Love K-Hiphop? Check Out These Facts About Jay Park!

K-Pop is taking over the music world, with more and more groups entering the international scene. But, there is another genre that is loved by many: K-Hiphop. If we’re talking about this topic, there is one artist that first comes to mind – Jay Park.

The rapper, model and former CEO is known for his rap music creations. And since he is turning another year older this month, here are some facts so you can get to know him a little bit better!

1. He used to be an idol

Before his success as a solo artist, Jay Park participated in Mnet’s reality program “Hot Blood Men” where he and other trainees trained to become an idol. The show finished with him at the top spot, earning most fan votes.

This made him the leader of JYP Entertainment’s boy group 2pm, debuting with the song “10 out of 10” in 2008.

However a year later, he was caught up in a controversy after his comments about Korea posted in his personal MySpace circulated online. Jay’s remarks angered many fans, prompting him to leave the group.

2. He made a comeback thanks to a viral cover on Youtube

In 2010, Jay opened up his Youtube channel with his first upload being his cover of Bruno Mars and B.o.B’s song “Nothin’ on You”.

His own version instantly became viral, gaining over 2 million views in less than 24 hours. His cover also made a significant impact on the original song’s earnings, helping it earn $300,000 in sales.

Come June, B.o.B re-released the track featuring Jay, replacing Bruno’s vocals. This sold more than 5 million copies in Korea.

3. He is part of a B-Boy crew

Aside from rapping, Jay Park is also gifted when it comes to dancing. He became a part of the Seattle-based b-boy crew called “Art of Movement”. The group was founded in 2002 by siblings Junior and Tony Orduna.

The crew gained attention because of Jay’s reputation as a rapper and singer, earning them appearances on TV shows in South Korea.

AOM also performed at the yearly Korean-American festival in New Jersey in 2010.

4. He dabbles in acting

Jay Park indeed is the jack-of-all-trades because besides singing, rapping and dancing, he can also act!

He was casted in the 2011 movie “Mr.Idol” where he played the character of Ji-oh, one of the four main characters who came from different walks of life to form an idol band

In 2013, he became a permanent cast member in Saturday Night Live Korea.

5. He founded his own record label

After his success in his career, Jay explored other music ventures and founded his own hip-hop and R&B record label AOMG or Above Ordinary Music Group in 2013, originating from his b-boy group AOM.

Current artists signed in this label include Gray, Loco, Simon Dominic, Lee Hi and GOT7’s Yugyeom.

Four years after the establishment of AOMG, Jay rounded another label called H1hger Music. This time, his aim is to bridge the gap between American and Korean musicians.

Artists who joined this label include pH-1, Sik-K and GOT7’s JB.

6. He is the first Asian artist to sign under Roc Nation

Roc Nation is an entertainment agency founded by American rapper and songwriter JAY-Z in 2008. The company signed Jay Park in 2017, in order to assist him with his activities in the United States.

One year later, he released his first official single under the label titled “SOJU” featuring the artist 2-Chainz.

Watch this interview to see how Jay Park reacted when he first met JAY-Z!

7. He was the judge for Asia’s Got Talent Season 2 and 3

2017 was a good year for Jay because it was also the year where he was announced as the new judge for the show Asia’s Got Talent season 2, replacing Vannes Wu and Melanie C. 

He was joined with Indonesian-born French singer Anggun and David Foster. He once again returned in the show as a judge for its third season. 

Now that you’ve learned new things about Jay Park, make sure to greet him a happy birthday this April 25th on his Instagram @moresojuplease ;)