Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Coogie

Coogie (Korean: 쿠기), born (김정훈) on January 23, 1994, in , , is a rapper and songwriter recognized for his melodic, sing-song rap style that blends with R&B influences. He debuted in March 2018 under the independent label ATMseoul with the single "HBK" featuring Ted Park and the EP Coding Black, marking his entry into the South Korean scene. That same year, Coogie rose to prominence by competing on the seventh season of the rap survival program , where his unique vocal delivery and stage presence garnered widespread attention from audiences and producers. Following his breakout, Coogie released his debut studio album UP! in 2020, showcasing his versatility through tracks that mix introspective lyrics with upbeat production, solidifying his position as an emerging talent in . In 2022, he signed with the prominent hip-hop and R&B label , founded by , which elevated his profile through high-profile collaborations and releases including the double single RE:UP, the EP DIFF, and singles like "ALONE" featuring and "Right Now" featuring . The latter track notably sparked a social media challenge, further boosting his popularity among younger fans. On January 23, 2025—his 31st birthday—Coogie's exclusive contract with expired, leading to his departure from the label; expressed ongoing support for his future projects while highlighting his contributions during his three-year tenure. Coinciding with this announcement, he released the "1,2,3,4,5," demonstrating continued creative momentum. In April 2025, Coogie released his second studio album UPSET, followed by signing an exclusive contract with Doover in May 2025 and the AFTER UPSET in September 2025. Throughout his career, Coogie has been affiliated with the collective Yelows Mob and maintains an active presence on streaming platforms, where his discography has amassed millions of streams, reflecting his enduring appeal in the evolving K- landscape.

Early life

Childhood and family

Kim Jeong-hoon, known professionally as Coogie, was born on January 23, 1994, in Yuseong-gu, , . Coogie grew up in a typical South Korean household in , alongside his parents and an older sister; the family also includes a pet dog named . Public information regarding his family's background remains limited, with no detailed accounts of his parents' professions or additional siblings available. His early education took place in Daejeon, where he attended local schools, including Daedeok High School. He later attended Ajou University College of Software Convergence but dropped out to pursue music. The fifth grade emerged as a pivotal period during his childhood, serving as an initial turning point for his developing interests.

Introduction to hip-hop

Coogie, born Kim Jeong-hoon in Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, South Korea, first discovered hip-hop music during his fifth grade year in elementary school. Growing up in Daejeon, he was initially drawn to the genre through the energetic track "Mr. Tough Guy" (멋쟁이신사) by YG, which introduced him to the rhythmic and bold style of hip-hop. This sparked a deeper interest when a friend shared an MP3 player containing Eminem's "Without Me," a song Coogie enjoyed immensely despite not understanding the English lyrics, marking his entry into foreign hip-hop and igniting a lifelong passion for the music. Inspired by these early listens, Coogie began exploring a broader array of artists and tracks that shaped his foundational understanding of the genre. He immersed himself in works by influential figures such as , Obie Trice, D-12, , , , , T.I., and , often accessing music through mixtapes and compilation albums like "Hip-Hop Classics." Without any formal training, Coogie developed his rap skills through self-directed study, repeatedly analyzing beats, flows, and delivery in the supportive environment of his hometown, where his emerging interests were nurtured amid everyday life. This period highlighted his raw passion, as he spent time mimicking tracks and envisioning a creative path in . These formative encounters laid the groundwork for Coogie's creative expression, leading him to take initial steps in lyric writing as a personal hobby during his school years. By high school, he was composing verses that reflected his aspirations for a career, transitioning from passive listening to active participation in the art form and bridging his youthful toward professional ambitions in .

Career

2018–2021: Debut, Show Me the Money 777, and early releases

Coogie entered the scene in March 2018 with his debut single "HBK," featuring fellow rapper Ted Park, released under the independent label ATMseoul. The track, produced by Dakshood, highlighted his sharp lyricism and confident delivery, establishing him as a promising newcomer in the underground rap community. This release was supported by contributions from artists like Bill Stax, marking Coogie's initial foray into professional music production. Later that month, on March 30, he released his debut (EP) Coding Black, featuring tracks such as "Peach" and collaborations with Bla$e Kid and others. Building on this momentum, Coogie issued his second (EP) Coogie in May 2018, comprising eight tracks with production from Cloudy Beats, Jnkfood, and others. The EP explored themes of youth and ambition, solidifying his presence in the industry. Later that year, in September 2018, Coogie gained widespread national attention through his participation in the seventh season of the rap survival program . As a contestant on Team & , he advanced to the top 12, delivering standout performances that showcased his skills and earned him a dedicated fanbase, serving as his primary media exposure during this period. Following his television breakthrough, Coogie released his third EP, #1, in December 2018, featuring collaborations with Woo Won-jae on "!!!!Lips!!!!" and on the praised single "Wifey." The project blended emotional introspection with influences, receiving positive feedback for its vocal versatility. In September 2019, he teamed up with for the collaborative EP S.O.S (Sink or Swim), a six-track effort produced by GXXD that delved into explicit themes of romance and desire, highlighted by the "." Coogie's first studio album, Up!, arrived in March 2020, featuring 11 tracks with guest spots from Giriboy, , , , and Bill Stax. The album was lauded for its energetic and cohesive , reflecting his growth as an artist. In May 2020, he contributed to the all-star single "Fadeaway" alongside , Paloalto, , and Bassagong, a high-energy track produced by Kid Wine that captured street culture vibes and achieved commercial success. The song later won Collaboration of the Year at the 2021 . Closing out this period, Coogie dropped the I Got A Feeling in July 2021, an eight-track collection experimenting with various styles and featuring , , and lIlBOI, which peaked at number 24 on the Gaon Album Chart.

2022–present: Signing with and Upset

In January 2022, Coogie signed an exclusive contract with , South Korea's leading and R&B label, transitioning from independent artistry to a platform that offered greater resources, networking, and promotional support within the industry. This affiliation built on his prior visibility from , enabling collaborations with established producers and artists under the label. Shortly after, on January 24, 2022, he debuted his first release with the double single RE:UP, led by "" featuring , which peaked at number 63 on the Circle Digital Chart and highlighted his melodic style over trap-infused beats. The track's success, amassing millions of streams, underscored the label's role in amplifying his reach. He followed with the single "ALONE" featuring in June 2022 and "" later that year. Throughout 2022 and 2023, Coogie's tenure fostered increased visibility through select releases and live performances, including participation in the label's Above Ordinary U.S. tour alongside artists like DeVita and , where he performed in cities such as and , exposing his music to international audiences. In April 2023, he released the EP , further showcasing his versatility. He also issued the single "Right Now" featuring in September 2023, the latter peaking at number 82 on the Circle Digital Chart and demonstrating his evolving versatility in blending emotional introspection with upbeat production. These efforts, supported by 's infrastructure, positioned him as a rising figure in the scene, with features on label-adjacent projects enhancing his collaborative profile. Coogie's contract with expired on January 23, 2025, without renewal, allowing him to pursue independent ventures while maintaining momentum from his label era; coinciding with the announcement, he released the "1,2,3,4,5." On April 30, 2025, he released his second studio album Upset, an 11-track project that debuted at number 38 on the Circle Album Chart and marked a phase of artistic maturation through raw explorations of personal turmoil and resilience. Key tracks like featuring and "BABYFACE" with and exemplified this growth, combining high-profile guest verses with Coogie's signature auto-tuned flows and thematic depth. Later that year, he joined B.I's The Last Parade Tour as a special guest across Asian cities including and , further elevating his live presence. As of November 2025, Coogie continues as an active artist, focusing on new music and performances outside major label constraints.

Artistry

Musical style

Coogie's rap technique emphasizes clean, precise delivery with razor-sharp , allowing for authentic that cuts through gritty textures without unnecessary embellishments. His solid vocalization ensures minimal discrepancies between studio recordings and live performances, enabling him to perform without reliance on while preserving the track's intended energy. This approach stems from his focus on natural tone and dynamic flow, which has been highlighted in his collaborative works and outputs. A distinctive feature of Coogie's sound is his unique voice tone, often characterized as raspy yet charming, which infuses emotional depth into his verses and hooks. This vocal quality shines in reflective tracks, where it conveys and , particularly in emo-influenced pieces that explore themes of and self-growth. Reviews of his work note how this tone melts into beats, creating a detached yet captivating atmosphere that enhances the overall mood. In terms of production preferences, Coogie favors a blend of rhythms, structures, and sensibilities, often incorporating melodic, sing-song flows over chill synths, mellow guitars, and heavier punchy beats to balance street grit with mainstream accessibility. His song structures mix traditional elements like intricate rhyme schemes with contemporary pop hooks and R&B-infused melodies, resulting in addictive, genre-blending tracks that prioritize emotional resonance over aggression. This is evident in such as Up!, where he navigates between grimy street narratives and melodic mainstream vibes, and Upset, featuring dreamy, calm moods with sophisticated jazz-tinted sounds. Following his signing with , Coogie's production has leaned toward more polished, pluggnb-inspired arrangements while retaining his core melodic rap foundation.

Influences and evolution

Coogie's musical influences stem primarily from American and emo-rap artists, whom he has cited as shaping his distinctive style. In a 2018 interview, he specifically named , , and as major inspirations, emphasizing their impact on his approach to melodic flows and emotional delivery rather than more simplistic sounds like those of . From his debut in 2018 through 2021, Coogie's work reflected these influences through raw, emotional elements, evident in his early singles and EP releases under Seoul, as well as his performances on , where he honed a high-energy, introspective vibe. His signing with in 2022 marked a pivotal evolution, shifting toward a more refined pop-rap aesthetic with broader melodic integration and collaborative production, as seen in tracks like "Alone" featuring LeeHi and "Right Now" featuring . Following his departure from in January 2025, Coogie's artistic growth continued independently with the release of his second studio Upset in April 2025, which incorporates mature themes of personal and emotional depth alongside sophisticated, relaxed and diverse styles, further expanding his sound beyond initial roots. In May 2025, he signed with DUOVER, and in September 2025, released the single "After Upset," which builds on these emotional themes through dreamy, jazz-influenced tracks. Overall, Coogie's trajectory illustrates a progression from an underground contender navigating survival programs to an established rapper with DUOVER, blending global vibes with innovation.

Discography

Studio albums

Coogie's debut studio , Up!, was released on March 29, 2020, through Million Market and ATM , with distribution by . This full-length project marked his first major release following earlier extended plays and mixtapes, showcasing an energetic breakthrough with trap-influenced beats and collaborations including GIRIBOY and on "Set Go!", Jvcki Wai on "", and on "WII". The 's title track, "I Made It", highlights Coogie's confident lyricism and rising momentum in the scene. Coogie's second studio album, Upset, arrived on April 30, 2025, as an independent release under his own imprint. Featuring high-profile guests like on the lead single "Shut Up", and on "BABYFACE", and others across 11 tracks, the project delves into themes of emotional turmoil and personal reflection, signaling a mature evolution in his artistry. Tracks such as "" and "Two Pills" emphasize introspective narratives amid melodic production.

Extended plays

Coogie's debut , Coding Black, was released on March 30, 2018, under ATM . The three-track mini EP includes "Peach", "Movin' & Movin'" featuring Bla$e Kid, and "Girls Like (Remix)" featuring Ja Mezz, , and Tommy Yang, blending trap elements with early experimentation in his melodic rap style. This project followed his debut single and introduced his sound to audiences. Coogie's second , Coogie, was released on May 18, 2018, under ATM , marking his first full project after the "HBK" earlier that year. The EP features eight tracks, including the title track "Bakery" with SUPERBEE and collaborative cuts like "스즈란" featuring , , and LOCO, blending trap beats with introspective lyrics on ambition and street life. This release served as an experimental platform for Coogie's raw delivery and production choices by artists such as Cloudy Beats and Jnkfood, establishing his presence in the scene. Following his appearance on , Coogie issued on December 7, 2018, via Million Market, delving into emotional rap with vulnerable themes of heartbreak and self-reflection. The seven-track project includes standout collaborations like "Wifey" with and "Justin Bieber" featuring , accompanied by a for the latter, highlighting Coogie's shift toward more personal storytelling over aggressive flows. Produced with input from IamTash and others, the EP captured his post-competition introspection, with tracks like "EMO" setting a moody tone through remastered earlier works and new confessions. In a collaborative effort with , Coogie released S.O.S (Sink or Swim) on September 24, 2019, presented by and ATM Seoul, incorporating elements to explore personal struggles and resilience. The five-track EP, produced primarily by GXXD, features titles like "Drowning" and "Two Everything" with GIRIBOY, alongside "Wet The Bed" and "Summer Snack" with , balancing introspective narratives on sinking pressures with upbeat defiance. This joint project showcased Coogie's versatility in ensemble settings, emphasizing -infused beats and raw emotional depth. Coogie's fourth extended play, DIFF, was released on April 14, 2023, under AOMG. The seven-track mini album explores contrasts in relationships and self-growth through melodic hip-hop, with features including Jvcki Wai on "Just For Fun" and pH-1 on "D.O.D". Produced by GRAY and others, tracks like "Buck*" and "아이고" highlight his evolved sing-song delivery and introspective themes. These extended plays functioned as crucial stepping stones in Coogie's early and mid-career, allowing rapid experimentation with themes from bravado to vulnerability while building toward more expansive works, such as the 2020 studio album Up! and later releases like Upset, which expanded on the trap and emotional styles honed in his EPs.

Mixtapes

Coogie's sole , I Got A Feeling, was released on July 4, 2021, through ATMseoul in partnership with Million Market and distributed by . This eight-track project marked his first foray into the format since debuting in , serving as a promotional release to sustain his visibility in the scene amid a transitional period. The features confident and upbeat rap flows, blending trap-influenced beats with personal anecdotes about ambition and daily life, reflecting Coogie's signature clean delivery and versatile tone. Key tracks highlight collaborations with prominent figures in the genre, including "What" featuring , "Out of My Way" with , and "Swoosh" alongside lIlBOI, which showcase Coogie's ability to adapt his style across different production elements. The title track "I Got A Feeling" sets an energetic tone with its bold lyrics and rhythmic drive, emphasizing themes of perseverance and urban hustle. These elements positioned the mixtape as a bridge between his early independent releases and his later major-label phase, helping to build anticipation for future projects. The mixtape's reception underscored its role in maintaining Coogie's momentum, with fans and critics noting its accessible yet introspective approach as a solid addition to his prior to his 2022 signing with . Stylistic choices, such as the upbeat instrumentation, echo influences from his prior extended plays like Emo #1, evolving his sound toward more promotional, fan-engaged content.

Singles as lead artist

Coogie's debut single as lead artist, "HBK" featuring Ted Park, was released on March 17, 2018, under ATMseoul. Produced by Dakshood with mixing by Bill Stax, the track introduced Coogie's trap-influenced style and playful wordplay on heartbreak, marking his formal entry into the landscape. The official audio release on helped build early buzz among underground listeners, establishing a foundation for his subsequent appearances on major platforms. During his participation in Show Me the Money 777 in 2018, Coogie released "Saimsaim" on October 6, featuring SUPERBEE, D.Ark, and CHANGMO as part of the producer collaboration round with Jay Park and Chung Ha. The high-energy track, blending boastful lyrics with infectious hooks, dominated music charts for weeks, significantly boosting Coogie's visibility and contributing to his advancement to the top 12 in the competition. Its live performance on the show and subsequent choreography challenges amplified its cultural footprint in the hip-hop community. Also from Show Me the Money 777, "Watch Me Ballin'" (titled "빌어먹을 인연" or "Damned Fate" in Korean) featuring followed in October 2018. Coogie's verses over vangdale and Kwon Se-young's production explored themes of ambition and lingering relationships, performed live during the Giriboy team round. The studio version's release and emphasized its swagger-filled narrative, aiding Coogie's growth as a competitive and extending the show's influence on his early career trajectory. In May 2020, Coogie contributed to the collaborative single "" alongside , Paloalto, , and Bassagong, released as an annual project track. The song's smooth, basketball-themed production and ensemble verses earned it Collaboration of the Year at the 2021 , underscoring its role in bridging established and emerging talents. The official music video, with its dynamic visuals tying into culture, reinforced the track's appeal and Coogie's versatility in group settings. Coogie's 2022 single "" featuring , released January 24 under AOMG's Re:Up project and produced by GRAY, addressed post-breakup reflection with melodic flows. It peaked at number 65 on the Chart's weekly digital rankings, driven by strong streaming performance. The official portrayed emotional , while a with Paul Blanco and CAMO in April expanded its reach, solidifying Coogie's transition to more mainstream, emotive . On June 27, 2022, Coogie released the single "ALONE" featuring under . The track, produced by GRAY, explores themes of isolation and longing through R&B-infused , with Lee Hi's vocals complementing Coogie's melodic . Accompanied by a , it received positive attention for its emotional depth and charted on digital platforms. "Right Now" featuring was released on September 12, 2023, under . Produced by Crush, the upbeat track blends and R&B, focusing on living in the moment, and sparked a challenge that boosted its streams among younger audiences. The highlights dynamic visuals and the artists' chemistry. Coinciding with his departure from , "1,2,3,4,5" was released independently on January 23, 2025. The single demonstrates Coogie's continued momentum with its energetic production and confident , serving as a teaser for his independent era.

Awards and nominations

Coogie received his first major recognition in the scene with a nomination for New Artist of the Year at the 2019 , highlighting his breakthrough following his debut in 2018 under ATM Seoul. This accolade acknowledged his early contributions, including his initial singles and appearances on survival programs like Show Me the Money 777, which helped establish his presence in the genre. In 2021, Coogie earned a win at the for the track "," a collaborative single released in 2020 featuring Jvcki Wai, Paloalto, , and Bassagong, which took home Collaboration of the Year. The song, produced amid Coogie's rising momentum post his debut studio Up! in 2020, showcased his ability to blend influences with ensemble dynamics, contributing to its widespread acclaim. Additionally, "" was nominated for of the Year at the same ceremony, recognizing its visually striking direction by ILLUMIN that captured the track's energetic vibe. These honors underscored Coogie's growing influence within , bridging his independent roots to broader genre collaborations.

Other recognitions

In May 2025, following his departure from , Coogie signed with Duover Entertainment, marking a new phase in his career alongside artists such as Gray and . As of 2025, Coogie has received emerging international notice, particularly through his single "1,2,3,4,5," released in January 2025, which highlights his introspective production and has drawn positive commentary from global music platforms for bridging with universal themes. This growing overseas interest complements his domestic accolades, including prior successes, to affirm his rising profile beyond genre-specific circles.