Biography

South Korean singer Crush is a sophisticated performer whose infectious R&B touches upon 1970s soul, hip-hop, and acoustic balladry. He first emerged with the single "Sometimes" off his 2014 debut album, Crush on You. Following a series of popular EPs, he released his Top 20-charting sophomore album, From Midnight to Sunrise, in 2019. After completing his mandatory military service, he paired with J-Hope of BTS for 2022's funky "Rush Hour." Born Shin Hyo-Seob in 1992, Crush grew up in Seoul, where he discovered hip-hop and R&B at a young age. Inspired by artists like Dynamic Duo, he began writing and recording his own demos while still in middle school. He eventually graduated from Hoseo University, where he'd studied music. It was while at school in 2012 that he formed the hip-hop crew VV:D with fellow performers Gray, Loco, and Elo. That same year, he released the single "Red Dress" with TakeOne. He then signed with Amoeba Culture and in 2014 released his debut album, Crush on You, which included the song "Sometimes." The album landed at number six in South Korea and helped build Crush's fan base. Also that year, he collaborated with Gaeko on the track "Hug Me" and contributed the song "Sleepless Night" to the soundtrack to the SBS television drama It's Okay, That's Love. In 2015, he scored a number one single with Zion. T on "Just." The following year, Crush issued his debut EP, Interlude, and collaborated with Girls' Generation singer Taeyeon for the song "Don't Forget." Two more EPs followed, with Wonderlust arriving in 2016 and Wonderlost appearing in 2018. Both releases cracked the Top 20 of the South Korean charts. In 2019, Crush parted ways with Amoeba and signed to P Nation. Later that year, he released his sophomore full-length album, From Midnight to Sunrise, which included the track "Alone." He also appeared on "Y," the debut track from his group Fanxy Child with Zico, Penomeco, Dean, and Millic. From Midnight to Sunrise hit 19 on the Gaon Album Chart and took home R&B Album of the Year at the Korean Hip-Hop Awards. An EP titled With Her arrived in October 2020. A month later, Crush enlisted for his mandatory military service. Following the completion of his service and discharge, he returned in September 2022 with the funky, '90s-soul influenced single "Rush Hour" featuring J-Hope of BTS. ~ Matt Collar, Rovi