Mnet to Launch Korea's First-Ever Female Rapper Survival Show "Unpretty Rapstar"

Brace yourselves for Korea’s first-ever female rapper survival show program!

On January 12, cable network Mnet revealed that “Unpretty Rapstar” will be a spin-off of their sensational rap competition program “Show Me the Money.” Eight talented female rappers will be battling it out starting January 29.

Mnet also released the profiles of four members of the eight rapper line-up, featuring Lucky J’s Jessi, AOA’s Jimin, Tymee, and Cheetah.

Jessi recently made headlines with her collaboration with Ailee and Hyorin at an end-of-year awards ceremony. She debuted in 2005 under the name Jessica H.O. and was a featured female vocal for hip hop group Uptown. She soon became known as the second Yoon Mi Rae. She has been featured on a variety of songs and is currently active as a member of hip hop group Lucky J.

AOA’s Jimin has made a name for herself as a skilled rapper despite being an idol. She stands out amongst her peers because she writes her own raps, most notably the rap for AOA’s hit single “Moya.”

Tymee, who is known for being able to fit in over 160 beats of verse in one minute, previously went by the names Napper in 2004 and E.via in 2009. She competed in “Show Me the Money 3” and drew attention with her diss battle with fellow contestant Jolly V.

Cheetah debuted in 2010 as a member of Blacklist. The same year, she turned heads with her explosive raps and innovating performances on the first season of “Show Me the Money.”

The objective of “Unpretty Rapstar” is to produce the first-ever female rapper compilation album in Korea. Every episode, the nation’s top producers will present a new song, and the girls will compete for the chance to record on the track. The contestants will have to overcome a variety of intense missions that will test their limits.

PD Jeon Kyung Nam who was in charge of casting for “Unpretty Rapstar” commented, “It has always been difficult for female rappers to get noticed in the hip hop world which is dominated by males. We wanted to support our female rappers’ dreams by providing them a stage on which to fully show off their skills.”

“Unpretty Rapstar” will premiere on January 29 and air on Mnet every Thursday at 11 p.m., KST for six weeks.