Soul Company (

Hangul The Korean alphabet, known as Hangul, . Hangul may also be written as following South Korea's standard Romanization. ( ) in South Korea and Chosŏn'gŭl in North Korea, is the modern official writing system for the Korean language. The let ...

: 소울컴퍼니) was an independent

Korean hip hop Korean hip hop, also known as K-hip hop or K-rap, is a subgenre of Korean popular music. It is widely considered to have originated in the late 1980s and early 1990s, and has since become increasingly popular, both in Korea and abroad. While ...

record label A record label, or record company, is a brand or trademark of music recordings and music videos, or the company that owns it. Sometimes, a record label is also a publishing company that manages such brands and trademarks, coordinates the produ ...

and

talent agency Talent has two principal meanings: * Talent (measurement), an ancient unit of mass and value * Talent (skill), a group of aptitudes useful for some activities; talents may refer to aptitudes themselves or to possessors of those talents Talent may ...

based in

Seoul Seoul (; ; ), officially known as the Seoul Special City, is the capital and largest metropolis of South Korea.Before 1972, Seoul was the ''de jure'' capital of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea) as stated iArticle 103 ...

South Korea South Korea, officially the Republic of Korea (ROK), is a country in East Asia, constituting the southern part of the Korea, Korean Peninsula and sharing a Korean Demilitarized Zone, land border with North Korea. Its western border is formed ...

. It was founded in 2004 by rappers Kebee and

The Quiett ''The'' () is a grammatical article in English, denoting persons or things already mentioned, under discussion, implied or otherwise presumed familiar to listeners, readers, or speakers. It is the definite article in English. ''The'' is the m ...

and played an important role in the foundation of the underground hip hop scene in South Korea. The label represented rappers such as

Crucial Star Park Se-yoon (; born October 16, 1989), more commonly known as Crucial Star (), is a South Korean rapper and record producer. He started writing music at the age of 17 and joined the hip hop duo Libra Twins in 2007, before debuting as a solo rapp ...

and

Mad Clown Jo Dong-rim ( ko, 조동림; born March 25, 1985), better known by the stage name Mad Clown ( ko, 매드클라운), is a South Korean rapper, songwriter, and record producer. He debuted with the single "Luv Sickness" in 2008 and released his fi ...

. Soul Company's dissolution was announced in September 2011, and the company ceased operations in November of the same year.

History

2004-2007: Founding and establishment

Soul Company's founding artists Kebee and the Quiett met in the late 1990s through programmes at the Haja Centre ( 하자센터), an alternative vocational education centre for teenagers operated jointly by

Yonsei University Yonsei University (; ) is a private research university in Seoul, South Korea. As a member of the "SKY" universities, Yonsei University is deemed one of the three most prestigious institutions in the country. It is particularly respected in the ...

and the

Seoul Metropolitan Government The Seoul Metropolitan Government is a local government of Seoul, South Korea. The mayor is elected to a four-year term by the citizens of Seoul and is responsible for the administration of the city government. The Seoul Metropolitan Government d ...

. They began the label with a compilation album released in 2004 entitled ''The Bangerz'', featuring tracks by the Quiett and Kebee as well as Planet Black (플래닛 블랙), among others. Later that year, Kebee released a solo album, ''Evolutional Poems'', which gained attention for both him and the label. In July 2005, in response to continued interest from fans, ''The Bangerz'' was re-released. In 2007, Soul Company released the album ''Official Bootleg Vol. 2''. It spoke out on a number of social issues in South Korea, with Kebee describing the stress of

college entrance exams In education, an entrance examination or admission examination is an examination that educational institutions conduct to select prospective students. It may be held at any stage of education, from primary to tertiary, even though it is typic ...

in his song "Epilogue to Senior Year" (고 3 후기, "Go 3 Hugi"), while Loquence, D.C., and Planet Black discussed difficulties and disappointments they faced in reintegrating into society after returning from

mandatory military service Conscription (also called the draft in the United States) is the state-mandated enlistment of people in a national service, mainly a military service. Conscription dates back to antiquity and it continues in some countries to the present day un ...

in their song "Army Reserve" (예비역, "Yebiyeok"). P&Q on the tracks "I'll be watchin' you" (지켜볼게, "Jikyeobolge") and Kebee in "Oh Right!" (아 맞다, "A Matda") also criticised the perceived inauthenticity of mainstream hip hop in South Korea, attacking some unnamed targets as "hip hop

cosplay Cosplay, a portmanteau of "costume play", is an activity and performance art in which participants called cosplayers wear costumes and fashion accessories to represent a specific character. Cosplayers often interact to create a subculture, ...

ers". However, The Quiett also set a precedent of collaboration between

underground Underground most commonly refers to: * Subterranea (geography), the regions beneath the surface of the Earth Underground may also refer to: Places * The Underground (Boston), a music club in the Allston neighborhood of Boston * The Underground ...

and mainstream South Korean hip hop artists such as

Tasha Reid Natasha Shanta Reid (born May 31, 1981), better known by her Korean name Yoon Mi-rae (), often stylized as ''Yoonmirae'', is an American-born South Korean-based solo rapper, singer, songwriter, and producer, who is also a member of Korean hip ho ...

Drunken Tiger Drunken Tiger () was a Korean hip hop group that debuted in 1999 and has since released several albums and won numerous awards. They are known as pioneers of Korean hip-hop who helped bring the genre into the mainstream. The group's original lin ...

, and

Dynamic Duo Dynamic duo may refer to: Arts, entertainment, and media Music Groups *Dúo Dinámico (Spanish for Dynamic Duo), a Spanish musical duo formed in 1958 and one of the main precursors of pop music in Spain *Dynamic Duo (South Korean duo), a South Ko ...

in his album ''The Real Me'' later that year.

2008-2009: In concert

In July 2008, Soul Company held a concert entitled ''Show me the hiphop''. That year the company also began holding ''Judgement Night'', reported to be South Korea's first hip hop/

hardcore Hardcore, hard core or hard-core may refer to: Arts and media Film * ''Hardcore'' (1977 film), a British comedy film * ''Hardcore'' (1979 film), an American crime drama film starring George C Scott * ''Hardcore'' (2001 film), a British documen ...

joint performance. In February 2009, Soul Company held a

Valentine's Day Valentine's Day, also called Saint Valentine's Day or the Feast of Saint Valentine, is celebrated annually on February 14. It originated as a Christian feast day honoring one or two early Christian martyrs named Saint Valentine and, throu ...

concert entitled ''My Funny Valentine'' at Rollinghall in the Hongdae area (near

Hongik University Hongik University (, colloquially ''Hongdae'') is a private university in Seoul, South Korea. Founded by an activist in 1946, the university is located in Mapo-gu district of central Seoul, South Korea with a second campus(branch campus) in S ...

), featuring performances by Kebee, UMC,

Junggigo Go Jung-gi (born September 5, 1980), better known by his stage name Junggigo, is a South Korean singer. Discography Studio albums Tribute albums Extended plays Singles as lead artist Collaborative singles Soundtrack appearanc ...

(also known as Cubic), and Swings. In July, Soul Company artists came together to record the single "Aeiou Eo?! part 2". The title was a reference to an album released by Soul Company in 2004. In May and October, they hosted the third and fourth joint ''Judgement Night'' concerts with GMC Records; the latter was held at V-Hall in Hongdae. In August, they held another concert at V-Hall featuring performances by The Quiett, Loptimist, and DJ Wegun, and held a group stage performance entitled ''Summer Ground''.

2010-2011: Artist lineup changes and dissolution

In January 2010, Soul Company released the digital album ''Mad Clown VS Crucial Star'', which within a few days of its release was one of the top 10 sellers on

Cyworld Cyworld () is a South Korean social network service. Cyworld was originally part of SK communication, and became an independent company in 2014. Members cultivate relationships by forming ''Ilchon'' (, Hanja: ) or "friendships" with each other ...

. The last track, "Parting" (이별은, "Ibyeoleun") by DC, received particular praise from the ''

Seoul Sinmun ''The Seoul Shinmun'' (translating to The Seoul Newspaper) is the oldest daily newspaper in South Korea with more than a century of publication. Its original name was ''Daehan Maeil Sinbo'' (''The Korea Daily News''), which was started on July 1 ...

''. In March, The Quiett released his fourth LP with Soul Company, ''Quiet Storm: A Night Record''. In July, Soul Company held a concert at Club Fabric near

Kyungsung University Kyungsung University is a private university in Busan, South Korea. It is located in the district of Nam-gu, southwest of the famous Haeundae beach. The campus is located near Kyungsung University-Pukyong National University Station on Line 2 ...

in the southern city of

Busan Busan (), officially known as is South Korea's most populous city after Seoul, with a population of over 3.4 million inhabitants. Formerly romanized as Pusan, it is the economic, cultural and educational center of southeastern South Korea, w ...

. In October, Soul Company released an online single by RHYME-A- ( 라임 어택) entitled ''Speak The Truth'' (진실을 말해). In December, Soul Company suffered a blow with the departure of The Quiett. His departure from Soul Company was announced through the label's release of the album ''Still A Team'' (스틸 어 팀). Early the following month, he announced that he would be forming his own label

Illionaire Records Illionaire Records was an independent South Korean record label formed in January 2011 by rappers The Quiett and Dok2. The label also represents rapper Beenzino. Despite its small size, Illionaire Records was considered one of the most influentia ...

with

Dok2 Lee Joon-kyung (; born March 28, 1990) better known by his stage name Dok2 (, pronounced as Dokki), is a South Korean rapper, record producer and co-founder of now-defunct Illionaire Records. Biography Early life Dok2's mother is Korean, and h ...

. The Quiett described his move as giving him the freedom to preserve the kind of music he wanted to perform and bring new vitality to the South Korean hip hop scene. In April, Soul Company held a joint concert with Pastel Music ( 파스텔 뮤직) sponsored by

Jin Air Jin Air Co., Ltd. () is a South Korean low-cost airline. As of April 2018 it operates flights to six domestic cities and 26 international destinations. It launched its first long haul route, between Incheon and Honolulu, in December 2015. It has ...

devoted to

environmental protection Environmental protection is the practice of protecting the natural environment by individuals, organizations and governments. Its objectives are to conserve natural resources and the existing natural environment and, where possible, to repair dam ...

. The concert, entitled ''Save The Air Green Concert'', was held at KT&G Sangsang Madang (KT&G 상상마당) in Hongdae. Soul Company artists who participated include

, Fana ( 화나), and Eluphant ( 이루펀트). In September 2011 it was announced that the label would be dissolved. One contributing factor was that Soul Company co-founder and Eluphant duo member Kebee had to leave for two years to perform his

which he had been delaying. Just a few days after the news of the breakup, Eluphant released a digital single entitled "To the Future" (미래로 나아가자, "Miraero Naagaja"), following which they indicated the duo would also become dormant for two years. In late November, Soul Company artists held a farewell concert at AX-KOREA ( 악스코리아) to commemorate the label's dissolution.

Former artists

Soloists *

*G-Slow * Loptimist *

*Pento *Planet Black *Prima Vista *RHYME-A- *Smooth Tale *

Groups *Choejeokwa (Fana and Kal Nal) *

Eluphant Eluphant (Hangul: 이루펀트) is a South Korean hip hop duo consisting of members Kebee and Minos. They debuted in 2006 with the album, ''Eluphant Bakery''. They are currently signed to Brand New Music Brand New Music (Hangul: 브랜뉴 뮤� ...

(

Kebee Bae Lee-sak (Hangul: 배이삭, born May 29, 1983), better known by his stage name Kebee (Hangul: 키비), is a South Korean rapper and member of Eluphant Eluphant (Hangul: 이루펀트) is a South Korean hip hop duo consisting of members Kebe ...

and

Minos In Greek mythology, Minos (; grc-gre, Μίνως, ) was a King of Crete, son of Zeus and Europa. Every nine years, he made King Aegeus pick seven young boys and seven young girls to be sent to Daedalus's creation, the labyrinth, to be eaten ...

) *Loquence ( Jerry.K and Makesense) *Syntax-Error (Creiz Rap'er and D.C) DJs *DJ Dopsh *DJ Silent *DJ Wegun

Discography

Collective albums

*''The Bangerz (Bonus Track: Soul Company Show)'' (2004) *''Official Bootleg Vol.1'' (2005) *''The Bangerz: Instrumentals'' (2005) *''Official Bootleg Vol.2'' (2007) *''Soulful Christmas 2008'' (2008) *''The Bangerz'' (re-release with Bonus Track: Interview) (2008) *''아에이오우 어!? PT.2'' (Digital single) (2009) *''Still a Team'' (Digital single) (2010) *''Save the Air'' (Digital single) (2010) *''The Amazing Mixtape'' (2011) *''The Best'' (2011)

Solo albums/EPs

* ''Evolutional Poems'' - Keebee (2004) * ''Music'' - The Quiett (2005) * ''Brainstorming'' - Fana (2005) * ''Q Train'' - The Quiett (2006) * ''Music Instrumentals'' - The Quiett (2006) * ''Crucial Moment'' - Loquence (2007) * ''Summer Madness'' - DJ Silent (2007) * ''Poetree Syndrome'' - Keebee (2007) * ''The Real Me''- The Quiett (2007) * ''Back on the Beats Vol.1'' - The Quiett (2008) * ''Mind-Expander'' - Loptimist (2008) * ''Mind-Expander Instrumentals'' - Loptimist (2008) * ''Devil (마왕)'' - Jerry.K (2008) * ''246'' - The Quiett & Makesense (2009) * ''Fanatic'' - Fana (2009) * ''The Passage'' - Keebee (2009) * ''Hommage'' - RHYME-A- (2009) * ''School for Dummies'' - DJ Wegun (2009) * ''Mad Clown VS Crucial Star'' - Mad Clown & Crucial Star (2010) * ''Groove for Buddies'' - DJ Wegun (2010) * ''Soul Food Maker'' - DJ Wegun (2011) * ''Man on the Earth'' - Eluphant (2011) * ''The Black Band'' - Loquence (2011) * ''Anything Goes'' - Mad Clown (2011)

Digital releases/singles

* ''Next Big Thingz'' (2004) * ''Keep It Underground Pt.2'' - Planet Black (2004) * ''당신은 지금 어디쯤 와있습니까'' - Syntax-Error (2004) * ''일갈 EP'' - Jerry.K (2004) * ''그 날이 오면'' - Fana (2005) * ''Walk in the Sky'' - Loquence (2008) * ''Luv Sickness'' - Mad Clown (2008) * ''Atomic Anatomy'' - DJ Wegun (2008) * ''Back on the Beats 0.5'' - The Quiett (2009) * ''K-Bonics'' - RHYME-A- (2009) * ''Never Q.U.I.T.T.'' - The Quiett (2010) * ''Quiet Storm: A Night Record'' - The Quiett (2010) *''I Want U Back'' - RHYME-A- (2010) (주선 온라인 OST) *''Love Is Over'' - Loptimist (2010) *''Microsuit'' - Pento (2010) *''Catch Me If U Can'' - Crucial Star (2010) *''Supa Dupa Duo'' - DJ Wegun (2010) *''Full Speed Ahead'' - Fana (2010) *''Smoke'' - Vida Loca (2010) *''Put Your L in the Air'' - Loquence (2010) *''Someone Like You'' - D.C. (2010) *''You Never Know'' - Pento (2010) *''Speak The Truth'' - RHYME-A- (2010) *''Amazing Gift'' - Loptimist (2011) *''New Generation'' - Crucial Star (2011) *''A Star Goes Up'' - Crucial Star (2011) *''Harmony'' - Fana (2011) *''Chocoholic'' - Crucial Star (2011) *''Lilac'' - Loptimist (2011) *''Super Star'' - Eluphant (2011) *''She is Not Following You'' - Eluphant (2011) *''Still Beautiful (여전히 아름답네요)'' - Eluphant (2011) *''When I Feel Alone (혼자라고 느낄 때)'' - RHYME-A- (2011) *''Can't Go Out (옷가게)'' - Crucial Star (2011) *''She's There'' - Vida Loca (2011) *''Champagne'' - Crucial Star (2011)

References

External links

* * * *
Profile
on

Soompi Soompi is an English-language website providing coverage of Korean pop culture. It has one of the largest international Internet communities for K-pop, mostly concentrated in news and forums. With more than 23 million fans across all platforms, ...

.com *
Soul Company

Club *
Introduction and discography
on Daum Music {{Authority control Companies based in Seoul Record labels established in 2004 Record labels disestablished in 2011 South Korean hip hop record labels Defunct record labels of South Korea