[Farfetch Magazine] 

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”

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