Korean Hip-Hop Pioneer Artisan Beats Passes Away at Age 47
The Korean music industry is mourning the loss of a foundational figure. Artisan Beats, whose real name was Seo Jae-min, passed away on February 17 at the age of 47. The first-generation Korean hip-hop star's death was confirmed after fellow rappers AJ and Minos, who collaborated with him in the group Master Plan Allstarz, shared heartfelt tributes on their social media accounts. The specific cause of his demise has not been publicly disclosed at this time.
Tributes Pour In from the Music Community
The official account of Bulhandang, the hip-hop crew to which Artisan Beats belonged, formally announced the sad news. In a post, they stated, "Artisan Beats, producer of Bulhandang Crew, has left us. We offer our deepest condolences and pray for the repose of his soul." The announcement has triggered an outpouring of grief and remembrance across the Korean entertainment landscape.
Rapper Kim Ji-hong, a longtime collaborator, paid a personal tribute on social media, writing, "Jae-min, thank you for hanging out with me for 30 years. Now rest in peace." This sentiment was echoed by music critic Kang Il-kwon, who expressed profound shock and sadness. Kang wrote on his social media, "I have learned that Artisan Beats (Artisan Beats aka Saatan), one of the living witnesses of Korean hip-hop, half of Da Crew and a member of Bulhandang Crew, has passed away."
Kang Il-kwon continued, "I haven't seen him in a long time, but I thought he was doing well, so this sudden sad news is a shock," adding, "I remember the days long ago when we shared drinks together, and I pray for Jae-min's soul. May he rest in peace." These reflections highlight the deep personal and professional connections Artisan Beats fostered throughout his career.
A Look at the Career of Artisan Beats
Born in 1979, Seo Jae-min was a pivotal member of the influential hip-hop group Da Crew and was actively involved with Master Plan Allstarz. His career was multifaceted; not only was he a performer, but he also made significant contributions as a producer. In his early years, he focused on creating darker-toned musical tracks and performed under the stage name "Satan."
He eventually decided to move away from the demonic imagery associated with that name, adopting the moniker Artisan Beats, which reflected a more crafted and artistic approach to his music production. His work continued to evolve, and in 2014, he released the single 'Jimmy Chu' in collaboration with Born Kim. This was followed in May 2015 by a project EP titled 'Chun.'
Artisan Beats' legacy is that of a trailblazer who helped shape the sound and culture of Korean hip-hop from its early days. His passing marks the end of an era for many in the industry who viewed him as a living witness to the genre's growth and transformation. The music community remembers him not just for his artistic output but for the camaraderie and mentorship he provided over decades.
