There is something making noise in Korea. And no, it’s not bombs..
Being black...period.. is one thing. Being black in a country like South Korea is another. Trust me. I’ve done it. But through that rollercoaster of a year living in South Korea, I was exposed to so many amazing people on different journeys abroad. Including this talented soul - Atwaters.
We randomly crossed paths in Tokyo. And then connected in Seoul, where he is making NOISE. The African-American Florida native from Gainesville decided to embark on a different path and made the major move to Seoul, South Korea to pursue his passion for hiphop. In a world full of K-pop fluff and boy bands prettier than you, it is hard to stand out as a musician in Korea. But Awaters does just that and hits us with diversity in both his lyrical content and visuals.
Seoul, South Korea
We’ve all gone through it. We dabble in the dating pool and meet different people. Make connections. Go on free dinners. The whole shabang...
Then you randomly find yourself thinking about the last date... then you find yourself always texting the date... then you find yourself in love and shit. Then you think you found “the one”... But you meet so many cool people and fuck up because you’re human and thats just what we do...
Then you and the one break up. Then you find yourself all sad and reminiscing and shit. Then you talk to your homeboy, Chris Lyons, write some shit down, hop in the studio and record your feelings. Thats how the whole cycle of the ex goes, right?
Check it out below.
“My ex was a step to my next / Never seem to find a keeper with the ones that I select / They’re all something special so I learn not regret”
I love the soft R&B harmonies by Chris Lyons and the upbeat flow by Atwaters. And lets not fail to mention the creative animated visuals which give both humour and playfulness to a stressful situation such as “the ex”. Speaking of visuals - Not only does melanin GLOW in person, but the complexions of the characters were giving me so much life! It’s so refreshing to see a black woman with curves as a lead character in the Korean hip hop scene. In a country that glamourizes fair skin and thin frames, we need more visuals like this to remind the Eastern world that MELANIN IS BEAUTIFUL.
Let’s take some advice from Atwaters and not look back because now is better than ever. Appreciate the present and learn from your past - even in the case of the ex.
Make sure to check out the video above and follow Atwaters for more music!
— CHELSEA BRADY —