It started with a tweet. Tiger JK, founder of hip-hop group Drunken Tiger decided to poke fun at the rivalry in Korean pop culture. “My Fans are Better Than Yours!” he mockingly proposed … #MFBTYThe renowned king of Korean hip-hop had already collaborated with local hip-hop queen (and his partner of 8 years) Yoon Mi-rae, and former Drunken Tiger DJ, Bizzy. But the fans wanted more from the trio, leading to the birth of a new super group.This March MFBTY launched their debut album “Wondaland,” with a self-proclaimed goal – “to spread positive vibes.” It debuted at #8 on Billboard’s World Albums Chart, shortly after which Tiger JK announced that the proceeds of the sales would go to charity. Already set to headline Seoul's Green Plugged Festival on May 24, ARTINFO caught up with the trio to discuss the project, and why they decided to set aside their solo careers to focus on teaming up.Can you tell us about the origins of the concept of the MFBTY project, how it came about?Tiger JK: The origin of the concept for MFBTY came from love. And it came about in the loveliest way. Our album “WondaLand” is a K-pop fantasy world where everybody loves Bizzy, Tiger, and Yoon Mi-rae. Bizzy: People who are lost in their own lanes, they all deserve to be happy in this “WondaLand.” “My Fans Better Than Yours” is what MFBTY stands for. The three of you have collaborated as Drunken Tiger with Yoon Mi-rae and Bizzy, and in other configurations. How do you define the music of MFBTY as distinct from other projects you do together?Tiger JK: With MFBTY it's easy to fail commercially. We’ve got a new name with new concepts. People tell us that we’re stupid putting these records out as MFBTY. “Drunken Tiger and Yoon Mi-rae, the branding is there, it's safe, why are you doing this to yourselves?” – That’s the kind of thing people say to us often. I tell them they’re right and we probably won't do it any more. But for now we do it ‘cuz it’s fun. Yoon Mi-rae: Although the three of us have similar style and taste, if you listen to our solo albums we are very much different. So when we come together as a group there’s a lot more room or opportunities to explore because each artist brings something different to the table. We have fun throwing ideas around and mixing this with that. We’re like mad scientists and our studio is our lab. It’s a widely held maxim that one should not work with friends or family. When working together, did you have to set any boundaries or have any discussions that you wouldn’t have had with an outside collaborator, to avoid potential problems?Tiger JK: Basically I'm a cool dude that doesn’t really care. I let Tasha [Yoon Mi-rae] be. I really want to retire, but we are super broke, and she knows we have to work. When you are hungry you either have beef or grind!Yoon Mi-rae: I think it depends on which family member or friend! But as far as MFBTY goes, we decided to build this company together because we trust each other and share the same vision. It sounds corny, but we really have been through it all together – shady business deals, family tragedies, family weddings, celebrations, evictions, settlements, you name it! All that’s left now is to rise up together.Keeping it in the family, could you tell us about the track by your son Jordan?Tiger JK: I was messing with my drum machine one day and Jordan thought I was playing some kind of videogame. He took over started messing around. I thought it was cool and a beginners luck type of coincidence, that’s it. But later I got out-voted by many. People liked that track better than the track I made! So it made it the cut and landed up on “WondaLand.” MFBTY is about positivity and spreading love. Not only my son , but my mom, my cousins, my mother-in-law, and fans from all over the world took part in this album.The name MFBTY is quite provocative. Is it a dig at any one in particular? Can you explain the origin?Tiger JK: It’s a jab at all K-Pop. Don't you just want to bang diggy bang bang them with a pillow? Let's start a pillow fight! Musically, the album crosses many genres, including electronic, pop and reggae. What were the main musical influences that inspired the recording of “WondaLand”?Tiger JK: SWV, Planet Rock, Drake, Exo, Big Bang, and all them kids at the bang bang spots.Bizzy: The name of our company is Feel Ghood Music. And sticking with that idea, the album is full of happiness and positive vibes.You’ve announced that all proceeds will go to charity, can you explain the specific details?Tiger JK: All proceeds from physical copies of the album will be donated to a cancer center.Yoon Mi-rae, you have said that you “would love to see the world come together with music but I'd hate to see the soul/heart of Korean music lose itself in the process. ” How would you describe the soul and heart of MFBTY and “WondaLand”?Yoon Mi-rae: It’s all in the name. The heart and soul is definitely the fans. Considering that MFBTY was created by our fans it is especially true in our case. Their “I don’t give a f**k who you are, where you’re from, or what you do as long as you’re a good person and came to chill and party” attitude is exactly what MFBTY’s music is about.Tiger JK: It's so soulful that people don't get it, because having soul is going out of style.Where can we see you perform in 2015?Yoon Mi-rae: We just got our band together so hopefully we’ll be able to start touring soon. We would love the chance to get to meet lots of fans around the world.Tiger JK: Hopefully some cool venues. We’re going to make this work. Bizzy: We have plans to go overseas so please look forward to that. I hope we can see everyone in person and say hello.
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