Outsider (rapper)

In 2004, Outsider began his career as an underground rapper and achieved some success with his debut EP "Come Outside". He released his first single "Speed Star" in 2006 and promoted the title track, "Motivation", on the SBS variety show The Truth Game.[4] His fast rapping skills impressed Korean hip-hop legend, MC Sniper, who signed Outsider to his label, "Sniper Sound". On 25 October 2007, Outsider released his first full-length studio album, Soliloquist.[5]

After a year hiatus, Outsider's second album, released 1 June 2009, Maestro, had more mainstream success.[6] The title track "Loner" held the #1 spot on both the Mnet and Melon music charts for more than five weeks, making Outsider one of the fastest rappers to reach #1 on Korean music charts. Outsider has performed on MBC, SBS, KBS, Mnet, and had appeared on SBS's Star King as a special guest. After the promotion for "Loner" ended, he started to promote another track from the same album titled "My Youth Confession"; the track was successful. Outsider has worked with underground and overground rappers such as MC Sniper, L.E.O, Illnit, DJ R2, Bae Chi Gi, Dok2, and more. He also did a special performance alongside singer K.Will.[7]

After a short hiatus, he returned on 2 March 2010 to release an EP titled "Vol. 2.5 The Outsider"[8] along with a music video for the album's single, "Acquaintance (주변인)", in which Outsider revisits the sound of "Loner", which mixes hip-hop with a classical edge. During this period, he garnered publicity for his remake of Big Bang's "Lies". He was also featured on a charity single entitled "Faddy Robot Foundation" with Vasco, Verbal Jint(버벌 진트), Sangchu, Yong Junhyung, Joosuc, Hyuna, and Zico.[9]

On 21 October 2010, he released his 3rd album titled "Hero" along with two singles; "주인공 (Hero)" featuring fellow label-mate, LMNOP, and "Attitude Needed When Breaking Up (이별할 때 필요한 자세)" featuring fellow hip-hop artist, Kuan of All That.[10] The album garnered success, despite being released without a music video or many live performances to promote the album. The song "Hero" rose to #7 on the Mnet Single Charts, #5 on Melon, and #4 on the prestigious Gaon Chart. On 21 December 2010, Outsider enlisted for mandatory military service for five weeks of basic training followed by 21 months of active duty in Wonju, Gangwon Province. He was discharged on 24 September 2012.[11]

In June 2013, after a three year hiatus, Outsider announced plans to release his 4th studio album in July.[12] On 25 June 2013, Outsider pre-released the single "Crying Bird" featuring Lee Soo Young.[13]

On 4 July 2013, Outsider filed a lawsuit against Sniper Sound over financial issues.[14] In a press release, Outsider claimed he never received proper pay or credit for his various activities and copyrights. Sniper Sound in turn filed an opposing lawsuit against Outsider calling him to halt his recent activities. The conflict broke when fans were unable to buy Outsider's previous songs from 2007-2010 released under MC Sniper's Sniper Sound because they were no longer available.[15]

On 22 July 2013, despite the conflict with his former label, Outsider made his first official comeback after being discharged from the military with the mini album "Rebirth Outsider" under his own label "ASSA Communication".[16] The album's title track Bye U features G.O. of MBLAQ as Outsider's first idol collaboration. The album also features San E, Tymee (formerly E.via) and more.[17]