Teddy Park
Encyclopedia
Park Hong-jun better known as Teddy Park or just Teddy, is a Korean-American rapper and record producer
. Born in South Korea, Park moved to the United States
as a young child. There, he learned English
. After moving back to South Korea, he majored in English at Myongji University
.
Teddy Park dropped out of university to join hip hop
group 1TYM
. Together, the group recorded five total studio albums. Park involved himself with the production process on the group's later albums, and started his producing career. The group's last album, One Way, was released in 2005.
After activities with 1TYM, Teddy Park became primarily a producer for YG Entertainment
. He has worked on substantial amounts of Big Bang's material, the entirety of 2NE1
's first extended play
, the majority of 2NE1's studio album To Anyone
, and Uhm Jung-hwa
's "D.I.S.C.O."
, but quickly moved to New York City
after as a young child. Park was heavily bullied there, but his father got a transfer to the city of Diamond Bar, California
, where he attended Diamond Bar High School
. There, he met Im Taebin
, and together they bonded over a love of rap music. They auditioned together at Brothers Entertainment, and got accepted. There, they learned about YG Entertainment
. They moved to South Korea, where Park attended Myongji University
, majoring in English. However, he soon moved to Seoul
to start activities with newly formed group 1TYM
.
One Time for Your Mind was followed by 2nd Round in 2000 and Third Time Fo' Yo' Mind in 2003. Park began to have more input into the songs, and had a more prominent role in producing.
After the initial three albums, 1TYM released Once N 4 All. After this, they went on a two year hiatus in which member Taebin released his own solo debut album. 1TYM came back with One Way in 2005, their fifth and last studio album. 1TYM went on hiatus after One Way due to Oh Jinhwan's military service.
's album Sevolution.
From late 2006 to early 2009, Park produced for up-and-coming boy band
Big Bang. He had a part in their hit song "Sunset Glow" most notably.
In 2009, Park began to become more active as a producer. "Lollipop
," a collaboration between Big Bang and new girl group
2NE1
, was made by Teddy and topped the Gaon Chart
during April. While producing for 2NE1, Park was offered to work for then-upcoming superstar Lady Gaga
, but refused. He turned his attention back to 2NE1 and had a part in the production of all of 2NE1's debut extended play
, 2NE1
. In addition, Teddy produced much of Big Bang member Taeyang
's solo album and was featured in leader G-Dragon
's song "The Leaders." Near the end of the year, 10Asia named Teddy Park as one of the top 10 people of 2009 for his participation in some of the year's biggest k-pop
hits.
Teddy Park composed Seven's lead promotional single in 2010, "Better Together," in addition to other songs from Digital Bounce. After work on Seven's album, Park began working on 2NE1's first studio album, To Anyone
. Two of the three main singles, "Can't Nobody
" and "Go Away
," were composed by Park.
. In addition, he has been noted for using reggae
in his songs. Park stated that his own work from 2NE1's debut EP was highly reggae-influenced. Later, on 2NE1's full length album and subsequent mini-album, he uses pop
and dance music styles, often featuring house
elements .
Record producer
A record producer is an individual working within the music industry, whose job is to oversee and manage the recording of an artist's music...
. Born in South Korea, Park moved to the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
as a young child. There, he learned English
English language
English is a West Germanic language that arose in the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of England and spread into what was to become south-east Scotland under the influence of the Anglian medieval kingdom of Northumbria...
. After moving back to South Korea, he majored in English at Myongji University
Myongji University
Myongji University was founded in 1948 and is located in South Korea. It provides higher education in the fields of engineering, sciences and humanities. It has two campuses; one in downtown Seoul, and the other in Yongin, 35km south of Seoul...
.
Teddy Park dropped out of university to join hip hop
Hip hop music
Hip hop music, also called hip-hop, rap music or hip-hop music, is a musical genre consisting of a stylized rhythmic music that commonly accompanies rapping, a rhythmic and rhyming speech that is chanted...
group 1TYM
1TYM
1TYM is a four-member Korean hip hop group. The four members are: Oh Jin Hwan , Park Hong Jun , Song Baek Kyoung , and Im Taebin . Leader Teddy and lead vocalist Danny originated from the United States and moved to South Korea when they were accepted under YG...
. Together, the group recorded five total studio albums. Park involved himself with the production process on the group's later albums, and started his producing career. The group's last album, One Way, was released in 2005.
After activities with 1TYM, Teddy Park became primarily a producer for YG Entertainment
YG Entertainment
YG Entertainment is a record label and talent agency founded by Korean band Seo Taiji & Boys member Yang Hyun Suk and based in Seoul, South Korea. It specializes in producing R&B and hip hop music. YG stands for Yang Goon and are also the initials of the chief executive officer, Yang Hyun Suk...
. He has worked on substantial amounts of Big Bang's material, the entirety of 2NE1
2NE1
Both the song and the group became popular online: Fire topped Mnet's online chart and 2NE1 became a popular search term. The group was awarded three Cyworld Digital Music Awards; "Lollipop" and "Fire" both won "Song of the Month" and the group won "Rookie of the Month" for May 2009...
's first extended play
2NE1 (EP)
-Singles:* "Lollipop" digitally released on March 27, 2009. The song was created for LG to promote their Cyon phone, and it was a joint release with Big Bang; the commercial/music video debuted on March 28, 2009...
, the majority of 2NE1's studio album To Anyone
To Anyone
To Anyone is the first studio album of South Korean hip hop girl group 2NE1. The album was released on September 9, 2010, by YG Entertainment. 2NE1 worked with YG Entertainment CEO Yang Hyun Suk, Teddy, and e.knock to produce the album. Musically, the album is classified as hip hop, pop, R&B, and...
, and Uhm Jung-hwa
Uhm Jung-hwa
Uhm Jung-hwa is a South Korean female Korean pop artist and actress. Uhm began her career as a chorus member of MBC, one of the three major South Korean broadcasting companies, in 1989...
's "D.I.S.C.O."
Early life
Teddy Park was born in South KoreaSouth Korea
The Republic of Korea , , is a sovereign state in East Asia, located on the southern portion of the Korean Peninsula. It is neighbored by the People's Republic of China to the west, Japan to the east, North Korea to the north, and the East China Sea and Republic of China to the south...
, but quickly moved to New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
after as a young child. Park was heavily bullied there, but his father got a transfer to the city of Diamond Bar, California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
, where he attended Diamond Bar High School
Diamond Bar High School
Diamond Bar High School is located in Diamond Bar, California and is part of the Walnut Valley Unified School District. The school mascot is the Brahma, and the school colors are purple, gold, and white. Diamond Bar High School students participate in programs such as Advanced Placement and...
. There, he met Im Taebin
Taebin
Danny Im , also known by his Korean name Tae Bin , is a Korean singer and the youngest member of the Korean hip hop group 1TYM. Born on May 6, 1980, he debuted as lead vocalist of 1TYM in 1998. On June 12, 2004, he released his first solo album under the name Taebin...
, and together they bonded over a love of rap music. They auditioned together at Brothers Entertainment, and got accepted. There, they learned about YG Entertainment
YG Entertainment
YG Entertainment is a record label and talent agency founded by Korean band Seo Taiji & Boys member Yang Hyun Suk and based in Seoul, South Korea. It specializes in producing R&B and hip hop music. YG stands for Yang Goon and are also the initials of the chief executive officer, Yang Hyun Suk...
. They moved to South Korea, where Park attended Myongji University
Myongji University
Myongji University was founded in 1948 and is located in South Korea. It provides higher education in the fields of engineering, sciences and humanities. It has two campuses; one in downtown Seoul, and the other in Yongin, 35km south of Seoul...
, majoring in English. However, he soon moved to Seoul
Seoul
Seoul , officially the Seoul Special City, is the capital and largest metropolis of South Korea. A megacity with a population of over 10 million, it is the largest city proper in the OECD developed world...
to start activities with newly formed group 1TYM
1TYM
1TYM is a four-member Korean hip hop group. The four members are: Oh Jin Hwan , Park Hong Jun , Song Baek Kyoung , and Im Taebin . Leader Teddy and lead vocalist Danny originated from the United States and moved to South Korea when they were accepted under YG...
.
1998–2005: Work with 1TYM
While with 1TYM, the group produced five studio albums. In 1998, they debuted with One Time for Your Mind with a hip hop music style. Park was primarily a rapper and had little input in the songs outside of writing his own lyrics.One Time for Your Mind was followed by 2nd Round in 2000 and Third Time Fo' Yo' Mind in 2003. Park began to have more input into the songs, and had a more prominent role in producing.
After the initial three albums, 1TYM released Once N 4 All. After this, they went on a two year hiatus in which member Taebin released his own solo debut album. 1TYM came back with One Way in 2005, their fifth and last studio album. 1TYM went on hiatus after One Way due to Oh Jinhwan's military service.
2006–present: Producer for YG Entertainment
Starting in 2006, after 1TYM started its hiatus, Teddy began to produce for his label. His first major production outside of work with 1TYM was "La La La" from SevenSeven (South Korean singer)
Choi Dong-wook , better known by his stage name Se7en, is a South Korean singer from YG Entertainment. He has released songs in South Korea, Japan, China and the United States.-2003: Debut:...
's album Sevolution.
From late 2006 to early 2009, Park produced for up-and-coming boy band
Boy band
A boy band is loosely defined as a popular music act consisting of only male singers. The members are expected to dance as well as sing, usually giving highly choreographed performances. More often than not, boy band members do not play musical instruments, either in recording sessions or on...
Big Bang. He had a part in their hit song "Sunset Glow" most notably.
In 2009, Park began to become more active as a producer. "Lollipop
Lollipop (Big Bang and 2NE1 song)
"Lollipop" is a song by Big Bang and 2NE1, created to promote a cellphone by LG Cyon. It uses an interpolation of the 1958 hit Lollipop written by Julius Dixson and Beverly Ross. The song hit the top spot on various online charts, including a 4-week #1 run on music portal M.Net...
," a collaboration between Big Bang and new girl group
Girl group
A girl group is a popular music act featuring several young female singers who generally harmonise together.Girl groups emerged in the late 1950s as groups of young singers teamed up with behind-the-scenes songwriters and music producers to create hit singles, often featuring glossy production...
2NE1
2NE1
Both the song and the group became popular online: Fire topped Mnet's online chart and 2NE1 became a popular search term. The group was awarded three Cyworld Digital Music Awards; "Lollipop" and "Fire" both won "Song of the Month" and the group won "Rookie of the Month" for May 2009...
, was made by Teddy and topped the Gaon Chart
Gaon Chart
The Gaon Chart is a national record chart of South Korea. It is complied by the Korea Music Content Industry Association and sponsored by South Korea's Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism; with an aim to create a national chart for Korea similar to the Billboard charts and Oricon charts...
during April. While producing for 2NE1, Park was offered to work for then-upcoming superstar Lady Gaga
Lady GaGa
Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta , better known by her stage name Lady Gaga, is an American singer and songwriter. Born and raised in New York City, she primarily studied at the Convent of the Sacred Heart and briefly attended New York University's Tisch School of the Arts before withdrawing to...
, but refused. He turned his attention back to 2NE1 and had a part in the production of all of 2NE1's debut extended play
Extended play
An EP is a musical recording which contains more music than a single, but is too short to qualify as a full album or LP. The term EP originally referred only to specific types of vinyl records other than 78 rpm standard play records and LP records, but it is now applied to mid-length Compact...
, 2NE1
2NE1 (EP)
-Singles:* "Lollipop" digitally released on March 27, 2009. The song was created for LG to promote their Cyon phone, and it was a joint release with Big Bang; the commercial/music video debuted on March 28, 2009...
. In addition, Teddy produced much of Big Bang member Taeyang
Taeyang
Dong Youngbae , better known by his stage name Taeyang or Sol, is a South Korean recording artist, entertainer. After appearing in Jinusean's music video "A-yo", Taeyang began training under YG Entertainment at the age of 12 alongside fellow member and leader G-Dragon...
's solo album and was featured in leader G-Dragon
G-Dragon
Aside from Big Bang, G-Dragon also made several solo appearances. After helping produce Taeyang's debut album, he recorded his own version of the album's lead single "Only Look At Me" , titled as the part two version to the song. The single was released digitally...
's song "The Leaders." Near the end of the year, 10Asia named Teddy Park as one of the top 10 people of 2009 for his participation in some of the year's biggest k-pop
K-pop
K-pop is a musical genre consisting of electropop, hip hop, pop, rock, and R&B music originating in South Korea...
hits.
Teddy Park composed Seven's lead promotional single in 2010, "Better Together," in addition to other songs from Digital Bounce. After work on Seven's album, Park began working on 2NE1's first studio album, To Anyone
To Anyone
To Anyone is the first studio album of South Korean hip hop girl group 2NE1. The album was released on September 9, 2010, by YG Entertainment. 2NE1 worked with YG Entertainment CEO Yang Hyun Suk, Teddy, and e.knock to produce the album. Musically, the album is classified as hip hop, pop, R&B, and...
. Two of the three main singles, "Can't Nobody
Can't Nobody (2NE1 song)
"Can't Nobody" is one of three promotional singles by South Korean girl group 2NE1's album To Anyone and a dance-pop song. The song was produced and written by YG Entertainment producer Teddy Park. The music video was released on September 12, 2010...
" and "Go Away
Go Away (2NE1 song)
"Go Away" is one of the three simultaneously promoted songs from South Korean girl group 2NE1's album To Anyone. The song was produced and written by YG Entertainment producer Teddy Park. The music video was released on September 10, 2010. It was first performed on The Music Trend...
," were composed by Park.
Musical style and influences
Teddy's production style is noted for heavy influences from contemporary R&BContemporary R&B
Contemporary R&B is a music genre that combines elements of hip hop, soul, R&B and funk.Although the abbreviation “R&B” originates from traditional rhythm and blues music, today the term R&B is most often used to describe a style of African American music originating after the demise of disco in...
. In addition, he has been noted for using reggae
Reggae
Reggae is a music genre first developed in Jamaica in the late 1960s. While sometimes used in a broader sense to refer to most types of Jamaican music, the term reggae more properly denotes a particular music style that originated following on the development of ska and rocksteady.Reggae is based...
in his songs. Park stated that his own work from 2NE1's debut EP was highly reggae-influenced. Later, on 2NE1's full length album and subsequent mini-album, he uses pop
Pop music
Pop music is usually understood to be commercially recorded music, often oriented toward a youth market, usually consisting of relatively short, simple songs utilizing technological innovations to produce new variations on existing themes.- Definitions :David Hatch and Stephen Millward define pop...
and dance music styles, often featuring house
House music
House music is a genre of electronic dance music that originated in Chicago, Illinois, United States in the early 1980s. It was initially popularized in mid-1980s discothèques catering to the African-American, Latino American, and gay communities; first in Chicago circa 1984, then in other...
elements .
Other Appearances
- Chris Brown featuring Lil Wayne, Busta Rhymes - "Look at me Now" brief appearance 0:07
- TaeyangTaeyangDong Youngbae , better known by his stage name Taeyang or Sol, is a South Korean recording artist, entertainer. After appearing in Jinusean's music video "A-yo", Taeyang began training under YG Entertainment at the age of 12 alongside fellow member and leader G-Dragon...
featuring Teddy – "Prayer" - TaeyangTaeyangDong Youngbae , better known by his stage name Taeyang or Sol, is a South Korean recording artist, entertainer. After appearing in Jinusean's music video "A-yo", Taeyang began training under YG Entertainment at the age of 12 alongside fellow member and leader G-Dragon...
featuring Teddy – "Move" - TaeyangTaeyangDong Youngbae , better known by his stage name Taeyang or Sol, is a South Korean recording artist, entertainer. After appearing in Jinusean's music video "A-yo", Taeyang began training under YG Entertainment at the age of 12 alongside fellow member and leader G-Dragon...
featuring Teddy - "Where U At" - G-DragonG-DragonAside from Big Bang, G-Dragon also made several solo appearances. After helping produce Taeyang's debut album, he recorded his own version of the album's lead single "Only Look At Me" , titled as the part two version to the song. The single was released digitally...
featuring Teddy and CLCLCL may refer to:*Certificated Location, a Caravan Club site*Clay , a type of soil*150 in Roman numerals*Light cruiser hull classification in the US Navy*Mercedes-Benz CL-Class, an automobile...
– "The Leaders" - JinuseanJinuseanJinusean is a well-known Korean hip hop duo from YG Family. The duo is made up by Jin-woo Kim and Noh Seung-hwan .-History:In 1994, Jinu debuted in Korea as a solo artist with the popular song: "I Was the Captain"...
featuring Teddy and Danny/Taebin of 1TYM1TYM1TYM is a four-member Korean hip hop group. The four members are: Oh Jin Hwan , Park Hong Jun , Song Baek Kyoung , and Im Taebin . Leader Teddy and lead vocalist Danny originated from the United States and moved to South Korea when they were accepted under YG...
- "Microphone" - JinuseanJinuseanJinusean is a well-known Korean hip hop duo from YG Family. The duo is made up by Jin-woo Kim and Noh Seung-hwan .-History:In 1994, Jinu debuted in Korea as a solo artist with the popular song: "I Was the Captain"...
featuring Teddy, Masta Wu, and Chino XLChino XLDerek Keith Barbosa , better known by his stage name Chino XL, is an American hip hop lyricist, battle rapper, and actor of Puerto Rican and African American descent...
- "Hip-Hop Seoul-Ja" - JinuseanJinuseanJinusean is a well-known Korean hip hop duo from YG Family. The duo is made up by Jin-woo Kim and Noh Seung-hwan .-History:In 1994, Jinu debuted in Korea as a solo artist with the popular song: "I Was the Captain"...
featuring Teddy, Danny/Taebin of 1TYM1TYM1TYM is a four-member Korean hip hop group. The four members are: Oh Jin Hwan , Park Hong Jun , Song Baek Kyoung , and Im Taebin . Leader Teddy and lead vocalist Danny originated from the United States and moved to South Korea when they were accepted under YG...
, and PerryPerryPerry is an alcoholic beverage made from fermented pears. Perry has been common for centuries in Britain, particularly in the Three Counties of Gloucestershire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire, and in parts of south Wales; and France, especially Normandy and Anjou.In more recent years, commercial...
- "Throw Them Hands Up" - Masta Wu featuring Teddy - "Do or Die"
- LexyLexyLexy is a commune in the Meurthe-et-Moselle department in north-eastern France.-External links:*...
featuring Teddy - "Let Me Dance" - SevenSeven (South Korean singer)Choi Dong-wook , better known by his stage name Se7en, is a South Korean singer from YG Entertainment. He has released songs in South Korea, Japan, China and the United States.-2003: Debut:...
featuring Teddy - "I Know" - YG Family featuring Teddy - "Sinsa/Fly Gentlemen"
- YG Family featuring Teddy - "Free Fallin"
- YG Family featuring Teddy - "Famillenium"
- YG Family featuring Teddy - "A-Yo (Official Remix)"
- YGYGYG may refer to:* YG Entertainment, a Korean entertainment company* Young Greens , one of several youth wings of Green parties * yocto gram or yotta gram , two SI units of mass...
featuring Teddy - "I Don't Trust Anyone" - Lee HyoriLee HyoriLee Hyori is a South Korean singer. She debuted as a member of the successful pop girl group Fin.K.L, but has since become a solo artist. In 2003 she released her debut solo album Stylish which won many "Daesangs"...
featuring Teddy - "Anyclub" - Danny/Taebin (1TYM1TYM1TYM is a four-member Korean hip hop group. The four members are: Oh Jin Hwan , Park Hong Jun , Song Baek Kyoung , and Im Taebin . Leader Teddy and lead vocalist Danny originated from the United States and moved to South Korea when they were accepted under YG...
) featuring Teddy - "Tabu" - GD & TOPGD & TOPGD & TOP is the debut album of South Korean artists G-Dragon & T.O.P, members of Big Bang. Released on December 24th, 2010, the album marks the first collaboration between the two away from their group. The duo promoted the album extensively, including a world-wide premiere showcase and numerous...
featuring Teddy - "High High" (Only video cameo) - Uhm Jung Hwa featuring Teddy and Kush/E.Knock and T.O.P - D.I.S.C.O (Only video cameo)
- PerryPerryPerry is an alcoholic beverage made from fermented pears. Perry has been common for centuries in Britain, particularly in the Three Counties of Gloucestershire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire, and in parts of south Wales; and France, especially Normandy and Anjou.In more recent years, commercial...
featuring Teddy and Masta Wu - "Bounce" - YMGA featuring Teddy, G-DragonG-DragonAside from Big Bang, G-Dragon also made several solo appearances. After helping produce Taeyang's debut album, he recorded his own version of the album's lead single "Only Look At Me" , titled as the part two version to the song. The single was released digitally...
, PerryPerryPerry is an alcoholic beverage made from fermented pears. Perry has been common for centuries in Britain, particularly in the Three Counties of Gloucestershire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire, and in parts of south Wales; and France, especially Normandy and Anjou.In more recent years, commercial...
, Kush/E.Knock, and CLCLCL may refer to:*Certificated Location, a Caravan Club site*Clay , a type of soil*150 in Roman numerals*Light cruiser hull classification in the US Navy*Mercedes-Benz CL-Class, an automobile...
- "What" - H-Eugene featuring Teddy, Masta Wu, and Park Jang Geun - "Shorty"
- WheesungWheesung-EPs:*2006: Against All Odds*2008: 스마일 프로젝트 Vol.2 'Love Seat*2009: 휘성 with D.O*2009: Insomnia*2010: Realslow Is Back*2010: Winter Night*2011: Words That Freeze My Heart-OSTs:*2006: 중천의 기억*2009: 우리집에 왜 왔니...
featuring Teddy - "With Me" - WheesungWheesung-EPs:*2006: Against All Odds*2008: 스마일 프로젝트 Vol.2 'Love Seat*2009: 휘성 with D.O*2009: Insomnia*2010: Realslow Is Back*2010: Winter Night*2011: Words That Freeze My Heart-OSTs:*2006: 중천의 기억*2009: 우리집에 왜 왔니...
featuring Teddy - "Corea New School"