Wednesday, September 13, 2006

First Kobe now Jay-Z... The World is Coming to Korea

Jay-Z, widely known as the godfather of hip-hop music, will hold his first live concert in Seoul on Oct. 20.

The American rapper whose real name is Shawn Carter is expected to mesmerize hip hop fans with his lyrics and upbeat rhythms.

The concert, to be held in the Olympic Gymnastics Stadium in Olympic Park in southern Seoul, will also feature world-renowed rappers Memphis Bleek and Green Latern.

Jay-Z’s Seoul concert is part of his world tour, which started in Europe this month. The concert will continue in Africa and Asia, including Korea and Thailand, and Oceania.

Jay-Z has been a number one rapper since his debut in 1996 with his first album ``Reasonable Doubt.’’

Known for his freestyle abilities and blending of street and popular hip hop, he is also one of the founders of Roc-A-Fella Records, a hip-hop record company, which also launched the careers of renowned artists Rihanna and Bobby Valentino.

Recently, he has featured Beyonce’s new songs, ``Deja Vu,’’ and ``Upgrade U’’ in his new release.

He received huge acclaim with his album,``The Blueprint’’ (2001) which was written in only two days.

As of this year, he has released eight albums and won four Grammies, demonstrating both artistry and popularity.

Tickets cost from 50,000 to 100,000 won. For more information, call 1544-1555.

chungay@koreatimes.co.kr 09-13-2006 16:51

Wednesday, September 06, 2006

For B-Ball Fans in Korea

NBA star Kobe Bryant will host a "talk show" in Seoul on Friday together with Korean-American heartthrob Daniel Henney.

The 28-year-old LA Lakers guard, who is touring Asia, will arrive in Seoul on Friday morning for a two-day visit. He will host the 15-minute event in Myong-dong, central Seoul, from 8 p.m., where he is expected to talk about his life and career.

Bryant will also speak with a group of Korean fans at a basketball clinic called "10 lessons for a guard," scheduled for 5 p.m. at Chamsil Stadium in southern Seoul.

Bryant last visited Korea in August 1999. He is already NBA great, having become the second person in league history to score at least 80 points in one game. On Jan. 22 he dropped in 81 points in a victory over the Toronto Raptors, making him second only to Wilt Chamberlain, who scored 100 in 1962.

Henney, a model and actor, was a successful basketball player when he attended high school in the United States.

joseph@koreatimes.co.kr
09-05-2006 17:26