pH-1, a Korean-American artist, is known for his unique and versatile rapping style as well as his smooth and confident flow. One of the defining characteristics of pH-1’s style is his ability to tell personal and relatable stories through his lyrics. He often draws on his own experiences to craft introspective verses that resonate with his listeners. He rejects using inopportune topics that are often associated with the Hip-hop genre, such as drug use, flaunting wealth, and sexual content. Although he chose to pursue more positive aspects when it comes to lyricism, it seems that this particular style attracted a huge number of international fans. 

On April 2nd, pH-1 returned to London for the third time. The first time he appeared on the capital’s stage was in 2019 alongside Jay Park, and in 2022 at MIK Festival, with the latter gathering over 10,000 people. The latest show, which was also a part of a highly anticipated World Tour, About Damn Time, took place at Troxy.

To the cheers of a full venue filled with fans, pH-1 ran onto the stage, bringing exhilarating energy with his presence. He began the show with MEET N GREET, a track from his 2020 X album, promptly followed by Malibu, a lowkey song from his 2019 release, HALO. There is no doubt that in terms of delivery, the rapper has a laid-back and effortless flow that allows his lyrics to take centre stage. 

The tour itself commemorates the artist’s second studio album, But for Now Leave Me Alone, which contains ZOMBIES, YUPPIE TING (feat. Blase), Tipsy, and JULIETTE (feat.UMI) – songs that found their way into the rapper’s setlist during Sunday’s show, too. With this album, pH-1 delivered a different sort of narrative as he presented heavier subject matters, including battles with his inner demons, failed relationships, and struggles to find one’s place in the world. Despite the dark topics, the artist delivered each song with a refreshing sense of honesty and vulnerability. 

After performing YUPPIE TING, pH-1 candidly addressed the crowd, “For the past two months, I have been on the road, and I am finally able to meet fans outside of Korea. At the same time, I miss home so much”. And while his fans cheered on passionately, the rapper smoothly performed Homebody and Groupie (feat. Mokyo). 

Looking at pH-1’s body of work, one can notice that he is skilled at playing with rhythm, and often incorporates melodic elements into his verses to create catchy hooks and choruses. And you just can’t stop moving while being at his shows – he will certainly rock your world. 

The rapper also performed Nerdy Love and BREAK THE GLASS, a very personal track that depicts the story of a failed relationship, one of those songs that many of us can truly relate to. In addition, he made sure his show included songs such as Cupid, 365&7, SHRINK TOLD ME, Achoo, and The Purge, one of the most popular collabs of 2020 – pH-1 worked on the song with Jay Park, BIG Naughty, Woodie Gochild, HAON, TRADE L, and Sik-K. 

pH-1’s ability to connect with his audience through his music is superb and, whether you’re a fan or just a casual listener, you feel the power of the rapper’s music. The artist ended the London show with Oscar, a track from his 2020 album, H1GHR: BLUE TAPE, a heart-warming song that was also a collaboration between pH-1, Jay Park, BIG Naughty, and GSoul. 

Undoubtedly, pH-1’s music is a must-listen for anyone who appreciates well-crafted, introspective Hip-hop. With the About Damn Time World Tour and his second studio album, the artist has cemented his place as one of South Korean most exciting and talented rappers.

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Written by Maggie Gogler

_{View of the Arts is a British online publication that chiefly deals with films, music, and art, with an emphasis on the Asian entertainment industry. We are hoping our audience will grow with us as we begin to explore new platforms such as K-pop / K-music, and Asian music in general, and continue to dive into the talented and ever-growing scene of film, music, and arts, worldwide.}