I didn really see a topic for him, so I decided to make one for Seo Taiji, not only is he a legend but he is one of my idols.
Jeong Hyeon-cheol 정현철, born on February 21, 1972) is a South Korean singer and musician. He is one of the most prominent and influential cultural icons in Korea. The level of his popularity in Korea during the 1990s were comparable to that of Michael Jackson in the mid-1980s. He popularized Western music in the mainstream of Korea.
Seo Taiji's music is not confined to one genre. He takes music apart piece and analyze it, crossing over all boundaries and genres to recreate it into a "Seo Taiji style," music with a unique twist and taste all of its own.
With the sebut of his first album "Seo Taiji and Boys" in 1992, he took the korean "rap" and "dance music" scene by storm, shaking up the Korean music industry. The release of this album has been acclaimed as the most significant musical event and phenomenon since the Korean Independence.
He is credited for the opening of a new ara in korean music. Since the debut of this album he has released 6 additional albums in the course of the 10 years. The suceeding records composed of rap, hip-hop, heavy metal, rock, punk, soul, slow-pop, hardcore rock, pimp rock and emo-core rock, all fusing together in a curiously harmonious collection of masterpieces.
Seo Taiji takes his music to
another level by manipulating his vocal tones, the effector, his instruments and his rhyming lyrics; placing each strategically in its exact position. During the whole process of composing, arranging, and writing the lyrics, he inserts many hidden codes but expresses them with melodies that are easy enough to be picked up and understood by listeners with "unexperienced ears" unfamiliar with the grammar of music.
Seo taiji's albums hold firm on their rank as one of the materpieces of this generation and one of the few million-sellers of the Korean entertainment industry. Seo Taiji's music is a unique and ever-evloving genre in its own.
The early years
At the age of 14, Jung Hyun-Chul (Tai-ji) participated in several amateur rock bands. In 1990, at the age of 17, he was recruited into the metal band Sinawe (시나위 pronounced shee-nah-wee). Taiji chose to drop out of school, a system that he felt did nothing but corrupt the minds of youth, and became a professional musician.
[edit] 'Seo Tai-ji & Boys' Explode
After the break up of Sinawe in 1991, Tai-ji switched gears and formed the dance group Seo Tai-ji & Boys (서태지와 아이들) with dancers Lee Ju-no (이주노) and Yang Hyeon-seok (양현석).
The introduction of the first Seo Tai-ji and Boys album announced a complete shift in the focus of popular Korean music that is still felt today. Their first single, "Nan Arayo" (난 알아요, "I Know") was a hugely successful hit, being one of the first songs in K-Pop to meld contemporary dance sounds with urban-influenced rap lyrics.
The sound of Seo Tai-ji and Boys' albums was constantly evolving. The first album was very dance-oriented, while the second album began to display more hard rock and heavy metal influences, but still remaining mostly a dance album. The first single from their second album, "Hayeoga" (하여가), combined heavy metal sounds with traditional sounds of the taepyeongso, a traditional Korean wind instrument.
Watch Out video, Left to right: Rock (offscreen), Sang Uk, Heff (background), Seo Taiji, Top
Watch Out video, Left to right: Rock (offscreen), Sang Uk, Heff (background), Seo Taiji, Top
The third album switched gears to being much more heavy metal and rock driven. The danceable tunes are nearly non-existent. Instead, songs such as the extremely controversial Gyosil Idea (교실 이데아, Classroom Idea) with an impressive death grunt backvocal by Ahn Heung-Chan (안흥찬) of Crash took center stage. Gyosil Idea was extremely critical of the Korean education system and its brainwashing of the youth of Korea. Accusations began to fly about Seo Tai-ji and Boys. They were accused of backwards masking Satanist messages in their songs.
Not backing down, Seo Tai-ji and Boys' fourth album exploded with more controversial songs. Come Back Home was a foray into Korean gangster rap. Shidaeyugam (시대유감, "Regret of the Times") was nearly banned by the Korean Perfomance Ethics Committee(한 국공연윤리위원회, present is '한국영상물관리위원회'[Korean Video Management Committee]) as having lyrics that were considered not appropriate to the young listeners.(at this moment, Fans were working hard to abolish 'System of precensorship'(사전심의제), So this System is abolished at July 1996.)
[edit] Seo Tai-ji Goes Solo
Livewire 2004, Taiji performing "Heffy End"
Livewire 2004, Taiji performing "Heffy End"
Seo Tai-ji and Boys broke up in 1996 after four wildly successful studio and two hugely popular live albums. Tai-ji disappeared from the music scene for the next two years, moving to New York City, living a low profile life, and working on his come-back.
In 1998, Tai-ji returned to the music scene with his first solo album, Seo Tai-ji. His self-produced album continued with his long established sound of mixing contemporary American rock and pop music with Korean vocals. His comeback album, while not a huge success, put him back onto the path of greatness.
In 2000, Tai-ji exploded with his hugely popular sixth album, Ultramania (울트라맨이야). With his new band, he blasts out an album with hardcore, crashing metal tracks. "Ultramania (울트라맨이야)," "Internet War (인터넷 전쟁)," and "Tank" were all huge successes. With the release of his new album, Tai-ji embarked on his first Korean tour since 1996 playing to sold out crowds.
Ultramania was re-released in 2002 with remastered tracks and featured live Tai-ji tracks from the 2002 ETPFEST.
In early 2004, after almost four years, Tai-ji's first all new album, 7th Issue, was released.
[edit] Seotaiji Band
Seo Taiji band (counter-clockwise): Seo Taiji, Monkey, Top, Heff, Rock
Seo Taiji band (counter-clockwise): Seo Taiji, Monkey, Top, Heff, Rock
Although Taiji's career is strictly "solo", these people consistently play with him during tours, studio recordings, and music videos:
* Top (guitar)
* Rock (guitar)
* Sang Uk (Monkey) (bass)
* Heff "The Machine" Holter (drums)
[edit] Discography
[edit] Albums (Seo Tai-ji and Boys)
Product Title : Seo Tai Ji & Boys Vol. 1 - I Know!
Singer Name(s) : Seo Tai Ji & Boys
Language : Korean
Package Weight : 110 g
Publisher : Bando Records
[SIDE A]
1. Yo! Taiji
2. Nan Arayo! (난 알아요 I Know!)
3. Hwansangsoke Kude (환상속의 그대 You, in the illusion / You, in the Fantasy)
4. Nowa hamkehan sigan sogeso (너와 함께한 시간 속에서 In The Time Spent With You)
5. 'E' Bami Kippo Kajiman (이밤이 깊어 가지만 Through Tonight Growing Late)
[SIDE B]
1. Nae Modungut (내 모든것 My Everything)
2. Eejehnun (이제는 Now)
3. Blind Love - "Nan Arayo! English Version"
4. Rock'n Roll Dance
5. Missing
Product Title : Seo Tai Ji & Boys Vol. 2
Singer Name(s) : Seo Tai Ji & Boys
Release Date : August, 1994
Language : Korean
Package Weight : 100 g
Publisher : Bando Records
[SIDE A]
1. Yo! Taiji
2. Hayeoga
3. Wooridulmanei Chuok (우리들만의 추억 Our Own Memories)
4. Joogeumui Neup (죽음의 늪 Swamp of Death)
[SIDE B]
1. Neoehge (너에게 TO YOU)
2. Susiah
3. Majimak Chukje (마지막 축제 Last Feast)
4. Wooridulmanei Chuok (우리들만의 추억 Our Own Memories) [Instrumental]
Product Title : Seo Tai Ji & Boys Vol. 3 - Dreaming Bal Hae
Singer Name(s) : Seo Tai Ji & Boys
Release Date : August, 1994
Language : Korean
Package Weight : 100 g
Publisher : Bando Records
[SIDE A]
1. Yo! Taiji
2. Barhaereul Ggoomggoomyuh (발해를 꿈꾸며 Dreaming Of Bal-hae)
3. Ahyeedeuleh nooneuro (아이들의 눈으로 Through Eyes of Children)
4. Gyosil Idea (교실 이데아 Classroom Idea)
5. Nae Mamiya (내 맘이야 It's All Up To Me)
[Side B]
1. Jechyllbaksa wa Hyde (지킬박사와 하이드 Dr. Jechyll & Mr. Hyde)
2. Youngwon (영원 Eternity)
3. Barhaereul Ggoomggoomyuh (발해를 꿈꾸며 Dreaming Of Bal-hae) [Instrumental]
4. Neol jiuryu Hae (널 지우려해 I'm Gonna Try To Erase You)
Produced by Taiji
Recording studio : Conway Recording Studio (LA)
All Engineer : Jason Robert
Product Title : Seo Tai Ji & Boys Vol. 4 - Come Back Home
Singer Name(s) : Seo Tai Ji & Boys
Release Date : Octorber , 1996
Language : Korean
Package Weight : 100 g
Publisher : Bando Records
[SIDE A]
1. Yo! Taiji
2. Seulpeun apeum (슬픈 아픔 Sorrowful Pain)
3. Pilseung (필승 Sure win)
4. Come Back Home
5. Shidaeyugam (시대유감 Regret of the Times) [Instrumental]
[SIDE B]
1. (1996, When They Conquer the World)
2. Taijiboys!
3. Good-bye
4. Free Style
5. Innerbeelistenervy
Executive Producer / Taiji
Producer / Taiji Co. Producer / Kook Kim
All Songs written / Taiji (Free Style : Taiji & Kim Jong Seo) STAFF :
Recording engineer / Jason Roberts, Kook Kim, Taiji
Assistants engineer / Michael Scotella
at Ocean Way Studio Lamont Hyde at Larrabee Studio
Mixing engineer / Jason Roberts
('GOOD BYE' /John Ven Nest 'TAIJI BOYS' 'inervylisnervy' / Kook Kim, Taiji)
Mastering engineer / Jason Arnold, Kim ho jung
Recording Studio / Ocean Way Studio in LA Bay Studio
in Seoul Techno Taiji Studio in Seoul
Mixing Studio / Larrabee Studio in LA Image Studio in LA
Mastering Studio / Capital Record Tower Mastering in LA,
Sound Vision in Seoul
[edit] Albums (Solo)
* Seo Taiji 5th Album (1998)
* Seo Taiji 6th Album (2000)
* 태지의 話 [Live concert album] (2000)
* 6th Album Re-Recording and ETPFEST Live (2003)
* Seo Taiji 7th Issue (2004)
* Seo Taiji Live Tour ZERO 04 (2004)
[edit] Singles
* Feel The Soul (2001)(Released in Japan)
[edit] Videos
* 2004 SEO TAIJI Record of the 7th (2005)
* The Shedding Bird: Seo Taiji Company DVD+Art book (2005)
* Seo Taiji Live Tour ZERO 04 DVD+Art book (2004)
[edit] Live Releases
* 태지의 話 [Live concert album] (2000)
* Seo Taiji Live Tour ZERO 04 (2004)
Jeong Hyeon-cheol 정현철, born on February 21, 1972) is a South Korean singer and musician. He is one of the most prominent and influential cultural icons in Korea. The level of his popularity in Korea during the 1990s were comparable to that of Michael Jackson in the mid-1980s. He popularized Western music in the mainstream of Korea.
Seo Taiji's music is not confined to one genre. He takes music apart piece and analyze it, crossing over all boundaries and genres to recreate it into a "Seo Taiji style," music with a unique twist and taste all of its own.
With the sebut of his first album "Seo Taiji and Boys" in 1992, he took the korean "rap" and "dance music" scene by storm, shaking up the Korean music industry. The release of this album has been acclaimed as the most significant musical event and phenomenon since the Korean Independence.
He is credited for the opening of a new ara in korean music. Since the debut of this album he has released 6 additional albums in the course of the 10 years. The suceeding records composed of rap, hip-hop, heavy metal, rock, punk, soul, slow-pop, hardcore rock, pimp rock and emo-core rock, all fusing together in a curiously harmonious collection of masterpieces.
Seo Taiji takes his music to
another level by manipulating his vocal tones, the effector, his instruments and his rhyming lyrics; placing each strategically in its exact position. During the whole process of composing, arranging, and writing the lyrics, he inserts many hidden codes but expresses them with melodies that are easy enough to be picked up and understood by listeners with "unexperienced ears" unfamiliar with the grammar of music.
Seo taiji's albums hold firm on their rank as one of the materpieces of this generation and one of the few million-sellers of the Korean entertainment industry. Seo Taiji's music is a unique and ever-evloving genre in its own.
The early years
At the age of 14, Jung Hyun-Chul (Tai-ji) participated in several amateur rock bands. In 1990, at the age of 17, he was recruited into the metal band Sinawe (시나위 pronounced shee-nah-wee). Taiji chose to drop out of school, a system that he felt did nothing but corrupt the minds of youth, and became a professional musician.
[edit] 'Seo Tai-ji & Boys' Explode
After the break up of Sinawe in 1991, Tai-ji switched gears and formed the dance group Seo Tai-ji & Boys (서태지와 아이들) with dancers Lee Ju-no (이주노) and Yang Hyeon-seok (양현석).
The introduction of the first Seo Tai-ji and Boys album announced a complete shift in the focus of popular Korean music that is still felt today. Their first single, "Nan Arayo" (난 알아요, "I Know") was a hugely successful hit, being one of the first songs in K-Pop to meld contemporary dance sounds with urban-influenced rap lyrics.
The sound of Seo Tai-ji and Boys' albums was constantly evolving. The first album was very dance-oriented, while the second album began to display more hard rock and heavy metal influences, but still remaining mostly a dance album. The first single from their second album, "Hayeoga" (하여가), combined heavy metal sounds with traditional sounds of the taepyeongso, a traditional Korean wind instrument.
Watch Out video, Left to right: Rock (offscreen), Sang Uk, Heff (background), Seo Taiji, Top
Watch Out video, Left to right: Rock (offscreen), Sang Uk, Heff (background), Seo Taiji, Top
The third album switched gears to being much more heavy metal and rock driven. The danceable tunes are nearly non-existent. Instead, songs such as the extremely controversial Gyosil Idea (교실 이데아, Classroom Idea) with an impressive death grunt backvocal by Ahn Heung-Chan (안흥찬) of Crash took center stage. Gyosil Idea was extremely critical of the Korean education system and its brainwashing of the youth of Korea. Accusations began to fly about Seo Tai-ji and Boys. They were accused of backwards masking Satanist messages in their songs.
Not backing down, Seo Tai-ji and Boys' fourth album exploded with more controversial songs. Come Back Home was a foray into Korean gangster rap. Shidaeyugam (시대유감, "Regret of the Times") was nearly banned by the Korean Perfomance Ethics Committee(한 국공연윤리위원회, present is '한국영상물관리위원회'[Korean Video Management Committee]) as having lyrics that were considered not appropriate to the young listeners.(at this moment, Fans were working hard to abolish 'System of precensorship'(사전심의제), So this System is abolished at July 1996.)
[edit] Seo Tai-ji Goes Solo
Livewire 2004, Taiji performing "Heffy End"
Livewire 2004, Taiji performing "Heffy End"
Seo Tai-ji and Boys broke up in 1996 after four wildly successful studio and two hugely popular live albums. Tai-ji disappeared from the music scene for the next two years, moving to New York City, living a low profile life, and working on his come-back.
In 1998, Tai-ji returned to the music scene with his first solo album, Seo Tai-ji. His self-produced album continued with his long established sound of mixing contemporary American rock and pop music with Korean vocals. His comeback album, while not a huge success, put him back onto the path of greatness.
In 2000, Tai-ji exploded with his hugely popular sixth album, Ultramania (울트라맨이야). With his new band, he blasts out an album with hardcore, crashing metal tracks. "Ultramania (울트라맨이야)," "Internet War (인터넷 전쟁)," and "Tank" were all huge successes. With the release of his new album, Tai-ji embarked on his first Korean tour since 1996 playing to sold out crowds.
Ultramania was re-released in 2002 with remastered tracks and featured live Tai-ji tracks from the 2002 ETPFEST.
In early 2004, after almost four years, Tai-ji's first all new album, 7th Issue, was released.
[edit] Seotaiji Band
Seo Taiji band (counter-clockwise): Seo Taiji, Monkey, Top, Heff, Rock
Seo Taiji band (counter-clockwise): Seo Taiji, Monkey, Top, Heff, Rock
Although Taiji's career is strictly "solo", these people consistently play with him during tours, studio recordings, and music videos:
* Top (guitar)
* Rock (guitar)
* Sang Uk (Monkey) (bass)
* Heff "The Machine" Holter (drums)
[edit] Discography
[edit] Albums (Seo Tai-ji and Boys)
Product Title : Seo Tai Ji & Boys Vol. 1 - I Know!
Singer Name(s) : Seo Tai Ji & Boys
Language : Korean
Package Weight : 110 g
Publisher : Bando Records
[SIDE A]
1. Yo! Taiji
2. Nan Arayo! (난 알아요 I Know!)
3. Hwansangsoke Kude (환상속의 그대 You, in the illusion / You, in the Fantasy)
4. Nowa hamkehan sigan sogeso (너와 함께한 시간 속에서 In The Time Spent With You)
5. 'E' Bami Kippo Kajiman (이밤이 깊어 가지만 Through Tonight Growing Late)
[SIDE B]
1. Nae Modungut (내 모든것 My Everything)
2. Eejehnun (이제는 Now)
3. Blind Love - "Nan Arayo! English Version"
4. Rock'n Roll Dance
5. Missing
Product Title : Seo Tai Ji & Boys Vol. 2
Singer Name(s) : Seo Tai Ji & Boys
Release Date : August, 1994
Language : Korean
Package Weight : 100 g
Publisher : Bando Records
[SIDE A]
1. Yo! Taiji
2. Hayeoga
3. Wooridulmanei Chuok (우리들만의 추억 Our Own Memories)
4. Joogeumui Neup (죽음의 늪 Swamp of Death)
[SIDE B]
1. Neoehge (너에게 TO YOU)
2. Susiah
3. Majimak Chukje (마지막 축제 Last Feast)
4. Wooridulmanei Chuok (우리들만의 추억 Our Own Memories) [Instrumental]
Product Title : Seo Tai Ji & Boys Vol. 3 - Dreaming Bal Hae
Singer Name(s) : Seo Tai Ji & Boys
Release Date : August, 1994
Language : Korean
Package Weight : 100 g
Publisher : Bando Records
[SIDE A]
1. Yo! Taiji
2. Barhaereul Ggoomggoomyuh (발해를 꿈꾸며 Dreaming Of Bal-hae)
3. Ahyeedeuleh nooneuro (아이들의 눈으로 Through Eyes of Children)
4. Gyosil Idea (교실 이데아 Classroom Idea)
5. Nae Mamiya (내 맘이야 It's All Up To Me)
[Side B]
1. Jechyllbaksa wa Hyde (지킬박사와 하이드 Dr. Jechyll & Mr. Hyde)
2. Youngwon (영원 Eternity)
3. Barhaereul Ggoomggoomyuh (발해를 꿈꾸며 Dreaming Of Bal-hae) [Instrumental]
4. Neol jiuryu Hae (널 지우려해 I'm Gonna Try To Erase You)
Produced by Taiji
Recording studio : Conway Recording Studio (LA)
All Engineer : Jason Robert
Product Title : Seo Tai Ji & Boys Vol. 4 - Come Back Home
Singer Name(s) : Seo Tai Ji & Boys
Release Date : Octorber , 1996
Language : Korean
Package Weight : 100 g
Publisher : Bando Records
[SIDE A]
1. Yo! Taiji
2. Seulpeun apeum (슬픈 아픔 Sorrowful Pain)
3. Pilseung (필승 Sure win)
4. Come Back Home
5. Shidaeyugam (시대유감 Regret of the Times) [Instrumental]
[SIDE B]
1. (1996, When They Conquer the World)
2. Taijiboys!
3. Good-bye
4. Free Style
5. Innerbeelistenervy
Executive Producer / Taiji
Producer / Taiji Co. Producer / Kook Kim
All Songs written / Taiji (Free Style : Taiji & Kim Jong Seo) STAFF :
Recording engineer / Jason Roberts, Kook Kim, Taiji
Assistants engineer / Michael Scotella
at Ocean Way Studio Lamont Hyde at Larrabee Studio
Mixing engineer / Jason Roberts
('GOOD BYE' /John Ven Nest 'TAIJI BOYS' 'inervylisnervy' / Kook Kim, Taiji)
Mastering engineer / Jason Arnold, Kim ho jung
Recording Studio / Ocean Way Studio in LA Bay Studio
in Seoul Techno Taiji Studio in Seoul
Mixing Studio / Larrabee Studio in LA Image Studio in LA
Mastering Studio / Capital Record Tower Mastering in LA,
Sound Vision in Seoul
[edit] Albums (Solo)
* Seo Taiji 5th Album (1998)
* Seo Taiji 6th Album (2000)
* 태지의 話 [Live concert album] (2000)
* 6th Album Re-Recording and ETPFEST Live (2003)
* Seo Taiji 7th Issue (2004)
* Seo Taiji Live Tour ZERO 04 (2004)
[edit] Singles
* Feel The Soul (2001)(Released in Japan)
[edit] Videos
* 2004 SEO TAIJI Record of the 7th (2005)
* The Shedding Bird: Seo Taiji Company DVD+Art book (2005)
* Seo Taiji Live Tour ZERO 04 DVD+Art book (2004)
[edit] Live Releases
* 태지의 話 [Live concert album] (2000)
* Seo Taiji Live Tour ZERO 04 (2004)
NEWS TODAY
Seo Taiji, the pioneer of Korean hip-hop has been staying in Korea for the past 4 months. A close associate of Seo said on June 26th, "Seo Taiji has been staying in Seoul since the end of February." Seo's long term stay in Korea is prompting interest among his fans on the possible release of a new album. Seo's associate said, "Seo Taiji seems to be very happy staying in Seoul. He is still very focused on making new music, but it seems that he won't be able to release a new album within the year." The associate added, "Since Seo Taiji has always emphasized the completeness of his music rather than how frequent he releases albums, fans will have to wait a little longer for his 8th album to come out." Since he debuted in 1992 as the frontman for Seo Taiji and Boys, every album that Seo has released has sold over a million copies. Despite the lull in the music market, when Seo Taiji released his 7th album in February 2004, it sold about 480-thousand copies, becoming the best-selling album in Korea that year.
Seo Taiji apologized To His Fans for the 3 year hiatus. He also expressed deep gratitude for their continued supported
14 March 2007 - Seo Taiji to Release New Album
According to a music official in Japan, singer Seo Taiji, who currently resides near Harajuku, has been meeting with local indie bands and discussing potential collaborations.
Seo Taiji has been living in Japan since 2000 but has been coming back often to work on his music. His last album was released in January of 2004 and fans have been enthusiastically awaiting his 8th album, which has been postponed since last year.
Some speculate that Seo will release a new album by the end of the year, but an official said that nothing is certain.
Source: KBS World Radio
21 February 2007
Singer Seo Taiji (35) revealed that today was his birthday, writing "Happy Birthday, Me" on his homepage.
It's been 3 years since Seo Taiji's last solo album and 9 years since his wildly popular group, Seo Taiji and the Boys, broke up.
On his homepage (www.seotaiji.com), he greeted fans and apologized for the 3 year hiatus. He also expressed deep gratitude for their continued supported.
Amid reports that Seo is in the country secretly working on music, fans are eagerly anticipating the possibility of a comeback.
Source: KBS World Radio
credits to livejournal and wikipedia and solid7 forums
PICTURES of Seo Taiji
THE GREATEST!!! ROCK LEGEND
also thanks for photobucket for pictures.
*what?*
his band member TOP..i swear they could be related. 
*from his pv watch out man*
Taiji playing a sitar and learning an Idian dance:
A really good true musician^^;;
even dropping out of high school
it's hott
