Paul Blanco: The Rising Star in the Korean-Canadian Hip-Hop Scene

If you’ve been tuned into the Korean hip-hop scene lately, you might have come across a name that resonates with both new-age beats and unique tonality—Paul Blanco. Even my 10 years old son, an avid listener of hip-hop, can’t seem to get enough of Blanco’s music. He’s a rapper and producer of Korean-Canadian descent who’s been making waves in the industry, not just in Korea but internationally. In this blog post, let’s dive deep into the fascinating world of Paul Blanco, from his background to collaborations and unique style.

Table of Contents

Who is Paul Blanco?

Born in September 14, 1994 Daegu, South Korea, Paul moved to Canada with his family when he was just two years old. He has an interesting narrative; while most of his family returned to Korea, Paul and his brother chose to stay back in Canada, residing in Toronto. This dual cultural exposure has no doubt influenced his music, making it a seamless blend of Eastern and Western elements.

His Notable Collaborations

Paul Blanco has teamed up with some of the biggest names in the Korean hip-hop arena. He has worked with Changmo on the track “Can’t you see I’m a rockstar?” and with The Quiett on “money can’t.” Each collaboration speaks volumes about his talent, particularly his knack for creating compelling hooks and his unique tonal quality.

Japanese Subculture: An Unspoken Love?

Paul Blanco has always been discreet about his fondness for Japanese subculture. Although he stated in an Instagram Live session in December 2019 that he isn’t particularly a fan, his art tells a different story. His EP “Lake of Fire” features tracks named “Itachi Mode” and “Kenpachi,” references that any anime enthusiast would instantly recognize. Moreover, his Instagram is peppered with nods to various elements from Japanese anime, making the connection too obvious to ignore.

A Tapestry of Early Experiences: The Formative Years

Born in Korea but raised partly in Canada, Paul Blanco’s early life is a tapestry of international experiences. But it wasn’t all rosy; Paul had to come to terms with the harsh reality of life when he lost a close friend to a car accident. He’s mentioned in his music that the song “Wraith” serves as a tribute to this friend, immortalizing the emotional depth that characterizes his work.

Vocal Versatility: The Cherry On Top

One of the standout elements in Paul Blanco’s repertoire is his remarkable vocal range. Whether it’s a laid-back vibe or an upbeat rhythm, Paul Blanco has the perfect vocal pitch to blend in seamlessly. His vocal style caught the attention of The Quiett, who, impressed by Paul’s hook, decided to reinstate a song he had initially removed from his album’s tracklist.

Little Side Note

His pet, a Pomsky named ‘Ski,’ adds a touch of relatability and everyday life to his otherwise extraordinary existence.

Paul Blanco’s social media presence is also a fascinating facet of his persona. The presence of photos of him smoking on Instagram offers yet another layer to dissect. Whether this is a lifestyle choice, a branding strategy, or simply a snapshot of a casual moment, it certainly adds complexity to the image he portrays to the public. It could be a form of rebellious expression or an insight into his off-stage life. Either way, this aspect of Paul Blanco can’t be ignored when analyzing his public persona.

The name “신(sin)” often evokes a sense of mystique and coolness, possibly due to its association with the word for “god” or “divinity” in Korean. On the other hand, “덕수(duk-soo)” carries more traditional and virtuous connotations. If Paul Blanco, who has a cool and stylish image yet resembles a rural high school girl with long hair, finds that “덕수” suits him better as a stage name according to his Korean friends, it could suggest an interesting blend of modern style and traditional values in his persona. This duality could make him more relatable and intriguing to a broad audience, both in Korea and internationally. – He has explained this episode in You tube PISIC University

Paul Blanco appeared on Choi Jeong-hoon’s Night Park (정훈의 밤의 공원) alongside with Hyoryn and sang the long-beloved Korean song ” Such a Thing” (그런일은) by Park Hwayobi (박화요비) that’s a significant cultural crossover. Paul’s unique blend of masculine traits—he’s a smoker, has long hair like a local high school girl, and a rustic appearance—paired with his paradoxically captivating voice makes him a great fit for a song like “그런일은.” Such a performance could resonate deeply with the audience and even go viral, resulting in a “reverse run” on YouTube and a resurgence in popularity. The juxtaposition of his gruff exterior and soulful voice could captivate a diverse audience, affirming his adaptability and broad appeal.

Recently, due to its popularity, a cover album of “Such a Thing” has been released. This suggests that the song has gained renewed attention, perhaps capturing a new audience in addition to its original fans. Cover albums often offer fresh takes on well-loved classics, breathing new life into them and potentially broadening their appeal. – Youtube link