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Rina Sawyama -- The Voice of a Genre-Spanning Pop Star

December 7, 2022

Rina Sawayama has burst into the consciousness of queer music listeners in recent years. My first time listening to her work was Cherry, a track that is bubbly ...

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YouTube Announces New “Creator Music” Platform

October 4, 2022

In the wake of Tiktok’s rapid expansion and growing dominance in the short-form video market, YouTube has felt the pressure to adapt to keep up with the shifting demands of its audience...

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Deep Dive: How Conan Gray Writes His Songs

October 5, 2022

Conan Gray is an American YouTuber turned singer-songwriter, most well-known for his songs about heartbreak and unrequited love. Throughout his career, Conan has written songs like “Crush Culture”...

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Phoebe Bridgers: A Deep Dive into Songwriting

October 17, 2022

Phoebe Bridgers is an American songwriter, singer, and producer who has, in recent years, gained mainstream recognition with the release of her sophomore album “Punisher” in 2020...

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How Steve Lacy Makes the Most with Less

October 18, 2022

Steve Lacy is a singer, songwriter, record producer, and living proof that you don’t need the most advanced or high-tech studio equipment to create music that listeners will love...

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Has the Pandemic Changed the World of Live Music?

August 31, 2022

For the last two years, there has been something missing in the lives of music lovers around the world—live music. The advent of a global pandemic meant the absence of concerts, festivals........

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Like the Early Days of Hip-Hop: The Future of Blockchain in the Music Industry

August 19, 2022

One of the biggest questions many spaces face today is how blockchain technology may overhaul industry norms, and the music industry is no exception. In particular...

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Snapchat Announces a $100,000 Monthly Grant for Artists

August 19, 2022

Snapchat has recently announced Snapchat Sounds Creator Fund, a monthly grant program of up to $100,000 awarded to independent artists distributing music on the platform...

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TikTok Plans to Introduce a New Music Streaming App

August 15, 2022

Over the past few years, TikTok’s popularity has significantly increased resulting in 1 billion global daily users by early 2022. The app has also become extremely influential in the current music....

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Are Charlie Puth’s Music Classes Worth $300?

August 4, 2022

Charlie Puth has paired with Studio to create a 30-day online course that outlines the entire songwriting and production process for $279 USD. This hands-on learning experience has been marketed....

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Success Through Self-Exploration: Lexie Liu's Rise to Stardom

August 2, 2022

Whether you know Lexie Liu from her performance as Seraphine in K/DA’s “MORE” or her fourth-place finish on The Rap of China 2018, there’s no denying that the Chinese hip hop star is a global ...

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BTS: The First K-Pop Band to be Invited to the White House

June 17, 2022

BTS is the most famous K-Pop band in the world now, and recently, they were invited to the white house to speak about anti-Asian hate crimes and inclusivity. Being the first K-Pop band to be...

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Player #007 From Squid Game 2 - YDG Is Going Viral For His Song Bolo

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Korean entertainment fans are buzzing about Squid Game 2, and one of its standout cast members, Player 007, has been gaining massive attention—not just for his acting, but also for his music. YDG (Yang Dong Geun), already a well-respected rapper in Korea, is now experiencing a surge in global recognition thanks to his role in Netflix’s highly anticipated sequel. His latest song, Bolo, a collaboration with Penomeco, has gone viral on social media, propelling his music career to new international heights.

A Hip-Hop Veteran with Deep Roots in Korean Music

YDG is no newcomer to the Korean hip-hop scene. With a career spanning decades, he has built a solid reputation as both a rapper and an actor. His ability to blend storytelling with lyrical prowess has made him a mainstay in the industry. He has also collaborated with influential names in Korean music, including Sonical.ly founder Elmo Chong (Double Dragon Productions), on classic songs like Run featuring Tiger JK, Yoonmirae, and Bizzy, as well as W.I.D.Y. G and MY DNA is Gold.

Beyond his solo work, YDG has been deeply involved in the hip-hop community. He served as a judge on the hit show Show Me the Money, where he played a key role in mentoring and shaping the next generation of Korean rappers. His extensive catalog of features includes a collaboration with global superstar Psy, further solidifying his influence in the scene.

The Squid Game Effect: Global Recognition

While YDG has long been a respected figure in Korea, his appearance in Squid Game 2 has introduced him to a global audience. With the show’s worldwide reach, many new fans are eager to learn more about him, and naturally, his music has become a major point of interest. As curiosity about Player 007 grew, so did the visibility of his discography.

This newfound global attention has turned Bolo, his collaboration with Penomeco, into a viral hit. The song has been spreading rapidly across platforms like TikTok and Instagram, with fans sharing clips, dance challenges, and reactions. The synergy between his role in Squid Game 2 and the success of Bolo has set the stage for YDG’s music to reach audiences far beyond Korea.

What’s Next for YDG?

With the overwhelming response to his role in Squid Game 2 and the virality of Bolo, YDG is in a prime position to expand his music career internationally. His ability to seamlessly balance acting and music makes him a unique force in the industry, and fans are eagerly awaiting what he does next. Whether it’s new music, more high-profile collaborations, or additional acting roles, one thing is clear—YDG’s time on the global stage is just beginning.

As Squid Game 2 continues to dominate streaming charts and social media conversations, YDG’s music is finding new fans every day. His journey from Korean hip-hop icon to internationally recognized artist is an exciting one, and we can’t wait to see where it takes him next.