On May 24, 2023, Amoeba Culture producer Padi released his new single album, Answer Answer. While only consisting of two tracks, Answer Answer contains collaborations from some of the finest talent within the K-Hip-Hop and K-R&B world — LeeHi, THAMA, and YDG — as well as songwriting credits from former K-Pop idol turned rap soloist B.I, who founded the production and songwriting crew WHITE NOISE CLUB that Padi is also a member of.

A top-notch music producer, Padi joined Amoeba Culture just two months ago, in February. Prior to joining this company, Padi had already become a well-known producer within the Korean music industry, having first received recognition in 2016 for his involvement in the Korean variety show Infinite Challenge. As part of a hip-hop project, Padi produced the track “Your Night” for Hwang Kwanghee and Gaeko, which features the vocals of K-Indie artist OHHYUK. Since then, Padi has gone on to produce big hits and even bigger collaborations, working with the likes of Dynamic Duo and Sik-K, with the latter having collaborated on his track “VVIP” alongside Gaeko for the televised hip-hop competition show, Show Me The Money 6. 

Now, Padi is back with new collaborations and new artist bonds to add under his musical belt with the title track “DO” featuring LeeHi and co-written by B.I, and “OUTCASTAWAY” featuring THAMA and YDG.

The title track “DO” opens Answer Answer with a stunning and visualizing piano and bass composition that plays at a distant to faint volume. This sequence transports the listener into an imaginary jazz bar setting, especially with the pattering sound of footsteps that follow before the vocals and beat kick in. Following the jazz-inspired composition, hip-hop beats and LeeHi’s vocals take to the stage, where she delivers her highly praised vocals. Co-written by B.I, “DO” is the latest installment to showcase LeeHi and B.I’s incredible working relationship and song deliverance, having previously worked together on the songs: “NO ONE,” “Daydream,” and “Savior.” Although B.I doesn’t feature on the track in a vocal sense, his strong songwriting skills shine through, and when combined with LeeHi’s soulful tone and Padi’s skillful producing, immediately form a recipe for a great track that K-music fans across the globe can enjoy. 

Following the sensualness and jazz essence of “DO,” B-side track “OUTCASTAWAY” embraces a more chilled and mellow hip-hop approach featuring electric guitar and slow electronic beats. THAMA’s vocals effortlessly cruise along the rhythmical melody of “OUTCASTAWAY,” creating a beautiful state of musical relaxation. With his rich R&B vocals, THAMA is the perfect artist choice for a song of this style, while YDG adds a sense of groove to the track with his impressive rap flow. 

As the title suggests, the concept of Padi’s single album is all about finding an answer to different circumstances in life and all of the frustrations that come with not being able to find it. In Padi’s case, the single album interprets this as him wanting to find the right ‘answer’ as a producer, as well as wanting to receive an ‘answer’ or a response from his listeners. With lyrics written and sung in both English and Korean, LeeHi sings about the longing for an answer from someone she likes in “DO,” singing:

 “If you can do // then I can do // Tell me what you want from me // I’ll fly anywhere // I’ll only have my eyes on you.”*

Meanwhile, “OUTCASTAWAY” combines the words ‘outcast’ and ‘castaway’ in its title and includes lyrics that express THAMA and YDG’s frustrations of being separated from people and wanting to find the answer and reason for this, singing:

“Don’t know but I’m lost in the middle of ocean // I don’t know where I am // I’m tryna figure it out… // Oh, as the day goes by // Swimming in the space // We’re outcast away.”**

Overall, Answer Answer is a great piece of K-Hip-Hop and K-R&B that fans of both of these music genres can listen to and enjoy. By continuing to work with such prolific artists within the K-Hip-Hop and K-R&B world, while also being an influential figure within the industry himself, Padi continues to go down a path of greatness with music that deserves more recognition and love. So, if you are looking for new music, then go and give Answer Answer and all of Padi’s other discography a listen today! 

Have you listened to Answer Answer yet? Let us know what you think of Padi’s latest single album in the comments below or by sending us a message on Instagram.

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*lyric translations from dance music video captions

**lyrics from Genius, translated to English through Papago

Edited by Ethan Horton