Dynamicduo Continue To Explore Their Past With ‘2 Kids On The Block – Part.2’
2023 seems to be a year of past reflection for the South Korean hip-hop double act Dynamicduo. Not only is their 2014 hit “AEAO” with DJ Premier currently going viral across social media, but their latest and tenth album release, 2 Kids On The Block, dives into the duo’s journey, chronologically reflecting moments from members Gaeko and Choiza’s past to present day, through a three-part series.
Photo Courtesy of Amoeba Culture
Since their debut in 2004 with their first album, Taxi Drive, Dynamicduo has been seen as a game changer for South Korea’s hip-hop scene. Not only have they gained success and recognition for their own work, charting with hits like “Ring My Bell,” “Go Back,” “Chool Check,” and more, but they have also found praise through their work with other artists too — work that has showcased Dynamicduo’s versatility across different music genres. They have collaborated with the likes of K-Indie band OHHYUK, K-R&B and K-Hip-Hop artist Zion.T, and K-Pop’s CHEN (of EXO), whose collaboration “nosedive,” in 2017, saw them win the Best Collaboration Award at the Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA) and number one song on Korea’s notable music show, Inkigayo. Alongside their status as all-round musicians, they have also cemented themselves as producers, having participated in Korea’s long-running hip-hop competition show Show Me The Money. In 2017, Dynamicduo placed runner-up with rapper Nucksal, and in 2021, Gaeko (in a team with acclaimed composer and music producer Code Kunst) finished in first place with Gwangil Jo. They are also the founders of the South Korean record label Amoeba Culture, whose artists include themselves (as Dynamicduo and as individual solo artists) THAMA, Padi, SOLE, and more.
Having accomplished all of this and so much more over the last two decades, Dynamicduo now provides its fans with an insight into how they have become the influential powerhouse duo they are today. Released in June, 2 Kids On The Block - Part. 1 captured Dynamicduo’s humble beginnings as late teens during the years 1998 to 2002, providing a backstory to Gaeko and Choiza discovering their love of hip-hop music and eventually forming what has become Dynamicduo, with songs “19” (the title track produced by AOMG icon GRAY), “All Day,” and “Pied Pipers” (Feat. dj friz), as well as an intro narrated by renowned Korean actor, Lee Byung-hun.
Now, on August 28, Dynamicduo has released 2 Kids On The Block - Part.2, which continues the duo’s story, presenting the next chapter of their lives where Gaeko and Choiza began to experience the realities of fame and life within the public eye from the years 2004 (Dyanmicduo’s debut year) to 2009, with Part.3 to be released at a later date. This second part includes the B-side “HUNT,” a collaboration with comedians and YouTube sensations PSICK UNIV, and the title track “Tear drops,” as well as “She Gonna Stop,” which was pre-released last year and features vocals from South Korean rapper and singer, LEELLAMARZ.
“HUNT” opens 2 Kids On The Block - Part. 2 with a groovy, laidback beat with lyrics that express the changes in Gaeko and Choiza’s lifestyles now that they have found fame. It’s a great song with a pleasing, rhythmical vibe that those new to Dynamicduo can enjoy just as much as the duo’s devoted fans can, with the song combining a bass-heavy beat with slick synths, smooth guitar, and piano sounds into its melody. PSICK UNIV adds a spoken tone to the song, participating through conversational segments as opposed to singing or rapping, allowing Gaeko and Choiza’s compelling rap vocals to take center stage. Like the music videos for the songs of 2 Kids On The Block - Part. 1, the visualizer for “HUNT” shows an apartment room location; however, this time, it is animated with Dynamicduo and PSICK UNIV portraying animated versions of themselves.
The title track, “Tear drops,” on the other hand, projects a love story of a carefree, bad boy in his 20s, without care for his relationship or the feelings of his other half. “I wanted something else, I just never said it / Someone younger, prettier, different than you…/ I’ll be okay if you break up with me,”* sings Gaeko in the song’s chorus, highlighting the members’ nonchalant attitude to love back when they were younger. The song carries an exciting, upbeat, pop-infused hip-hop melody, with Gaeko proving to be a versatile artist, not only through rap but by showcasing incredible singing abilities in the song’s chorus. Unlike the visualizer for “HUNT” and the music videos for the songs of 2 Kids On The Block - Part.1, the visualizer for “Tear drops” shows Dynamicduo in a simple, empty room, filmed with a black and white aesthetic, contradicting the fun feel of the song while perfectly matching the more serious tone of the song’s story.
So far, 2 Kids On The Block is shaping up to be an excellent album release, with the songs of Part.1 and Part.2 leaving us in great anticipation for 2 Kids On The Block - Part.3. Whether you are a longtime fan, a casual fan, or just starting your journey into the world of Dynamicduo’s discography, 2 Kids On The Block is a great observation into the lives and career of this talented duo, displayed through their own words, with both “HUNT” and “Tear drops” becoming the latest additions to their amazing catalog.