Gary – ‘2002’ Album Review

In 2015, Gary is far more well-known as half of the Monday Couple of Running Man than his original identity: rapper of Leessang. As a long time fan of Leessang’s music since their debut, I respect Gary for wanting to go back to his roots and returning to the pure mindset of the first Leessang album back in 2002 — which is the meaning behind the title of this album. With nearly every song, you can feel the effort and creativity that Gary poured into them, both in composition and lyrically. 2002 is an incredibly consistent and mature album that conveys a deep sense of self-reflection and uncertainties in regards to life. It’s sure to become a treasured jewel for those who love hip hop and rap.

Track 1 – 어차피 잘 될 놈 (루져 날다) (He’ll Do Well Anyway)

The opening track of 2002 begins with a rather distinctive stop and go horn sound, but quickly transitions into a smooth and dreamy jam as Gary reminisces about the struggles of his past and how far he’s come along. The slower and laid-back rap accompanies the haziness of the music flawlessly, giving He’ll Do Well Anyway a sense of sophistication and solemn that put me in deep thoughts.

Track 2 – 둥둥(Doong Doong)

Doong Doong is a 180 degree shift of mood with uplifting trumpet synths, energetic backbeats, and much merrier rap delivery, describing Gary’s younger self filled with ambitions and dreams towards the future. Besides how it brightens your mood, this track also has a hooky chorus and pre-chorus, easily making anyone bounce up and down with it.

Track 3 – 엉덩이 (Butt)

Despite the rather superficial title of Butt, it’s a mid-tempo hip hop track with lot of dimensions. There is a smoky sexiness to the groovy yet slightly somber background music. Gary’s deep and nonchalant rap style is perfectly contradicted by Jay Park’s higher pitched smooth vocals, adding more layers of depth to the song.

Track 4 – 랩해 (Rap)

The crisp piano chords and bluesy humming at the beginning sets the tone of the song. Rap is yet another mid-tempo hip hop number, but this time, with less sultry and a whole lot more mystery. There is a nice contrast between the extremely rhythmic chorus and the dynamic backtrack filled with distorted and winding trumpet sounds.

Track 5 –  바람이나 좀 쐐 (Get Some Air)

Get Some Air is a wonderful hip hop R&B song featuring rookie R&B singer MiWoo from Gary’s own label. Gary’s deeper rap voice blends well with MiWoo’s colorful and soulful vocals to give the track quite a bit of bluesy aura. You’ll easily catch onto the groovy melody and the hooky chorus. Get Some Air is easily my favorite track on the 2002 album.

Track 6 – Mushi Mushi

In contrast to the pretty tune of Get Some Air, Mushi Mushi takes a drastic turn back to hard-hitting rugged hip hop rap with loud echo beats in the background. The rhythm of the rap portion is actually not bad, but unfortunately the incredibly repetitive and somewhat whiny chorus is this song’s downfall for me.

Track 7 –  뚝방의 꿈 (Ddook Bang’s Dream)

Back to slower and softer side of things, Ddook Bang’s Dream is a mid-tempo hip hop ballad fusion song. The beautiful piano riffs is married with Gary’s relaxed rap, and the mellow yet distinctive voice of John Park to create a tasteful and elegant song full of sentimentality.

Track 8 – Shipapa

Shipapa begins with Gary’s chill rap matched to a happy and vibrant backtrack made up of horns, percussion beats, and offbeat string synths. Then add on MiWoo’s neo-soul vocals, the entire song gives off an urban hip hop meets big church choir vibe. Shipapa is an instant mood uplifter.

Track 9 – Alcohol Feeling

Alcohol Feeling has a rhythmic 90’s hip hop beat, topped off with 20th century string and  synths and dramatic piano chords during the chorus. It’s a track with a hard-hitting tempo and bouncy flow to the rap lyrics, easily making you nod along. To me, the best part of the song though, is Gary’s half-hazy, half-conscious delivery of the rap, accurately conveying the mental state of “Alcohol Feeling”.

Track 10 – 허해 (Huh Hae)

Graceful piano riffs, syncopated backbeats, bluesy yet husky vocals from Youngjun of Brown Eyed Soul join hands to bring out a uniquely melancholic number to wrap up 2002. Gary’s rap has a slight sense of frustration as he questions himself if this is the life that he wants. Though I love the emotion Huh Hae evokes, the melody is just a tad forgettable to me.

What Do You Think?

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