There are those who limit themselves to making music and those who, on the other hand, shape it until it transforms it into a personal language, capable of climbing genres, fashions and borders. Penomechus belongs to this second, very limited category. Rapper, singer, author and producer of Seoul, is the man who can go from Hip-Hop to R & B, from Fusion to electronics Fusion without losing a crumb of identity. It is not the usual face of the Korean rap scene: it does not chase easy rankings, it is not satisfied with replicating tested formulas. Rather, it is a craftsman of the word and sound, capable of writing hits for k-pop giants such as Exo, IU, Itzy, Jessi, Hwasa and Crush, and at the same time building a solo universe that escapes the labels.
With RNSSNC TAPEeight traces of conceptual energy and bold sounds, inaugurates its artistic rebirth. Not a simple EP, but a declaration of intent: a manifesto that tells its evolution after ten years of career, the creative friendship with the collective Fanxy Child (Zico, Dean, Crush, Millic, Stay Tuned) and a writing capable of mixing introspection, irony and rhythm. Inside there are pieces that play with the Korean expressions (Egge), explosive collaborations (Lil Cherry, Moon Sujin, Ydg) and moments of emotional fragility, such as in Dance with me.
It does not make the “hard and pure” rapper at all costs, it is not the type that sacrifices the research for the algorithm, it does not give in to the temptation to become “number one” at all costs: he wants to be the only one, what cannot be replaced. And in a musical industry that runs, Penomeco has decided to stop for a moment, look back and leave. But this time without compromise.
Panorama spoke exclusively with him.
RNSSNC TAPE looks more than an EP: it looks like a statement. What was the spark that lit this “rebirth” for you?
(RNSSNC TAPE) is an album born from my purest and instinctive musical desires as a penomeco, created after (Organic 1, 2) has completely freed me from any fear of gender experimentation and artistic risks.
The opening song, “RNSSNC”, sounds like a manifesto. What is the biggest message you wanted to sculpt in this new chapter of your career?
With ten years of career behind him, I wanted to show that I am proud of the path I made, that my creative watch never stops ticking and that now I find myself at the height of my form.
“Egge” with YDG is an unbridled, playful but sharp race. How was this reunion born after the Bolo phenomenon?
YDG is an artist who respects deeply. After sharing with him a new experiment and his success thanks to BOLUSI wanted this reunion to show another level of experimentation and growth together.
Speaking of Bolo, what did you think when the song is re -elected thanks to Squid Game? Was it a moment “closed circle” or a new beginning?
I had perceived that the answer to BOLUS he was growing before and, with Squid Gamefinally reached a significant peak, which made me very happy. It was a moment that brought to mind memories like flashes of all my years in music, but instead of feeling satisfied, he inspired me to go on with new energy.
There is a certain emotional grit in songs such as “Dance with me” and “Leave Without You”. Is it more difficult for you to write about a broken heart for yourself or for someone else?
Since my personal experiences are limited, I often draw inspiration by listening to the stories of others and merging them with mine to create new narratives. For this I cannot say that one is more complicated than the other: writing is always a challenge, but I think that challenge is an essential part of the creative process.
RNSSNC TAPE AT SCOE SEE CINEMA, almost like a short film. Do you happen to imagine images as you write or arrive later?
When the beat is over and I start overlap my voice, visual inspirations naturally begin to emerge. It is usually at that moment that the texts to align them with the images that come to mind.
“My chick” with Lil Cherry is chaos in the pure state, in the best sense. How this collaboration developed and what made you think: “Yes, is the right energy for this song”?
My Chick It speaks of a love that blossoms from the imperfections of youth. I felt that chaos could still tell a playful and passionate story, and I built the song around that image. I did not know Lil Cherry personally before, so we got in touch via DM and we started talking, which led to the collaboration. For me he is one of the most distinctive female rappers in circulation, and his tone and style were perfect for the kitsch and playful energy of the song.
The closing song is a remix of “Coco Bottle”, a piece loved by fans. Why did you decide to take it back right now?
Since this project is called (RNSSNC TAPE), I wanted a song that could best embody the spirit of a mixtape, and it was Coco bottle open remix. The process was very spontaneous, I did not face it with great meanings, but with a direct and raw mentality, just as the mixtapes are often born. Even so, I think the song brings my personality and details within it, and this has given her a sense of completeness. For me it is the most “mixtape” song of the entire project, and this is why I wanted it in the end, to really represent the “tape” of (RNSSNC TAPE).
You are part of Fanxy Child from the first day, surrounded by other game-changers such as Zico and Dean. How did this brotherhood influence your path?
We have always supported each other and respected each other, and this is what keeps us with our feet on the ground. The fact that the colleagues I admire most believe in my music gives me the courage to continue to express myself in new and bold ways.
When the audience listens to Rnssnc Tape, what do you want me to understand of penomeco in 2025 that perhaps he didn’t know before?
I hope people see penomeco in 2025 as an artist who embraces change without fear and who is never afraid to face new challenges.
In your texts there is always a thread of irony, even in the sharp verses. Is your secret weapon as rapper?
Absolutely. And honestly, it’s nice to receive questions like this: they remind me to be grateful to be able to bring humor in my verses.
The Korean hip-hop scene has changed a lot in the last decade. Where do you think he is going and where do you want to bring it?
Korean hip-hop is evolving at a quick pace and its density continues to grow, even if you still perceive moments of transition. An interesting thing that I noticed is that, while in Korea my music is often considered non-Mainstream, from abroad I receive feedback that perceive it as very “major”. I think that more and more Korean artists will live this same experience, and the direction will be reduced the gap between domestic and international perception. As for me, I don’t want to be the number one: I want to be the only one. An irreplaceable artist.
Among all the songs you have published, which is what your “Heart Song” considers, what you could never do without?
I have always hoped that the songs of my latest work became the most representative traces of my life. Right now, that song is Egge – And that’s why (RNSSNC TAPE) exists.
If I had to define a penomeco, the artist and the man, with a single word, which one would you choose?
If I had to reduce it to a word, I would say “The Dark Knight”. Among all superhero films, that’s how I would like to be remembered.
