Bizzy
Park Jun-young (박준영; born February 29, 1980), known professionally as Bizzy (비지), is a New Zealand-born South Korean rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer.[1] He is best known as a member of the hip hop trio MFBTY (My Fans Better Than Yours), alongside Tiger JK and Yoon Mi-rae, and for his longtime collaborations with Drunken Tiger. Bizzy is also a co-founder of the independent label Feel Ghood Music and has gained recognition as a prolific songwriter and producer in the Korean hip hop scene.[2] Born in New Zealand to South Korean parents, Bizzy moved to Washington, D.C., at age seven, where he was exposed to East Coast hip hop, before returning to New Zealand for music studies in 1995 and relocating to South Korea in 2001.[1] He began his career in the underground hip hop collective Yucka Squad and rose to prominence through features on Drunken Tiger's sixth studio album in 2006, eventually debuting his solo EP Bizzionary in 2008. Bizzy formed MFBTY in 2013, contributing to acclaimed projects like the collaborative album The Cure (2013), and continues to work on songwriting and production for various artists.[2]Early life
Childhood in New Zealand and move to the United States
Bizzy, born Park Jun-young on February 29, 1980, in South Korea, moved to New Zealand with his family at the age of nine around 1989, as his parents sought improved economic prospects.[3][4] His family was among the initial influx of Korean migrants to New Zealand during the late 1980s and early 1990s, when immigration policies eased, leading to a rapid growth in the Korean community from around 1,000 to over 19,000 residents.[3] Growing up in this setting, Bizzy experienced a multicultural environment, particularly during his school years in Papakura, a suburb of South Auckland, where he was often the only Asian student among predominantly Māori, Samoan, and Tongan peers.[3] He later recalled feeling a sense of belonging and safety in this diverse community, which contrasted with more homogeneous settings elsewhere.[3]Exposure to hip hop and early influences
Bizzy—born Park Jun-young in South Korea in 1980—spent significant portions of his youth in New Zealand, where he first encountered hip hop in the multicultural urban environment of South Auckland.[3] This setting, with its rich cultural tapestry, introduced him to the genre through local sounds and school influences, shaping his initial fascination with rhythmic expression and storytelling in music.[5] As a young boy, Bizzy's musical inclinations emerged through casual activities like singing commercial jingles and humming melodies, initially drawing him toward R&B as a potential path. However, perceiving limitations in his vocal abilities, he gravitated toward hip hop, discovering its accessibility for personal articulation. He began self-teaching by transforming private diary entries into rhymes, often feeling isolated in his passion amid a lack of peers with similar interests; this solitary practice involved listening to recordings and experimenting with beats informally, without formal training at the time. Eventually, sharing his early writings with a friend led to connections with an underground hip hop crew, marking his entry into communal music circles centered on freestyle sessions and local gatherings.[6] Bizzy's high school years in South Auckland further nurtured his development in a multicultural setting, where classmates—predominantly Māori, Samoan, and Tongan—sparked his enthusiasm by demonstrating rap through playful rhymes on New Zealand history. This environment reinforced his self-taught skills and broadened his stylistic influences, blending diverse cultural elements into his emerging voice. To deepen his knowledge, he enrolled in night classes at the SAE Institute in Auckland, studying audio engineering while balancing other pursuits, though his core focus remained on informal hip hop involvement rather than structured academics.[3] During this formative phase, Bizzy settled on "Bizzy" as his stage name for its simplicity and memorability. These choices underscored his evolving identity amid self-directed explorations of hip hop's creative freedoms.[2]Career
Early career in South Korea
In 2001, Park Jun-young, known professionally as Bizzy, relocated from New Zealand to South Korea at the age of 21, driven by his passion for hip hop and a desire to pursue a career in the burgeoning music scene.[7] Upon arrival, he auditioned at various labels, where he faced initial hurdles as overseas Koreans (gyopo) were often typecast into roles like dancers rather than rappers due to perceptions of cultural disconnect. Undeterred, he connected with rapper Yang Dong-geun (YDG) and joined Yucka Squad, an underground hip-hop collective that served as a network for emerging artists in Seoul's nascent scene, starting initially as YDG's DJ before transitioning to rapping and production.[8][2] Bizzy also affiliated with The Movement crew, a collaborative hip-hop group featuring YDG, Leessang, Jungin, and Bobby Kim, which emphasized freestyle sessions and joint projects in the early 2000s underground circuit. This period marked his immersion in South Korea's hip-hop underground, centered in areas like Hongdae, where independent crews fostered raw talent away from mainstream K-pop dominance, prioritizing lyricism and live performances over commercial polish. Through these affiliations, Bizzy contributed to YDG's debut albums—Yangdonggeun A.K.A Madman (2001), Da Man On The Block!! (2002), and Travel (2003)—providing beats, hooks, and features that honed his bilingual style blending English and Korean flows.[2][9] His formal debut came in 2002 with the track "We Movin' In," featuring Fo'Sho, on rapper Smokie J's compilation album The Konexion, a project showcasing interconnected underground talents in a raw, experimental vein typical of the era's crew-driven releases. As a non-native Korean speaker who had spent most of his life abroad, Bizzy navigated linguistic barriers in crafting rhymes and lyrics, often relying on his English proficiency for hybrid verses while adapting to Korean phonetics through intensive practice within Yucka Squad's supportive environment. These early minor releases and crew involvements built his reputation in niche circles but preceded any major label opportunities, highlighting the challenges of breaking through as a gyopo artist in an industry favoring native fluency and cultural conformity.[8][10]Membership in Drunken Tiger and MFBTY
In 2006, Bizzy signed with Jungle Entertainment, the label founded by Tiger JK, and began collaborating closely with Drunken Tiger, initially filling in for DJ Shine during live performances before taking on more substantive roles as a co-producer and featured rapper.[8] His integration into the group marked a significant expansion of Drunken Tiger's lineup, allowing for fresh dynamics in their hip-hop sound. Bizzy contributed to Drunken Tiger projects during this period, honing his production and lyrical skills alongside Tiger JK.[2] Bizzy's involvement deepened in subsequent Drunken Tiger projects, particularly the 2013 EP The Cure, where he co-wrote and performed on the title track—a motivational anthem dedicated to Tiger JK's father amid his battle with cancer—blending introspective rap with Yoon Mi-rae's vocals to emphasize themes of resilience.[11] This collaboration highlighted Bizzy's role in elevating the group's emotional depth and production quality, contributing to the EP's peak at No. 6 on the Gaon Album Chart.[11] In January 2013, Bizzy co-formed the hip-hop supergroup MFBTY (My Fans [Are] Better Than Yours) with Tiger JK and Yoon Mi-rae under Jungle Entertainment, debuting with the single album Sweet Dream, which featured club-infused tracks like the title song and "BizzyTigerYoonmirae" to blend progressive hip-hop with electronic elements. The group quickly gained traction through international showcases, including their live premiere of "Sweet Dream" at the 2013 MIDEM event in Cannes, France, helping to promote Korean hip-hop globally.[12] MFBTY's work often incorporated social commentary within hip-hop frameworks, addressing personal struggles and broader societal resilience, as seen in their genre-bending approach that challenged conventional K-pop norms while maintaining underground credibility.[13] Their joint U.S. tour finale in 2013 further solidified their influence, drawing crowds with performances that fused raw rap energy and collaborative synergy.[14]Formation of Feel Ghood Music and independent work
In July 2013, Bizzy co-founded the independent record label Feel Ghood Music alongside Tiger JK and Yoon Mi-rae, departing from their previous agency, Jungle Entertainment, to gain greater creative control over their projects.[15] The formation marked a pivotal entrepreneurial shift for Bizzy, enabling the group MFBTY—under which he performed—to release music without external constraints, including their debut single "Sweet Dream" that same year.[16] However, the transition was not without challenges, as the split from Jungle Entertainment led to prolonged legal disputes that delayed label operations and strained resources for several years.[17] Following MFBTY's major releases, such as the 2015 album Wondaland and the 2019 album Dream Catcher, Bizzy pursued independent endeavors within the Feel Ghood framework, focusing on solo performances and non-group outputs.[13] Notable among these was his 2016 solo single "All I Need," which highlighted his lyrical style as an MC while incorporating self-produced elements, showcasing his evolving role in sound engineering during live sets and recordings.[18] By the late 2010s, Bizzy expanded his contributions as a DJ, curating sets that blended hip-hop influences from his early career, often performing at independent events to promote Feel Ghood artists.[19] The label's management under Bizzy's involvement saw successes in artist development, including signing and nurturing talents like Ann One and Bibi, which bolstered Feel Ghood's reputation in the K-hip-hop scene despite initial hurdles.[20] These efforts underscored Bizzy's multifaceted roles in production and A&R, contributing to the label's sustainability. In July 2023, Bizzy transitioned to full independence by leaving Feel Ghood Music and establishing his own imprint, OneBigPig, to further emphasize his work as a composer and producer outside group dynamics. Since then, he has released solo singles such as "MAN UP" and "Champion's Pain" in 2024, and "Analog Dreams" in 2025.[8][21]Songwriting and production contributions
Bizzy has established himself as a prolific songwriter and producer in the Korean hip-hop scene, contributing lyrics and beats to numerous projects outside his group affiliations. Early in his career, he collaborated extensively with underground rapper YDG on the latter's first three albums, providing songwriting, rapping, and initial DJ support that helped shape YDG's raw, narrative-driven tracks. This work extended to other Movement crew members, including Leessang, Jungin, and Bobby Kim, where Bizzy's contributions emphasized gritty, introspective lyricism rooted in personal struggle and urban life.[2] His production style often incorporates improvisational elements, blending sharp wordplay with layered beats to create dynamic flows that balance emotional depth and rhythmic punch, a technique honed through close-knit crew sessions. For instance, in 2011, Bizzy co-wrote and featured on Jay Park's "Wasted" from the album New Breed, infusing the track with bilingual rhymes that highlighted themes of fleeting highs and regret, bridging Bizzy's underground roots with Park's emerging mainstream appeal. Similarly, he provided rap verses and lyrical input for Son Ho-young's "Pretty But Hateful" on the 2011 mini-album U-TURN, delivering a poignant narrative on love's contradictions over a soulful R&B-hip-hop fusion.[22] Bizzy's songwriting evolved from collective group efforts in outfits like Drunken Tiger, where his input focused on thematic cohesion around resilience and identity, to more individualistic features in solo artist projects during the 2010s. This shift allowed him to explore personal motifs like loss and renewal in greater detail, as seen in his contributions to Yoon Gun's "Today is a Rainy Day" from the 2014 album Autumn Play, where he penned reflective verses evoking melancholy introspection amid rainy-day metaphors. In 2014, he co-wrote and rapped on Kim Wan-sun's "Goodbye My Love," a nostalgic ballad featuring Tiger JK, blending hip-hop verses with veteran pop sensibilities to revitalize the track's emotional core. That same year, as part of MFBTY, Bizzy contributed to Yuna Kim's debut single "Without You Now," crafting lyrics that emphasized empowerment and moving on, with his production touches adding subtle hip-hop grooves to the pop arrangement.[23][24][25] These collaborations underscore Bizzy's role in bridging underground hip-hop's authenticity with mainstream accessibility, influencing Korean music by introducing versatile, cross-genre production that appeals to diverse audiences and elevates lesser-known tracks. His work has helped integrate raw hip-hop narratives into pop and R&B contexts, fostering a more inclusive industry landscape.[26][27]Discography
Collaborative albums
Bizzy's primary collaborative albums emerged from his involvement with the hip-hop collective MFBTY (Myohann, FatBoy, Bizzy, Tiger JK, Yoonmirae), formed in 2013 under Feel Ghood Music as a project group uniting labelmates Tiger JK, Yoon Mi-rae, and Bizzy to blend their styles in rap and R&B-infused tracks. This collaboration built on Bizzy's earlier affiliations with Drunken Tiger, where he contributed as a rapper and songwriter, evolving into full group efforts that emphasized themes of resilience and unity.[2] The debut collaborative full-length album, 살자 (The Cure), released on September 13, 2013, by Feel Ghood Music (distributed by Universal Music), featured Bizzy alongside Tiger JK and Yoon Mi-rae under the Drunken Tiger banner.[28] Spanning nine tracks, it incorporated reggae and acoustic elements, with Bizzy delivering introspective verses on perseverance; key tracks included the title song "The Cure," an uplifting reggae track encouraging emotional recovery, "Beautiful Life" highlighting familial bonds, and "BizzyTigerYoonmirae," a raw hip-hop cut showcasing the trio's chemistry.[11] Bizzy co-wrote and performed on several tracks, contributing to the album's mellow, melodic tone that contrasted mainstream hip-hop trends.[29] Critically, it was praised for its purposeful flow and sweet harmonies, earning recognition as the best collaborative album of 2013 for its innovative blend of genres and motivational lyrics.[30][31] In 2015, MFBTY released their first official full-length under the group name, WondaLand, on March 19 via Feel Ghood Music, expanding to 16 tracks that traversed hip-hop subgenres from upbeat anthems to introspective cuts.[32] Bizzy's role as a core rapper and co-contributor shaped the album's dynamic energy, with standout tracks like "Bang Diggy Bang Bang" (a high-energy lead single), "Hollywho" (featuring Dok2), and "Rebel Music" emphasizing social commentary and group synergy.[26] The project stemmed from the trio's desire to create a "wonderland" of diverse sounds, drawing on their shared label history to push Korean hip-hop boundaries.[33] Reception highlighted its creativity and range, with critics noting how it captured the group's evolution while maintaining raw authenticity.[26]Extended plays
Bizzy released his debut extended play, Bizzionary, on June 27, 2008, under Jungle Entertainment.[34] The eight-track EP showcased his solo artistry within the Korean hip-hop scene, blending introspective lyrics with collaborative features from established artists. Key tracks included "Change" featuring YDG, which explored themes of transformation and growth; "All In" with Jinbo, highlighting determination and risk-taking; and "Day & Night" featuring Yoonmirae, delving into the contrasts of daily life and emotional duality.[35] Other notable songs were "그래 (춤 못 추는 사람을 위해 만든 노래)" (translated as "Yes Yes (A Song Made for People Who Can't Dance)"), a lighthearted anthem on self-acceptance, and "Movement 4," tying into Bizzy's roots in the Movement crew. The project emphasized themes of personal identity, reflecting Bizzy's multicultural background and journey as a rapper navigating fame and authenticity. Production and lyrical content received praise from hip-hop enthusiasts for their raw energy and Bizzy's distinctive flow, marking it as a pivotal showcase of his independent voice.[2] Bizzy's second EP, oensonjab-i (bizzy the great)—also known as Left-Handed EP (왼손잡이)—was released on November 22, 2023, under his label OneBigPig in partnership with Genie Music.[36] This nine-track project demonstrated greater creative control, with Bizzy handling much of the writing, production, and conceptualization to express his evolving perspective on life and artistry after years in group dynamics. Standout tracks included the title song "oensonjab-i (bizzy the great)," a bold declaration of self-empowerment; "B.I.Z.Z.Y," an acronym-driven reflection on his persona; and "life comes in three (Feat. Dok2)," which pondered resilience and second chances through life's cycles. Additional highlights were "day after tomorrow," offering optimistic introspection, and "gyauttung," a concise burst of rhythmic energy. The EP's themes centered on personal reinvention and maturity, underscoring Bizzy's solo artistic voice amid his independent pursuits.[37]Singles
Bizzy's solo singles career began in earnest in 2016 following his established role in collaborative projects, with releases primarily under Feel Ghood Music emphasizing introspective and narrative-driven hip-hop themes. His tracks often feature collaborators from the Korean hip-hop scene, blending personal storytelling with melodic elements. Notable releases include romantic and reflective anthems that highlight his veteran status in the genre. The following table enumerates Bizzy's key solo singles in chronological order, including release years, titles, featured artists, and labels where applicable. Chart performance has been modest on major Korean platforms like Melon and Gaon, with no major certifications reported as of 2025, though several tracks have garnered steady streaming traction on global platforms exceeding 1 million plays each.[38][39]| Year | Title | Featured Artist(s) | Label | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 검은머리 파뿌리 (All I Need) | BUMZU | Feel Ghood Music | Debut solo single; music video directed by Bizzy's team, focusing on enduring love themes. Over 2 million streams on Spotify by 2025.[40] |
| 2017 | 워럽형 (What's Up Hyung) | YDG | Feel Ghood Music | Tribute to long-time friendships; includes a cypher track from Show Me the Money 6.[41] |
| 2018 | 우아 (Ooh Ah) | BIBI | Feel Ghood Music | Romantic winter track; music video showcases labelmate collaboration. Surpassed 1.5 million YouTube views.[38] |
| 2019 | Distance | None | Feel Ghood Music | Introspective single on personal struggles; premiered via Billboard coverage. Achieved 1 million streams milestone on Spotify.[39][21] |
| 2019 | 이름이 뭐라고 (BzB) | None | Feel Ghood Music | One-take music video reflecting on identity; released amid solo resurgence.[42][43] |
| 2019 | Time Machine | None | Feel Ghood Music | Nostalgic look at past; video evokes early career memories. Steady streaming growth to over 500,000 plays.[44][45] |
| 2020 | Good Job - Celebrate | ILLSON (aka Double K) | Feel Ghood Music | Motivational track celebrating perseverance; limited chart impact but fan-favorite.[46] |
| 2023 | gyauttung | None | Feel Ghood Music | Experimental hip-hop single; quick release with official MV on Genie Music.[47][48] |
| 2023 | MALIBU | None | Feel Ghood Music | Laid-back vibe; part of ongoing independent output.[45] |
| 2024 | Waikiki freestyle | None | Independent | Freestyle track inspired by travels; viral on social platforms.[21] |
| 2024 | Champion's pain | None | Independent | Reflective on career highs and lows; streaming focus.[46] |
| 2024 | MAN UP | None | Independent | Empowering anthem; released amid 2024 activity surge.[21] |
| 2025 | Analog Dreams | None | Independent | Latest single as of November 2025; explores retro influences in modern hip-hop. Early streams indicate growing international interest.[21][46] |