The Hip Hop label Illionaire Records is now signing off after ten years of operation.
On July 6, Illionaire Records declared through social media, "Illionaire Records has concluded our long 10-year journey, and our artists will each be starting their separate journeys. Thank you for your endless support throughout the years, and we ask for your support for our artists once again as they set out on their new paths. Thank you once again."
After the announcement released by the label, the co-founder of the agency- The Quiett, wrote on his social media account, saying, "Thanks for everything!" Various hip hop performers, including BewhY, Palo Alto, Hangzoo, Jay Park, and more, also gave remarks bestowing their support for the creative artists previously under Illionaire Records." [via IDN Korea]
Illionaire Records' Birth
Despite the small size of the agency, Illionaire records were considered one of the most influential hip hop record labels in South Korea because of its famous artists (Dok2, The Quiett, and Beenzino). It was established by friends and rappers The Quiet and Dok2 on January 1, 2011.
During Complex's interview with the new label, the founders said that they want to start a small label to avoid the traditional K-pop primary label system.
"On the major labels, the money made by the artists is first given to the company to pay the bosses, managers, and staff members," the Quiett said. "In our case, we're the bosses."
The End Of Illionaire
The closing of the agency's operations followed after Dok2, one of the co-founders, left the label February this year.
On July 2, Beenzino announced through a live broadcast on his Instagram account that he is leaving Illionaire Records, saying his desire to find a new environment in which he can flourish more as a musician. "I think I want to engage new music partners. I've lingered in a comfortable place for too long."
Beenzino (Lim Sung-bin) stayed in Illionaire Records for nine years. While in the agency, the rapper made his first appearance at Dok2's Hustle Hard Concert on June 5, 2011. He also toured as a solo artist in the U.S. in 2015.