GroovyRoom
GroovyRoom (Korean: 그루비룸) is a South Korean music production and songwriting duo consisting of Park Gyu-jeong (also known as IÖN) and Lee Hwi-min (also known as Hwimin or Lil Moshpit), both born in 1994.[1] They specialize in hip-hop, R&B, and trap genres, creating sophisticated beats characterized by their signature producer tag "Groovy Everywhere."[2] Formed in the mid-2010s after the duo met at singer Younha's agency and bonded over their shared musical vision, GroovyRoom debuted as artists with the digital single "Loyalty" (featuring Ailee and Dok2) on December 14, 2016.[1][3] Their first EP, Everywhere, followed in July 2017 under H1GHR Music, featuring collaborations with prominent artists such as Heize, Jay Park, Suran, pH-1, Sik-K, and GIRIBOY, and earning praise for its diverse, summery sound blending hip-hop, funk, and electronica.[2] The duo quickly gained prominence as in-demand producers, contributing tracks like "Part Time" for Mirani on Show Me the Money 9 in 2020, "Going" and "Broken Love" for Gemini, and numerous songs for H1GHR Music affiliates including Jay Park and Sik-K.[1] In March 2021, GroovyRoom co-founded the record label @AREA (stylized as At Area) in partnership with H1GHR Music, signing artists such as Gemini and later Dawn in 2023 to expand their influence in the K-hip-hop and K-pop landscapes.[4][5] They have since released collaborative projects like Room Service with Leellamarz in 2019 and continued producing hits, including remixes for BLACKPINK's "How You Like That" and NewJeans' "Attention."[6] In 2024, under @AREA and H1GHR Music, they issued singles such as "Yes or No" (featuring Huh Yunjin of LE SSERAFIM and Crush), "IG" (featuring Gemini, Dawn, Jay Park, and Vince), and "FASHO" as part of the AT H1GHR series, showcasing their evolving style with trap-infused pop elements.[6] As of 2025, GroovyRoom serves as judges on the music survival show Undercover on ENA and performed at events like HITCFESTIVAL, maintaining their status as key figures in South Korean music production.[6]Members
Park Gyu-jeong
Park Gyu-jeong, one of the members of the South Korean production duo GroovyRoom, was born on December 12, 1994, in Pohang, North Gyeongsang Province, South Korea. Growing up in the coastal city, he attended local schools, including Pohang Jecheol High School, where he first developed an interest in music during his teenage years. His early exposure to hip-hop and electronic sounds sparked a passion for production, leading him to experiment with creating MIDI files and beats without formal training. By the early 2010s, while still in high school, Park began producing hip-hop beats independently, honing his skills through self-directed learning on digital audio software. He shared some of his early work online, building a foundation in beat-making that would define his career. Within GroovyRoom, Park takes primary responsibility for crafting beats and performing live DJ sets. Beyond the duo, Park has explored solo endeavors under the stage name IÖN, including experimental DJ mixes and the release of his debut electronic EP CÖURAGE on August 31, 2024, marking a shift toward dancefloor-oriented electronic music. In 2025, he released the single "Singularity" on May 29.[7]Lee Hwi-min
Lee Hwi-min was born on August 5, 1994, in Incheon, South Korea.[8] Growing up in Incheon, he developed an early interest in hip-hop after listening to rapper Double K's music during elementary school.[9] By high school, Hwi-min had begun producing music, laying the foundation for his career in composition and production.[10] Before forming GroovyRoom, Hwi-min engaged in underground hip-hop activities, including collaborations on tracks within the local scene. Within GroovyRoom, Hwi-min primarily leads songwriting and melody creation, often providing key input on vocal arrangements; for instance, he co-wrote and produced the 2017 single "Sunday" featuring Heize and Jay Park, which highlighted his melodic approach to hip-hop and R&B fusion. In his individual pursuits, Hwi-min released his debut solo album AAA on April 1, 2022, under the alias Lil Moshpit. The album features a mix of hip-hop and trap tracks with notable collaborations, including "Moshpit Only" with Paul Blanco, "Yooooo" with Kid Milli and Polodared, and "TO GO" with Jay Park and Loopy. AAA was well-received, earning the Hip Hop Album of the Year award at the 2023 Korean Hip-hop Awards for its innovative production and lyrical depth.[11][12] In 2025, he collaborated with Sik-K on the album K-FLIP (January 8) and its deluxe version K-FLIP+ (March 17), and released the single "THRILL" (featuring Lancey Foux and HAON).[13]Career
Formation and early years (2015–2017)
Park Gyu-jeong and Lee Hwi-min met in 2015 while working separately under the same production company in Seoul's underground hip-hop scene, where they bonded over their mutual passion for creating beats. Gyujeong, who had begun producing MIDIs during his first year of high school with a background in piano, collaborated with Hwimin— who started producing in his third year of high school—after receiving a song request during Hwimin's work with a local rapper. Their synergy led to the official formation of GroovyRoom in late 2015, focusing initially on hip-hop production.[14] In their early years, the duo engaged in independent beat production for local rappers, distributing sample tracks on the streets to build a reputation through word-of-mouth in the Korean hip-hop community. They released their first joint tracks on platforms like SoundCloud in 2016, honing their signature sound blending boom bap and trap elements amid limited resources that necessitated DIY production setups in modest home studios. These efforts established them as emerging talents, with over 60 tracks produced for various artists by mid-2017, including notable contributions like Dok2's "Ambition and Vision" and Heize's "Don’t Know You."[14] GroovyRoom made their official debut with the digital single "Loyalty," featuring Ailee and Dok2, released independently on December 14, 2016, which garnered positive reception in Korean hip-hop circles for its energetic trap production and crossover appeal. The track marked their entry into the mainstream scene, though initial chart performance was modest, peaking outside the top tiers but gaining traction through features from established artists. In 2017, they signed with H1GHR Music, enabling expanded opportunities, and began their first live performances at hip-hop festivals, showcasing their beats alongside labelmates. Despite resource constraints, such as relying on basic equipment for recordings, these years laid the foundation for their collaborative ethos and production versatility.[15][14]Breakthrough and major releases (2018–2020)
GroovyRoom's breakthrough began with the release of their debut extended play Everywhere on July 24, 2017, which featured seven tracks blending urban hip-hop elements with sophisticated production.[16] The EP introduced their signature producer tag, "Groovy Everywhere," a catchy vocal sample that became a hallmark of their sound and appeared in subsequent works.[17] Key tracks like "Sunday," featuring Heize and Jay Park, highlighted their rising collaborations within the H1ghr Music circle, contributing to increased visibility through a vibrant music video that emphasized feel-good, summery vibes.[18] Their involvement as producers and mentors on Mnet's High School Rapper Season 2 in 2018 further elevated their profile, where they guided young contestants and produced standout tracks, helping propel winner Haon into the spotlight with beats that showcased their trap-infused style.[19] This exposure solidified their reputation as innovative producers in Korean hip-hop, bridging underground scenes with mainstream television audiences.[20] In 2019, GroovyRoom released their second EP, Room Service, a collaborative project with rapper Leellamarz on September 9, marking an evolution toward heavier trap influences and featuring artists such as Sik-K, Jay Park, The Quiett, and Kid Milli across its 11 tracks.[21] The project explored themes of urban lifestyle and introspection, with production techniques emphasizing layered synths and rhythmic grooves that distinguished it from their earlier work.[22] Their return as mentors on High School Rapper Season 3 that year amplified their media presence, fostering new talents and reinforcing their role in shaping the next generation of rappers.[23] Amid the 2020 pandemic, GroovyRoom adapted with a series of virtual singles under the "Find Your Light" initiative, including "Palette #1" in April, "Burn #2" in May, and "FYL #4" in August, which saw sustained streaming growth as listeners sought upbeat hip-hop amid lockdowns.[3] These releases, distributed digitally via platforms like AZING, maintained momentum by incorporating electronic and trap elements tailored for online consumption, contributing to their expanding global fanbase.[24]Label establishment and recent developments (2021–present)
In March 2021, GroovyRoom co-founded the record label At Area (stylized as @AREA) in partnership with H1GHR MUSIC, aiming to discover and nurture emerging hip-hop artists in South Korea.[25] The label's establishment marked a significant entrepreneurial shift for the duo, allowing them to expand beyond production roles into artist management and development while remaining affiliated with H1GHR MUSIC.[26] Initial key signings included singer Gemini, who joined shortly after the launch, followed by Mirani in the same year, Dawn in 2023, and HyunA in November 2023; their debut releases under AREA, such as Gemini's single "Mona Lisa" in October 2021 and Mirani's EP Siren in 2022, helped establish the label's focus on innovative hip-hop and R&B sounds.[25][27] [28] [29] Building on these foundations, GroovyRoom continued to drive AREA's growth through strategic collaborations and high-profile involvement in the industry. In 2022, they served as producers alongside Lil Boi for Show Me the Money Season 11, contributing beats like "We Higher" that showcased their signature groovy rhythms and helped elevate contestants' performances on the Mnet rap competition. Their 2024 single "Yes or No," featuring Huh Yunjin of LE SSERAFIM and Crush, peaked at #32 on the Circle Chart, demonstrating their ability to blend nostalgic samples with modern production for broad appeal. They also released "IG" (featuring Gemini, Dawn, Jay Park, and Vince) and "FASHO" as part of the AT H1GHR series that year.[6] By 2025, AREA expanded its roster with the signing of former GFRIEND member Yuju in March and Evan (formerly Pluma) later that month, who debuted a collaborative single with pH-1, signaling increased international outreach and diversity in talent.[30][31] Recent years have seen GroovyRoom actively performing and touring to promote both their label and personal projects, including appearances at major festivals such as Head In The Clouds New York in 2025, where they highlighted AREA artists alongside their own sets.[32] These activities underscore the duo's evolution into label owners focused on sustainable artist growth. Looking ahead, GroovyRoom has expressed interest in further fusing hip-hop with electronic elements, drawing from their production roots in boom bap and trap infused with trendy synth-driven sounds to innovate within Korea's evolving music landscape.[33]Musical style
Genres and production techniques
GroovyRoom primarily specializes in hip-hop substyles such as boom bap and trap, often blending these with R&B elements to create melodic, soulful undertones in their tracks.[34][3] This fusion allows for versatile productions that balance rhythmic drive with emotive harmonies, as seen in their work across various artist collaborations. Their approach to lo-fi aesthetics further enriches this palette, introducing subtle, nostalgic textures that evoke a laid-back vibe within hip-hop frameworks.[35] In terms of production tools and techniques, the duo relies on digital audio workstations like Ableton Live and FL Studio to construct their beats.[36][37] They emphasize layering methods to develop bass-heavy foundations and intricate synth arrangements, ensuring a full, immersive sound that supports vocal performances. This process begins with foundational rhythm programming, followed by additive elements that enhance groove and dynamics. Their productions frequently feature the signature tag "Groovy Everywhere," a hallmark from their early career that reinforces their brand identity.[3] Over the course of their career, GroovyRoom's style has evolved from sample-based boom bap influences in their initial releases to more electronic-infused trap elements by the late 2010s, reflecting broader trends in hip-hop production. This evolution has continued into the 2020s, incorporating electronic genres such as trance, techno, and house, as seen in Park Gyu-jeong's solo debut as ÏN in 2024.[34][38] In their collaborative workflow, Park Gyu-jeong and Lee Hwi-min divide responsibilities—often handling beats and composition separately before merging ideas—while prioritizing artist feedback to refine tracks for commercial appeal and personal fit.[14][39] Technical innovations include custom drum kits and tailored effects chains, designed to impart a distinctive "groovy" bounce through swung rhythms and percussive variations that encourage movement.[37][39]Signature elements and influences
GroovyRoom's most distinctive signature element is the recurring vocal tag "Groovy Everywhere," a short sample that has appeared in the intros of nearly all their productions since 2017. This tag originated with the release of their debut extended play Everywhere, serving as a playful nod to their group name and the album's title, while emphasizing their goal of creating music that resonates universally. Within K-hip-hop, the tag has achieved notable cultural impact, becoming synonymous with their brand and instantly recognizable to fans, much like producer tags from international hip-hop figures, and contributing to their reputation as a "hit-producing duo."[25][39] In their self-productions, GroovyRoom frequently incorporates thematic motifs centered on urban lifestyle, party vibes, and motivational lyrics, evoking energetic summer atmospheres and chill, refreshing soundscapes that encourage listener engagement. Tracks like "Sunday" and "Somewhere" exemplify this through mellow funk and tropical beats that capture carefree urban escapism and upbeat party energy, often paired with collaborative verses from rappers that add layers of motivational introspection. These motifs align with their broader hip-hop foundation, blending raw, street-level narratives with accessible, feel-good rhythms to appeal to a wide audience.[2] Key influences on GroovyRoom's sound include American producers Timbaland and Pharrell Williams for their innovative blending of genres, as well as Korean hip-hop pioneers like Epik High, whose classic records inspired piano-heavy, introspective tracks such as "Unsigned Hype." Domestically, they draw from producers Teddy and Kush, who shaped Hwi-min's early aspirations, and K-pop group 2NE1, reflecting a fusion of polished pop structures with hip-hop's edge. These inspirations manifest in GroovyRoom's versatile style, which mixes pop, hip-hop, and electronica to create original, catchy productions.[14][2] GroovyRoom's cultural adaptations are evident in their seamless blending of K-pop's commercial polish—such as structured hooks and vibrant arrangements—with raw hip-hop elements like trap beats and rapper features, allowing them to bridge mainstream appeal and underground credibility. This approach responds to global trends in accessible, digital-era hip-hop, incorporating flute trap and electronic influences akin to international styles while maintaining a distinctly Korean flavor through collaborations with H1GHR Music artists. Their work on tracks like "Tell Me" highlights this hybridity, combining electronica grooves with hip-hop flows for a sound that travels easily across platforms.[14][2][40] The duo's style has significantly influenced younger producers within the H1GHR Music ecosystem, with figures like Boycold citing GroovyRoom as their primary career inspiration due to close mentorship and shared creative processes. By founding their own sub-label AREA in 2021 and offering production classes via platforms like Class101, they have extended this impact, guiding emerging talents in Korean hip-hop toward innovative, trend-adaptive techniques and fostering a collaborative environment that elevates the label's overall sound.[41][39][40]Discography
Extended plays
GroovyRoom's extended plays as lead artists emphasize their signature self-produced hip-hop sound, blending trap beats, boom bap rhythms, and electronic influences with collaborations featuring prominent Korean artists. These releases highlight the duo's experimentation in crafting cohesive projects that showcase their production versatility, from laid-back grooves to high-energy tracks, often incorporating guest vocals to enhance thematic depth. Their debut extended play, Everywhere, was released on July 24, 2017, under H1GHR Music. The seven-track project marked their first full-length effort as lead artists, featuring a diverse array of collaborators and demonstrating early cohesion in their production approach. Key tracks include the title-inspired energy of "Sunday" with Heize and Jay Park, and "YNF" with nafla and Verbal Jint, which exemplify their hip-hop experimentation through layered synths and rhythmic flows. The EP's tracklist is as follows:| No. | Title | Featured Artist(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Unsigned Hype | Justhis | 3:05 |
| 2 | Sunday | Heize, Jay Park | 3:02 |
| 3 | Somewhere (어디쯤에) | Suran, pH-1 | 3:29 |
| 4 | YNF | nafla, Verbal Jint | 2:43 |
| 5 | Tell Me | HAON, Osshun Gum | 3:16 |
| 6 | Everywhere | - | 3:24 |
| 7 | Again | Dok2, Ailee | 3:38 |
| No. | Title | Featured Artist(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Room Service | - | 2:35 |
| 2 | City Life (도시생활) | - | 3:14 |
| 3 | In My Room | - | 2:26 |
| 4 | Color (염색) | youra | 2:41 |
| 5 | Pass | Sik-K | 2:48 |
| 6 | Facetime | - | 2:57 |
| 7 | Pick Up Your Phone | MOON | 2:51 |
| 8 | Kick That | The Quiett, Kid Milli | 3:07 |
| 9 | Sign | Jay Park | 2:59 |
| 10 | 9 | pH-1 | 2:45 |
| 11 | 24/7 | HAON | 2:52 |
| No. | Title | Featured Artist(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Take It (Prod. GroovyRoom) | Justhis, Mushvenom | 3:55 |
| 2 | VVS (H1GHR Remix) [Prod. GroovyRoom] | pH-1, BIG Naughty, Trade L, Woodie Gochild, Justhis, Munchman | 5:14 |
| 3 | Achoo Remix [Prod. GroovyRoom] | Mirani, pH-1, Munchman, Skinny Brown, Louie, Leellamarz | 12:03 |
Singles as lead artist
GroovyRoom's singles as lead artists typically feature collaborations with prominent figures in Korean hip-hop and R&B, emphasizing their signature groovy production and themes of relationships, party vibes, and urban life. Their debut efforts established an underground following, while later releases built on this foundation with increasing mainstream visibility, though maintaining a mid-tier chart presence reflective of their niche in the hip-hop scene. Additional singles from 2018–2021, such as "My Paradise" (feat. Chungha, Vinxen; 2018), "This Night" (feat. Blue.D, Jhnvor; 2019), "Face Down" (feat. Paul Blanco, UNEDUCATED KID; 2019), and the "Find Your Light" series (including "Palette #1" , "Daylight #3" , "FYL #4" , "follow the light #5" , and "by your color #6" [feat. Nucksal, Don Mills; 2021]), expanded their collaborative catalog with varied features and thematic explorations in hip-hop and R&B.[45] The duo's inaugural single, "Loyalty" featuring Ailee and Dok2, was released on December 14, 2016, marking their entry into the music industry with a trap-infused track that garnered initial buzz within underground hip-hop circles for its bold beats and vocal interplay.[46] "Sunday," released on July 24, 2017, and featuring Heize and Jay Park, served as the lead track from their debut EP Everywhere. This upbeat hip-hop party anthem, centered on weekend escapism, peaked at number 24 on Soompi's K-Pop Music Chart in August 2017 and included a music video depicting vibrant urban nightlife scenes, helping propel GroovyRoom's early recognition.[47] Subsequent singles continued this collaborative approach, often tying into broader projects while achieving consistent mid-tier chart performance. In 2024, GroovyRoom released "Yes or No" on January 17, featuring HUH YUNJIN of LE SSERAFIM and Crush, posing questions of romantic uncertainty over smooth, synth-driven production; it peaked at number 16 on Soompi's K-Pop Music Chart in February. Later that year, AT H1GHR (July 23), a two-track single, highlighted their ties to H1GHR Music with high-energy vibes across "IG" (feat. GEMINI, DAWN, Jay Park, Vince) and "FASHO" (feat. pH-1, HAON, TRADE L, Woodie Gochild, BIG Naughty, Sik-K, Jay Park, lIlBOI). These releases exemplify GroovyRoom's pattern of mid-tier success, with peaks in the 10s to 50s on charts like Soompi's, underscoring their reliable impact in Korea's hip-hop landscape without top-tier dominance.[48][49][50][51]| Title | Release Date | Featured Artist(s) | Peak Chart Position | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| "Loyalty" | December 14, 2016 | Ailee, Dok2 | — | Debut single; trap track generating underground buzz. |
| "Sunday" | July 24, 2017 | Heize, Jay Park | 24 (Soompi, 2017) | Party anthem from Everywhere EP; urban-themed music video. |
| "My Paradise" | 2018 | Chungha, Vinxen | — | Early collaborative single expanding their R&B influences. |
| "This Night" | 2019 | Blue.D, Jhnvor | — | Urban nightlife-themed track. |
| "Face Down" | July 3, 2019 | Paul Blanco, UNEDUCATED KID | — | High-energy hip-hop single. |
| "Find Your Light: Palette #1" | 2020 | - | — | Start of inspirational series. |
| "ALL IN" | August 3, 2021 | Jay Park, pH-1 | — | Collaboration exploring commitment themes. |
| "Rollin'" | October 6, 2022 | GEMINI, MIRANI | — | Energetic bass-driven track; mid-chart performer. |
| "Let Me Leave You" | June 14, 2023 | GEMINI | — | Emotional R&B-hip-hop blend on detachment. |
| "Yes or No" | January 17, 2024 | HUH YUNJIN, Crush | 16 (Soompi, 2024) | Pre-release single exploring indecision; synth-pop elements. |
| "IG" | July 23, 2024 | GEMINI, DAWN, Jay Park, Vince | — | Part of AT H1GHR single; trap-infused pop. |
| "FASHO" | July 23, 2024 | pH-1, HAON, TRADE L, Woodie Gochild, BIG Naughty, Sik-K, Jay Park, lIlBOI | — | Part of AT H1GHR single; posse cut with H1GHR affiliates. |