Photos by Andre Drilon and Yinukhi Yeo
We admit it: Since we don’t speak nor understand Korean (our love for Korean TV shows and KPOP unfortunately isn’t enough), we might be missing out when we listen to JGP$, FKA Israel Noel of local hip-hop outfit Pushtrak. The South Korean native currently studying in De La Salle-College of St. Benilde raps in pure Korean, but that doesn’t stop us from bobbing our head and spazzing out to his music. His cadence rides the beat like an easy wave, and his choice of beats are ace.
There are two reasons why we find JGP$ interesting beyond his rapping skills: 1) his personal sense of style (there’s a reason why he’s a Fashion Design student), and 2) his name (“The letter ‘J’ stands for Jesus and GPS stands for ‘Global Positioning System’. So wherever i go, I represent Jesus,” he says in an online interview. Wow.)
Music is a language in itself, so we ask JGP$ to share some of his favorite tracks to know him a bit more for this week’s Scout Friday Picks. Here they are:
1. Donnie Trumpet & The Social Experiment – “Sunday Candy”
“Black gospel musical theme and hip-hop vibes mixed together.“
2. Towkio – “Heaven Only Knows” (ft. Chance The Rapper, Lido & Eryn Allen Kane)
“This song is more alternative. If you want trendy, go and listen.”
3. Vic Mensa – “Lovely Day”
“Fresh off Vic Mensa’s Innanetape, this song is perfect when getting your morning coffee.”
4. Joey Purp – “Winners Circle” (ft. Vic Mensa)
“A Joey Purp original, this song speaks truthfulness”
5. Smino – “Flea Flicka” (ft. Bari)
“Flea Flicka is a track from Smino’s 2017 album, Blkswn. New to the scene, Smino is the hip-hop’s new “scary man”.
6. GoldLink – “Roll Call” (ft. Mya)
“From his 2017 album, At What Cost.”
7. Raury – “Devil’s Whisper”
“Pure genius. His album throws in a mix of country, indie, soul and trap.”
8. HYUKOH – “TOMBOY”
“HYUKOH is a Korean singer, lyricist and artist – one who changed the K-POP image.”
9. Mac Miller – “Dang” (ft. Anderson .Paak)
“Everyone knows Mac Miller. Other than being Ariana Grande’s boyfriend, his music is amazing!”
10. NxWorries – “Suede” (ft. Anderson .Paak & Knxwledge)
“Anderson .Paak – keeps on hustlin’ for his music in this scene.”
Listen to his music here: