Korean pop music continues to be all about hip-hop. Songs such as MCMXCIX (1999) [RealAudio] from the 1999 Daehanmingook album are all we seem to hear these days. Maybe some of you are like me -- you've been listening to the 1999 Daehanmingook album and wondering: who are all these people? Think you recognize a couple of those rappers? Chances are you're listening to members of Honey Family, the underground rap group that seems to be breaking out all over the place these days.

The original Honey Family was limited to three members, but it's much larger crew now. Myung Ho, Jura, Su Jung, Digiri, Gary, Kill, and Young Poong are becoming very familiar names thanks to the success of the 1999 Daehanmingook project album. For instance, their Rapgyo 1-mak [RealAudio], the eighth track off the album, introduces a more flowing rap than you might hear with some of the rhythm rappers enjoying popularity right now, which makes them stand out in the ever-growing hip-hop crowd.

The 1999 Daehanmingook project might have introduced Honey Family, but its real success can be measured by the fans' enthusiasm for their debut album produced by Lee Juno. Wangdda Dwella [RealAudio] has a sharp, cutting sound and rapid beats. The track immediately following Wangdda Dwella, Hooae [MP3], is more laid back listening experience. This sounds more like the Los Angeles hip-hop style of the WarrenG era.

Geunyuhrul Algoshipda [MP3] is quite groovy. It's refreshing to hear rap go for a sound other than the gangsta rhythm. The instrumentation of Geunyuhrul Algoshipda is definitely unique, making the listener feel as if she had just arrived in a piano bar gone bad.

I don't think I'm the only one comparing Namja Iyage (My Way) [ASX] to Uhmunimggae (To Mother) [RealAudio] by G.O.D. Uhmunimggae is obviously slower, but they've got a similar feel and beat. I think this remake of My Way is probably the best song on the album, even if it leaves that "I did it myyyy wayyy?" phrase buzzing in your ears afterward.

Shinbaram Honey Baksa [MP3] is also a neat song. It's a little reggae, a little soca, and a little mambo. It's an interesting way to do some rhythm rap without the stagnation of the same old beat. I like the synthesized steel drum in the background and wouldn't mind this song playing at my summer barbecue.

The opening discord of Ah II [MP3] didn't immediately enamor me to the song, but the freestyle rap is pretty good. This is re-make of the song Ah off the 1999 Daehanmingook CD, but with a different beat. Honey Family also redid Urigatchi Haeyo on the new album, and released a video [MPEG] of it.

Finally, if you want to a more informal look at Honey Family, watch their appearance on a talk show [RealVideo].

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