The boys of Block B are the "New Kids On The Block"!

The boys of Block B (L to R):  Kyung, B-Bomb, Taeil, Zico, Jae Hyo, U-Kwon and P.O.

It's always interesting to note how different genres of music evolve and develop in a specific context. Hip-hop in particular is a genre of music that has taken a life of it's own in Korea. Although many of the influences of local hip-hop / rap groups in Korea are rooted in the US, it's clear when you listen to many newly released tracks that many groups have breathed a lot of Hallyu urban flavor into what was something considered distinctly American.

A group that has succeeded in breaking into the Korean hip-hop scene is the male idol group Block B --- the "B" in their name standing for "Blockbuster". Although they only recently debuted last April, the group has managed to build a strong following because of their refreshing approach to hip-hop that feels a lot more like K-pop, but without giving in to the cheese.

As you've noticed, this is another super group consisting of 7 members (omg... more names, right?) --- Woo Jiho / Zico (who is the leader of the group, and one of the 3 rappers in Block B), Park Kyung (another rapper in the group), Lee Min Hyuk / B-Bomb (lead dancer and a vocalist), Lee Taeil (one of the two lead vocalists), Ahn Jae Hyo (a vocalist), Kim Yu Kwon / U-Kwon (the second lead vocalist), and Pyo Ji Hoon / P.O. (maknae / youngest member, and a rapper). Based on the press releases from Cho PD from Brand New Stardom, Block B's talent agency, all 7 members have trained extensively with veterans in the hip-hop scene in Korea, and are not only talented vocalists and rappers, but are also experienced song writers and producers.

It's also interesting to note that some of the members of the group were former trainees from other talent management groups, like Zico (who used to be a trainee for SM Entertainment - Super Junior, SHINee, etc.) and Jae Hyo (who used to be a trainee with Cube Entertainment - BEAST, 4Minute, etc.). It's not surprising to see that happening since an agency can only go so far to provide opportunities for the multitude of trainees that they have under their wing. Some usually leave for smaller agencies and find their opportunities elsewhere. It's sad though that not everyone is as lucky as the boys of Block B, who have found great opportunities with Cho PD's group.

Their first mini-album, "New Kids On The Block" (if you're from my generation, that name takes a completely different meaning... hahaha!), was just released last Thursday (June 23), and contains a total of 6 tracks. Two of these tracks were previous releases by Block B from their first two digital singles --- "Freeze" and "Wanna B". Both singles established Block B as a force to reckon with combining strong vocals and charismatic rap. The group's main sound is hip-hop heavily laced with electro-pop.

A funny realization too --- when the group raps, they remind me so much of Big Bang (Zico sort of looks like G-Dragon, and P.O. is a dead-ringer for T.O.P., especially with the way he raps!). Although when they begin to sing, they remind me of MBLAQ or BEAST. Just wanted to share that... hahaha!

"Freeze" by Block B (MV with Eng Subs)

"Wanna B" by Block B (Live Performance with Eng Subs)

Their new album also features some new material from the boys. The launching track for their new album is the second track off from the album, "Tell Them". It's a perfect release for the summer season in Korea since the song is all about getting off your bum and having fun. It's a fast hip-hop and R&B medley that takes advantage of the main strength of the group --- having a good mix of strong vocalists and rappers. The MV was just as much fun to watch since it was a cute skit about the boys having a rap battle to win the attention of a girl (oh boy... hahaha!).

"Tell Them" by Block B (MV with English Subs)

Personally, I liked the first track of the album the best . I got a little confused though about the title of the song --- "Halo". Of course, the first thing that came to my mind was Beyonce's song "Halo"; at that point I was thinking that this was going to be a pop-ballad, which didn't make sense since Block B's technically a hip-hop group (although, I have grown accustomed to Korean artists surprising me with the things they can do with their music, so I guess stereotyping isn't helpful either hehehe!). When I listened to the song, I suddenly realized that what they MEANT to say was "Holler" (when you say it in ghetto slang in the US, it sort of sounds like "holaaaaaa"... I guess the guy who wrote the song must've been confused).

Apart from the slight confusion because of the title, the song is absolutely fantastic. It's got a lot of swagger, and it's the kind of hip-hop that makes you want to groove and dance on the spot --- exactly the stuff that I like! It's mid-tempo, with a lot of bad-ass beats and lovely electro-pop.

"Halo" by Block B (Audio with English Subs)

Block B is a great addition to the fast growing family of K-pop in Seoul. They add a lot of badly needed swagger and style in the rather overly chic expanse of boy idol groups that are currently in circulation. Although I'm not the biggest fan of hip-hop and rap, I'm thoroughly impressed with what Block B has done in their first album, and I'm definitely looking foward to more in the coming years.