Since June 30th, rapper Sleepy had been posting teasers for a new project on Instagram. That new project was soon revealed to be a digital single called “Grandeur” with a music video released on July 13th at 6 p.m. KST, featuring fellow rappers, Bang Yongguk, DinDin, and Mommy Son!
Hannam Gang
The Hannam Gang mainly consists of Untouchable‘s Sleepy, B.A.P‘s leader Bang Yongguk, and solo rapper and tv personality, DinDin. After releasing the vengeful “Trouble” in 2019 and “JusticE” in 2020, they’ve come together for another hit to show that their presence and teamwork is a force to be reckoned with
“Grandeur”
As the main symbol is the Hyundai Grandeur, the song opens with melodic flutes that quickly change into a dizzying spiral sound as they draw the listener in with shifting speed and chords throughout the piece. Gearing up into the start of the song, the backtrack literally revs up for the first big drop with a spoiler of Bang Yongguk’s distorted monster voice.
The artists play confidently with their lyrics and a bouncy hip hop beat that occasionally cuts out to give the vocals time to shine. Sleepy slams into the first verse and owns the song by masterfully changing his vocals partway from energetic shout rapping and stepping down an octave to what sounds like if a buzzing tattoo pen could rap: poignant and piercing.
Despite the luxurious setting, the lyrics reveal a totally different message. Sleepy raps about his struggles, the fakeness and evils of the industry, how he is finally doing alright thanks to his friends, and finding his own happiness.
The track slides into the chorus with melodic synths and an oh-so-missed iconic voice creeps into the top-line. A B-roll of the zooming car cuts to Bang Yongguk, looking dressed to kill, as he punches into his powerful verse. There is one visually-stunning edit where Bang Yongguk growls “Vroom vroom” and the car is bucking in time, adding to theme of these artists holding on to their power and control.
His verse restates the message about the greediness of people and entertainment companies that hold power over others. He scolds those who copy him and take credit for his concepts, even when he helped them to succeed. With Yongguk’s last line, he drops to an impossibly low and raspy level of sound. Babyz know well that Bang Yongguk’s voice sinks into your soul and makes you shake from within. As the CEO of Consent Media, he lets everyone know he is truly the boss now.
Switch It Up
For DinDin and Mommy Son’s verses, it almost feels like a completely a different song. The previous color scheme of blue, pink, and red changes into green as the tenor rapper changes it up and slows it down to an early 2000’s hip-hop-styled throwback. One can’t help but bob their head to the retro beat and synths and loud snares.
DinDin pays his respects to his past and Sleepy for working so hard to get where he is now. He also questions loyalties in the industry and warns people that he is too smart to be deceived.
For the last verse, Mommy Son slides in right as DinDin ends his bit, bathed in purple light, and decked in his signature hot pink ski mask. His verse is like venom and fire and the music drops into the background so that his voice is the main focus.
He tells a story about a time when a rich kid bullied him and calls him out to see how well he is doing now. He praises Sleepy for his humbleness and the positive influence he has had in his life. The video ends with the retro track playing in the back as the Hannam Gang cruise around Hannam.
Credits
The track was written by the four artists while Coup d’ Etat composed, arranged, recorded, and mixed the track at HANNAMGANG Studio. Meanwhile, the Drums, Bass, and Synth were contributed by Kim Yoon Myeong and was mastered at prominent recording studio, 821 Sound.
Are you looking forward to more bangers from the Hannam Gang?Let us know your thoughts by tweeting to us @whatthekpop1 or leaving us a comment on Facebook and Instagram!
AMP_POWER is an Asian culture enthusiast from the US who enjoys having discussions with fellow fans about the industry and newcomers who are interested in broadening their horizons and expanding their taste in music. Having lived in Asia for a few years, she would be overjoyed to grab a cup of tea and sit down with you to tell of her cherished adventures. Art is her Life.
MEDIA: Positive Vibes Only, Instagram