When ZICO released his first solo debut single “Tough Cookie (Feat. Don Mills),” he declared that there was no such thing as an expiration date regarding his career. 10 years later, ZICO is a rapper and the producer of BOYNEXTDOOR, and now he has begun another phase of his career as a soloist, finally bringing to fruition what he had been rapping about so far. Here is a list of songs that have been close to ZICO’s heart as he is experiencing all facets of the music world, as a producer and musician, and more recently, the host of a music show.
ZICO - “SPOT!” (feat. JENNIE)
ZICO: The addictive unforgettable melody, and the groove that comes from the unique flavor of the analog drums are especially charming in this song. You will find yourself nodding to it before you know it! “Up and down round and round / Everybody hit the spot”.
BOYNEXTDOOR - “OUR”
ZICO: This song is the link that ties BOYNEXTDOOR’s three albums (“WHO!”, “WHY...”, and “HOW?”) nicely together! The excitement and nervous energy before going on a first date, and the regrets that come after are clearly expressed in the lyrics, and the soft, pillowy rhythm is unforgettable.
Kim Sejeong - “Flower Way” (Prod. By ZICO)
ZICO: I was inspired to compose this song when I read Sejeong’s letter to her parents. I was quickly immersed in Sejeong's story, and beautiful lyrics just flowed in an instant. I have a very special place in my heart for this song, even years later.
MINO - “Fear” (feat. TAEYANG), Hangzoo - “Red Sun” (feat. ZICO, Swings)
ZICO: I couldn’t control my intense passion when I worked as a producer for the hip hop survival show “Show Me the Money 4” to “6.” These two songs represent those days.
SIXC (6 crazy) - “MOVE” (Prod. by ZICO)
ZICO: This song was showcased on the boy group survival audition program “Produce X 101.” It was well received by a lot of K-pop fans at the time. I think the complex and intricate structure and development of the song is especially memorable, which I’m not sure I’d be able to recreate even now.
Choi Baek Ho - “When I am in Busan” (feat. Eco Bridge)
ZICO: This song triggers memories of your childhood that slips through your fingers. Fond memories sit in the back of your head, but you can never go back. I always listen to Choi Baek Ho when I want to be awash with feelings of longing.
Dvwn - “Insomnia” (feat. YAYYOUNG)
ZICO: I happened to stumble across this song right after I established KOZ Entertainment, and I knew that I had to sign him on immediately. I listened to this song day in, day out for a while because of the sweet lyrics that are woven into the tight melody which Dvwn sings in his signature clean timbre.
T-Pain - “Right Hand”
ZICO: I’ve recently gotten back into 2000s hip hop and R&B. T-Pain was one of the most influential artists in building my musical foundation during my teenage years. Back then, vocal auto tuning was a shocking new technology, and I remember trying my best to imitate it, however inexperienced I may have been. It’s been a few decades since, but I still don’t think another artist with his caliber will ever come along.
ZICO’s recommendations
ZICO - “Dystopia”
ZICO - “Balloon”
BOYNEXTDOOR - “So let’s go see the stars”
Block B - “Romantically”
PENOMECO - “BOLO” (feat. YDG)
Drake - “Find Your Love”
Lil Wayne - “How To Love”
Kamal. - “homebody”