bi ikon tour

Korean Rapper B.I. Taps Pink Sweat$, Destiny Rogers for Live Stream Show This Weekend

By Tim Chan

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South Korean singer and rapper B.I. is set to take to the stage — virtually — this weekend for a special live stream concert, streaming exclusively on LiveXLive.com .

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B.I., who first rose to fame as a member of the K-pop group iKON, before departing for a solo career in 2019, will be making his return to the live stage, performing songs from his debut solo album for the first time (the album, Waterfall , shot to Number One on iTunes in 24 countries when it was released earlier this year). The live stream event will also mark B.I.’s first live performance since the Covid-19 pandemic stalled touring and shows last year.

Buy B.I. Live Stream Concert $19.99

“I’ve always loved performing and I really wanted to make sure this show is something my fans won’t forget so I really pushed myself to the limits,” B.I. tells Rolling Stone , adding that rehearsals have actually “been my favorite part of the day.”

As for the difficulties of doing a virtual show versus doing something in person, B.I. says he’s hopeful the live stream concert will still resonate with his fans. “The emotions and messages that I share through my music is a connection that is made by people, not by location, if that makes sense,” he says. “I still believe that if I give it my all, whether it be live or virtual, that the viewers will understand the messages I’m trying to convey through my performance.”

“It’s really been an amazing and unforgettable experience preparing for my full concert,” he adds, “so I hope that all of you will look forward to it.”

When Is the B.I. Live Stream Concert? Date, Time

B.I.’s live concert event takes place tomorrow, Saturday, October 2 at 11pm ET / 8pm PT. The singer and rapper will be performing live from Korea, with the concert being live streamed online across the world.

This is the first time B.I. will be performing his debut solo album, and organizers have dubbed this the “Waterfall Concert,” after his debut album of the same name .

How to Watch the B.I. Live Concert Stream Online

If you want to live stream the B.I. concert from home, you’ll need to purchase a ticket on LiveXLive.com . Ticket prices start at $19.99 , which gets you access to the live stream concert. Once you purchase your virtual ticket, you can sign into LiveXLive.com or use the LiveXLive app on October 2 to watch the B.I. show live.

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While there isn’t a way to watch the B.I. online concert free, you can purchase a $29.99 ticket, which gets you access to the live stream plus free unlimited repeat viewings for two months. Grab the $29.99 ticket pass to watch the B.I. live stream concert online free after the initial airing is done.

LiveXLive is also offering special merch bundles that feature everything from T-shirts and posters, to a limited number of virtual meet-and-greets with B.I. himself (though the meet-and-greet packages are selling out fast). See full ticket pricing details and promos here .

B.I. Live Stream Concert: Full Performers List

B.I. will be joined by a number of friends and special guests for the virtual show, with performances and appearances from Pink Sweat$, Indonesian artist Afgan, Korean hip-hop trio Epik High, and singer Destiny Rogers. B.I. has collaborated with the latter three artists in recent months, having written and recorded the song “Acceptance Speech” off Epik High’s latest album, Epik High is Here , and having teamed up with Rogers and Tyla Yaweh on the hip-hop track, “Got It Like That,” earlier this spring.

The 24-year-old also just dropped a new collaboration with Afgan this week titled “Lost At Sea (illa illa 2).” The track also features UK-based EDM artist Bipolar Sunshine, and re-works B.I.’s hit song “illa illa” into a sweeping, tropical-tinged track.

First released in June, “illa illa” quickly broke YouTube records with 12.7 million views to its music video on the first day of release, making B.I the most-viewed male solo artist debut music video within the first 24 hours. The video currently has more than 23 million views and counting on YouTube.

“Lost At Sea (illa illa 2)” arrives one day ahead of B.I.’s live stream concert, so fans may get a taste of the remix during Afgan’s set in the show.

The B.I. online concert is an exclusive global live stream pay-per-view event on LiveXLive.com. Organizers call it “a new concert experience [and] a movement of different cultures coming together seamlessly through the power of music.” See full PPV pricing, tickets and show details at LiveXLive.com .

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B.I Is Coming To Asia In March For His L.O.L Tour; All Details Here

B.i will be coming to thailand, the philippines, indonesia and singapore for asia tour to perform his first ep love or loved part.1..

By: Priyaja Bakshi And Nishtha Grover Published: Feb 15, 2023 08:00 AM UTC

B.I, also known as Kim Hanbin, has announced an Asia tour in March! The K-pop artist will be performing in Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore and the Philippines. Here are the dates and the locations of the upcoming tour.

All you need to know about B.I’s Asia tour

B.I’s Asia tour is called ‘L.O.L: The Hidden Stage’ and the rapper will be performing famous songs like BTBT and Tangerine from his album Love or Loved Part.1 . The tour kicks off on March 4, 2023, and ends on March 18, 2023. B.I shared the dates of the tour via his Instagram.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by B.I (@shxxbi131)

B.I’s first performance will be in Bangkok on March 4 at Thunderdome, followed by Manila on March 5 at PICC. The rapper will perform next on March 10 in Jakarta at the Kasablanka Hall and end his tour in Singapore on March 18 by performing live at the Singapore Expo.

This will be the first time that B.I will be performing live in Bangkok, before this, the Korean rapper had his first fan meeting in the city last year.

Book Your Stay In Manila

B.I is a South Korean rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer who is also famous for his dance moves. His real name is Kim Han-bin and he started as a trainee at YG Entertainment. He rose to fame as the leader of the K-pop boyband iKON, which he left in 2019. He remerged as a solo K-pop artist in 2021 when he released his first single Midnight Blue in March. It was followed by the release of an entire album which was called Waterfall in June same year. Love or Loved Part.1 is his first EP as a solo artist and that is where the name for the tour came from.

L.O.L stands for  Love or Loved which is the latest release by the artist and comprises famous tracks like BTBT, Tangerine and Endless Summers.

B.I’s concert tickets

Tickets for the Thailand show

Available at ThaiTicketMajor Online and a few physical outlets as well

The sale of the tickets started on February 11. The tickets are divided into five categories:

• CAT 1: THB 6,900
• CAT 2 (Standing): THB 5,900
• CAT 3: THB 4,900
• CAT 4: THB 3,900
• CAT 5: THB 2,900

The category 1 holders will also get the chance to get a group picture with B.I. Another thing to note is that one person can not buy more than four tickets together and the minimum age for standing floor is 12 years old.

Tickets for the Singapore show

Available at BookMyShow

The prices of the ticket start at SGD 128 and can go up to SGD 288 which are the VIP tickets. The VIP passes will allow include a soundcheck pass, one goodbye session pass, an official poster, a chance to win a signed poster and a VIP lanyard.

Tickets for Manila Show

Available at SMTickets.com

The prices start at Peso 3,730 and go up till Peso 13,300 which are the VIP tickets.

Book Your Stay In Singapore

Hero and feature image credit: @shxx131bi131/Twitter

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Priyaja Bakshi And Nishtha Grover

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Allow B.I to Reintroduce Himself

By Sarah Han

All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Kim Han-bin , otherwise known as B.I to a legion of fans — initially from his days as the leader and main producer/songwriter of boy group iKon and now as a burgeoning soloist under 131Label — seems very much at ease when we hop onto a Zoom call on a Tuesday (nighttime for him, morning for me). We both have soft, quiet voices, so it puts me at ease, too, as if I'm chatting with a long-distance friend. 

The last time I saw the artist, unbeknownst to him, was in March 2019 at an event in New York City for a Fortnite event hosted by Samsung. While the circumstances were quite random, I'm forever grateful I had the opportunity to meet the entire group before B.I's unfortunate departure (more on that later). Part of me regrets not telling him about this chance encounter during our call, but we're here to talk about his present — and a bit about his past, which doesn't seem like to loom over him as much as it once did.

"I do a lot of things for self-care , but I work out a bit and I've been drinking two liters of water since two years ago for my health," he tells me. "When I have free time, a day off, I stay home and try to sleep as much as possible." (Same, though.) 

But let's be clear: B.I is not one to stay still. "These days I try to change, and the weather's really nice outside, so I hang out with my friends and try to visit places that I've never visited," B.I. says wistfully. "I try to live a life that I used to not live, so I want to change the way I live." 

After essentially rebooting his career during a pandemic (he was also named the executive director of IOK , the parent company of 131Label, in the latter half of 2020), this checks out. His passion for work and life is incredibly obvious throughout our chat, and I can't help but admire the fact that he can handle so much at once. And when asked about his brief, half-year break from the industry, he takes a moment before saying, "I learned that people can't live alone."

When he discreetly released a track on Soundcloud simply denoted as " DEMO.1 " in January 2020, fans picked up on it like a flock of moths drawn to the light, prompting the hashtag #WelcomeBackHanbin to trend worldwide on Twitter. Since then, he's released two albums, Waterfall and Cosmos, as well as a digital EP called Midnight Blue (Love Streaming), whose proceeds went to World Vision .

"I got a lot of power and strength from people around me — precious people that I really care about," he goes on to say. "All of those sympathetic moments and love that they delivered to me, I'm trying to find a way to repay them in my own way."

No matter what stage of his career he's at, B.I is no stranger to burnout. "I get burnout when I'm done making music and working," he says. "But burnout also becomes an inspiration for me, and I get kind of used to the burnout — there's a cycle." After he reveals that, I can't help but wonder how much making his latest single, "BTBT," weighed on him. "BTBT," by the way, is the pre-release single to his upcoming album, Love or Loved [L.O.L], which pays homage to different stories of one's youth.

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"There are many sides to these stories but I specifically put love and good vibes into these new stories," he explains. "BTBT," for example, is about the powerful and rebellious kind of love we experience in our adolescence. The song title, "비틀비틀," means "stagger-stagger." ("Biteul" is derived from the Korean phrase "biteulgeolida," which means "to stagger.") "It's like I'm almost drunk with love," B.I explains.

Speaking of his youth, when he debuted at 18, he was more focused on his outward appearance and grooming himself to look cool, but he says that nowadays, he's focusing on what's underneath. "I don't want [to have] any style or fashion that's forced," he notes. "I just want to become a human who has that natural swag that is not forced or weird in any way — that's the special aura that I'm talking about."

However, when it comes to his music, he's much more open to experimentation in regards to his style. After all, as a soloist, all eyes are on him. "I keep thinking that I don't want to do the things that everybody does — things that are predictable," he shares. "I want to [get] out of that, so every time I try to challenge [myself with] new things and new ways [to approach] makeup." 

Personally, I'm living for his silver-gray tinted hair and under-the-eye spiked face decals that give off Euphoria vibes . "The ['BTBT'] music video set was futuristic, so my team and I tried to give off a cyberpunk vibe with it," B.I says, referring to his bold leather ensemble.

As for his day-to-day beauty habits, little has probably changed. "Actually, I'm really far from skin care," he says, admitting that he doesn't pay too much attention to his skin-care routine. "I just wash my face well and put on whatever I get from my fans or my friends." But his one must-have beauty item? Lip balm, as his lips are prone to dryness. (We like Laneige's Sleeping Mask and Drunk Elephant's Lippe Balm , in case you're looking to restock.)

The next topic of discussion, while beauty-related, is a bit more targeted. I've been contemplating getting my third tattoo for a long time, so body art has been on my mind and I'm naturally curious about B.I's collection. "I just got tattoos of phrases or paintings that I found impressive in my early twenties," he says of his four tattoos. "To be honest, I didn't put a lot of meaning on my tattoos — it's just part of fashion for me." 

But, by the sound of it, his tattoos do hold some significance. "The tattoo on my wing [left deltoid] was my first tattoo when I was 20, and that is my favorite because it's pretty cute," he comments. "There are a lot of little stars, a few colorful balloons, and a paper airplane, and it reminds me of how pure I was at that time." (For the record, I feel similarly about my first tattoo, which was of Tinkerbell.)

As South Korea still has a law in place that prohibits non-medical professionals from administering tattoos — and K-pop idols still have to cover up tattoos on TV shows, whether with clothing, makeup, or bandages — I was curious about the current state of affairs. Because a lot of celebrities are getting tattoos and well-known artists are flourishing in the underground scene, B.I says that the general outlook on tattoos, especially in the music industry, has definitely improved. 

B.I goes on to tell me that his tattoo journey isn't over yet and that he wants more, but two reasons hold him back: the pain he must incur , and his mom. "If I get more, my mom's gonna kill me," he jokes. But, where is the lie? My mom is the same way. 

The future seems bright for B.I and I can sense the optimism in his voice when he talks about the world tour he's hoping to conduct in the near future. "I really want to perform in front of my fans face-to-face," he says candidly. "It's my only wish." With that being said, it's time to stream " BTBT " and manifest this tour.

This interview has been condensed and edited for clarity.

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Photo courtesy of  131Label

K-Pop Icon B.I Isn't Afraid To Explore Growth And Freedom On 'Love Or Loved Pt. 1'

"I’ve learned to be honest with myself and my music," B.I says of his growth from band member to solo artist and executive. The K-pop soloist spoke with GRAMMY.com to discuss taking control of his creative vision for his new EP.

B.I has embodied multiple personas over the near-decade since he launched into the K-pop limelight: producer, singer, songwriter, group member, label executive, soloist. He pioneered iKON ’s uniquely boisterous sound, and has written hit tracks for K-pop's biggest artists, including his own group’s earworm "Love Scenario" and " Whistle " for former labelmate Blackpink .

In his early career, B.I showed a talent for molding his work to fit and speak to others' desires. Yet the artist born Kim Hanbin always knew that he wanted to showcase his true self through and shatter the industry’s meticulously managed veneer. He made his official debut as a soloist in May 2021 under 131Label (where he was also an executive), and has since been on a journey to honestly explore his own lived experiences. 

Today, B.I believes making music simply comes down to authenticity. 

"Dedication also walks hand-in-hand with pain," B.I says. "Anything worth achieving will never be easy and the road to greatness is always difficult." 

B.I's determination has proved internationally successful. He was the first Korean artist featured on GRAMMMY.com's Global Spin series, and his latest release, the buoyant " BTBT " charted at No. 1 on iTunes in over 40 countries. His new, intensely reflective EP, Love or Loved Pt. 1 , shows the singer unafraid of his emotions being seen, heard and felt — all with a signature K-pop panache.

B.I explores different forms of love throughout the EP — a theme he first wrote about at age 13 (which he recalls was "very cringey") — working with GRAMMY Award-winning producers The Stereotypes and GRAMMY-nominated producer Nick Lee to develop an infectious record that takes an honest look at temper tantrums of the heart.

Rowdy, stomping beats metamorphosize B.I’s lyrics on "Keep Me Up" into a thunderous, arresting melody. "Middle With You" is suffused with saccharine sounds that reflect a simpler version of love that once belonged to B.I's younger self. It's a challenge B.I often poses to himself in his songwriting, to find a space for love’s evolution — lest it get lost in the human shuffle. 

B.I spoke with GRAMMY.com via Zoom to discuss the creation of Love or Loved Pt. 1 , and his work collaborating with Western producers. It’s nearly one in the morning in South Korea when we talk, but his eyes shine the brightest when we touch on his favorite topic, his fans — or IDs — who has stuck by him throughout it all. 

This interview has been edited for clarity.

What emotions did you want to express with Love or Loved Pt. 1 ?

Loved or Loved Pt. 1 is more so about youthful love rather than my life in particular. I almost wanted to understand or share the different types of ways to express love and some of the situations being in love can put you in. Some of the words that came to mind when I thought about those situations could be: passionate, cold, fluttering, lonely, bold and cautious. It’s interesting how many different types of emotions are associated with the world of love. 

As I worked on these songs, I think I’ve improved the ways I analyze or see a situation. I’ve done the best I can to be as authentic and real as possible in the way I share my music. For me, every challenge is an opportunity for growth. 

What is your favorite song that you worked on Love or Loved Pt. 1 and could you walk me through what your typical production process looks like?

Definitely, my favorite song is the title song, "Keep Me Up." I'm in Korea and the producers who helped me were in the U.S., so we couldn't meet and work together at the same time and sit at the same place. They gave me feedback, and then we just talked a lot about those songs. I just tried to learn from them — like learning their styles and processes of making music. I changed a lot of my style, like, for example — my voice, my pronunciation and accent. It became like a new kind of [music-making] weapon. 

In the past, I preferred being and working alone, but nowadays I enjoy collaborating with other people, whether it’s the crew or new individuals. I’ve been trying new things lately. When I’m working with the crew, I try to make things comfortable. Some even drink in the studio — although I myself don’t drink – throwing great ideas here and there to work with. But I do still enjoy working alone and I make sure it’s quiet when I do it. 

There’s the line in "Keep Me Up" where you sing: "I know that time is of the virtue." And "Middle of You" talks about "being kids again." When you look back at your career, do you recall times where you’ve made sure to fully live in the moment?

I’ve always given my best shot and that was the only option. I started out on competition shows even before my debut, [and was] always thirsty to be on stage. Looking back, I can see the things I lacked at the time, but one thing is for sure, I gave my all each time. Thanks to all of these experiences, I am where I am today. 

Do you think music is the best avenue to capture the complexities of love? What kinds of love does each song on Love or Loved Pt. 1 represent?

I would say music is truly the only way for me to express something, instead of it being the best way. Each song captures different shapes and stories of love — whether it’s hot, cold, exciting, lonely, bold, or careful. The love I felt when I was 13 feels too far to remember now, it was childish. 

If there was a music video made of what your life is now, what would that video look like?

Honestly, my music and music videos that I created in the past year and a half with my team are really a reflection of where my emotions are at the time. I think I’ve learned to be honest with myself and my music, and to really share with my fans an honest side of where I am mentally. 

I came from a dark place on the first album Waterfall ,  [and I feel as if] I’ve found a bit more confidence on my latest one. I feel extremely confident — I won’t say always happy, but I do feel as if I’ve made some progress as a person and as an artist. 

Do you remember the first time you stood up for yourself when making a creative decision? Why is it important to make music for you and your vision?

I think being a true creative is to stand up for what you believe in, especially when it comes to your art. I think this is something I learned recently; before I was always a bit introverted so avoided any real confrontation. What I’ve come to realize in this industry is that the problem isn’t if something is good or bad, but if it’s actually feasible or not. I think I’m in a position right now where, creatively, I have full control — initially, I didn’t realize how much pressure it was. 

I think the first real-time I stood up for myself was when we were choosing the songs with my team for my first album Waterfall . It wasn't that I didn't give an opinion before, but I think it was the first time I led my team with my opinion. I discussed the outfits, stories and direction of the music video with my team members all day long. And the fans really liked my honest stories with my ideas.

Is it difficult to keep the worlds of B.I the artist and B.I the executive director separate? What’s that journey been like the last few years?

Actually, I think it might even be easier because now everyone has to listen to me [ laughs ]. But being an executive is difficult because, as an artist, you don’t really see the process by which things are made. The results are pretty much presented to us and we give our opinions on them. 

I never really understood how much work and effort it takes to even have a presentable option. I really love and respect my team more so because of that. The journey wasn’t easy, to be honest, there have been ups and, definitely, there's been downs. I think both mentally and physically I’m in a much better place right now.

I make music from the stories and feelings that arise within me. I also try my best to create joyful memories whenever I can. Also, all of the good times I’ve had with my fans give me strength and the thought of seeing them again keeps me going. 

When people hear B.I and your music, what do you want people to remember?

I hope they keep wanting more. I would love to be remembered as an artist who constantly makes great music that they keep coming back to — good songs that last forever. Just like the Beatles , I wish to be remembered as an artist with timeless music. 

What has given you the most pride in your career?

I feel proud when I perform in front of my fans and when they sing along for me, or when they jump [along] to the song with me. The proudest moment I’d have to say [in my career] is "BTBT." It was a song that was totally out of my comfort zone that I really wanted to try, and luckily people liked the song. 

But the proudest moment for me is when I did a free hug event. I literally just wanted to scratch that off my bucket list so I went to Hongdae, held up a sign, and literally gave everyone free hugs. No one knew I was going, and people didn’t know who I was. I can not forget the warmth of the people I gave hugs to. It really feels good.  

Do you have any larger goals in the next coming years?

First, I want to go on a world tour and meet more of my international fans — international IDs, maybe next year? Then, I want to release my second full album and I’m paying my full attention to that. I’ve begun to imagine being nominated at the GRAMMYs; winning an award would of course be a dream come true, but I’m taking a step back. 

Ten's New Era: The K-Pop Singer Promises To "Keep Changing" On Celebratory New Release

Photo: silvymaatmanphotography

It Goes To 11: B.I Shares The Sweet Story Behind His Fan-Gifted Microphone

Korean rapper B.I shows off his favorite instrument, a Shure J5E microphone — not because it's blinged-out, but because it's a symbol of his fans' love.

Most musicians' favorite instruments are ones they seek out — the ones they've dreamed about since childhood, or ones passed down from a family member. But Korean rapper B.I cherishes his most beloved item because it was a token of appreciation from his loyal supporters.

"It was my 24th or 25th birthday," he recalls in the latest episode of It Goes to 11 . "At the time, my fans were showing me their love because they wanted me to continue making music, and they gave me this microphone as a birthday present."

Thankfully, the fans made sure to invest in high-quality tech that B.I could enjoy for years to come. It's a Shure J5E, blinged out in cubic crystals.

"Now, it's lost a few crystals since I've used it a lot. It's so shiny and glittery. It catches my eye and my heart," B.I explains. "Since I know it's a good microphone, I like it even more. It's like my fans are saying, 'I want the best things for my singer.'"

When he doesn't perform with the microphone, B.I confesses he feels "insecure." But he's on top of the world when he does use it because of its clear sound, and he can never get enough of the lights shimmering on the crystals: "It makes it stand out more, or it gives off a nice effect."

Press play on the video above to learn the full story of how B.I acquired his treasured Shure J5E microphone, and check back to GRAMMY.com for more new episodes of It Goes to 11.

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GRAMMY Rewind: Kendrick Lamar Honors Hip-Hop's Greats While Accepting Best Rap Album GRAMMY For 'To Pimp a Butterfly' In 2016

Upon winning the GRAMMY for Best Rap Album for 'To Pimp a Butterfly,' Kendrick Lamar thanked those that helped him get to the stage, and the artists that blazed the trail for him.

Updated Friday Oct. 13, 2023 to include info about Kendrick Lamar's most recent GRAMMY wins, as of the 2023 GRAMMYs.

A GRAMMY veteran these days, Kendrick Lamar has won 17 GRAMMYs and has received 47 GRAMMY nominations overall. A sizable chunk of his trophies came from the 58th annual GRAMMY Awards in 2016, when he walked away with five — including his first-ever win in the Best Rap Album category.

This installment of GRAMMY Rewind turns back the clock to 2016, revisiting Lamar's acceptance speech upon winning Best Rap Album for To Pimp A Butterfly . Though Lamar was alone on stage, he made it clear that he wouldn't be at the top of his game without the help of a broad support system. 

"First off, all glory to God, that's for sure," he said, kicking off a speech that went on to thank his parents, who he described as his "those who gave me the responsibility of knowing, of accepting the good with the bad."

Looking for more GRAMMYs news? The 2024 GRAMMY nominations are here!

He also extended his love and gratitude to his fiancée, Whitney Alford, and shouted out his Top Dawg Entertainment labelmates. Lamar specifically praised Top Dawg's CEO, Anthony Tiffith, for finding and developing raw talent that might not otherwise get the chance to pursue their musical dreams.

"We'd never forget that: Taking these kids out of the projects, out of Compton, and putting them right here on this stage, to be the best that they can be," Lamar — a Compton native himself — continued, leading into an impassioned conclusion spotlighting some of the cornerstone rap albums that came before To Pimp a Butterfly .

"Hip-hop. Ice Cube . This is for hip-hop," he said. "This is for Snoop Dogg , Doggystyle . This is for Illmatic , this is for Nas . We will live forever. Believe that."

To Pimp a Butterfly singles "Alright" and "These Walls" earned Lamar three more GRAMMYs that night, the former winning Best Rap Performance and Best Rap Song and the latter taking Best Rap/Sung Collaboration (the song features Bilal , Anna Wise and Thundercat ). He also won Best Music Video for the remix of Taylor Swift 's "Bad Blood." 

Lamar has since won Best Rap Album two more times, taking home the golden gramophone in 2018 for his blockbuster LP DAMN ., and in 2023 for his bold fifth album, Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers .

Watch Lamar's full acceptance speech above, and check back at GRAMMY.com every Friday for more GRAMMY Rewind episodes. 

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Photo:  Rachel Kupfer  

A Guide To Modern Funk For The Dance Floor: L'Imperatrice, Shiro Schwarz, Franc Moody, Say She She & Moniquea

James Brown changed the sound of popular music when he found the power of the one and unleashed the funk with "Papa's Got a Brand New Bag." Today, funk lives on in many forms, including these exciting bands from across the world.

It's rare that a genre can be traced back to a single artist or group, but for funk, that was James Brown . The Godfather of Soul coined the phrase and style of playing known as "on the one," where the first downbeat is emphasized, instead of the typical second and fourth beats in pop, soul and other styles. As David Cheal eloquently explains, playing on the one "left space for phrases and riffs, often syncopated around the beat, creating an intricate, interlocking grid which could go on and on." You know a funky bassline when you hear it; its fat chords beg your body to get up and groove.

Brown's 1965 classic, "Papa's Got a Brand New Bag," became one of the first funk hits, and has been endlessly sampled and covered over the years, along with his other groovy tracks. Of course, many other funk acts followed in the '60s, and the genre thrived in the '70s and '80s as the disco craze came and went, and the originators of hip-hop and house music created new music from funk and disco's strong, flexible bones built for dancing.

Legendary funk bassist Bootsy Collins learned the power of the one from playing in Brown's band, and brought it to George Clinton , who created P-funk, an expansive, Afrofuturistic , psychedelic exploration of funk with his various bands and projects, including Parliament-Funkadelic . Both Collins and Clinton remain active and funkin', and have offered their timeless grooves to collabs with younger artists, including Kali Uchis , Silk Sonic , and Omar Apollo; and Kendrick Lamar , Flying Lotus , and Thundercat , respectively.

In the 1980s, electro-funk was born when artists like Afrika Bambaataa, Man Parrish, and Egyptian Lover began making futuristic beats with the Roland TR-808 drum machine — often with robotic vocals distorted through a talk box. A key distinguishing factor of electro-funk is a de-emphasis on vocals, with more phrases than choruses and verses. The sound influenced contemporaneous hip-hop, funk and electronica, along with acts around the globe, while current acts like Chromeo, DJ Stingray, and even Egyptian Lover himself keep electro-funk alive and well.

Today, funk lives in many places, with its heavy bass and syncopated grooves finding way into many nooks and crannies of music. There's nu-disco and boogie funk, nodding back to disco bands with soaring vocals and dance floor-designed instrumentation. G-funk continues to influence Los Angeles hip-hop, with innovative artists like Dam-Funk and Channel Tres bringing the funk and G-funk, into electro territory. Funk and disco-centered '70s revival is definitely having a moment, with acts like Ghost Funk Orchestra and Parcels , while its sparkly sprinklings can be heard in pop from Dua Lipa , Doja Cat , and, in full "Soul Train" character, Silk Sonic . There are also acts making dreamy, atmospheric music with a solid dose of funk, such as Khruangbin ’s global sonic collage.

There are many bands that play heavily with funk, creating lush grooves designed to get you moving. Read on for a taste of five current modern funk and nu-disco artists making band-led uptempo funk built for the dance floor. Be sure to press play on the Spotify playlist above, and check out GRAMMY.com's playlist on Apple Music , Amazon Music and Pandora .

Say She She

Aptly self-described as "discodelic soul," Brooklyn-based seven-piece Say She She make dreamy, operatic funk, led by singer-songwriters Nya Gazelle Brown, Piya Malik and Sabrina Mileo Cunningham. Their '70s girl group-inspired vocal harmonies echo, sooth and enchant as they cover poignant topics with feminist flair.

While they’ve been active in the New York scene for a few years, they’ve gained wider acclaim for the irresistible music they began releasing this year, including their debut album, Prism . Their 2022 debut single "Forget Me Not" is an ode to ground-breaking New York art collective Guerilla Girls, and " Norma " is their protest anthem in response to the news that Roe vs. Wade could be (and was) overturned. The band name is a nod to funk legend Nile Rodgers , from the "Le freak, c'est chi" exclamation in Chic's legendary tune "Le Freak."

Moniquea 's unique voice oozes confidence, yet invites you in to dance with her to the super funky boogie rhythms. The Pasadena, California artist was raised on funk music; her mom was in a cover band that would play classics like Aretha Franklin’ s "Get It Right" and Gladys Knight ’s "Love Overboard." Moniquea released her first boogie funk track at 20 and, in 2011, met local producer XL Middelton — a bonafide purveyor of funk. She's been a star artist on his MoFunk Records ever since, and they've collabed on countless tracks, channeling West Coast energy with a heavy dose of G-funk, sunny lyrics and upbeat, roller disco-ready rhythms.

Her latest release is an upbeat nod to classic West Coast funk, produced by Middleton, and follows her February 2022 groovy, collab-filled album, On Repeat .

Shiro Schwarz

Shiro Schwarz is a Mexico City-based duo, consisting of Pammela Rojas and Rafael Marfil, who helped establish a modern funk scene in the richly creative Mexican metropolis. On "Electrify" — originally released in 2016 on Fat Beats Records and reissued in 2021 by MoFunk — Shiro Schwarz's vocals playfully contrast each other, floating over an insistent, upbeat bassline and an '80s throwback electro-funk rhythm with synth flourishes.

Their music manages to be both nostalgic and futuristic — and impossible to sit still to. 2021 single "Be Kind" is sweet, mellow and groovy, perfect chic lounge funk. Shiro Schwarz’s latest track, the joyfully nostalgic "Hey DJ," is a collab with funkstress Saucy Lady and U-Key.

L'Impératrice

L'Impératrice (the empress in French) are a six-piece Parisian group serving an infectiously joyful blend of French pop, nu-disco, funk and psychedelia. Flore Benguigui's vocals are light and dreamy, yet commanding of your attention, while lyrics have a feminist touch.

During their energetic live sets, L'Impératrice members Charles de Boisseguin and Hagni Gwon (keys), David Gaugué (bass), Achille Trocellier (guitar), and Tom Daveau (drums) deliver extended instrumental jam sessions to expand and connect their music. Gaugué emphasizes the thick funky bass, and Benguigui jumps around the stage while sounding like an angel. L’Impératrice’s latest album, 2021’s Tako Tsubo , is a sunny, playful French disco journey.

Franc Moody

Franc Moody 's bio fittingly describes their music as "a soul funk and cosmic disco sound." The London outfit was birthed by friends Ned Franc and Jon Moody in the early 2010s, when they were living together and throwing parties in North London's warehouse scene. In 2017, the group grew to six members, including singer and multi-instrumentalist Amber-Simone.

Their music feels at home with other electro-pop bands like fellow Londoners Jungle and Aussie act Parcels. While much of it is upbeat and euphoric, Franc Moody also dips into the more chilled, dreamy realm, such as the vibey, sultry title track from their recently released Into the Ether .

The Rise Of Underground House: How Artists Like Fisher & Acraze Have Taken Tech House, Other Electronic Genres From Indie To EDC

Photo: Steven Sebring

Living Legends: Billy Idol On Survival, Revival & Breaking Out Of The Cage

"One foot in the past and one foot into the future," Billy Idol says, describing his decade-spanning career in rock. "We’ve got the best of all possible worlds because that has been the modus operandi of Billy Idol."

Living Legends is a series that spotlights icons in music still going strong today. This week, GRAMMY.com spoke with Billy Idol about his latest EP,   Cage , and continuing to rock through decades of changing tastes.

Billy Idol is a true rock 'n' roll survivor who has persevered through cultural shifts and personal struggles. While some may think of Idol solely for "Rebel Yell" and "White Wedding," the singer's musical influences span genres and many of his tunes are less turbo-charged than his '80s hits would belie.  

Idol first made a splash in the latter half of the '70s with the British punk band Generation X. In the '80s, he went on to a solo career combining rock, pop, and punk into a distinct sound that transformed him and his musical partner, guitarist Steve Stevens, into icons. They have racked up multiple GRAMMY nominations, in addition to one gold, one double platinum, and four platinum albums thanks to hits like "Cradle Of Love," "Flesh For Fantasy," and "Eyes Without A Face." 

But, unlike many legacy artists, Idol is anything but a relic. Billy continues to produce vital Idol music by collaborating with producers and songwriters — including Miley Cyrus — who share his forward-thinking vision. He will play a five-show Vegas residency in November, and filmmaker Jonas Akerlund is working on a documentary about Idol’s life. 

His latest release is Cage , the second in a trilogy of annual four-song EPs. The title track is a classic Billy Idol banger expressing the desire to free himself from personal constraints and live a better life. Other tracks on Cage incorporate metallic riffing and funky R&B grooves. 

Idol continues to reckon with his demons — they both grappled with addiction during the '80s — and the singer is open about those struggles on the record and the page. (Idol's 2014 memoir Dancing With Myself , details a 1990 motorcycle accident that nearly claimed a leg, and how becoming a father steered him to reject hard drugs. "Bitter Taste," from his last EP, The Roadside , reflects on surviving the accident.)

Although Idol and Stevens split in the late '80s — the skilled guitarist fronted Steve Stevens & The Atomic Playboys, and collaborated with Michael Jackson, Rick Ocasek, Vince Neil, and Harold Faltermeyer (on the GRAMMY-winning "Top Gun Anthem") —  their common history and shared musical bond has been undeniable. The duo reunited in 2001 for an episode of " VH1 Storytellers " and have been back in the saddle for two decades. Their union remains one of the strongest collaborations in rock 'n roll history.

While there is recognizable personnel and a distinguishable sound throughout a lot of his work, Billy Idol has always pushed himself to try different things. Idol discusses his musical journey, his desire to constantly move forward, and the strong connection that he shares with Stevens. 

Steve has said that you like to mix up a variety of styles, yet everyone assumes you're the "Rebel Yell"/"White Wedding" guy. But if they really listen to your catalog, it's vastly different.

Yeah, that's right. With someone like Steve Stevens, and then back in the day Keith Forsey producing... [Before that] Generation X actually did move around inside punk rock. We didn't stay doing just the Ramones two-minute music. We actually did a seven-minute song. [ Laughs ]. We did always mix things up. 

Then when I got into my solo career, that was the fun of it. With someone like Steve, I knew what he could do. I could see whatever we needed to do, we could nail it. The world was my oyster musically. 

"Cage" is a classic-sounding Billy Idol rocker, then "Running From The Ghost" is almost metal, like what the Devil's Playground album was like back in the mid-2000s. "Miss Nobody" comes out of nowhere with this pop/R&B flavor. What inspired that?

We really hadn't done anything like that since something like "Flesh For Fantasy" [which] had a bit of an R&B thing about it. Back in the early days of Billy Idol, "Hot In The City" and "Mony Mony" had girls [singing] on the backgrounds. 

We always had a bit of R&B really, so it was actually fun to revisit that. We just hadn't done anything really quite like that for a long time. That was one of the reasons to work with someone like Sam Hollander [for the song "Rita Hayworth"] on The Roadside . We knew we could go [with him] into an R&B world, and he's a great songwriter and producer. That's the fun of music really, trying out these things and seeing if you can make them stick. 

I listen to new music by veteran artists and debate that with some people. I'm sure you have those fans that want their nostalgia, and then there are some people who will embrace the newer stuff. Do you find it’s a challenge to reach people with new songs?

Obviously, what we're looking for is, how do we somehow have one foot in the past and one foot into the future? We’ve got the best of all possible worlds because that has been the modus operandi of Billy Idol. 

You want to do things that are true to you, and you don't just want to try and do things that you're seeing there in the charts today. I think that we're achieving it with things like "Running From The Ghost" and "Cage" on this new EP. I think we’re managing to do both in a way. 

** Obviously, "Running From The Ghost" is about addiction, all the stuff that you went through, and in "Cage" you’re talking about  freeing yourself from a lot of personal shackles. Was there any one moment in your life that made you really thought I have to not let this weigh me down anymore ? **

I mean, things like the motorcycle accident I had, that was a bit of a wake up call way back. It was 32 years ago. But there were things like that, years ago, that gradually made me think about what I was doing with my life. I didn't want to ruin it, really. I didn't want to throw it away, and it made [me] be less cavalier. 

I had to say to myself, about the drugs and stuff, that I've been there and I've done it. There’s no point in carrying on doing it. You couldn't get any higher. You didn't want to throw your life away casually, and I was close to doing that. It took me a bit of time, but then gradually I was able to get control of myself to a certain extent [with] drugs and everything. And I think Steve's done the same thing. We're on a similar path really, which has been great because we're in the same boat in terms of lyrics and stuff. 

So a lot of things like that were wake up calls. Even having grandchildren and just watching my daughter enlarging her family and everything; it just makes you really positive about things and want to show a positive side to how you're feeling, about where you're going. We've lived with the demons so long, we've found a way to live with them. We found a way to be at peace with our demons, in a way. Maybe not completely, but certainly to where we’re enjoying what we do and excited about it.

[When writing] "Running From The Ghost" it was easy to go, what was the ghost for us? At one point, we were very drug addicted in the '80s. And Steve in particular is super sober [now]. I mean, I still vape pot and stuff. I don’t know how he’s doing it, but it’s incredible. All I want to be able to do is have a couple of glasses of wine at a restaurant or something. I can do that now.

I think working with people that are super talented, you just feel confident. That is a big reason why you open up and express yourself more because you feel comfortable with what's around you.

Did you watch Danny Boyle's recent Sex Pistols mini-series?

I did, yes.

You had a couple of cameos; well, an actor who portrayed you did. How did you react to it? How accurate do you think it was in portraying that particular time period?

I love Jonesy’s book, I thought his book was incredible. It's probably one of the best bio books really. It was incredible and so open. I was looking forward to that a lot.

It was as if [the show] kind of stayed with Steve [Jones’ memoir] about halfway through, and then departed from it. [John] Lydon, for instance, was never someone I ever saw acting out; he's more like that today. I never saw him do something like jump up in the room and run around going crazy. The only time I saw him ever do that was when they signed the recording deal with Virgin in front of Buckingham Palace. Whereas Sid Vicious was always acting out; he was always doing something in a horrible way or shouting at someone. I don't remember John being like that. I remember him being much more introverted.

But then I watched interviews with some of the actors about coming to grips with the parts they were playing. And they were saying, we knew punk rock happened but just didn't know any of the details. So I thought well, there you go . If ["Pistol" is]  informing a lot of people who wouldn't know anything about punk rock, maybe that's what's good about it.

Maybe down the road John Lydon will get the chance to do John's version of the Pistols story. Maybe someone will go a lot deeper into it and it won't be so surface. But maybe you needed this just to get people back in the flow.

We had punk and metal over here in the States, but it feels like England it was legitimately more dangerous. British society was much more rigid.

It never went [as] mega in America. It went big in England. It exploded when the Pistols did that interview with [TV host Bill] Grundy, that lorry truck driver put his boot through his own TV, and all the national papers had "the filth and the fury" [headlines].

We went from being unknown to being known overnight. We waited a year, Generation X. We even told them [record labels] no for nine months to a year. Every record company wanted their own punk rock group. So it went really mega in England, and it affected the whole country – the style, the fashions, everything. I mean, the Ramones were massive in England. Devo had a No. 1 song [in England] with "Satisfaction" in '77. Actually, Devo was as big as or bigger than the Pistols.

You were ahead of the pop-punk thing that happened in the late '90s, and a lot of it became tongue-in-cheek by then. It didn't have the same sense of rebelliousness as the original movement. It was more pop.

It had become a style. There was a famous book in England called Revolt Into Style — and that's what had happened, a revolt that turned into style which then they were able to duplicate in their own way. Even recently, Billie Joe [Armstrong] did his own version of "Gimme Some Truth," the Lennon song we covered way back in 1977.

When we initially were making [punk] music, it hadn't become accepted yet. It was still dangerous and turned into a style that people were used to. We were still breaking barriers.

You have a band called Generation Sex with Steve Jones and Paul Cook. I assume you all have an easier time playing Pistols and Gen X songs together now and not worrying about getting spit on like back in the '70s?

Yeah, definitely. When I got to America I told the group I was putting it together, "No one spits at the audience."

We had five years of being spat on [in the UK], and it was revolting. And they spat at you if they liked you. If they didn't like it they smashed your gear up. One night, I remember I saw blood on my T-shirt, and I think Joe Strummer got meningitis when spit went in his mouth.

You had to go through a lot to become successful, it wasn't like you just kind of got up there and did a couple of gigs. I don't think some young rock bands really get that today.

With punk going so mega in England, we definitely got a leg up. We still had a lot of work to get where we got to, and rightly so because you find out that you need to do that. A lot of groups in the old days would be together three to five years before they ever made a record, and that time is really important. In a way, what was great about punk rock for me was it was very much a learning period. I really learned a lot [about] recording music and being in a group and even writing songs.

Then when I came to America, it was a flow, really. I also really started to know what I wanted Billy Idol to be. It took me a little bit, but I kind of knew what I wanted Billy Idol to be. And even that took a while to let it marinate.

You and Miley Cyrus have developed a good working relationship in the last several years. How do you think her fans have responded to you, and your fans have responded to her?

I think they're into it. It's more the record company that she had didn't really get "Night Crawling"— it was one of the best songs on Plastic Hearts , and I don't think they understood that. They wanted to go with Dua Lipa, they wanted to go with the modern, young acts, and I don't think they realized that that song was resonating with her fans. Which is a shame really because, with Andrew Watt producing, it's a hit song.

But at the same time, I enjoyed doing it. It came out really good and it's very Billy Idol. In fact, I think it’s more Billy Idol than Miley Cyrus. I think it shows you where Andrew Watt was. He was excited about doing a Billy Idol track. She's fun to work with. She’s a really great person and she works at her singing — I watched her rehearsing for the Super Bowl performance she gave. She rehearsed all Saturday morning, all Saturday afternoon, and Sunday morning and it was that afternoon. I have to admire her fortitude. She really cares.

I remember when you went on " Viva La Bam "  back in 2005 and decided to give Bam Margera’s Lamborghini a new sunroof by taking a power saw to it. Did he own that car? Was that a rental?

I think it was his car.

Did he get over it later on?

He loved it. [ Laughs ] He’s got a wacky sense of humor. He’s fantastic, actually. I’m really sorry to see what he's been going through just lately. He's going through a lot, and I wish him the best. He's a fantastic person, and it's a shame that he's struggling so much with his addictions. I know what it's like. It's not easy.

Musically, what is the synergy like with you guys during the past 10 years, doing Kings and Queens of the Underground and this new stuff? What is your working relationship like now in this more sober, older, mature version of you two as opposed to what it was like back in the '80s?

In lots of ways it’s not so different because we always wrote the songs together, we always talked about what we're going to do together. It was just that we were getting high at the same time.We're just not getting [that way now] but we're doing all the same things.

We're still talking about things, still [planning] things:What are we going to do next? How are we going to find new people to work with? We want to find new producers. Let's be a little bit more timely about putting stuff out.That part of our relationship is the same, you know what I mean? That never got affected. We just happened to be overloading in the '80s.

The relationship’s… matured and it's carrying on being fruitful, and I think that's pretty amazing. Really, most people don't get to this place. Usually, they hate each other by now. [ Laughs ] We also give each other space. We're not stopping each other doing things outside of what we’re working on together. All of that enables us to carry on working together. I love and admire him. I respect him. He's been fantastic. I mean, just standing there on stage with him is always a treat. And he’s got an immensely great sense of humor. I think that's another reason why we can hang together after all this time because we've got the sense of humor to enable us to go forward.

There's a lot of fan reaction videos online, and I noticed a lot of younger women like "Rebel Yell" because, unlike a lot of other '80s alpha male rock tunes, you're talking about satisfying your lover.

It was about my girlfriend at the time, Perri Lister. It was about how great I thought she was, how much I was in love with her, and how great women are, how powerful they are.

It was a bit of a feminist anthem in a weird way. It was all about how relationships can free you and add a lot to your life. It was a cry of love, nothing to do with the Civil War or anything like that. Perri was a big part of my life, a big part of being Billy Idol. I wanted to write about it. I'm glad that's the effect.

Is there something you hope people get out of the songs you've been doing over the last 10 years? Do you find yourself putting out a message that keeps repeating?

Well, I suppose, if anything, is that you can come to terms with your life, you can keep a hold of it. You can work your dreams into reality in a way and, look, a million years later, still be enjoying it.

The only reason I'm singing about getting out of the cage is because I kicked out of the cage years ago. I joined Generation X when I said to my parents, "I'm leaving university, and I'm joining a punk rock group." And they didn't even know what a punk rock group was. Years ago, I’d write things for myself that put me on this path, so that maybe in 2022 I could sing something like "Cage" and be owning this territory and really having a good time. This is the life I wanted.

The original UK punk movement challenged societal norms. Despite all the craziness going on throughout the world, it seems like a lot of modern rock bands are afraid to do what you guys were doing. Do you think we'll see a shift in that?

Yeah.  Art usually reacts to things, so I would think eventually there will be a massive reaction to the pop music that’s taken over — the middle of the road music, and then this kind of right wing politics. There will be a massive reaction if there's not already one. I don’t know where it will come from exactly. You never know who's gonna do [it].

Living Legends: Nancy Sinatra Reflects On Creating "Power And Magic" In Studio, Developing A Legacy Beyond "Boots" & The Pop Stars She Wants To Work With

• 1 K-Pop Icon B.I Isn't Afraid To Explore Growth And Freedom On 'Love Or Loved Pt. 1'
• 2 It Goes To 11: B.I Shares The Sweet Story Behind His Fan-Gifted Microphone
• 3 GRAMMY Rewind: Kendrick Lamar Honors Hip-Hop's Greats While Accepting Best Rap Album GRAMMY For 'To Pimp a Butterfly' In 2016
• 4 A Guide To Modern Funk For The Dance Floor: L'Imperatrice, Shiro Schwarz, Franc Moody, Say She She & Moniquea
• 5 Living Legends: Billy Idol On Survival, Revival & Breaking Out Of The Cage

TREASURE MASTERLIST (will delete link later)

VACATION MODE: ON! Can’t update this right now because I’m too busy having fun. Be back in May ^.^

 B.I masterlist

Where to start.

• B.I Reads Thirst Tweets : Because why not?
• 131EXCLUSIVE : These are videos sent via 131EXCLUSIVE mailing or posted in the ID ZONE for official fan club members.

The FANMEETINGS and CONCERTS are always a party!

You probably know already that B.I was the leader of iKON. You can watch their shenanigans on iKON masterlist .

official video channels

131 / YouTube

B.I / YouTube TikTok

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Rapper B.I to release second full-length album 'To Die For'

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Former iKON member B.I announces he's 'Back on track', unveils schedule for pre-release single & 1st full album

Former iKON member B.I is officially "Back on track" , according to his label's latest announcement!

On May 7, B.I's label IOK Company  officially confirmed his return to music by unveiling a schedule for the artist's upcoming pre-release single and 1st full album. 

B.I's global pre-release single will be out this May 14 at 12 AM EST, and his 1st full album is set to drop at the end of this month on May 31 at 5 AM EST. 

Stay tuned for more updates on B.I's return!

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I’m going to mark it on my calender. ID, are you ready??

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I'm so excited, welcome back to the track

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B.I Profile

Fandom Name: ID (BE IDENTITY / 아이디) Fandom Colors: –

Stage Name: B.I (비아이) Birth Name: Kim Hanbin (김한빈) Birthday: October 22nd, 1996 Zodiac Sign: Libra Chinese Zodiac Sign: Rat Height: 175 cm (5’9″) Weight: 60 kg (132 lbs) Blood Type: O MBTI Type: INFJ (his previous results was INFP) Instagram: shxxbi131 Twitter: shxx131bi131 / bijapanofficial SoundCloud: 131

B.I Facts: – He debuted as the leader (now former) of the South Korean boy group iKON on September 15th, 2015 under YG Entertainment. – B.I was born in Seoul, South Korea. – He has a parent and one younger sister (born in 2011) named Hanbyul . – B.I was a contestant on “ Show Me The Money 3 ”. – He joined YG in 2011 (“Oppa Thinking” ep 9) – He loves Mickey Mouse and Pringles snack a lot. – B.I is really nice to animals. (Profile wrote by the members – Arirang TV) – He is a fan of Red Velvet ‘s Seulgi and TWICE ‘s Dahyun . – He really likes South American culture. (“Weekly Idol” ep 306) – B.I hates aegyo and said he wouldn’t do it even if YG asked him to, but he did it anyways for the fans. – He uses movies and books to get inspiration for his songs cause he didn’t experience a lot of things. – His former members said that he likes boxing as a form of exercise. (Profile wrote by the members – Arirang TV) – He used to go bowling or playing video games with his former members in his free time. (“Oppa Thinking” ep 9) – B.I never had a girlfriend before so he was depending on his imagination to write songs. (As of 2018) – He wrote/composed all their songs and composed Winner’s “Empty”, contributed in Epik High’s “Born Hater”, BLACKPINK’s “Whistle” and three of PSY’s songs: “Bomb”, “Last Scene” and “Auto Reverse”. – B.I has appeared in Taeyang’s “Ringa Linga” MV and Epik High’s “Born Hater” MV. – He was a part of Team B on the survival show WIN . – Once in “ Mix and Match “, where he couldn’t take it anymore, he disappeared and then was spotted on a bench at Han river, gathering his thoughts while writing lyrics. He said ”I wanted to escape. I wanted to get out of the world.” – Yang Hyunsuk said that he is the next G-Dragon. – He is close with the former YG rapper ONE . – He and Jay were both members of the variety show, ‘Mari and I’. – Chan said that B.I is the one who suggests to practice early but in the end he’s the one who sleeps in and doesn’t wake up. (iKonic TV) – Out of Jay, Bobby and him, he learned dancing first and taught the other two. (“Oppa Thinking” ep 9) – Ju-ne said it’s good that B.I is the leader because he is the only one with leadership skills, but he shouldn’t frown so much because it makes him look scary. (“Oppa Thinking” ep 9) – He’s also part of F’Club . – He got three tattoos so far: one on his left chest saying “Nihilism”, one on his right hip bone saying “like father like son, like master like man, for the kingdom of heaven” and one on his shoulder blade of a paper lane being carried by balloons. – On June 12, 2019 Dispatch reported that B.I was accused of attempting to illegally purchase drugs in 2016. – It was related that he wasn’t investigated by police, even if police knew about it. – On June 12, 2019 YG announced that following the drug scandal, B.I decided to leave the band and terminate his exclusive contract. – On February 27, 2020 police confirmed that B.I tested negative for drug usage. – In 2020, he started his own company, 131 Label, now a subsidiary of GRID Entertainment. – 131 Label was a subsidiary of IOK Company where B.I was appointed as an executive producer but he left the company in 2022. – He released a single album, “ Midnight Blue ” on March 19, 2021 as a part of LOVE STREAMING project. All proceeds and royalties of this album will be donated. The physical album was produced in 10 000 copies only. – He released his 1st solo album “ Waterfall ” and debuted as a soloist on June 1, 2021. – B.I made his Japanese debut with the album, “ ただいま ” on March 13, 2024. – B.I’s ideal type: is a pure and innocent girl who owns slender look. Fit well in over sized cardigan and blue jeans with sneakers under slim ankles. He also said that actress Kim Jiwon from “Fight For My Way” fits his ideal type. (“Oppa Thinking” ep 9)

(Special thanks to ST1CKYQUI3TT, InPinkFlames, Scarlet, Kelo, Aileen, I Ran Out Of Name Ideas, irem, csxbellla)

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• He's my ultimate bias
• He's my bias in iKon
• He's among my favorite members in iKon, but not my bias
• He is among my least favorite members in iKon
• He's my ultimate bias 54%, 17841 vote 17841 vote 54% 17841 vote - 54% of all votes
• He's my bias in iKon 30%, 9971 vote 9971 vote 30% 9971 vote - 30% of all votes
• He's among my favorite members in iKon, but not my bias 12%, 4018 votes 4018 votes 12% 4018 votes - 12% of all votes
• He is ok 3%, 927 votes 927 votes 3% 927 votes - 3% of all votes
• He is among my least favorite members in iKon 1%, 464 votes 464 votes 1% 464 votes - 1% of all votes

Related: B.I Discography iKON Members Profile

Latest Korean Comeback:

Japanese Debut:

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iKON add new shows to 2023 ‘Take Off’ world tour

The upcoming tour will be their "first USA appearance after 4 years"

K-pop boyband iKON have added a new date to their 2023 ‘Take Off’ world tour.

• READ MORE: From rookies on the rise to raved-about reunions, here’s a look back at K-pop in 2022

On July 20, tour organiser Leo Presents announced the dates and venues for the US leg of iKON’s ongoing 2023 ‘Take Off’ world tour. On September 5, the boyband will kick things off at New York City’s Kings Theatre, before heading to Atlanta, Chicago and more.

iKON will also play Dallas and Denver on September 11 and 14, respectively, before wrapping up their US tour in Los Angeles at the Shrine Auditorium on the 16th. According to Leo Presents, the upcoming tour will be the boyband’s “first USA appearance after 4 years”.

On August 31, the K-pop boyband added a new date to the Asia leg of their ‘Take Off world tour’. This November, the group will play a show at Tennis Indoor Senayan in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Keep tabs on this page for the latest on iKON’s 2023 ‘Take Off’ world tour.

The updated dates for iKON’s 2023 ‘Take Off’ world tour are:

MAY 05 – Seoul, South Korea, Jangchung Arena (Finished) 06 – Seoul, South Korea, Jangchung Arena (Finished) 21 – Taipei, Taiwan, Taipei Arena (Finished) 26 – Tokyo, Japan, Tokyo Garden Theater (Finished) 27 – Tokyo, Japan, Tokyo Garden Theater (Finished)

JUNE 21 – Madrid, Spain ( Postponed Indefinitely ) 24 – Essen, Germany, Grugahalle (Finished) 28 – Florence, Italy,  Nelson Mandela Forum (Finished)

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JULY 01 – Paris, France, Zénith Paris, La Villette (Finished) 08 – Osaka, Japan, Maruzen Intec Arena (Finished) 09 – Osaka, Japan, Maruzen Intec Arena (Finished) 22 – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Axiata Arena (Finished) 29 – Bangkok, Thailand, IMPACT Exhibition Hall 5-6 (Finished)

AUGUST 05 – Manila, Philippines, Araneta Coliseum (Finished)

SEPTEMBER 05 – New York City, New York, Kings Theatre  07 – Atlanta, Georgia, The Eastern 09 – Chicago, Illinois, Auditorium Theatre 11 – Dallas, Texas, Gilley’s 14 – Denver, Colorado, Bellco Theatre 16 – Los Angeles, California, Shrine Auditorium

OCTOBER 07 – Tokyo, Japan, Musashino Forest Sport Plaza 08 – Tokyo, Japan, Musashino Forest Sport Plaza 11 – Osaka, Japan, Osaka-jō Hall 12 – Osaka, Japan, Osaka-jō Hall

NOVEMBER 19 – Jakarta, Indonesia, Tennis Indoor Senayan (NEW)

💥JUST ANNOUNCED! 💥 @GTMNY143 2023 TAKE OFF USA TOUR🚀 ⚡️Ticket Open: To Be Announced – Next Week! USA iKONIC! Get Ready? Show Time! Brace for impact, iKON are returning to the states to bring their highly anticipated massive world tour ‘2023 iKON WORLD TOUR: TAKE OFF’ on… pic.twitter.com/FWls3XZGlH — Leo Presents (@LeoPresents) July 19, 2023

Indonesian iKONICS, it’s finally your turn! We are SO READY for 2023 iKON WORLD TOUR TAKE OFF in JAKARTA on 19 November 2023 at Tennis Indoor Senayan. Ticket details are coming your way soon! #iKONtakeoffinJakarta #iKONinJakarta #KIGLive #CreateLouder pic.twitter.com/58CNGYoBVy — KIG Live | Promotor nya Taecyeon, iKON, Morrissey (@kigliveid) August 31, 2023

iKON  parted ways with longtime agency YG Entertainment in late-December 2022 . At the time, YG Entertainment announced that the agency and group had “mutually agreed” to end iKON’s exclusive contract, following a “long and careful discussion” with the group’s members. The group signed with 143 Entertainment  the following month.

• Related Topics
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iKON update 2023 TAKE OFF world tour dates – Manila, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Tokyo, and more

Heads up, iKONICs! iKON just annouced some changes for their upcoming world tour. 

On 25 March, the 'Love Scenario' act shared new dates for their TAKE OFF tour. The concert series is set to kick off in Seoul with the group taking over the Jangchung Arena on 5 and 6 May 2023.

'2023 iKON WORLD TOUR' TAKE OFF GET READY? SHOW TIME! #아이콘 #アイコン #iKON #143inc #JAY #SONG #BOBBY #DK #JU_NE #CHAN pic.twitter.com/R3I0cfXuoM — iKON GLOBAL iKONIC (@iKONIC_143) March 25, 2023

In the new concert announcement, the group group has moved their Manila stop to August from June. Meanwhile, the Singapore stop initially announced for June  has been removed in the updated announcement via Twitter.

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