Audition-winning BewhY will carry on with ‘nice’ rap

BewhY wants to continue spouting his own brand of “nice” rap.

The 23-year-old, whose real name is Lee Byung-yoon, nabbed the spotlight as the leading contestant during the fifth season of hiphop audition program “Show Me the Money,” which began airing on Mnet in May. He eventually nabbed the top prize in last week’s final episode.

The rookie rapper has been open about his Christian faith on the show. He wants to carry on writing lyrics that both convey his own beliefs and resonate with the wider public, he told reporters in a group interview Tuesday in southern Seoul.

“My religion is the most important thing in my life,” he said. “But it could be uncomfortable for some people, so I tried to find the intersection between my beliefs and the thoughts of those who don’t share my religion.” 

Tracks that BewhY recorded on the show in collaboration with hiphop producers Simon Dominic and Gray, have been received favorably by viewers. “Day Day,” an optimistic track on self-fulfillment featuring Jay Park and Gray, is currently topping major local music charts.

The rapper said he was first drawn to rap because “you just express your thoughts and beliefs, and that becomes hiphop.” He first gained an interest in pop music through K-pop band Big Bang’s music, he confessed.

While rumors are rampant that numerous record labels are aggressively attempting to scout the newly crowned rapper, BewhY said he has not yet decided on his future steps. 

Rappers Simon Dominic, who said he is preparing a new album following his 2015 release “Won & Only,” and Gray, were also present at the interview.

By Rumy Doo (doo@heraldcorp.com)