High School Rapper () is a South Korean survival hip-hop TV show, known as a students of high school counterpart of Show Me The Money and Unpretty Rapstar.
About
A hip-hop league tailored for students is available at free of admission. It's showcased on the Korean television music channel, "MNET," which stands for Music Network. The program debuted on MNET at 11 PM starting from February 10 to March 31, 2017. Each season comprises 8 episodes. The most recent Season 4 attracted 12,000 applicants nationwide, featuring a notable lineup of producers serving as mentors to evaluate and guide the contestants.
Structure
An audition program focusing on hip-hop. The program announces its application date through social media channels, and applicants are required to submit their auditions via YouTube videos, showcasing their rap skills online.
Stage 1: Preliminary Round
High school students from each of the six regional areas participate in solo performances. Mentors score each performance, determining whether the student advances or is eliminated. Students are expected to memorize their lyrics, perform without mistakes, and deliver their best performance.
Stage 2: Cypher Battle
Students who receive similar scores engage in cypher battles, competing against students from other regional schools of the same grade level (e.g., freshmen versus freshmen). Participants perform under randomly selected beats, improvising lyrics for their rap.
Stage 3: 1 vs 1
Students engage in one-on-one rap battles. Mentors determine the winner, and the loser is eliminated from the competition.
Final
Remaining students collaborate on a performance using a beat provided by the mentor. Students also have the option to feature another performer of their choice, provided both parties agree.
Seasons Season 1 (2017)
Mentors NameNote(s)Mad ClownFor contestants from Gangdong District, Seoul Record Label: Soul Company, Starship Entertainment, Sameside CompanyGiriboy For contestants from Gangseo District, Seoul Record Label: I4P (CEO), Standard Friends, Wedaplugg Records, BuckWild, Do'main, Truck so big, WYBHXitsuhFor contestants from the east sides of Gyeonggi Province and Incheon Record Label: K-Tigers E&C, DR Music, ISITSwingsFor contestants from the west sides of Gyeonggi Province and Incheon Record Label: JUST MUSIC (CEO), Indigo (CEO), WEDAPLUGG RECORDS (CEO), Mine Field (CEO), P NATION (CEO), OVERCLASSJessiFor contestants from Gwangju, North Jeolla Province and South Jeolla Province Record Label: YMC Entertainment, P NATION, MORE VISIONYDG aka. (YDG) 梁東根For contestants from Gwangju, North Jeolla Province and South Jeolla Province Record Label: JOE EntertainmentDeepflow aka. (639) POLA SNOWFor contestants from Busan, North Gyeongsang Province and South Gyeongsang Province Record Label: Big Deal Records, Big Deal Squads, Vismajor Company, JiggyFellaz, Vismajor Crew, The Bold Crew (), 119Tiger JK aka. DRUKKEN TIGERSpecial judge for the Finals Record Label: FEELGHOOD Music CREW: DRUNKEN TIGER, MFBTY
Finalists RankNameRapper Name1stYang Hong-wonYoung B2ndChoi Ha-minOsshun Gum3rdJo Won-wooH2ADIN4thKim Sun-jaesnzae5thLee Dong-minIce Puff6thKim Kyu-heonhunnyhunna7thMark (NCT) WINNER: YOUNG B
Young B (), born on January 12, 1999, attended Munjeong High School and secured the first title in season 1 of High School Rapper. He is affiliated with Indigo Music, owned by Swings (also known as Moon Swings) and D.O.G Entertainment label. Young B gained recognition after debuting in 2015 on SHOW ME THE MONEY 4. He is a member of the hip-hop crew DiCKIDS, composed of high school students, which enjoys widespread popularity among Korean schools. One of his notable singles is "In the Morning," contributing to his ongoing prominence in the Korean hip-hop scene.
Season 2 (2018)
Mentors Name(s)GroovyRoomRhythm Power (Hangzoo, Boi B)San E, CheetahDeepflow
Finalists RankNameRapper Name1stKim Ha-onHaon2ndLee Byeong-jaeVinxen3rdLee Yeon-seo/Lee Ro-hanWebster B/Rohann4thYoon Jin-youngClloud/Ash Island5thJo Won-wooH2ADIN
WINNER: HAON
HAON (), born on July 7, 2000, attended Pangok High School. He is associated with the KC entertainment label, owned by Sik-K (). HAON made his debut in 2018 with the single 'LOVE! DANCE!'. He is well-regarded for his distinctive pronunciation, voice, and flow, which have garnered widespread public appeal. His notable strengths lie in his lyric writing and rapping abilities, and he is known to have an interest in meditation.
Season 3 (2019)
Mentors Name(s)Giriboy, Kid MilliRhythm Power (Hangzoo, Boi B)The Quiett, Code KunstGroovyRoom
Finalists RankNameRapper Name1stLee Young-ji2ndKang Min-sooAQUINAS3rdChoi Jin-hoBlueWhale4thLee Jin-woo$IGA A5thKwon Young-hoonTANGTHEAWESOME6thYang Seung-hoSokodomo
WINNER: LEE YOUNG JI
LEE YOUNG JI (), born on September 10, 2002, attended Sinseo High School. She is affiliated with the MAINSTREAM label. Young Ji made her debut in 2019 with the single "Dark Room" (). She achieved victory in both High School Rapper season 3 and SHOW ME THE MONEY season 11. Known by the nickname "K-CULTURE PRESIDENT," Young Ji is recognized for her humor and has appeared in numerous entertainment programs, including Running Man and "차린건 쥐뿔도 없지만" on YouTube. She is renowned for her unique, low-toned voice, which is distinct within the Korean hip-hop culture.
Season 4 (2021)
Mentors TeamMentorsDaytona EntertainmentThe Quiett, YumddaH1ghr MusicJay Park, pH-1, WoogieAOMGSimon Dominic, LocoAmbition MusikChangmo, Way Ched
Finalists RankNameRapper Name1stLee Seung-hoonTrade L2ndNoh Yoon-haJAM1E3rdKim Woo-rimD.Ark4thPark Hyeon-jin5thLee Sang-jaeLil Nekh/Touch the Sky WINNER: TRADE L
LEE SEUNG HOON (), born on July 21, 2004, attended Kwonsun High School. He is associated with H1GHR MUSIC, owned by J PARK. Trade L debuted in 2019 and is recognized for his strong rapping skills. While his rapping style is still evolving, Trade L is known for his focus on R&B-based and melodic music.
References
External links School Rapper School Rapper 2 School Rapper 3