International Music News - SHOUTcast Blog

After 2 years, Korean Rapper Cho PD has provoked Big Bang's G-Dragon with a diss once more. On March 8, Cho PD released a mini-album titled 'Victory.' The album's first track, 'I Want Korean Hip Hop' featuring Blockbuster, is a criticism of the reality of Korean hip hop with G-Dragon being specifically mentioned. The song has been garnering a lot of attention, notably the lyrics which read, "Cho PD bigger bang, GD's favorite one, cuz I got slow flow fast flow free flow full package." GD is short for G-Dragon, while "bigger bang" alludes to Cho PD's superiority as an artist.

Previously, a song in Cho PD's March 2008 album 'PDIS' titled 'Dragged' openly claimed Cho PD the better artist over Big Bang. The rap went, " For a long time we big dogs we bigger bang than big bang, na mean? Is Cho PD--turn it up louder May Douni--you ready to spit it on a new hit. (now addressing GD) OK OK take it! If you squinted that way to another guy, I bet he wouldn't sit still. Once in a while when I get mad, everyone pretty much knows my temper. If your flow got this slow, wait exactly how slow would yours have to get before people started running away?"

In response, G-Dragon later that year in October released a song called 'What' that rebutes Cho PD. G-Dragon disses back, "Why does this pop singer have so much to say? Whatever, give me a mic. I'll make 8 words sick, I flip it ye. If the flow is this fast, I would run away, if I were you. Go. Squint."

Is this all playful dissing or something more? Either way, it sounds like it might be the last we hear from the rapper Cho PD, who quickly following the release of 'Victory' has announced that he is retiring after 11 years. According to ALLKPOP, it was revealed that Cho PD would soon be retiring from his idol career after one last big concert for the fans. He's always had thoughts of quitting because he's sick of the trends and social conformity in music nowadays (as he frequently mentions in his personal disses to GD). A representative for Cho PD said, "To those that know him well, it's not exactly breaking news that Cho PD has had many thoughts of quitting." Does this mean G-Dragon will have the last say?

edaily reports that KPOP's "sexy queen" Lee Hyori's comeback will be early April. They have been pushing the date around since last October, but the good news is that she has finished the 8-month-long recording of her 4th album, and the title track has been selected, although yet to be announced. The countdown officially begins for the highest paid female singer in South Korea.

Lee Hyori's senior official said that the album preview took place. The insiders reviewed 3 to 4 new songs and gave positive responses--saying the music sounded very contemporary yet fresh. The overall feel of the album is hip hop-based. To be thorough, Lee Hyori shuffled through 500 new demo songs contributed by young and aspiring composers, eventually reducing the list down to 4. On her fan cafe, she wrote, "I filled this album with music that I love and always wanted to do. Even though it was hard work, the process was exciting and incredibly fun. I trust you all will love it, too."

Before the album recording was completed, the album's jacket cover and costume concept were already decided. Fan's expectations are high as Lee Hyori is a fashion icon as well as the country's pop diva. She also acts. With new songs and a style chosen, her next focus is choreography and she is currently busy with dance rehearsals.

KPOP boy band SS501, who debuted in 2005, are planning a comeback with a new album set for release on May 1, according to Manila Bulletin. They just wrapped up their first Asian tour, which started last August in Seoul, making stops in Tokyo, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Shanghai. Their tour also concluded in Seoul with a concert on February 27, joined by KPOP girl groups KARA and Rainbow. In addition to traveling last year, SS501 released a second Japanese album, 'All My Love,' and a second mini-album, 'Rebirth.'

SS501, which stands for "Super Star Five Members United as One Forever," are currently preparing songs for their spring album.

As Melon wrote, "Let the real star wars begin." KPOP heavyweights Rain, Seven, Lee Hyori, and BoA--all long-time music industry rivals--will each release a new album this year. They are the nation's old favorites, so they will bring fierce competition to the KPOP scene, not only with each other, but with the new crop of popular idol groups as well.

First up to bat, Rain hopes to release his 4 to 5 track mini-album at the end of April. He put his singing career on hold while trying out a producing role in Hollywood, but this veteran entertainer expects to wreck major havoc on the Korean music market once again.

Hot on the heels of Rain, Seven's comeback is slated for May, although we have yet to hear what his concept or album direction will be. His last album release was 'Se7olution' in November of 2006, making this his first album in over 3 years. He did put out a digital hit single in 2007 and in 2009 he released his American debut single, 'Girl,' but it has been a while since he has put out a collection of brand new songs.

KPOP queens Lee Hyori and BoA are planning huge comebacks as well. The former will drop a new album at the end of March or at the beginning of April, while BoA will be the last of the four planning a comeback in August.

Lee Hyori is returning after a year and a half, proclaiming on her fan cafe site, "I'm excited for the 4th album, but also feeling nervous. We've finally finished 8 months of recording. I'll do my best to get the album released as soon as possible. "

BoA plans to launch her new album in August, which will end her work of 5 years abroad. Commenting on the new record, SM Entertainment said, "There is still on-going discussion regarding the exact comeback date but we are considering August 25th."

Star News has reported that after one year and four months, the KPOP quintent Wonder Girls are returning to Singapore for a Sony Ericsson event. They were there last in November 2008 with other Korean artist colleagues to promote KPOP through a special performance called 'Korean Pop Night.'

Wonder Girl, Yubin, last tweeted, "Hahaha. I'm really excited."

Speaking to Money Star News, JYP Entertainment said that, "at the moment, the Wonder Girls are in the U.S., but it's true that they are heading for Singapore later this month. We will eventually announce the specific details of the trip later." The Wonder Girls are enjoying their growing popularity among Singaporeans, where many have picked up the 'Nobody' dance.

As for their first official U.S. album, it is set for an April release, which will include new member Hae Lim.

KPOP girl group Kara has only been out a week with their new single 'Lupin,' but that's still enough time to claim the top of the charts. When M-Net's music program, 'M! Countdown' recently announced them as No. 1 on their list, the members swept each other with hugs and hardly struggled to hide their bliss. In addition, during the last week of February, OSEN reported that 'Lupin' knocked SNSD's 'Oh!' to position 3 on Soribada's Music Chart, claiming the top position for themselves. Kara's comeback single is wooing the listeners. Check out the official video for the title track after the jump.

Naver News has reported that After School will be the first girl group to sing the 2010 World Cup theme song in South Africa. The group will and also be a part of the official Red Devils Cheer album. The Red Devils are fans of the Korean National soccer team.

After School was chosen among the KPOP girl bands because they have the right quality of high energy and attractive image to sell the cheering image that will activate and help maintain the fervor that flows in Red Devil fans. Also featured on the album will be hip hop stars and an indie band. After School is honored to back the national soccer players up with this album, which they consider belongs to the nation.