GR8T Originals: KIGGEN
GR8T Originals is an interview focused on sharing valuable insight and advice from established professionals in the global music industry.
“My philosophy has always been casting talented individuals and further boosting their natural strengths.”
KIGGEN
GR8T Magazine welcomes KIGGEN, C.E.O of Beats Entertainment, and the creative mind behind the revolutionary 5 member hip-hop girl group, YOUNG POSSE. With 20 years of experience in the K-Pop scene as a member of Phantom, and multi-million selling producer working with groups like Wanna One, IOI, and nu'est, KIGGEN presents a new paradigm for a unique talent focused production. With the excitement steadily building worldwide towards the March 2nd release date of YOUNG POSSE’s under the veil album "COLD" featuring singer “10CM”, GR8T magazine shares our conversation with KIGGEN.
GR8T Originals dives into the greatness of KIGGEN’s journey of “natural” brilliance, his insights into K-Pop, and advice for aspiring creatives.
The following interview has been translated from Korean to English.
Track list for YOUNG POSSE’s upcoming “COLD” album, KIGGEN participates in multiple tracks as lyricist, composer, and arranger
You have introduced YOUNG POSSE into the world, a hip-hop-based female idol group that is rare in mainstream music, and achieved steady growth. What is the direction that Beats Entertainment and you pursue, and how do you differentiate yourselves from traditional labels?
I consider "naturalness" above all else.
Whether it's music, film, or food, my character is one that cannot tolerate anything that feels unnatural/awkward. Rather than thinking about what kind of concept would help YOUNG POSSE get on top of other amazing groups in the harsh K-pop industry I focused on naturally presenting to the audience a side of each and every member as they were truly born to be. Instead of pre-planning a specific concept and selecting members for it, my philosophy has always been casting talented individuals and further boosting their natural strengths.
I’m a Korean born in Japan, and in Japanese cuisine, great emphasis is placed on preserving the true flavors of ingredients. Hence, I don’t really enjoy foods with overpowering sauces/jang (Korean word for sauce). In a way, I believe this pursuit of "naturalness" has somewhat been reflected in YOUNG POSSE as well.
Considering that YOUNG POSSE's overall lyrics, references and musical style are uncommon in K-pop, what aspect did you work on the most as a producer when balancing ‘public appeal’ and the ‘artist’s unique identity’?
All of YOUNG POSSE’s music videos so far have been perfected through the craft of Jerry Shin, the creative director of BEATS ENTERTAINMENT. If you take a close look at YOUNG POSSE’s music videos, you’ll notice the phrase "Ben & Jerry.", in which Ben is a talented director based in the U.S., while Jerry is our in-house creator.
Once I complete the tracks with longtime top tier veteran hip-hop producers like Rick Bridges, YELLA D, and Deevan— Jerry Shin then takes over, infusing “culture” into it. From there, our talented staff additionally pours delicate finishing touches, which seems to result in work that stands out within K-pop. And more so than focusing too much on "mass appeal" or "artistry," we don’t just treat hip-hop as a “seasoning to make things spicier or stronger”, but we believe we’re focusing more on its originality.
And of course, I believe all of this was possible due to the infinite trust and generous investments from the graceful collaboration of RBW and DSP Media.
YOUNG POSSE, from left to right: Doeun, Jiana, Yeonjung (middle far), Jieun (middle close), Sunhye
From the HEAD IN THE CLOUDS performance to the 2024 U.S. tour and the upcoming Texas tour in March, YOUNG POSSE’s international fandom has grown rapidly. As a producer, do you see this as a natural outcome of the genre, or was it a strategic move to tap into a certain audience?
As mentioned earlier, instead of strategically targeting a specific region or demographic, we have a rather pure mindset—and focus on “creating the most natural” work possible. The fact that audiences overseas are resonating and loving this approach of YOUNG POSSE is honestly still quite hard to believe, and we’re incredibly thankful. They are immensely talented, and as there’s still so much that the five girls have yet to show, whether we continue with hip-hop or a completely new sound, I hope people will keep giving us interest and support.
Starting from your 2007 debut, you have been actively participating in the music scene. It seems that the status of K-pop, artists' music, and public perception has changed over time. What improvements have you observed, and conversely, what aspects do you think still need improvement?
So much has improved compared to the past. Back when I was active… there were many irrational things that the Gen Z generation probably wouldn’t even believe.
However, I don’t think there’s much value in talking of the bygone. In many aspects, the industry has become much more transparent. With positive capital flowing into the K-pop industry, poorly managed companies are disappearing one by one, while transparent corporations are supporting great producers and thinking about the well-being of artists and staff. Of course, there still are multiple unresolved problems—tampering, ghostwriting, and mental health care for artists. If eventually I gain influence, I’d love to contribute in improving these aspects.
As a rapper in Phantom and a star composer, how do you think these experiences influenced your role as a label CEO and executive producer? Additionally, following your last released album Before I Die, do you ever feel the desire to step back on stage or release new music?
This year marks exactly the 20th year since I came to Seoul to start in music. I think the experiences I’ve had as an artist and a composer are naturally influencing my production today. At times I reproach myself that if I could have become a better artist or songwriter—I could have provided even more to the people in the label and YOUNG POSSE.
Ever since I was young, I loved expressing my emotions through writing. During my time with PHANTOM and in my solo career, I constantly had messages I wanted to share. Which is why there were moments when I had a lot of fans, and times when I had almost none—but regardless it never stopped me from continuing in delivering my stories into music and videos.
At times these stories were subtle changes of emotions like loneliness or anger towards political situations. I still have so much I want to express, but for now, my priority is YOUNG POSSE and the companies that have placed their trust in me.
Of the songs you’ve produced up to this point in your career, which one do you feel most attached to, and why do you think the reason is?
I’ve come to compose over 200 tracks. Some have become hits, while others didn’t receive any attention. There were tracks, I crafted every sound from start to finish, while others were made with incredible partners in music who supported me in where I lacked. Each and every track is precious to me, so I can’t choose one.
KIGGEN in his studio, Seoul, South Korea
What, in your view, makes a great artist and a great producer?
I believe a great artist is one who believes in themselves. The idea of self-belief, the combination of strong affirmation and daring self esteem, can only be gained through tremendous effort.
During my 20 years in the K-pop scene, I’ve seen around two or three truly outstanding artists, and their lives aren’t really filled with games, alcohol, or parties. Like Son Goku from Dragon Ball, to them, the very act of growth is so exhilarating that they work tirelessly.
I believe the same goes for great producers.
What does 2025 look like to you? And what would you advise to those who want to take on the challenge of becoming a producer or are just starting out in this field
As I did four years ago when I first started the label, I think 2025 will be another year dedicated to heartily supporting YOUNG POSSE. I’m also working effortlessly in becoming a better leader within my organization. This honestly, feels like the hardest challenge of all.
I often get DM’s and emails from people just starting in music. But I believe a good producer doesn’t necessarily require massive marketing. As long as you post just one great song on SNS, people will vigorously seek you out and send dm’s. Or those who are established with influence will shout you out. Beenzino and Verbal Jint (Established Korean rappers) have made it to the top with music funded through part-time jobs. Despite having no appearnce on TV or radio, they gradually rose to fame through recognition and applause from fellow artists and producers.
So don’t blame your label or go out your way building connections, and also don’t go out drinking with famous artists or producers. Instead, I would like to say that simply putting out a great one-minute track will be what opens new doors for you.
Thank you for joining us in February Selects, and we appreciate your time. Don’t forget to check out YOUNG POSSE’s special album, COLD featuring 10CM, releasing on March 2nd. GR8T
“COLD” album teaser
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