I.M (rapper)

Im Chang-kyun (; born January 26, 1996), known by the stage name I.M or mononymously as Changkyun, is a South Korean rapper, singer, and songwriter. In 2015, he debuted in the South Korean boy group Monsta X, through the Mnet's survival show ''No.Mercy'', under Starship Entertainment. He made his solo debut with the EP '' Duality'' in February 2021.

Career

Early life and debut

He was born on January 26, 1996 in Suwon, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea and Gwangsan-gu, Gwangju as his hometown. He spent most of his early years living abroad due to his father's work as a scientist, including living in Boston, Massachusetts, where he then gained fluency in English, while his father worked at Harvard University.

In 2013 and 2014, I.M became part of the boy group Nu'bility under Special K Entertainment. The group never officially debuted despite holding several events and performances.

I.M was a late addition to Mnet's survival show ''No.Mercy'', becoming the thirteenth competitor. Despite his late addition, he was one of the seven contestants chosen to debut in Starship Entertainment's new hip-hop boy group Monsta X.

2015–2020: Monsta X and solo work

In May 2015, I.M debuted with Monsta X with their first EP ''Trespass'', on which he has five writing credits.

In May 2016, I.M released his first mixtape through Starship Entertainment's YouTube channel, titled "Who Am I?" featuring Yeseo.

On October 20, I.M released another mixtape titled "Madeleine" with Brother Su that featured J.Han.

In July 2017, I.M released a mixtape titled "Be My Friend", alongside group member Joohoney.

In February 2018, I.M released another solo mixtape titled "Fly With Me".

In April 2019, I.M released his mixtape, with the lead single "Horizon", which was a collaboration with the American artist ELHAE. He also released the song "Scent" as the B-side of the single.

In May 2020, I.M collaborated with ELHAE again, releasing the single "Need to Know". I.M also made his first solo appearance on the talk show ''Talk Talk Information Brunch''.

2021–present: ''Duality'' and other solo endeavors

In January 2021, I.M announced the solo work he had been preparing in 2020, would be released as his first solo album, with an intended release later in 2021. His first official release was announced to be an extended play titled '' Duality'', which was released on February 19 with the lead single "God Damn". For his first EP, I.M was commended for showing a wider diversity of skill with the EP, with a noted difference in rap-style from his work in Monsta X as well as showcasing his abilities as singer-songwriter and composer. All five songs from the album charted on the weekly ''Billboard'' World Digital Song Sales chart, occupying twenty percent of the entire World Songs chart.

In July, I.M with other Monsta X members' Shownu and Hyungwon joined Pepsi's ''Taste of Korea'' summer campaign, releasing a promotional single "Summer Taste", alongside Rain, Brave Girls members' Yujeong and Yuna, and Ateez members' Hongjoong and Yunho.

In August, I.M was part of Baverse Studio's ''Welcome To My Baverse'', which is a documentary where he can show his thoughts as a musician and as an idol group member. In September, I.M released the song "Loop" as part of his work for ''Welcome To My Baverse''. He also contributed to the producing and composing of the song, as well as the production of the album cover image work. I.M also became a new DJ for Naver Now's radio program ''Midnight Idol'', alongside group member Kihyun.

In August 2022, I.M decided not to renew his contract with Starship Entertainment but will still continue to participate in the group's future plans.

In November, I.M signed an exclusive contract with Sony Music Korea for his solo activities.

Public image and impact

I.M, as an individual and a member of Monsta X, showed outstanding musical growth that shined into a unique world of music. Also, his musical ability not only broke the prejudice of being an "idol", but became a musician that brings out genuine music. I.M has built his own identity through the release of various mixtapes, which showed off a different, yet original music color, and developed his skills through steady music work. In addition to music, he has also conducted exclusive interviews with famous overseas media, such as the ''Chicago Tribune'' and the ''BBC
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