The TOP2 who will compete in the final block match of ‘Rap:Public’ has been decided.
In the 11th episode of the Tving original variety show ‘Rap:Public’ (directed by Choi Hyo-jin and Jung Woo-young, written by Jo Geun-ae, provided by Tving, produced by CJ ENM), which was released on the 4th, 2-Block and 3-Block emerged victorious in the spectacular performances of the ‘Crew Battle’ and advanced to the finals.
The second round of the final gateway ‘Crew Battle’ featured a competition with a song produced by Chacha Malone, who has produced several hit albums for MC Park Jae-bum. The stage opened by 3-Block's Ready, Chaboom, and Noh Yoon-ha left a deep impression with a performance completed with Chaboom's ideas and hooks. Their perfect performance garnered enthusiastic responses, with comments like, “The stage was solid and flawless,” “The song structure and performances on stage were well-organized,” and “They are just one team. They prepared without any gaps.”
The second stage was filled by 6-Block GaoGai, Earthling, and Kohway. The stage, which started with a witty text message unique to 6-Block, excited the audience with an addictive hook that prompted a sing-along. The featuring of ‘Vocal Goddess’ Yujoo also elevated the stage's completeness. 6-Block leader GaoGai expressed his confidence, saying, “I was happy to see the audience happy when we made eye contact. I feel proud and good that the Block One members did well.”
2-Block Shy Boy Toby and Pogi at the Bottom evoked empathy with sincere lyrics and an immersive performance, while featuring Big Naughty's emotional vocals provided a touching experience. The rappers praised their compelling stage, saying, “It was the most moving stage I’ve seen on the show so far,” and “I felt comforted.”
The final round of the ‘Crew Battle’ featured a competition with a song by producer Hucky Shibaseki, who produced E SENS's third album ‘Piggy Bank’ and won the Hip-Hop Track of the Year at the 2024 ‘Korean Hip-Hop Awards’. The first stage featured 6-Block Mac Daddy, Hash Swan, and Jo Kwang-il. The stage, created with the determination to “show the end of what can be done with rap,” was powerful in itself. The various elements of ‘Rap:Public’ such as group costumes, masks, grand flags, and intense tikitaka provided a thrilling experience.
The second stage was adorned by 2-Block Loopy, JP, and OSUN, who showcased fantastic chemistry. Their performance, which made other blocks nervous from the rehearsal, received cheers from the audience right from the start. Loopy's unique flow and JP and OSUN's deep voices created a diverse synergy. Even after the three rappers finished their stage, the audience's cheers continued. OSUN shared, “All three colors are different. I think it shone when combined at the end,” while JP expressed his determination for the finals, saying, “I felt that we could achieve a good result.”
The final stage of the Hucky Shibaseki round was decorated by the tightly-knit teamwork of 3-Block Kim Haon, Yang Kyle, and James An. As Kim Haon, who has proven his skills in every match and received a hot response, was included in the crew, other rappers poured in their challenges. Especially, the perfect synergy of the three rappers, who showcased their true value on a stage themed ‘3’, left a deep impression. The audience also enjoyed the stage, jumping along, and 3-Block proudly stated, “We definitely won,” and “Kim Haon, Yang Kyle, and James An all shone in a perfect stage.”
In the first voting results of the ‘Crew Battle’, 3-Block ranked first in the Chacha Malone round, while 6-Block took first place in the Hucky Shibaseki round. With 2-Block, 3-Block, and 6-Block all ranking first in their respective rounds, the final results of the second voting confirmed that 2-Block took first place overall, followed by 3-Block in second place, securing their spots in the final block match. 3rd place 6-Block was ultimately eliminated. Leader GaoGai expressed his final thoughts, saying, “We fought every match fiercely to the point where we couldn’t work any harder. It’s disappointing, but I have no regrets.”
Only one match remains until the final block that will claim ‘Rap:Public’. The 2-Block and 3-Block, who have engaged in a fierce rivalry in ‘Block Breaking’ and ‘Block Tournament’, will face off again in the final match. 3-Block Kim Haon stated, “My goal is still to win. I will fight for that goal.” 2-Block Loopy expressed his determination, saying, “I will win with a stage worthy of the name ‘Rap:Public’,” raising expectations. It remains to be seen who will be the final block of ‘Rap:Public’, as attention is focused on the highly anticipated final block match.
The second soundtrack of the fifth block match ‘Crew Battle’ was released on the 4th. The songs include ‘Truth Hurts (Feat. Big Naughty)’ by 2-Block Shy Boy Toby and Pogi at the Bottom, ‘T-Bagging’ by 3-Block Ready, Chaboom, and Noh Yoon-ha, ‘Sweaty (Feat. Yujoo)’ by 6-Block GaoGai, Earthling, and Kohway, ‘OTL (OFF THE LEASH)’ by 2-Block Loopy, OSUN, and JP, ‘3’ by 3-Block Kim Haon, Yang Kyle, and James An, and ‘Overload’ by 6-Block Mac Daddy, Hash Swan, and Jo Kwang-il, totaling six songs that have garnered attention. All tracks from the ‘Crew Battle’ soundtrack can be enjoyed on domestic and international music streaming sites.
The 12th episode of the Tving original variety show ‘Rap:Public’ will be released on the 11th.
