Songs 20-11
20. Khundi Panda – Hero (feat. JUSTHIS & Golden) (Prod. GroovyRoom)
This track makes me feel a thousand and one things all at once. The steady GroovyRoom production reminds me of 90’s hip-hop gospel blends, bringing huge nostalgia along with Golden’s stunning melody and that choral vibe. Khundi Panda and JUSTHIS carry strength and stability through their meaningful message, really popping off at the end in a way that warms my heart and brings me close to tears. Still laughing how, in the show version, Zion T says “It seems like JUSTHIS will win [the show].”
19. Mushvenom – Godok (feat. Superbee) (Prod. GroovyRoom)
If you’re looking for something with a grand sound – you’ve come to the right place. This track has that classic Mushvenom big energy, but feels sophisticated with extremely well-crafted runs. I can’t get over the way the chorus hook weaves that unique Mushvenom rap pattern with explosive vibes. This one has me bouncing off the walls! I need to hear this at a hip-hop party in 2021.
18. Lil Boi – Pray (feat. Verbal Jint, Taylor & Hoody)
Taking this back to my 2020 chilled vibe before I get too excited. Lil Boi’s appealing tone makes for easy listening in this soothing sound, running gentle melodic raps through from start to finish. I love the way that the featuring artists bring this to life even more, injecting individual shades to the song, transforming the sound over and over. Big love for this relaxed energy.
17. WOOGIE – Better (feat. Golden)
We’re back with another Golden track – his voice can take me dreamily through ANY year, but there’s just something so comforting about this WOOGIE production. ‘Better’ is slow, chilled and relaxing, and Golden, as ever, brings us hauntingly through each phrase with his soulful vocals. I find this song equally chilling as it is stunning, sending shivers down my spine with every listen.
16. Giriboy – It Was Love
This song snuck right into the end of the year and has dominated a huge place in my heart. The gentle melodies, the subtle indie vibes, the way Giriboy shows his softer side in both his rap and his vocals, I just find it all way too much for my poor heart and I caved, letting it into the top spot for my winter playlist. Although it breaks my heart every time I play it, I’ll excuse the sadness in favour of hearing Giriboy’s tender side each and every day.
15. Nucksal – AKIRA (feat. Gaeko)
We’re getting into some funky sounds now – the mid-tempo groove has more alternative and disco elements within it, supporting exuberant flow from Nucksal and wonderfully melodic additions from Gaeko. ‘AKIRA’ has a smooth, old school vibe to it and it gets me dancing every time, as I let Nucksal’s effortless, clean rhythms take hold.
14. sogumm, OHHYUK – yayou hoi
Can I put this song in this list? Now that I’m here, I’m not really sure, but…. I ALWAYS have this song in my head – the bright samba-esque vibes have taken over my heart. It’s a sound that works so well for both sogumm and HYUKOH vocalist OHHYUK. I get caught up in the way this song moves from sphere to sphere, going from groove to ethereal ambience, taking us through a whirlwind of sounds and spaces. It’s seriously captivating.
13. Jay Park, pH-1, Sik-K, Big Naughty, TRADE L, HAON, Woodie Gochild – How We Rock
As soon as the intro of this song gets fired up, I’m ready for a party. I love how this track builds energy and tension through each of the artists’ verses rather than through the instrumental, keeping the sound melodic. The verses bring clean lyrical flow and have me bopping my head constantly through each and every rhyme. I spoke about my views in detail HERE but each time I come to listen to this track, I’m even more impressed with every component.
12. Crush – Step By Step (feat. Yoon Mirae)
This is my favourite track from Crush’s final album release for 2020, an album that features a different female artist on every song. Actually all of the songs fill me with happiness, but this is the one that I find myself gravitating back to time and time again for both Crush and Yoon Mirae’s soulful vocals. Their voices come into combination, building smooth memorable harmonies into this nostalgic R&B sound. It just feels so satisfying.
11. Giriboy – Smile, Wait For The Flash
There’s something just instantly appealing about the way this song has been constructed – the bossa nova style instrumental brings Giriboy’s effortless rhythms to life and is the perfect accompaniment to his vocal shade too. It injected a subtle samba funk into my life when I didn’t know I needed it. Even my dad likes this one and he hates (almost) all of the music I listen to. Also, here’s a live clip of the song along with one minute of Giriboy being the cutest – you’re welcome.
DIRECTORY: Songs 25 – 21 / Songs 20 – 11 / Songs 10 – 1
Header image courtesy of 소확행 and Mnet Show Me The Money
Jei's Kulture Notes 
Telefono SOTY! Love Step by Step too, that was my favourite from the album.
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haha! SOTY for real – not many of my friends like that one as much but it hits me differently (also I low key feel like a rapper when I “attempt” to rap pH-1’s part hahaha)
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