After a two-year-plus hiatus, Korean hip-hop trio 45RPM are coming back. They’re alive!

(L to R): Smash, J-kwondo, GR

I’ve been listening and re-listening to 45RPM’s 2005 debut album, Old Rookie and I couldn’t be happier to hear the news. While Old Rookie is a good, solid release, my ears have been craving something new from Smash, J-kwondo and GR for over a year.

Their new album, Hit Pop will drop on February 13, 2008.

Hit Pop features collaborations with J-Dogg of Rhyme Bus (라임버스), Jeong Jaeyong (정재용) of DJ DOC, Koonta, Suga Soul, Gummy and more.

45RPM’s underground hip-hop sound and popular sensibility are welcomed back anytime. I’m glad that time is now. For me, these guys are among the few rays of light coming from YG Entertainment.

Expect a review next week.

Tracklisting for Hit Pop:
01. OOH-WEEE
02. 새침떼기
03. 살짝쿵
04. 순결한 45
05. 두비두밥
06. Tonight
07. Summer Day (나는 내가 지난 여름에 한일을 알고 있다)
08. Show Time
09. About Love
10. 행복을 찾는 속삭임
11. Hey DJ
12. 못 말리는 삼형제
13. 새침떼기 (Remix)
14. 제발 (Bonus Track)

Watch “재밌는 힙합” (Jae Mee Neun Hip Hop) by 45RPM from Old Rookie