Mnet's 'Show Me the Money 12' is drawing attention by spotlighting talented rappers ranging from newcomers to named and global artists.
'Show Me the Money 12' ranked first for two consecutive weeks in FUNdex TV institutional sector buzz by Good Data Corporation. It also not only ranked first for two consecutive weeks in same-time-slot ratings (including terrestrial broadcasters) among male and female teens and men in their 20s (AGB Nielsen, paid households in the Seoul metropolitan area), but on TVing, both 'Show Me the Money 12' and "Yaksha: Ruthless Operations" recorded first place for two consecutive weeks in weekend paid subscription contribution, maintaining an unusually intense heat.
At the center of the buzz are rappers who combine skill and charm. One viewing point of this season is that, amid fierce competition that drew a record high of about 36,000 applicants, newcomers, named artists and global rappers alike are all standing out. Here we look at the types of contestants who instantly captured viewers' attention.
▲ The sprint of newcomers, the momentum of new faces is hot
This season the momentum of skilled new rappers is hot. Talented newcomers packed with new individuality and presence have been appearing one after another, to the extent that producers have evaluated it as "a season where newcomers stand out."
Rafsandu of Okashi, recently spotlighted as a hot hip-hop crew, received an "all pass" in the second hellfire '60-second rap mission,' gaining full recognition for their skills. Now I'm Young, who draws attention from Millennials and Gen Z, also stirred producers with hip visuals and a distinctive stage, while Lucy Gang, who melted a new and unique voice into the 60-second stage, OxyNova, who showcased an energetic stage with positive vibes, and Young P씨 Jung Sun-hye also firmly left their marks in the hellfire mission.
Although they have not yet appeared in the '60-second rap mission,' the deployment of formidable newcomers is also awaited. Royal 44 showed an unusual presence with seductive rapping and a unique character in the first-round a cappella rap evaluation, and skilled newcomers Young Blessy and Young Haeri, and Milli Max, who drew high praise from Crush, have also shown a fearsome momentum that raises curiosity about whether they will survive.
▲ Return of the named, the presence of active rappers
Amid the momentum of new rappers, what stands out is the comeback of named rappers who have sharpened their skills. Not only are participants who were active in the 'High School Rapper' and 'Show Me the Money' series attempting a comeback, but skilled named rappers already known in the hip-hop scene are appearing one after another, raising this season's entertainment and tension.
The star drawing explosive views after episode two is Travida. Introducing himself as a "prepared rapper," Travida not only made producers stand up with his skill in the hellfire '60-second rap mission,' but also delivered an encore-level stage that instantly revealed a monstrous presence. Viceversa, who delivered manic rapping, also accurately targeted the producers' hearts and preserved the necklace with an "all pass."
Also impossible to omit is Kim Ha-on, the 'High School Rapper 2' winner who caused a stir from his appearance. Receiving the rave praise "he's just a natural" from producer Crush, what he will show in the '60-second rap mission' is also a matter of acute interest. Along with 'High School Rapper 4' alumnus Kwon O-seon, named rappers whose return to 'Show Me the Money' has been announced include Coogie Panda, Zender Zilla, and Fleeky Bang, whose activities are drawing expectations.
▲ Is the lineup real? a barrage of worldwide global rappers
One unmissable spectacle this season is that the spectrum of participants has broadened thanks to the global preliminaries. Announcements of candidacies by worldwide global rappers from 32 regions around the world have followed.
Especially attention-grabbing is the continued appearance of global stars that make viewers question their eyes. Milli, the first solo Thai artist to perform at Coachella, left a strong impression from her appearance with hip-soulful, smooth skills. Red Eye, a rising star in Japanese hip-hop who gave producer Zico goosebumps with exceptional rap skills, JB, who showed a flow befitting a Hong Kong hip-hop legend, Cooper Family from Brooklyn, New York, DoubleDown and Flowsik also proved their global strength and were listed among first-round preliminary survivors.
Global contestants who instantly revealed star power on the hellfire stage also raised expectations. Canadian-born Jung Joon-hyuk produced his own beats and infused a genius concept into each stage, receiving an all pass, and DKAY also received an all pass amid Park Jae-beom's high praise, protecting his necklace in the hellfire. Japanese rapper Still J.Cark also became an all-pass recipient, leaving a strong impression.
Amid the activities of distinctive skilled rappers, 'Show Me the Money 12' is heightening anticipation by previewing the unfinished hellfire 60-second rap mission along with the 1:1 class mission. On TVing's "Yaksha: Ruthless Operations," which takes a parallel-world structure to 'Show Me the Money 12,' Untel-Kambo-SUEN became the final three survivors, but the dramatic revival of Microdot, who was immediately eliminated in the second preliminary, is foreshadowed, adding to the curiosity.
'Show Me the Money 12' airs every Thursday at 9:20 p.m. on Mnet and TVing. The TVing original "Yaksha: Ruthless Operations" is released exclusively on TVing every Saturday at noon, two days after the main broadcast.
[Photos] Mnet, TVing
[OSEN]