The month of November back in 05 marks the last time K-pop fans ever endure one of the most popular and abnormal boy band to ever hit Korean air waves.Under the watchful and calculating guidance on YG Entertainment the market was ready for a new type of sound.Even though this new sound has been usher in by other artist before them ,they would be first to ever reach mega success.Blending in r&b,pop,hip hop, and boyish charms the K-pop audience will never be the same again.The group I’m referring to is 1tym which is short for “one time for yo mind” a common catch phrase used by many hip hop artist.The group’s style and format will be almost a mandatory style for future K-pop acts to come.Mixing rap,with vocals and dance moves known as B-boy.All this coming form U.S nation that was popular back in the late 70’s becoming huge throughout the decades and other nations.
The group consist of four members Teddy the group’s leader and main rapper.Danny(Taebin) the lead vocalist and pretty boy by fans standard.Song Baek kyoung who also compose and writes lyrics but is known for being a funny man.The last Oh Jinhwan the groups choreographer and other rapper known for his raspy vocals.Teddy and Danny was scouted when they were under Brother’s Entertainment and audition with 12 other hopefuls.Both Teddy and Danny knew each other because they attend the same high school.Baek Kyoung and Jinhwan briefly met during their early grade school years.When a young Jinhwan con a slightly younger Baek Kyoung out of his money.Jinhwan was part of a dance crew before he join 1tym and Baek Kyoung had to audition twice.In order to convince scouts he was 1tym missing forth member.The group was under a new label YG which had already sign Jinusean a hip hop duo.The group was the second and follow the formula of rap then vocals then rap.Although hip hop was becoming popular few ever try to attempt the mainstream market like 1tym.The group can be written off as another boy band but their way of artistry would become popular in Korea quick.Soon other K-pop idol groups would have members specializing in rap and adding more urban choreography to their routines.
The group made its debut back in 98 with newbie label YG managing the way.Their first album One Time For Yo’Mind drop back in 98 with “1tym” being its break out single.They release “Good Love” which was unfavorable by leader Teddy.In 2000 the group release Second Round feature “One Love” and “1TYMillenium.” The group popularity was huge and hip hop was having a more presence in K-pop scene.In the English version of “Ready or Not Yo” both Teddy and Danny use a known racial phrase “nigga” in their song.Even though in U.S most Black and Latino hip hop artists use this racial slur but this has a double standard.Many will feel its “ok” for someone who is Black/African to use “nigga” because it comes from the word “nigger.” A harsh and discriminative racist slur use by White Supremacist or racist people in the U.S.The popularity of using the slang version of “nigger” is “nigga” those of African-American communities and others would deem this as an inappropriate term.Degrading one’s self-image,others and those of Black/African heritage.The usage of “nigga” maybe evident in Korean hip hop in order to beef up rappers bravado or image just seem an unnecessary need.Many hip hop artist in U.S are refraining from using this term in order to stop spreading racial and or social ignorance to next generation.
In 2001 the group release Thrid Time Fo Yo’ Mind which feature “Nasty,” “Mother”and “Make It Last”,an MV reflecting on the boys progress thus far.In 03 they drop Once N 4 All that was produced by group leader Teddy.Whom at the time was always intrigue in making his own music and has always been active in production of 1tym.Train by YG super producer Perry the album top leading single was “Hot Dduega”(Feel So Hot).This album also feature a full solo song/rap done by Teddy called “Put’ Em Up” along with “Cry.”During the production of One way rumors began to circulate that 1tym might be on the verge of a break up.Members not getting along with each other as personal issue began to seep its way into making of the album.Teddy in past interviews admitted that there was moments that he personal felt quitting the band.Baek Kyoung who was suffering heavy depression at the time cause some tension.In the end the group release their last known album One Way in 05.The top single being “Do You Know Me” and Teddy leading the music production just as he did for Once In 4 All.Musically the band was becoming a little less pop and more gear towards r&b/hip hop genre.The MV for “Do You Know Me” seem somewhat violent if not a little bit stereotyping.Dress in black Dickies the group change their boyish charm into menacing looking street thugs.The MV feature low riders,torture and guns imitating many other ethnic street gangs(specially Hispanic) and others all over the world.The group also had success with ‘How Many Times” which showcase the normal 1tym image.Fans ate up 1tym newer and tougher image but the momento stop once 06 came around.
As the group activities died down Danny went under the name as Taebin and release his first solo album called Taebin Vol.1:Taebin of 1tym.Group leader Teddy would produce many songs for other YG artists like Se7en,Big Bang’s Tae Yang,Masta Wu(YMGA) and several others.His latest and biggest project he has worked on is producing for 2NE1 along with Stony Skunk member Kush.He has become YG leading producer since his days in 1tym and hasn’t really slow down.He is also responsible for Tae Yang’s up in coming solo album due early next year.Baek Kyoung has kelp a low profile and is known for making remixes.He has done so for 2NE1’s “I Don’t Care” a dance pop remix.Also for Lee Min Woo’s “The M Style” and Fergie’s of Black Eyed Peas ‘London Bridge.”Oh Jinwhan who has serve his 3 year mandatory military service and has model for Colonize along with other 1tym members.In South Korea men must serve a mandatory military service for at least 2-3 years.Danny(Taebin) who is born in U.S is excused for this service but can only claim residency in South Korea if he marries someone native to nation.Teddy who was born in South Korea but raise in U.S has dodge the draft and relies on working visas to remain active in South Korea which is limited.Baek Kyoung father who passed away making him the only known male in his family is excused. Through out the years each member has been apart of the mini sub group called “YG Family” the pet name for main record company YG Entertainment.Many fans would wish for the group to come back but each member has been busy with individual projects.In the men time I hope fans keep their hope alive to once see 1tym perform together as a group again.
NewWaveAsianCrave 
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