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Brand New Music

Brand New Music (, also stylized as BrandNew Music and initialized as BNM) is a South Korean hip hop company founded in 2011 by rapper Rhymer (rapper).[1]

History

2003–2012: Founding and first-generation artists

Kim Se-hwan, known as Rhymer, founded the record label IC Entertainment in 2003 after having failed to establish a career as a rapper since his debut in 1995.[1][2] The label later changed its name to Brand New Production.[3] In 2009, Brand New Production merged with Future Flow, a record label owned by rapper and producer Cho PD. The combined company was named Brand New Stardom.[1][3]

Brand New Stardom split into two companies in 2011, with Cho PD founding Stardom Entertainment and Rhymer founding Brand New Music. Artists Verbal Jint, Tae Hye Young, BNR, Keeproots, A-Man, and Miss S followed Rhymer to the new label.[1][3]

Following the split of Brand New Stardom in 2011, the newly founded Stardom Entertainment sued Brand New Music, saying that Oh Yoo-mi, a member of Miss S, was still contracted with Stardom. According to Brand New Music, the two companies had previously agreed that "neither company would restrict Miss $'s movement."[4]

Brand New Music released its first label collaboration, "Happy Brand New Year," at the end of 2012. Artists Verbal Jint, Phantom, As One, Miss S, Swings, Shijin, and Bumkey all contributed to the single.[5] It reached #24 on Korea's Gaon Digital Chart.[6]

2013–2016: second-generation artists

In January 2013, Brand New Music launched its own Internet show, Brand New Live.[7] That summer, rapper San E left major music label JYP Entertainment and joined Brand New Music.[8] He has since become one of the most awarded artists in the label and one of the most successful rappers in Korean mainstream media.[9][10]

In early 2014, the label released its second collaboration, "You Make Me Feel Brand New", featuring Verbal Jint, San. E, Bumkey, Kanto, Swings and Phantom. The song samples the 1974 American soul hit song of the same name by The Stylistics.[11] The single reached #13 on the Gaon Digital Chart.[12] Later that year, R&B singer C-Luv (now known as Taewan) joined the label, having debuted ten years prior under Rhymer's Brand New Production label.[13] A few months later, rapper Swings left the label to focus on his own record label, Just Music Entertainment.[14] In December, the label released "Brand New Day," its third collaboration, which featured Verbal Jint, San E, Phantom, As One, P-Type, Taewan, Kang Min-hee (of Miss $), Kanto, Champagne & Candle, Yang Da-il and DJ IT.[15] The song reached #30 on the Gaon Digital Chart.[16] The year ended with Bumkey of the group Troy being indicted for dealing illegal drugs. Bumkey denied the allegations and was found not guilty in a trial the following year.[17][18]

Several artists joined Brand New Music in 2015, including Eluphant, Gree, Pretty Brown, and Unpretty Rapstar 2 contestant KittiB.[19][20][21][22] Brand New Music released its fourth label collaboration, "Heat It Up" in December. The song featured San E, Verbal Jint, Bumkey, Hanhae, Kanto, Kang Min-hee, Yang Da-il and Candle.[23]

2016 saw new additions to the label including the Esbee, Chancellor, and actor Yang Dong-geun who raps under the name YDG.[24][25][26]

2017–present: Sub-label and new generation artists

In 2017, Brand New Music launched its indie sub-label "Korean Roulette", led by Kiggen as president. The first act to sign under it was the duo SBGB.[27] In July 2017, Brand New formed a duo MXM.[28]

On May 22, 2019, Brand New debuted their first idol group AB6IX, with Lee Dae-hwi, Park Woo-jin, Kim Dong-hyun and Jeon Woong among the members.[29] On October 29, Brand New debuted BDC.[30] On December 26, Han Dong-geun signed an exclusive contract with the company.[31]

On August 31, 2020, artist Lee Eun-sang, formerly of X1, made his solo debut.[32]

On April 20, 2022, Brand New debuted their third boy group Younite.[33]

Artists

Soloists

Groups

Producers

  • Bumkey (since 2013)[34]
  • DJ It
  • DJ Juice
  • Gree (since 2014)[35]
  • Hanhae (since 2011)[36]
  • Lee Eun-sang (since 2019)[37]
  • Muzie (since 2023)[38]
  • Rhymer (since 2011)[1]
  • Taewan (since 2014)[39]
  • Verbal Jint (since 2011)[1]
  • Vincent Blue (since 2019)[40]
  • AB6IX
  • As One
  • Eluphant
  • Younite
  • 9999
  • Dong Ne-hyeong
  • LISHBEATS
  • MasterKey
  • NOMAD
  • On The Road
  • Won Young-heon
  • XEPY
  • Yellow Willow

Former artists

Soloists

Groups

Members of current groups

  • Bizniz
  • Esna (2019)
  • Chancellor (2016–2018)[41]
  • Esbee
  • Han Dong-geun (2019–2024)
  • Henney
  • J'Kyun (2011–2014)
  • Kang Min-hee
  • Kang So-yeon
  • Kanto (2014–2023)
  • Kiggen (2011–2018)
  • KittiB (2015–2020)
  • Lee Kang
  • P-Type (2011–2017)
  • Rudals (2015–2022)[42]
  • San E (2013–2018)
  • Sanchez (2011–2018)[43]
  • Swings (2013–2014)
  • Yang Da-il (2014–2025)
  • Yang Dong-geun
  • Yenjamin (2018–2022)
  • Yo Da-young
  • BDC (2019–2023)[44]
  • Miss S
  • MXM (2017–2018)
  • Phantom (2011–2017)[45] (co-produced with RBW)
  • Pretty Brown (2015–2017) (co-produced with ROOFTOP Company)
  • Troy (2014–2017)
  • Hyeunseung (Younite, 2022–2024)
  • Lee Min (As One, 2012–2025)
  • Lim Young-min (MXM and AB6IX, 2017–2020)

Discography

Concerts

  • Brand New Year 2015 (December 12, 2015)
  • Brand New World Seoul (September 22, 2017)
  • Brand New Year 2017 Brand New Season (December 22, 2017)

See also

External links

References

  1. Dong-jin Um. Rhymer finds success after years of struggle JoongAng Ilbo, 4 May 2015, retrieved 6 July 2017^
  2. Rhymer Brand New Music, retrieved 31 March 2016^
  3. South Korean Rappers Verbal Jint And San E Plan Tokyo Showcase Concert For Next Month KpopStarz, 20 October 2015, retrieved 31 March 2016^
  4. Stardom Entertainment files lawsuit against Brand New Music over Miss $'s new single Allkpop, 27 September 2012, retrieved 6 July 2017^
  5. Brand New Music releases "Happy Brand New Year" MV Allkpop, 5 December 2012, retrieved 31 March 2016^
  6. 2012년 50주차 Digital Chart Gaon Chart, Korea Music Content Industry Association, retrieved 31 March 2016^
  7. Brand New Music launches the first episode of their reality series 'Brand New LIVE' Allkpop, January 31, 2013, retrieved September 20, 2013^
  8. San E signs with Brand New Music after parting ways with JYPE + releases "Rap Circus" MV Allkpop, June 3, 2013, retrieved 31 March 2016^
  9. EXCLUSIVE: Hip hop getting more popular in Korea – San E The Manila Bulletin, February 13, 2016, retrieved 31 March 2016^
  10. San E and Raina achieve an all-kill with 'A Midsummer Night's Sweetness' Allkpop, June 12, 2014, retrieved 31 March 2016^
  11. Verbal Jint, Phantom, San E, and Other Makes Us Feels "Feel BRAND NEW" in New MV Soompi, January 13, 2014, retrieved 31 March 2016^
  12. Digital Chart, January 19-25, 2014 Gaon, retrieved 31 March 2016^
  13. C-Luv Joins Brand New Entertainment with Verbal Jint, San E, and Bumkey KpopStarz, April 8, 2014, retrieved April 4, 2016^
  14. Swings Leaves Brand New Music to Focus on His Own Agency Just Music Soompi, 29 August 2014, retrieved 31 March 2016^
  15. Editor's Pick: On 'Brand New Day' Verbal Jint And San E Join Forces With Their Labelmates To Create Greatness KpopStarz, 5 December 2014, retrieved 31 March 2016^
  16. Digital Chart, December 14-20,2016 Gaon, retrieved 31 March 2016^
  17. Bumkey under suspicion of allegedly aiding in drug dealing + agency to issue official statement Allkpop, December 10, 2014, retrieved 31 March 2016^
  18. Bumkey Ruled Not Guilty on Drug Dealing and Administering Charges Soompi, April 19, 2015, retrieved 31 March 2016^
  19. Hip-Hop Duo Eluphant Officially Joins Record Label Brand New Music KpopStarz, January 16, 2015, retrieved April 4, 2016^
  20. Kim Gu Ra's son Kim Dong Hyun to debut in the first half of this year as 'GREE' under Brand New Music Allkpop, 25 February 2015, retrieved April 4, 2016^
  21. Pretty Brown (프리티브라운) KBS World Radio, retrieved 2 April 2016^
  22. Unpretty Rapstar 2 contestant KittiB signs with Brand New Music Hip Hop Kr, 17 November 2015, retrieved November 17, 2015^
  23. Brand New Music's artists incl. San E, Verbal Jint and more 'Heat It Up' in new MV Allkpop, 8 December 2015, retrieved 4 April 2015^
  24. Check out Esbee's MV for 'I Just Wanna Sing' feat. Hanhae! Allkpop, 16 February 2016, retrieved 30 March 2016^
  25. Chancellor, Formerly Known As One Way Chance, Joins BRAND NEW MUSIC Koreaboo, 24 March 2016, retrieved 24 March 2016^
  26. Yang Dong Geun joins BrandNew Music for his activities as a rapper Koreaboo, 6 March 2016, retrieved 30 March 2016^
  27. 키겐, 팬텀의 리더에서 코리안룰렛 대표로(인터뷰②) 11 March 2017, retrieved 2017-04-03^
  28. Mi-ji Kim. https://www.xportsnews.com/?ac=article_view&entry_id=872621 Xsportsmedia, 2017-07-13, retrieved 2017-07-28^
  29. AB6IX, 5월 22일 올림픽홀서 데뷔 앨범 쇼케이스 개최(공식)^
  30. BDC "그룹명은 'BOYS DA CAPO' 약자, 초심 잃지 않겠다는 포부 담아" Joongbu Ilbo, 2019-11-07, retrieved 2019-12-25^
  31. 한동근, 브랜뉴뮤직 전속계약…"데뷔 때 인연으로" [공식] Sports Donga, Naver, 2019-12-26, retrieved 2019-12-25^
  32. Seo-yeon Park. 이은상, 첫 솔로 앨범 '뷰티풀 스카' 오늘(31일) 발매..화려한 솔로 데뷔(일문일답) Herald Pop, Naver, August 31, 2020, retrieved 2020-09-03^
  33. '브랜뉴뮤직 신인' 유나이트, 4월 20일 데뷔 확정..화려한 출격 [공식] OSEN, Naver, 2022-03-18, retrieved 2022-03-18^
  34. 범키, 전직 CIA인 매형과 인증샷 '미드급 인맥' OSEN, 2013-05-30, retrieved 2025-10-22^
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  38. 뮤지, 브랜드뮤직과 전속계약…"라이머와 신뢰 바탕" Top Star News, 2023-04-25, retrieved 2025-10-22^
  39. 태완, 8년 만에 가요계 전격 컴백… 18일 ‘History’ 선공개 Sports Dong-a, 2023-04-25, retrieved 2025-10-22^
  40. 빈센트블루, 24일 전격 데뷔…'범키·양다일 잇는 브랜뉴 싱송라' Hankook Ilbo, 2019-03-22, retrieved 2025-10-22^
  41. 라이머 "이단옆차기 첸슬러와 계약, 그는 최고의 뮤지션" OSEN, March 24, 2016, retrieved October 22, 2025^
  42. Park Ah-reum. 브랜뉴뮤직 측 "루달스와 전속계약 종료, 언제나 응원하겠다"[공식] Newsen, April 4, 2022, retrieved April 4, 2022^
  43. 산체스, 8년 몸담은 브랜뉴뮤직 떠난다 retrieved 2018-07-24^
  44. 'BDC' 김시훈·홍성준·윤정환, 브랜뉴뮤직 떠난다 E Daily, 2023-08-18, retrieved 2025-10-22^
  45. Young-woong Park. https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=311&aid=0000806022 X Sports News, 2017-12-21, retrieved 2018-01-21^
  46. Gaon Digital Chart^
  47. 2012년 12월 Download Chart retrieved 2017-12-31^
  48. 2014년 01월 Download Chart retrieved 2017-12-31^
  49. 2014년 12월 Download Chart retrieved 2017-12-31^
  50. 2015년 12월 Download Chart retrieved 2017-12-31^
  51. 2016년 51주차 Download Chart retrieved 2017-12-31^