Nucksal is all about the now. Regardless of the past and what lies in the future, the most important moment is the present, and the famed Korean rapper is living every second to its fullest, taking life day by day. It’s the very philosophy that’s made one of the country’s most prominent hip-hop acts. 

Nucksal’s love for music found him quite naturally, having been surrounded by brothers and friends who shared a similar liking to hip-hop and rap. Inspired by the greats that came before him like the US’ Common and Korea’s Dynamic Duo, the ‘ONE MIC’ act wants his music to elicit emotions from his listeners. 

“I want to give strength to the listeners and I want to convey the feeling that they’re not alone,” Nucksal shared with Bandwagon. “I listened to a lot of music by Dynamic Duo and Common. When I make a song, I still worry about ‘Is there any feeling that is conveyed like when I listen to their music?’”

 

 

 

 

 

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Nucksal’s musical career started as part of the duo Future Heaven where he made a name for himself in Korea’s underground hip-hop scene. In 2017, he joined the rap competition show Show Me The Money 6 which further launched his career. 

From there, Nucksal has grown to be one of the most exciting artists in the country and has worked on several hit tracks including ‘BAD TRIP’, and even released his acclaimed record, 1Q87. 

“The only way [to stand out from the crowd] is to express what you want to say and the sound you want to express.”

Through the years, Nucksal has even judged various rap reality competitions, mentoring a new generation of rappers. When he asked what he thinks of Korea’s hip-hop scene today, the ‘Nuckle Flow’ act said, “Some songs can’t be done without that voice, so I think the working environment is better than the musical development.”

Nucksal even shared that fans should look out for up-and-coming acts like oygli who is on his way to taking over the world.

 

 

 

 

 

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Most recently, the rapper teamed up with CADEJO for their joint album, Sincerely Yours. The record brings together Nucksal’s sharp verses and eccentric flow and the indie band’s emotional melodies and spontaneous groove seamlessly, mirroring their creative process. 

“When CADEJO plays, I think of the lyrics. When I talk about the atmosphere or the idea, I play it, and I work with the theme coming up in the jam performance of the CADEJO,” shared Nucksal. 

“I came up with an idea about the album. I thought it would be great if CADEJO made the lyrics of the album together, and while working together, I learned a lot not only about the results but also how to approach music.”

Sincerely Yours comes as the pair’s latest collaboration following the release of ‘AKIRA’ in 2020, as part of Nucksal’s 1Q87. 

While Nucksal has a lot of things in store for the coming months, including live performances with CADEJO, the rapper is still taking things as they come. It’s gotten him this far and it’s sure to take even further. 

“My goal is just eating and living happily while doing music, with doing music,” he said. 

Listen to Nucksal and CADEJO's collaborative album, Sincerely Yours here.