one thing led to another and ended up making a full album.
JK –Bizzy is like my brother. Because we have different styles in our music, something interesting comes out whenever we work together. There are over 30 tracks in our hands that we recorded that haven’t been released yet.
Tell me about how “WondaLand” came about. What do you think about it being voted as one of the top 25 world items by MTV Iggy?
JK – A lot of people still don’t recognize the name MFBTY, but MTV IGGY named us one of the best albums this year. We’re very proud.
I heard the name MFBTY came from the fans, but it’s a hard name to remember. I’ve heard on the radio people asked you to change it to “YoonMiRae and the Flowers.” Have you thought of changing it?
Bizzy – The name is hard, you’re correct. However, we plan to keep the name as it was created by our fans. l like the name “YoonMiRae & The Flowers” though.
JK – I want to try “YoonMiRae & The Flowers” for one project. The name MFBTY was created by our fans abroad as K-pop became internationalized and for that we are very thankful.
During the intro of WondaLand, there was a very interesting message that was spoken by someone that went “I wish that everyone on this earth will be happy. Not just humans, but the bees, the butterflies, all the insects… I wish they all blossom beautifully like flowers and be healthy and live together peacefully with one another”. What’s the message you are hoping to convey to its listeners?
Bizzy- That’s the message we wanted to convey in the album. Love and peace. I think that’s the message we need to share now.
JK – The message on the intro is MFBTY’s message. “Love and Peace.” The world we live in don’t give much attention unless something is sensationalized however we strongly believe that our message will be spread worldwide (laughter)
Tiger JK/타이거 JK
You’re not new artists, but you’re living like new artists. Every time a new album comes out, you have a new style to show. Where do you get inspiration for these new sounds?
JK – I gain ideas and inspirations from the smallest of things to the big things that are happening around the world including books, movies, fashion, arts, news and dreams. These are all my tools for my work.
Who’s your favorite designer currently?
I’ve been checking out the collection from this new LA designer, Mike Amiri.
There’s a boxing scene in Angel. I hear you enjoy exercising.
The seven months before my dad passed from cancer were the most beautiful and saddest moments of my life. When he passed, I didn’t want to do anything and I hated life. I was wandering through my neighborhood and met a martial artist who had a similar experience. That moment helped me through my depression. Boxing and exercise gives me strength.
Do you have anyaccessory that you cherish? You use eyeliner often, do you sometimes use YoonMiRae’s use make up too?
Hahaha… Lee YoonJung (our stylist) from EE is in charge of styling for us. She is full of new ideas and unique directional paths that whenever we have a shoot, it feels like we are being transformed with make up and styling that looks like we are wearing costumes.
(Laughs) But on our days off, I don’t even put skin lotion on because I can get lazy.
What are 3 items you always take with you?
My father’s ring, his necklace, and his notebook.
You have some songs thatyou dedicated only to YoonMiRae.
Yes, “Undying Soul (DT6) and “Congratulations (DT8)” are a few of the ones I dedicated to her.
What’s your drink of choice, Tiger JK?
JK – From time to time, I enjoy a beer or two.
What are some of the tracks that touch your heart every time you hear it?
JK – Most notably, late singer Kim Kwang Suk’s “I Write A Letter on An Autumn Cloudy Day” and my own “8:45 Heaven.” We tend to get different things out of music depending on when and what you listen to. There are many many songs that touched my heart. I’d be able to write a book listing them all.
What’s On JK’s Itunes Playlist:
Song you most recently added: Rakka – “Delilah”
Song you listened to most recently: Michael Jackson – “Don’t Stop Til You Get Enough”
song you listen to most: Jay Electronica – “Exhibit C”
YoonMiRae
What do you think is the most important thing to remember when you put on your clothes?
I care about the fit and comfort. I stick to one type of style rather than trying different styles.
Is there any fashion item that you’re holding on to?
II’ve been collecting shoes ever since we started album activities. I’m really into shoes ^^
What are 3 items that you always bring with you? My cellphone, my purple headphones, and my credit card.
You’re Korea’s hiphop couple, but who prepares breakfast in the morning?
I’m always busy in the morning, so I usually miss breakfast. When it’s not so busy, we prepare breakfast together.
Do you ever match your clothes with Jordan?
I’m not into the couple clothing thing, but we tend to match in color. For example, I’ll wear a black tee and then Jordan will wear black sneakers.
YoonMiRae’s ITunes Playlist:
Song you added most recently: The Internet’s “Girl”
you listened to most recently: Mase- “WhenNywasNY”
Song you listen to most often: Fabolous- “Thim Slick”
Bizzy
Where do you get your style inspiration?
I look for comfortable looks. I like the sharp look of gray especially. When I listen to the music I make, I think “Ah, this song is like the style I wear.” I think like that a lot.
Do you have a favorite musician?
I think I like a lot of older stuff. Even though I listen to a lot of hip-hop, I enjoy R&B. J. Cole, Kendrick Lamar, Lauryn HIll, Frank Ocean… I really like them a lot.
You have a style that’s a unique for a hip-hop artist. Do you have a styling tip you want to share?
I dress to feel comfortable and free. Some clothes are too heavy and don’t allow movement, so I look for things that are light and well fit.
How is working with Tiger JK & YoonMiRae?
We know when it’s good without saying anything to each other. At the same time when times are hard, we are like family. We see each other often because we’re in the same neighborhood.
I heard you’re popular overseas and that fans propose to you?
Haha it’s a bit embarassing. It seems I get more love overseas. I’m thankful whenever we’re making a new album [for them]
Do you have an ideal type, Bizzy?
Someone charming and who has a pretty smile. Someone I can talk to about anything (laughs)
Where would you take a girl you like?
I’d like to show her around. I’d like to go to the boxing ring together and then to the studio. Then suddenly, we’d go on a trip somewhere far.
What’s a fashion item that you cherish?
My glasses, my bracelet, and my earphones.
What’s an item that you collect?
I like to collect sneakers and watches. .
Bizzy’s Itunes Playlist: Song you added most recently: 50cent- “Hold on”
Song you’ve listened to most recently: J. Cole –“Love yours”
Song you listen to most: Lauryn Hill- “Cant take my eyes off you”
Boys Noize, an Electronic Artist and YoonMiRae, one of the most renowned female musicians in Korea, have teamed up together to create a track using the iconic sounds of one of the busiest cities of the world, Seoul.
Heineken, a premier beer brand has combined music with its brand marketing to come up with a variety of marketing strategies. This time they have requested the two musicians to work in a project that deals with Seoul. The song highlights the fun side of the city.
Project Story – Yoon Mi Rae & BoysNoize a special collaboration!
Heineken was looking for creative content that honors the cities of their consumers. They came up with an idea to ‘take the ordinary things found within the city and change it something extraordinary, making the residents see it under a new light.” Working on this, they took various sounds from the city, sampled it, and hence #CaptureTheCity project was born.
They had to have an amazing producer, so they requested Boys Noize, a world famous German DJ/Producer to work on this project.Heineken was also looking for a world class collaboration partner who would appeal to a worldwide audience. They (as well as BoysNoize) had their eyes on YoonMiRae, a vocalist/rapper who is recognized worldwide. Contact was made, green light was shone. The collaboration was a go ahead.
Despite the fact the two artists lived in two different countries (Korea/Mexico), they worked together magnificently and focused on the unique sounds that Seoul City possesses. The lyrics showcase Seoul City, and the MV captured scenes that makes the everyday look special.
The below tweets show the two artists communicating with each other with regards to the #CaptureTheCity Project, which raised expectations from fans.
“Capture The CIty” was released July 31st via Heineken’s official Youtube channel. Hear the sounds of Seoul here.
As part of a partnership with Heineken beer, YoonMiRae & German DJ, BoysNoize, take fans on a unique tour through Seoul’s biggest and lesser known areas. It’s not your usual dance or hip-hop dance track, as BoysNoize used elements sounding like Seoul city to give the low key dance song an authentic feel. Stay tuned for more behind the scenes info on this unique MV.
The HanWha Eagles earlier this month asked MFBTY to give their fans a new song to cheer at games. The team is now top ranked in the league, but team managers were done with the 30-year old outdated theme. As a result, MFBTY stepped in to create a goth rock/hip-hop medley, “Eagling,” a modern and catchier cheer for the on fire team.
To go with the sound, MFBTY dresses like dark chanters surrounded by the Eagles’ male cheerleading team, urging listeners to cheer on.
The short hand version of the song can be downloaded for free via the Eagles website. The full length will be out August 6th.
SEOUL, July 29 — South Korean rapper Yoon Mi-rae has teamed up with a German DJ for her new single coming out this week, her agency said Wednesday.
“Capture the City,” scheduled to hit stores on Friday, is a collaboration between YoonMiRae, South Korea’s top female rapper, and Boys Noize, a German electronic music producer who topped the Beatport chart with his debut single “Next Order.”
“We expect Yoon to show what an ’empress of hip hop’ sounds like in this collaboration single,” Feel Ghood Music said in a statement.
“Capture the City” tells listeners to look at their cities from a new perspective by mixing noises heard around Seoul, according to the agency.
Previously, the DJ has worked with South Korean boy band BigBang on its special album “Still Alive” and G-Dragon, one of BigBang’s members, on his solo album “Coup d’Etat.”
YoonMiRae has been recognized as a “diamond in the rough” by the U.S. music website MTV Iggy. She also made the top 12 female rappers list by the same website in 2011.
About a month ago, Tiger JK released his single, “Nice To See You Again (Forever),” which was a tribute to his loyal fans. So, for this year’s birthday, we at DT INTL wanted to return that gift back to him and reenact his music video.
There are some guest appearances that many will be surprised to see.
Thank you to all the people who helped make this gift possible.
Seo Taiji and Tiger JK, two of Korean music’s pioneers, will collab on stage together August 8th.
The two musicians will perform a special set on the second day of Pentaport Rock Festival at Songdo, Incheon City. MFBTY will be a guest of SeoTaiji’s and they will perform two of Seotaiji’s groundbreaking songs, “Ha Yu Ga,” and “Classroom Idealogy.”
Seotaiji has been called the father of Korean pop culture. He and his then group, Seotaiji Boys, changed Korean music with their song, “I Know,” and introduced the element of rap into the scene. Tiger JK & YoonMirae are said to be the pioneers of hip-hop culture. The three artists coming together is a major event in Korean music history.
Tickets for Pentaport can be purchased via Interpark or through the Pentaport website. Ticket prices vary based on quantity and the day(s) attending.
“Baseball God,” Kim Sung Guen and “Hip-Hop King,” Tiger JK
According to the Korean baseball League, the HanWha Eagles are preparing a top secret cheer project with hip-hop legend, Tiger JK. The Eagles are having a great year and have a strong fan following. The team believes this project with Tiger JK will strengthen team spirit.
Fans of the Eagles have been using an old cheer anthem, and the new anthem will mark a new chapter in Eagles history. This year, team manager, Kim Sung Guen, has led the team on a winning streak, earning his name as “Baseball God.” The HanWha Eagles are now amongst the top 5 teams.
This cheer project for the Eagles will include a partnership with Tiger JK’s project group, MFBTY. It will also embed Tiger JK into baseball history.
A rep from the Eagles stated that, “This is the best gift we could give fans. From the performer invited to the conception, we couldn’t sell the fans short. We wanted the best quality.”
Tiger JK’s song, “Monster,” is already a much loved cheer song by baseball fans. The baseline to “Monster” (bam-ba-ba-ba-ba-bam) is used by the Doosan Bears to encourage their pitcher to be more tenacious.
The Hanwha corporation sought out Tiger JK for a long time, and were surprised when he finally came on board for the project.
The new Eagles cheer will debut this month and has high expectations. It is said that for a performer to create a cheer anthem like this is rare, but it is progressing quickly and is gaining much attention.
Hanwha also plans to make a music video to accompany the song. While many teams have made videos to cheer their team on, this is the first time a baseball team has created a music video for their team. The video will be directed by Feel Ghood Music resident videographer, Lumpens.
Tiger JK’s song will be the rebirth for the Eagles and will express the fighting spirit of the team. According to officials, the melody is easy, but powerful enough to encourage both the team and the fans.
Is this how it is? That’s how you gon be? No no no no
Silly of me to expect something else
Come to think of it, I think I’m a fool myself
for falling for the same dam lies again (stop)
Verse 1
Hey you scumbag! Am I the only one sees through your bull?
Ain’t nobody seeing what I’m seeing? Why is everyone looking the other way with that “I didn’t see anything look”
Honestly, honesty ain’t the best policy these days because it could get you hurt.
Most of the games’ fixed, and fights’ rigged by mobs that clicks, well anyway.
This motherf*cker who stepped on my shoes the other day was mad at me for being stepped on, telling me it’s my fault for not getting outta his way,
he said “Conscience” is a word of past,
and I’m a fool for not catching up with time
Perhaps , maybe that’s the truth
Maybe this motherfucker is being my friend
Hook)
Is this how it is? That’s how you gonna be?
Silly of me to expect something different
Silly of me to fall for the same damn lies again
Verse 2
Predictable ah’s and oh’s
Predictable yeah and huh huh huh
Predictable expressions, smiles, tears and scripts.
Predictable questions in predictable orders and obvious answers
Predictable like democrats and predictable as republicans , predictable hellos and predictable good byes
Greedy bastards among thieves who steals beliefs.
Is it just me? Am I the only one who sees through they bull?
Honestly, honesty ain’t the best policy these days because it could get you hurt, I know
but I don’t want to hear these motherf*ckers preaching a lie telling me conscience is a thing of a past. The world seems to be turning backwards, and I don’t know where I am anymore Hook)
Is this how it is? That’s how you gonna be?
Silly of me to expect something different
Silly of me to fall for the same dam lies again
I used to love her, love her lover
I used to lover her, love her lover
Wanna take her back hoping that shit stop
The official English source for MFBTY & Drunken Tiger