Before we begin, let's get one thing out of the way: Free Style is most definitely not 'unhyped' outside of K-pop. �They're hip hop veterans with 6 albums, 8 singles, and 12 years of experience under their belt. They started off in the underground scene (and are still considered underground by some), though they've had hits go mainstream - still, they walk a fine line that K-pop fans haven't quite prioritized as 'report material' yet. Most of you are probably familiar with their biggest mainstream hit from 2004, "Y (Please Tell Me Why)," from of their third album, "Free Style +3." The song swept mobile charts, BGM charts, landed on�SBS's "Inkigayo", and was Korea's favorite ringtone in 2005. �It's had countless remakes and is still 'modern' enough to be treasured as a hit years after its release, unlike the present-day songs that are forgotten after a three-week run. < "Y (Please Tell Me Why)" > The group debuted back in 1999 as a co-ed hip hop trio comprised of brothers Mino and DJ Zio, and Lazy. Lazy left the group after their second album in 2001 to study abroad, and returned last year to debut as a soloist. Moving on together, Mino and DJ Zio became known for their outstanding teamwork: older brother Mino takes the lead as the lyricist, while younger brother Zio writes the raps. The two managed to flawlessly blend in and out of countless different genres, and all it takes is a listen to find that distinctive 'Free Style' flavor. Because we're avid fans of their sixth album, "Dry & Wet (Dryness)", this introduction will mostly focus on some of their more recent works for the sake of brevity. There's really no way to explain their sixth album other than "You have to listen to it."�It's a work of art. It's different from their other albums in that it embodies a quality that can only come from artists who such rich experiences to draw from. Their usual style is toned down a bit to express a feeling of solitude and loneliness, both of which stem from their long decade of producing passionate music without rest. The album is Free Style in its simplest form. �Every single instrument was played by their hands, and every song was carefully written and produced to express the mundane (but equally important) feelings of dry, average days. Exploring the themes of love and separation, of life and loss, this is an album that doesn't cater to the tastes of the general public - all the same, it carries the impact of a mellow and emotional film. < "Dry (Intro)" > Narration: "Just the clothing we're wearing have changed. �The day is otherwise just as dry, no different from yesterday. �It'd be nice if love was like that." -- < "Vital Sign"> If it was possible to choose just one track, this would be our favorite (our IDs are derived from this song!). There's a soothing quality to it that just lulls you into a serene state. The song is somewhere between fantasy and reality, and so the effect is simple, but also dream-like. -- < "Photo" > Stories of broken hearts may be an extremely common theme for songs in the music industry, but we firmly believe "Photo" is one of the most heart-wrenching ones yet. Even if you don't understand the lyrics, it's hard to not feel your heartstrings being pulled just from hearing the pain and heartache in his voice alone. - Lyrics for "Photo"

There was never any word, always had the same expression You were always by my side, we were happy in photos But it seems years have flown by already (x2) I was out all day, did some shopping, cut my hair, watched a movie Just quietly drank tea by myself, and even had a drink with friends in a long while I laughed loudly to the things that weren't even funny, but even if I try to avoid awkwardness by talking lots, I just can't hide my expression, no matter how hard I try I just can't hide it My stupid friends keep asking me about you, if we still keep in contact, if it's really over, Asked how it can end so easily when we dated for how many years, that it's a waste, that I've made a mistake But even I know that you were really decent, that you were breathtakingly beautiful, Even though I'm laughing and acting like nothing happened, it's so hard for me I can't even breathe There was never any word, always had the same expression You were always by my side, we were happy in photos But it seems years have flown by already Your nagging about not to say just 'how are you' and 'okay', about not staying out late at night when it's cold, I want to hear that all again, I want to see your bright smile again so much I could go crazy Other people are still the same, the world is changing so crazy fast, But I'm just alone becoming stiff like a rock, all because of you You didn't even make promises, you told me to erase all those common memories Told me not to ask you to stay by my side, not even 'I love you' There was never any word, always had the same expression You were always by my side, we were happy in photos But it seems years have flown by already

-- < "This Place Called Soul" > If you were looking for that perfect song to fit an uneventful, rainy day, when all you want to do is laze around in your bed with your earphones tightly blocking out your troubles and responsibilities, then this is it. The track starts off with a gloomy atmosphere, as the sound of a car driving through a wet road can be heard. Desolation follows through Mino and DJ Zio's emotional raps about two people living suffocating lives in a city called Soul City. -- < "Ska" > Their 2010 digital single, "Ska", is just one of the many examples of Free Style's ability to blend in and out of genres. They used reggae's ska roots to build a clear but fun rhythm that expresses the refreshing feel of summer. Despite being the longest-lasting Korean hip hop duo to date, Free Style has shown time and time again that they still have more to offer with each new release. We're looking forward to seeing what new delights these two have planned for the 7th album, but until then, we'd like to toast Free Style for their limitless originality and flawless delivery in their works both past and present! - < "And After (Vol. 4 - 2005)" > - < "Address Unknown (Vol. 5 - 2007)" > - < "Habit (Vol. 5 - 2007)" > - Written by VITALWARNING & VITALSIGN.