GL BLACK

GL BLACK formed in Seoul in 1999, with Gil Seong-jun, Lee Jae-guk, and Yu Ji-ho making up the group. Their debut single "100% Black" came out in 2000 and became a touchstone in Korean hip-hop, with lyrics that addressed Black identity and social issues directly. The track set the tone for much of their work, which often leaned into social commentary over the next decade.

They released albums like "Reality" in 2002 and "Black Power" in 2008, maintaining a consistent output until disbanding in 2009. Songs like "Black panther" and "Alienado" continued in the vein of their debut, blending sharp raps with production that kept things grounded in hip-hop fundamentals rather than chasing trends.

After the group ended, the members stayed involved in music. Gil went solo, while JK and Yohan kept producing and collaborating. Their work, especially early material like "100% Black," remains a reference point for how hip-hop in Korea could handle identity and politics without softening the edges.