Mix hip-hop with some neo-soul flavoring and chill it down a bit and you’ll get something really cool and exclusive.

Viva Soul is a Korean hybrid hip-hop trio that offers a unique brand of music which takes inspiration from those aformentioned genres. It’s something really fresh and exciting.

Viva Soul (L to R) D’Low, Jood, Samuel

 
Viva Soul consists of the multi-talented Jood (producer, MC, vocals, guitar, electric piano, MPC3000), MC and vocalist D’Low, and DJ/percussionist Samuel. The group is signed to M-Boat Entertainment (a sister company of YG).

Their music is as unique and inspiring as the three of them are. Each member brings something unique to the musical table. When combined, that table collapses under the weight of Viva Soul’s musical coolness.

Their second album which hit store selves in 2007, Refresh is 15 tracks of diverse, flavorful music. Most tracks offer collaborations with vocalists but those featured surely don’t outshine the trio itself. They act as a welcomed addition to already good music.

CD track highlights include “Cry” feat. Ha Dong Kyun (하동균), “High Up” feat. Maboos, “Illusion”, “Goodbye 20’s”, “Freedom” feat. Shina-E, “Keep On”, and “Fallin’ Down” feat. Wheesung (휘성).

It’s safe to say that every song on Refresh is good — with some tracks bordering on amazing. Actually, this album is easily one of the best of the year and one of my recent favorites. I love it!

Here is the music video for Viva Soul’s break-out single, “Cry” feat. Ha Dong Kyun:

Some CD booklet pics: