Changmo

Ku Chang-mo (Korean: 구창모; born May 31, 1994), known professionally as Changmo, is a South Korean rapper, singer-songwriter, record producer, and multi-instrumentalist.^[1] He is recognized for his melodic hip-hop style, self-production, and contributions to diversifying the Korean rap scene through autotune and melody integration.^[2] Born in Jeongseon, Gangwon Province, Changmo began playing piano at age five and developed an early interest in music.^[1] He debuted in the underground hip-hop scene on June 10, 2014, with the digital single "Gangster," marking his entry as an independent artist.^[3] His breakthrough came with the release of his debut studio album M O T O W N on March 18, 2016, which showcased his production skills and lyrical depth.^[4] In October 2016, Changmo joined Ambition Musik, a sub-label of Illionaire Records founded by Dok2 and The Quiett, becoming a key figure in the independent K-hip-hop landscape.^[4] Under the label, he released successful projects including the 2017 mixtape Gettin Money Moment and the collaboration single "Blue Moon" with Hyolyn earlier that year, as well as the 2019 single "Meteor," which propelled him to mainstream fame.^[4] His 2021 album UNDERGROUND ROCKSTAR further solidified his status, blending introspective lyrics on success and identity with energetic trap elements.^[4] Changmo's military service from March 2022 to September 2023 temporarily paused his activities, but he returned with collaborations and solo work.^[5] In April 2025, he ended his exclusive contract with Ambition Musik and established the independent label MORIENT, signaling a new chapter focused on artistic autonomy.^[6] That year, he released the single "ANTHEM" in May, praised for its lyrical intensity, and featured on BE'O's "ICONIC" in August, while performing at events like the Me+Youth Festival Concert in September.^[7][8][9] Throughout his career, Changmo has influenced younger artists with his self-made ethos and genre-blending approach, earning acclaim as a pioneer in melodic Korean hip-hop.^[2] His discography includes two studio albums, multiple EPs and mixtapes, and numerous singles, often exploring themes of ambition, personal growth, and urban life.^[4]

Early life and education

Childhood and family

Ku Chang-mo, known professionally as Changmo, was born on May 31, 1994, in Jeongseon-gun, Gangwon Province, South Korea.^[10] Changmo began playing piano at the age of five, at his own request, with his mother supporting his interest by purchasing a toy piano for him.^[11] He grew up in a family consisting of his parents and one younger sister.^[3] Born in Jeongseon-gun, Changmo spent his childhood in the Namyangju area in Gyeonggi Province, where he attended Namyangju Jugok Elementary School.^[11][3]

Schooling and musical aspirations

Changmo attended Deokso Middle School and later graduated from Deokso High School in Namyangju, South Korea.^[3] During his high school years, Changmo developed a passion for hip-hop, immersing himself in the local music scenes around Deokso, where he began experimenting with self-taught production techniques using available software and instruments.^[12] His early exposure to underground hip-hop circles in the area fueled his aspirations to create original music independently, honing skills in beat-making and songwriting without formal training. At ages 18 and 19, around 2012 and 2013, Changmo applied to and was accepted into Berklee College of Music twice, but ultimately chose not to enroll due to the absence of a full scholarship to cover tuition costs and his desire to forge a self-directed path in the Korean hip-hop industry.^[13] This decision aligned with his growing commitment to independent artistry, supported by his family who encouraged his musical pursuits despite the challenges of forgoing higher education.

Career

2013–2016: Beginnings, debut, and Ambition Musik

Changmo began his musical career in the underground hip-hop scene in South Korea around 2013, honing his skills as a rapper and producer through early mixtapes and collaborations.^[3] In 2014, he debuted under his own label Deoksokids, releasing mixtapes that showcased his raw, street-oriented style, including Time to Get Money and Ready to Be a Star #DBJB on October 21, 2014.^[14] On June 10, 2014, Changmo made his solo debut with the digital single "Gangster" featuring Livii, a track produced by BRLLNT that highlighted his confident flow and self-produced beats, marking his entry into independent releases under the Deoksokids banner.^[15][16] Continuing his independent trajectory, Changmo released his debut EP M O T O W N on March 18, 2016, via Deoksokids, featuring seven tracks that emphasized his production versatility and lyrical themes of ambition and urban life.^[17] Later that year, on July 21, 2016, he followed up with the EP Time to Earn Money 2 (돈 벌 시간 2), which included collaborations with artists like The Quiett, Dok2, Kim Hyo-eun, and Hash Swan, further establishing his presence in the Korean hip-hop underground.^[18] In October 2016, Changmo joined Ambition Musik, a hip-hop sub-label founded by Dok2 and The Quiett under Illionaire Records, providing him with a platform to expand his career while retaining creative control over his self-produced work.^[6]

2017–2021: Rise to fame and breakthrough releases

In 2017, Changmo continued building momentum through his independent label Ambition Musik by releasing the EP Gettin' Money Moment on May 24, which peaked at number 26 on the Gaon Album Chart.^[19] That same year, he gained significant mainstream exposure via high-profile collaborations, including "Blue Moon" with Hyolyn, which reached number 3 on the Gaon Digital Chart, and "Wine" with Suran featuring BTS's Suga, peaking at number 2 on the same chart.^[20][21] These tracks showcased his versatile production style and helped elevate his profile, culminating in his historic nomination as the first Korean artist for the BET Award's Best International Viewers' Choice category.^[22] The following year, Changmo released the EP Reached Moment (DNSG) on June 11, 2018, which charted at number 38 on the Gaon Album Chart and further solidified his growing fanbase through introspective tracks blending hip-hop and R&B elements.^[19] His breakthrough came in 2019 with the debut studio album Boyhood, released on November 29, which peaked at number 13 on the Gaon Album Chart.^[19] The album's lead single "Meteor" topped the Gaon Digital Chart, becoming one of the year's defining hip-hop tracks with its motivational lyrics and catchy hook, and earned him the Hip-Hop Song of the Year at the 2020 Korean Hip-Hop Awards as well as the Best R&B/Hip-Hop Award at the Golden Disc Awards.^[23][24] By 2021, Changmo reached a commercial peak with the release of his second studio album Underground Rockstar on November 11, which debuted at number 26 on the Gaon Album Chart and highlighted his evolution as a self-produced artist tackling themes of fame and authenticity.^[19] The album's single "Taiji" received critical acclaim for its dynamic flow and earned the Best Rap & Hip-Hop Song at the 2022 Korean Hip-Hop Awards, underscoring Changmo's influence in the Korean hip-hop scene during this period.^[3]

2022–2023: Military enlistment and career hiatus

On March 14, 2022, Changmo enlisted for mandatory active-duty military service in the South Korean army, initiating an 18-month hiatus from his solo music career.^[25] This period followed his rising prominence in the Korean hip-hop scene, highlighted by earlier successes such as the 2021 single "Taiji."^[26] On the same day as his enlistment, he released his single "Just the Two of Us," which served as a farewell gesture to fans before fully stepping away from public activities.^[27] During his service, Changmo's personal music output was significantly limited, with no full-length solo projects or major releases under his name until after discharge.^[25] He made only sporadic appearances, such as a surprise performance at the Waterbomb Festival in Seoul in June 2022 while on military vacation, where he joined other artists onstage for a brief set.^[25] Meanwhile, his label Ambition Musik maintained operations, supporting its roster of artists and ensuring continuity in the company's activities despite the founder's absence.^[26] Changmo was honorably discharged on September 13, 2023, concluding his mandatory service without reported incidents.^[25] The hiatus underscored the professional challenges faced by male artists in South Korea due to compulsory military obligations, temporarily pausing his momentum as a leading rapper and producer while fans expressed ongoing support through online communities and anticipation for his return.^[28]

2024–present: Post-military comeback and recent projects

Changmo marked his post-military return with the release of the EP Wonderful Days on January 30, 2024, following his discharge from mandatory military service the previous September.^[29] The five-track project, issued under Ambition Musik, showcased a blend of reflective lyrics and upbeat production, signaling a fresh chapter in his artistry after the career hiatus.^[30] The EP's track "FWB," released as part of the project in 2024, achieved modest chart performance, peaking at #200 on Korean music charts.^[31] This release helped reestablish his presence in the domestic hip-hop landscape, though the military absence had briefly tempered his prior momentum. In 2025, Changmo ended his exclusive contract with Ambition Musik in April and founded his independent label MORIENT.^[6] That month, he released the single "ANTHEM" on May 16, which was praised for its lyrical intensity.^[7] He expanded his collaborative efforts by featuring on BE'O's single "ICONIC," which dropped on August 5 and represented BE'O's comeback after a 13-month break from music.^[8] The track highlighted Changmo's versatile flow alongside BE'O's evolved style, contributing to renewed buzz around both artists. Ambition Musik's activities continued into early 2025 with the label's Asia Tour, where Changmo performed alongside fellow artists in locations such as Bangkok in February and Taipei in May, fostering regional fan engagement before his exclusive contract with the label concluded in April.^[32] In September, he performed at the Me+Youth Festival Concert.^[9]

Artistry

Musical style and influences

Changmo's primary genres revolve around hip-hop, infused with R&B, trap, and club-oriented elements, often incorporating UK drill beats and orchestral flourishes for a dynamic sound.^{[33] [13]} His musical evolution traces from gritty underground rap in his early career to more accessible, melodic mainstream tracks that prioritize emotional resonance and genre blending.^[33] This shift reflects a maturation in his artistry, moving from raw, world-blaming narratives to balanced explorations of self and society, as evidenced in progressive compositions that sample Korean hip-hop icons like Seo Taiji and Epik High.^[13] In 2025, he continued this evolution with the single Op.2, featuring live orchestral arrangements that blend hip-hop with classical music.^[34] Central themes in Changmo's work include personal growth, ambition, and the complexities of relationships, often framed as motivational anthems that chronicle his rise from adversity.^[33] Tracks like "Meteor" exemplify this through uplifting lyrics on perseverance and success, while others delve into the vulnerabilities of fame and romantic entanglements.^[13] His influences stem from both American hip-hop traditions and the Korean scene, with self-taught production techniques honed through his exposure to Berklee College of Music—where he was accepted twice but unable to attend due to financial constraints—allowing him to absorb jazz, R&B, and sampling methods independently.^[13] Korean predecessors such as Seo Taiji have also shaped his innovative approach, inspiring bold thematic depth and cultural sampling.^[13] A signature element of Changmo's style is his liberal use of auto-tune, integrated since his teenage years to enhance melodic flows and diversify Korean hip-hop's rhythmic focus.^[2] This technique pairs with introspective lyrics on identity and fame, creating a husky, emotive delivery that underscores themes of ambition and self-reflection, as in "Taiji," which critiques success's dual edges.^[13]

Production and collaborations

Changmo has been heavily involved in the production of his own music since his early career, handling beats, mixing, and arrangement for the majority of his releases under Ambition Musik. He primarily uses Logic Pro as his digital audio workstation (DAW), having transitioned from FL Studio in his initial composing stages to this tool for crafting trap-influenced tracks with layered instrumentation and vocal processing. For instance, his 2019 studio album Boyhood consists of 13 self-produced tracks, where he served as the album producer, composer, and arranger, showcasing his hands-on approach to creating introspective hip-hop soundscapes.^[35][36] In addition to self-production, Changmo has contributed to projects for other Ambition Musik artists, providing beats and mixing support that bolster the label's output. His production work extends to collaborative efforts, such as co-writing the lyrics for the 2017 single "Wine" by Suran featuring himself, which was produced by Suga of BTS and became a chart-topping R&B-hip-hop track. Another notable collaboration is the 2017 duet "Blue Moon" with Hyolyn, produced by GroovyRoom, where Changmo handled rap verses and contributed to the song's futuristic bass elements, leading to strong real-time chart performance across multiple platforms.^[37][38] These production endeavors and joint projects have significantly elevated Ambition Musik's status as a prominent hub for Korean hip-hop, fostering a collaborative environment that produced influential releases. Changmo also holds co-writing credits on key tracks like "Meteor" from Boyhood, which he fully composed and arranged, emphasizing themes of resilience through minimalistic yet impactful production.^[35][39]

Personal life

Family and relationships

Changmo maintains an ongoing close relationship with his parents and younger sister, who provided support during his early career aspirations.^[3] There are no public details on the involvement of extended family members in his professional endeavors. Changmo adopts a stance of privacy concerning his personal relationships, offering limited disclosures in interviews and public appearances.

Military service details

Changmo enlisted for mandatory military service in the Republic of Korea Army on March 14, 2022, completing an 18-month active duty term that ended with his discharge on September 13, 2023. His service began with standard basic training at a military base, where he was accompanied by staff from his label, Ambition Musik.^[40] Throughout his service, updates to fans were limited, primarily shared through Ambition Musik announcements regarding his enlistment and eventual discharge.^[41] In post-discharge interviews, Changmo reflected on the personal growth he experienced, describing how the military instilled a "sergeant mindset" that made him more self-focused and less swayed by external opinions.^[42] He noted gaining discipline in managing his inner emotions, transitioning from a more impulsive phase to one of greater calm and happiness, which helped him prioritize personal expression in his work.^[42] Changmo also mentioned creating music during service but deeming it unusable due to its raw, circumstance-specific themes, emphasizing the isolating yet formative nature of the experience.^[42]

Discography

Studio albums

Changmo has released two studio albums to date, both showcasing his evolution as a rapper and producer within the Korean hip-hop scene. His debut studio album, Boyhood, was released on November 29, 2019, by Ambition Musik. The album peaked at number 13 on the Gaon Album Chart (now Circle Album Chart).^[43] It features 10 tracks, led by the single "Meteor," which became a major hit and contributed to the album's commercial success on digital platforms. Boyhood was nominated for Hip-Hop Album of the Year at the 2020 Korean Hip-Hop Awards, recognizing its blend of introspective lyrics and vibrant production.^[44] Changmo's second studio album, Underground Rockstar, arrived on November 11, 2021, also under Ambition Musik. It reached number 26 on the Gaon Album Chart. Comprising 11 tracks, the album includes standout songs like "Taiji," exploring themes of balance and personal struggle through intricate beats and collaborations. Critically, Underground Rockstar was praised for its mature production and sonic complexity, marking a shift toward deeper, more layered soundscapes compared to his earlier work.^[13] It won Hip-Hop Album of the Year at the 2022 Korean Hip-Hop Awards and received a nomination for Best Rap & Hip-Hop Album at the 2022 Korean Music Awards.^[45]

Extended plays

Changmo's extended plays primarily encompass his mid-length commercial releases from 2016 onward, following his underground beginnings, and highlight his signature blend of introspective lyricism, trap-influenced beats, and motivational themes centered on ambition, wealth, and personal growth. His debut EP, M O T O W N, released on March 18, 2016, via Luminant Music, introduced his confident, boastful style with tracks emphasizing nightlife, relationships, and emerging success, such as "Party" and "Get Money."^[46] The project served as a bridge from his mixtape era to structured releases under labels like Ambition Musik. Time to Earn Money 2 (돈 벌 시간 2), issued on July 21, 2016, peaked at number 50 on the Gaon Album Chart and delved deeper into themes of financial hustle and self-made determination, featuring energetic cuts like "아름다워" (Beautiful) that showcased his production prowess. The follow-up, Time to Earn Money 3 (돈 벌 시간 3), arrived on December 15, 2016, reaching number 49 on the Gaon Album Chart; it continued the series' motif of relentless drive and street wisdom, with standout track "BAND" highlighting collaborative energy and rhythmic flow. In 2017, Gettin Money Moment (돈 번 순간), released May 24, climbed to number 26 on the Gaon Album Chart, capturing triumphant moments of achievement through opulent, celebratory vibes in songs like "Meteor" precursors, underscoring his rising profile in Korean hip-hop. Reached Moment (DNSG) (닿는 순간), dropped on June 11, 2018, peaked at number 38 on the Gaon Album Chart and shifted toward reflective introspection on fame and connections, with emotive tracks such as "Holy Water" blending melodic elements and raw emotion. After a hiatus for military service, Changmo returned with Wonderful Days on January 31, 2024, an uplifting EP promoting positivity and resilience post-enlistment, featuring dynamic collaborations on cuts like "PURE RAGE" that mix aggression with hope for brighter futures.^[47] Op.1, released May 7, 2025, under MORIENT, consists of 2 tracks including "ANTHEM," noted for its lyrical intensity and exploration of personal boundaries.^[48][7] Op.2, released August 20, 2025, under MORIENT, features 3 tracks: "Fadeout," "Intermezzo (Live Performance, July 12th 2025)," and "If I Had Time," continuing themes of reflection and autonomy.^[49]

Mixtapes

Changmo's early mixtapes, released under the Deoksokids moniker during his underground phase, marked his initial foray into the South Korean hip-hop scene as a rapper and producer. Formed as a duo in 2013 alongside collaborator Melon, Deoksokids represented Changmo's roots in Deokso, a neighborhood in Namyangju that frequently appeared in his lyrics as a symbol of his humble beginnings. These projects showcased his self-produced tracks blending trap influences, introspective storytelling, and braggadocious flows, establishing a raw sound that resonated with local listeners.^[50] The first notable mixtape, Time to Get Money (돈 벌 시간, stylized as #DBSG), was released between late 2013 and early 2014. Spanning multiple installments, it featured tracks like "Dopeman," "소문내" (Spread the Word), and "Don Nena," where Changmo explored themes of ambition, street life, and escaping poverty through relentless hustle. Self-produced and mixed by Changmo, the project highlighted his piano background with melodic undertones amid hard-hitting beats, drawing from American trap artists while grounding narratives in his Deokso experiences. Distributed for free via download links on hip-hop forums, it garnered attention in underground circles for its authenticity and technical skill.^[51][52] Following this, Ready to Be a Star #DBJB (별 될 준비 #BDJB), released on October 21, 2014, served as a more polished evolution, signaling Changmo's aspirations for mainstream breakthrough. This 11-track effort included freestyles like "Draft Day Freestyle" (feat. Eoldae) and collaborations such as "Tomorrow" (feat. The Quiett), emphasizing lyrical dexterity and production versatility with tracks ranging from upbeat anthems to reflective cuts. Available exclusively for streaming on SoundCloud and free downloads through community sites, the mixtape expanded his reach beyond local forums, fostering a dedicated fanbase in the Korean hip-hop community by showcasing his growth as a multifaceted artist. These non-commercial releases were pivotal in cultivating grassroots support, with shares on platforms like Hiphopplaya and Hiphople helping to solidify his reputation among enthusiasts before his commercial debut.^[53][54][55]

Singles as lead artist

Changmo's career as a lead artist began with underground releases before achieving mainstream success through chart-topping singles. His debut single marked his entry into the Korean hip-hop scene, while later releases demonstrated his ability to blend introspective lyrics with commercial appeal, often self-produced under his label Ambition Musik.

Featured appearances and other charted songs

Changmo has garnered acclaim for his guest features on tracks by prominent Korean artists, often blending his melodic rap style with diverse genres to create chart-friendly hits. These collaborations have highlighted his versatility and contributed significantly to his visibility in the music industry. In April 2017, Changmo teamed up with SISTAR's Hyolyn for the R&B-infused single "Blue Moon," produced by GroovyRoom. The track quickly dominated real-time charts, securing the No. 1 position on platforms including Genie Music, Olleh Music, and Soribada shortly after its release.^[38] Later that year, in April 2017, he appeared on Suran's "Wine," an R&B track produced by BTS's Suga. The song marked Suran's breakthrough, topping real-time charts on Bugs, Genie, and Olleh Music, and reaching No. 1 on Melon's real-time chart in May.^[56][20] More recently, on August 5, 2025, Changmo featured on BE'O's hip-hop track "ICONIC," released as a digital single under BIGPLANETMADE. The collaboration showcases his ongoing influence in contemporary Korean rap scenes.^[57] Beyond these standout releases, Changmo has contributed to various other charting collaborations, such as Raiden and EXO's Chanyeol's 2020 single "Yours" (featuring Lee Hi), which entered the Gaon Digital Chart upon release, and BIG Naughty and Jay Park's 2022 track "Romance Symphony," which peaked in the top 50 on the Circle Weekly Digital Chart. These features, often integrated into albums or non-lead singles, underscore his broad impact, with multiple entries across Gaon and Circle charts throughout his career.^[58]

Awards and nominations

Wins

Changmo has received several accolades throughout his career, primarily recognizing his contributions to Korean hip-hop. As of November 2025, he has won a total of nine awards across major ceremonies, highlighting his breakthrough with early releases and subsequent chart-topping success.^[3] In 2017, Changmo earned recognition as an emerging talent. At the Korean Hip Hop Awards, he won New Artist of the Year for his early works, including the album M O T O W N. At the 7th Gaon Chart Music Awards (covering 2017 releases), he received the Discovery of the Year - Hip Hop award, acknowledging his rapid rise in the genre.^[3][59] The year 2020 marked a commercial peak with wins tied to his hit single "Meteor" from the album Boyhood. At the 35th Golden Disc Awards, "Meteor" won Best R&B/Hip-Hop Recording, celebrating its dominance on digital charts. Additionally, at the Korean Hip Hop Awards, "Meteor" secured Hip-Hop Track of the Year, reflecting critic and fan acclaim for its production and lyrical depth.^[60][61][3] In 2022, Changmo achieved a sweep at the Korean Hip Hop Awards, winning four categories for his album Underground Rockstar and its lead single "Taiji." These included Artist of the Year (overall recognition of his body of work), Hip-Hop Album of the Year (Underground Rockstar), Hip-Hop Track of the Year ("Taiji"), and Music Video of the Year ("Taiji"). Complementing this, at the 19th Korean Music Awards, "Taiji" won Best Rap & Hip-Hop Song, praised for its innovative blend of trap elements and introspection.^[3][62][63] No additional personal wins have been recorded from 2023 to 2025, though Changmo featured on the 2025 Korean Hip Hop Awards-winning track "BASTARD" by HAON, which took Hip-Hop Track of the Year. He was nominated for a BET Award in 2017 (Best International Viewers' Choice) but did not win.^[64][65]

Nominations

Changmo has received several nominations for major music awards, highlighting his prominence in the Korean hip-hop scene despite not securing wins in these instances. These recognitions often placed him in highly competitive categories alongside established artists, underscoring the rigorous standards of South Korea's music industry and contributing to his international visibility.^[66] In 2017, Changmo earned a historic nomination at the BET Awards for Best International Viewers' Choice, marking the first time a Korean artist was recognized in this category.^[22] This nomination, among global talents like Jorja Smith and Dave, spotlighted emerging international hip-hop acts and boosted Changmo's profile beyond Korea, even though Rayvanny ultimately won for his track "Tetema." The 2020 Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA) nominated Changmo's single "METEOR" in the Best Hip Hop & Urban Music category, competing against high-profile entries from artists like Zico.^[67] The category's fierce competition, drawing from a year of diverse urban releases, emphasized Changmo's chart-topping success with the track, which debuted at number one on the Gaon Digital Chart; however, Zico took the award for "Any Song."^[68] In 2021, Changmo was again nominated at the MAMA for Best Hip Hop & Urban Music with "GJD," facing off against nominees including Jessi and Mino in a category that celebrated innovative urban sounds from the prior year.^[69] This recognition amid a crowded field of viral hits amplified his visibility as a leading rapper-producer, though Ash Island won for "Melody." Changmo's 2021 album Underground Rockstar led to a 2022 nomination for Best Rap & Hip Hop Album at the Korean Music Awards, where it vied against works like Los's Skandalouz in a panel-judged competition focused on artistic merit.^[66] The nomination highlighted the album's critical reception and commercial impact, including multiple top-10 charting singles, yet CHOILB's Independent Music prevailed as the winner.^[63] In 2025, Changmo received a nomination at the Korean Music Awards for Best Rap & Hip Hop Song for his feature on Fleeky Bang's "Fire," but did not win.^[70] No further nominations without wins were recorded through 2025 in major awards like the Gaon Chart Music Awards or additional MAMA cycles, reflecting Changmo's selective but influential presence in competitive hip-hop categories that prioritize both innovation and popularity.^[70]