'Show Me the Money 12' semifinalists — nine rappers — are drawing attention with increasingly distinct presences as the rounds progress.
Mnet's 'Show Me the Money 12' is now approaching the final gate toward the final: the semifinal. Amid excitement fueled by a record number of about 36,000 applicants, the semifinal top nine have been decided. With only two episodes left before the crowning of the ultimate winner, we take a look at the charms of the nine semifinalists who lit up 'Show Me the Money 12.'
# box-office-proof icons Kim Ha-on, Milli, Trevi
At the center of 'Show Me the Money 12' are box-office-proof icons who
Among the semifinalists, the only female contestant, ▲Milli, who is the first solo Thai artist to perform at Coachella, shows a singular presence. In particular, her stage in the 'Yaksha: Ruthless Operations' 1:1 rank mission surpassed 8.7 million views on TikTok, marking the program's highest view count.
▲Trevi is a performer who drew encores from the producers in the '60-second rap mission,' and with solid rap skills and spirit in every mission, he has established himself as a noteworthy talent. In the main rounds he presented the 'MAMA' stage dedicated to his mother, leaving the memorable line "because she is the woman I love most."
# uprising of newcomers Now I Am Young, Raph Sandu, Jung Jun-hyuk
The new faces' performances are not to be overlooked. Dramatically revived through 'Yaksha: Ruthless Operations,' ▲Now I Am Young is currently the lone survivor of Jay Tong·Hukki Shibaseki's team, showing late-game stamina. He draws attention not only for his skill but also for his visuals, and he has many nicknames such as 'Naam Young.'
▲Raph Sandu is one of the talented contestants showing steady performances. Known to have graduated from a prestigious university, he amused viewers with a unique character who enjoyed it more than anyone when Mason Home and Jeffrey White, members of the same 'Okashi' crew, faced off in a team diss mission. On stage he is also known by the nickname 'Rap Shindu.'
▲Jung Jun-hyuk, a former idol trainee, advanced to the semifinal by showing solid rap skills and well-rounded ability as a performer. He drew attention with a performance imitating an ape in the team diss mission, and in the main round he left a strong impression with the 'DIRT!' stage alongside Raph Sandu and producer Zico.
# this is what a growth character looks like! Kwon O-seon, Mason Home, Jene the Zilla
The performances of growth-oriented characters also attract attention. A former 'High School Rapper 4' contestant, ▲Kwon O-seon went on to 'Rap: Public' and was noticed early despite his young age. With a distinctive tone and rhythmic rap style and an addictive hook, he showed presence in the main rounds and secured his spot in the semifinal.
▲Mason Home is a talented member of the Okashi crew and, along with Now I Am Young, is a protagonist who made a dramatic return in 'Yaksha: Ruthless Operations.' He is rumored to be a versatile idea bank on Gray·Loco's team. In the main rounds he staged 'SKY PASS' with Kwon O-seon and Bobby, earning high praise from the producers for a surprising guitar performance.
▲Jene the Zilla is truly the protagonist of 'perseverance pays off.' He appeared starting in 'Show Me the Money 2' and competed in seasons 3 through 8, and on his eighth attempt in season 12 he succeeded in advancing to the main rounds. He then secured advancement to the semifinal, showing a brilliant growth narrative.
Meanwhile, 'Show Me the Money 12' released its main round tracks at 12 p.m. on the 20th (Friday). Immediately after release, all 10 included songs entered the Melon HOT100 chart, and the released main round stage videos are also drawing attention with their distinct charms. 'Show Me the Money 12' has teased a glamorous semifinal stage next week with an all-time great lineup of features.
'Show Me the Money 12' airs every Thursday at 9:20 p.m. on Mnet and TVING.
[Photo] Provided by Mnet, TVING
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