1. Overview
Jo Gwang-il (조광일Jo Gwang-ilKorean) is a prominent South Korean rapper and songwriter known for his distinctive fast-paced rap style, characterized by the impactful use of Korean plosive sounds. He officially debuted in 2019 with the single "Grow Back" and gained significant attention in 2020 with his breakout track "Acrobat". His career reached a new height in 2021 when he emerged as the winner of Show Me the Money 10, a popular South Korean rap competition television show. Following his victory, Jo Gwang-il demonstrated his commitment to social welfare by donating his prize money to Holt International Children's Services.
2. Early life and education
Jo Gwang-il's formative years were marked by a shift in aspirations, leading him from a potential gaming career to the world of music.
2.1. Childhood and background
Jo Gwang-il was born on September 12, 1996, in Nam-gu, Gwangju, South Korea. During his childhood, he initially harbored a strong desire to become a professional StarCraft gamer. However, his plans for a gaming career were disrupted when the game company unexpectedly ceased its service, leading him to explore other interests.
2.2. Education
He completed his formal education at Jeonnam Technical High School, where he graduated before fully dedicating himself to his musical pursuits.
2.3. Start of musical activities
Following the unexpected end of his gaming aspirations, Jo Gwang-il turned his attention towards music. He began rapping at the age of 17, marking the initial steps of his journey into the music industry.
3. Career
Jo Gwang-il's career progression saw him rise from a debut artist to a national rap champion, marked by significant releases and a high-profile competition victory.
3.1. Debut and notable singles
In 2019, Jo Gwang-il officially debuted with the release of his single "Grow Back". The following year, in April 2020, he released his breakout single, "Acrobat" (곡예사GogyesaKorean), which garnered widespread attention. The song achieved commercial success, peaking at number 18 on the Gaon Singing Room Chart, and its accompanying music video accumulated over 10 million views on YouTube. "Acrobat" also received critical acclaim from music critics and was recognized with a nomination for Hip-hop Track of the Year at the prestigious Korean Hip-hop Awards. In October 2020, he released his debut studio album, Dark Adaptation.
3.2. Show Me the Money 10
In 2021, Jo Gwang-il participated in Show Me the Money 10, a highly popular rap competition television show in South Korea. Throughout the competition, he showcased his unique fast-rap style and lyrical prowess, ultimately winning the season. His victory on the show significantly elevated his profile and solidified his position in the Korean hip-hop scene.
4. Discography
Jo Gwang-il has released several studio albums, EPs, and numerous singles throughout his career.
4.1. Studio albums
| Title | Details | Peak chart position |
|---|---|---|
| KOR | ||
| Dark Adaptation (암순응AmsuneungKorean) |
>64 | |
| Gwangsunheung (광순응GwangsunheungKorean) |
> |
4.2. EPs
| Title | Details | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New World (신세계SinsegyeKorean) (with Brown Tigger) |
>- | Metamorphosis (변태ByeontaeKorean) |
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| Title | Year | Peak | Album |
|---|---|---|---|
| KOR | |||
| "Grow Back" | 2019 | - | Non-album single |
| "Acrobat" (곡예사GogyesaKorean) | 2020 | - (peaked at 8 on Gaon Singing Room Chart) | |
| "THC" (with Brown Tigger) | - | New World | |
| "Korea" (한국HangukKorean) | - | Dark Adaptation | |
| "Layoff" (정리해고JeongnihaegoKorean) (with Basick) | - | Non-album single | |
| "Raw" (with Brown Tigger) (featuring Kim Seung-min) | - | New World | |
| "Memoirs" (회상록HoesangnokKorean) | - | Dark Adaptation | |
| "Depersonalization" (이인증IinjeungKorean) | 2021 | - | Non-album single |
| "4HC" (with Brown Tigger, Walo, and Yonge Jaundice) | - | ||
| "Rambo" (람보RamboKorean) | - | ||
| "Let's Disco Dance" (디스코나 출래Diseukona chullaeKorean) | - | ||
| "Anarchy Freestyle" (난세 FreestyleNanse FreestyleKorean) (featuring Boi B, Sikboy, Bruno Champman, Brown Tigger, Yonge Jaundice, Hangzoo and Walo) | - | ||
| "Perfect" (퍼펙트PeopekteuKorean) (featuring Brown Tigger) | - | ||
| "Wake Up" (with Gaeko, Ourealgoat, Since, Ahn Byeong-woong and Tabber) | 3 | Show Me the Money 10 Episode 1 | |
| "Thorn" (가시GasiKorean) (with Gaeko and Justhis) | 22 | Show Me the Money 10 Episode 2 | |
| "Waterbomb" (호우주의HoujuuiKorean) (featuring Gaeko and Nucksal) | 14 | Show Me the Money 10 Semi Final | |
| "Garion" (가리온GarionKorean) (featuring Dynamic Duo) | 49 | Show Me the Money 10 Final | |
| "Journey" (쿠키영상KukiyeongsangKorean) (featuring Ailee, Hangzoo and Gaeko) | 101 | ||
| "Mansae" (만세MansaeKorean) | 2022 | - | Non-album single |
| "On and On" (거듭해GeodeupaeKorean) (featuring Fana) | - | ||
| "Break the Line" (featuring Brown Tigger) | - | ||
| "Compensation" (깽값KkaenggapKorean) (featuring Gaeko) | - | ||
| "Ghost Buster" | - | Café Minamdang |
5. Filmography
Jo Gwang-il has made notable appearances in television, particularly in rap competition programs.
5.1. Television
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Show Me the Money 10 | Contestant (Winner) |
6. Philanthropy
Jo Gwang-il has demonstrated a commitment to social responsibility through his charitable contributions.
6.1. Donation of prize money
Following his victory on Show Me the Money 10 in 2021, Jo Gwang-il generously donated his entire prize money to Holt International Children's Services, an organization dedicated to finding families for orphaned and vulnerable children worldwide. This act of philanthropy highlighted his dedication beyond his musical career.
7. Awards and nominations
Jo Gwang-il has received recognition for his contributions to the hip-hop genre, including nominations at major industry awards.
7.1. Major awards and nominations
| Award | Year | Nominee | Category | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Korean Hip-hop Awards | 2021 | Himself | New Artist of the Year | Nominated |
| "Acrobat" | Hip-hop Track of the Year | |||
| "Acrobat Remix" | Collaboration of the Year |