| Psy | |
|---|---|
| |
| Solo artist | |
| Born | Park Jae-sang (박재상) December 31, 1977 South Korea |
| Labels | YG Entertainment (2010–present) YGEX (2011–present) Universal Republic (2012–present) |
| Active | 2000–present |
| Fanclub | Psycho |
| Fancolor | Black |
Psy is a South Korean rapper signed to YG Entertainment. He operated independently from 2000 to 2010, releasing four albums during that time. Since his signing, he has released two more albums and a viral video.
Life and career[]
Early life[]
Psy was born in South Korea on December 31, 1977. For his college education, he attended Boston University and Berklee College of Music in the United States.
2000–2009: Independent music releases[]
In 2000, Psy began his music career by releasing the single "Bird". This was followed by his debut album, Psy from the Psycho World!. During this time, the fanclub name, Psycho, was developed from the album's title. This album was followed by three singles in 2002 and a second album: Ssa 2. A third album, 3 Psy, was also released the same year.
The third album was followed by a four year musical hiatus which culminated in a new album and group of singles in 2006. The album, titled Ssa Jip, was topped by a performance with Kpop superstar Hyori. Following this release, Psy once again went on a four year musical hiatus.
2010–present: Signing with YG Entertainment[]
Psy's 2010 comeback initiated with his departure from independently released music to major Kpop Big 3 label YG Entertainment. His comeback single, "In My Eyes", was released October 11, and was followed by "Thank You" three days later. Both singles charted within the top twenty on the Gaon Chart. Psy Five, his fifth album was released on October 20, and went on to sell just below 19,000 copies by the end of 2010. It was anchored by promotion-only song "Right Now", which peaked at number four.
Promotional image for Psy Best Sixth Part 1 from the set of "Gangnam Style"
Psy made a return to the music scene in 2012 with non-album release singles during the beginning of summer. First, he released the live version of "Father" as a digital single in May, followed by Korean Olympic theme song "Korea" in late June. Both were met with fairly moderate success.
His real success was found, however, with the release of "Gangnam Style" and corresponding album, Psy Best Sixth Part 1. Following the release of the song in South Korea, in which the song stayed number one for four weeks, the music video went viral worldwide. "Gangnam Style" caught the attention of musical artists and major news agencies such as Josh Groban, T-Pain, Katy Perry, Nelly Furtado, CNN, and ABC News. The album, backed by the success of the lead promotion-only song, went on to sell 50,000 copies. "Gangnam Style" has sold over 2.5 million copies in South Korea as well, in addition to non-single released songs on the album receiving increased commercial success as compared to Psy Five.
"Gangnam Style" proved to be an international success for Psy. After the video went viral on YouTube, the song charted in many international countries. In Denmark, the song reached number one, the first international number one for the rapper. Psy also became the third native South Korean artist to chart on the Billboard Hot 100, after Kim Bum Soo and the Wonder Girls.
2012 also marked Psy's debut as a judge on popular television show Superstar K4.
Artistry[]
Music[]
Psy's music is predominately rap, but also heavily influenced by electro and rock. "Gangnam Style", Psy's most successful song to date, draws heavily upon electronic influence inflected with rap. Much of Psy's music is satirical and reminiscent of social commentary. In "Gangnam Style", he parodies the superficial attitude of many who attempt to be wealthy in South Korea.
Discography[]
- Main article: Psy discography
- Psy from the Psycho World!
- Ssa 2
- 3 Psy
- Ssa Jip
- Psy Five
- Psy Best Sixth Part 1
Awards[]
- Main article: List of awards and nominations received by Psy
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