Rapper JUSTHIS has stirred controversy with actions perceived as targeting AKMU's Lee Chan-hyuk.
During a live broadcast on the 9th, JUSTHIS sang the lyrics of Lee Chan-hyuk's song 'Panorama' to the melody of Canadian artist The Weeknd's hit 'Save Your Tears.' Lee Chan-hyuk had previously stated that his solo album 'ERROR' was an homage to The Weeknd, leading to speculation that JUSTHIS was mocking him.
Previously, on the audition program 'Show Me the Money 12,' released on the 26th of last month, JUSTHIS sparked debate with a cypher performance. His lyrics included, 'Hip-hop is dead? Then get lost / For someone who started with love, this is religion / The Weeknd's inferior imitation / Joke's on you, I bloom like Murakami / You hide what you copied, I reveal and wear new clothes.' Some interpreted these lines as a jab at Lee Chan-hyuk, who has expressed admiration for The Weeknd.
Lee Chan-hyuk has been critical of hip-hop in the past. On the YouTube channel 'Limousine Service,' he remarked, 'Today's hip-hop isn't as cool as it used to be,' and on Mnet's 'Show Me the Money 10,' he declared, 'Hip-hop isn't cool anymore,' which became a talking point. These comments have fueled interpretations of JUSTHIS's lyrics as a direct attack on Lee Chan-hyuk.
As the controversy grew, JUSTHIS commented, 'I have seen the comments, but I won't respond to everything. I believe I've said all I need to through my music.'
Currently, 'Show Me the Money 12,' featuring JUSTHIS, is accepting applications for contestants and is set to air later this year.