Ji Sang-ryeol attempts a comeback as rapper 'G.C Hammer' after 20 years
Ji Sang-ryeol declared his comeback as rapper G.C Hammer on 'Salimnam'. He visited RBW composers to request new songs and proposed a collaboration with Eun Ji-won.
Comedian Ji Sang-ryeol is making a comeback attempt in the music industry, summoning his past as the rapper 'G.C Hammer' from 20 years ago. In the episode of KBS 2TV 'Men in Their 40s Season 2' (hereafter 'Salimnam') to be broadcast on July 18, Ji Sang-ryeol's process of pursuing a full-scale comeback project beyond simple variety show entertainment is depicted.
Previously, through a broadcast, Ji Sang-ryeol had his musical potential recognized by music critic Lim Jin-mo. Taking this as an opportunity, he began concrete movements for an actual return to the music industry rather than letting it remain a one-time event. He has brought back the identity of 'G.C Hammer,' which showed unconventional moves with a hip-hop concept in 2007.
A Reunion After 20 Years, the Cold Reaction of the Composers
Ji Sang-ryeol chose RBW, home to Mamamoo, Kwon Eun-bi, and Secret, as his first destination to obtain a new song. This was to personally meet the key figures who created his debut song 'Club Arirang' in the past. He attempted a reunion by visiting composers Kim Do-hoon and Lee Sang-ho, who have created hit songs for numerous artists including BTS, Mamamoo, and Gummy.
However, contrary to expectations, the atmosphere on site was cold. Facing Ji Sang-ryeol after 20 years, composer Kim Do-hoon showed embarrassment by asking "Who are you?" without recognizing him. His memory of the past 'G.C Hammer' project was also faint. Regarding the work at that time, composer Kim Do-hoon gave a candid and cold response, saying, "We only did it because we were told to," which turned the scene into a sea of laughter.
A Bold Move with an Improvised Live Performance, but the Stage was Interrupted
Ji Sang-ryeol's will did not break. He continued his persistent courtship of the two composers to obtain a new song. Deciding that he had to prove his musical potential, he even made a bold move by performing an impromptu live performance on the spot. However, the result was not smooth. While listening to Ji Sang-ryeol's live performance, composer Kim Do-hoon eventually stopped the song, saying, "I won't listen anymore," and the two composers expressed reluctance to produce a new song, citing various reasons.
Ji Sang-ryeol is a veteran who debuted as part of the 5th SBS open recruitment in 1996 and made a name for himself after enduring a long period of obscurity. As he is currently active in various programs such as 'The Way to the Wedding' and 'Syndrome,' attention is focused on what results he will create in the new field of music beyond variety shows through this project.
A Surprise Collaboration Proposal Summoning Eun Ji-won
As negotiations faced difficulties, Ji Sang-ryeol strategically utilized Eun Ji-won, a co-MC of 'Salimnam.' He attempted to turn the atmosphere around by mentioning Eun Ji-won, a senior in the hip-hop field. In front of the composers, he boasted of his friendship with Eun Ji-won, saying, "Ji-won moves when I tell him to move." This appeared to be a statement considering an actual collaboration rather than a simple joke.
Ji Sang-ryeol's offensive did not stop there. He pushed forward as if the collaboration was already confirmed, asking the composers, "Can we do the recording at RBW when I record with Eun Ji-won?" The studio instantly became chaotic due to the sudden appearance of Eun Ji-won's name and the attempt to unilaterally coordinate the recording schedule. How Eun Ji-won reacted to this surprise collaboration proposal by Ji Sang-ryeol can be confirmed through the broadcast on the 18th at 10:35 PM.
Potential Recognized by Critic Lim Jin-mo
Ji Sang-ryeol's recent move began during a previous broadcast. At that time, he drew viewers' attention by summoning the 'G.C Hammer' character from 20 years ago through 'Salimnam.'
In this process, music critic Lim Jin-mo became a hot topic by mentioning Ji Sang-ryeol's musical potential. This is the background that led to a full-scale challenge in the music industry, rather than just a simple summoning of memories.