Babylon is one of Korea’s most notable rap artists. After the claim to fame hit “Boys and Girls” by Zico blew up in 2015, Babylon’s voice became a distinguishable part of Korea’s rap scene.
Debuting as a soloist in June 2015 with “PRAY” after departing from N-Train, Babylon works tirelessly under KQ Entertainment to produce his signature sound and breathes life into Korea’s growing rap industry. Even before debut, Babylon (originally known as Soul J) gained attention for his various features. However, it wasn’t until mainstream artist Zico really catapulted Babylon onto the scene and helped Babylon become a name even foreigners recognize among rap artists.
Later on, Babylon’s work with Dok2, Jay Park, The Quiett, Lee Hyori, and even performances on Masked Singer continued to help cement his fame and have various artists and fans recognize just how much talent is coming from his soul. Babylon’s latest songs such as “Alone” and OST “I Can Believe In Myself” for Begins Youth has shown just how much he has accomplished and his personal growth during his short time away as well. Now, Babylon has shown off a brand new side of himself as he delves into the widely known Japanese city-pop sound and introduces vibes similar to The Weekend into K-Pop’s somewhat over-saturated market. Babylon’s latest album EGO 90’s is an earworm containing 25 wonderful tracks overflowing with rich 90’s charm and lo-fi melodies that no one can resist.
Babylon hasn’t stopped there – he recently made fans ecstatic after he eagerly announced his world tour. Babylon met with ZAPZEE to share just what exactly he has in store for the world tour and how he plans to greet fans all across the globe with his musical performances and special stages. Learn more about the artist and check out Babylon’s exclusive greeting video below alongside his exclusive photo and interview!
Q1. Tell us about your latest music from the album EGO 90’s – it offers a city-pop vibe with Japanese influence visually. Why did you choose this concept and how was it making the various songs for the album?
BABYLON: For EGO 90’s part 1, I wanted to capture a distinct Korean R&B feel; part 2 reflects an American vibe, while part 3 embraces a more straightforward theme. My goal was to express a natural and honest sound, steering clear of excessive techniques and focusing on poetic lyrics. Working on 25 tracks was like painting a canvas or creating a film—it was an incredibly fulfilling experience.
Q2. What do you think about making music in Japanese? Is it harder or more exciting to make music in a different language?
BABYLON: I believe that creating music in Korean, English, and Japanese is fundamentally the same. While the lyrics may differ on the surface, the underlying stories revolve around universal themes of love, peace, and romance.
Q3. Is there a song from the EGO 90’s album you recommend fans listen to the most?
BABYLON: I genuinely recommend all the songs! It’s tough for me to choose just one.
Q4. Have you ever traveled to Japan? Is there a place you love or recommend the most?
BABYLON: Yes, I’ve been to Tokyo, Kyoto, and Sapporo. I highly recommend visiting all three; each city has its unique charm, and it would be a shame to miss out on any of them.
Q5. Would you consider yourself an OTAKU? What is your favorite anime?
BABYLON: Absolutely! Some of my all-time favorites are Spirited Away, Demon Slayer, and Grave of the Fireflies.
Q6. Tell us about your North American Tour – what initiated the tour and what are you preparing for your fans?
BABYLON: The U.S. is the heart of R&B, so I’m excited to prepare various cover songs that blend American and Korean music elements. My hope is to create a deeper connection with my fans through these performances, uniting us all through music.
Babylon is currently sharing sneak peeks of what’s in store for his tour on Instagram. If you’re interested in seeing the covers and stages he plans to prepare, follow his Instagram and see some of his trending reels that fans can’t get enough of.
Q7. Is there a special stage performance every fan should know about? Do you plan on doing any covers of American songs?
BABYLON: Yes, I have a series of collaborative performances lined up that I think fans will really enjoy. I’m also planning to cover several American songs. I already posted some on my Instagram.
Q8. Is there anything you look forward to doing during your free time in North America?
BABYLON: I’m looking forward to connecting with my fans the most. I’ve been working hard to prepare for this tour and I can’t wait to deliver some amazing performances.
Q9. If you could work with any American artists, who would it be and why?
BABYLON: I would love the opportunity to collaborate with Jacquees and Bruno Mars; both are incredibly talented and bring unique styles to their music.
Before wrapping things up, Babylon had one more final announcement regarding his tour and some special words for his loyal fans.
BABYLON: I’ve been putting a lot of effort into preparing for this tour, so please grab your tickets at babylonofficial.com. I look forward to seeing you at the concert! Keep an eye out for new music coming soon!
What did you think of the interview with Babylon? If you haven’t heard his latest album yet, be sure to check out Babylon’s YouTube page and maybe even see his stellar performances on stage by purchasing a ticket for his October tour! Don’t forget to also follow ZAPZEE on Instagram and Twitter for more K-Pop exclusive interviews and K-Drama updates. Be sure to see tour dates down in the image below.
