punchnello is Korean Hip-hop's Young Rap Genius

With wicked rhymes and a name originating from the villain in Max Payne, PUNCHNELLO's audacious demeanor closely resonates with the fictional Italian mobster he drew inspiration from. At only 22, this ambitious rapper is rising through the ranks with his very own vicious flair and flavor in tow.

If there was one thing punchnello—real name, Lee Young-sin—knew he wanted to do, it was music; an area of interest he possessed a natural inclination to growing up. His fundamental affinity for it organically stirred him in the direction of hip-hop as he immersed himself in several genres and styles at such a tender age. "I think I was born to like music; more than my peers did. So when everyone was busy listening to mainstream [music] in their teens, I enjoyed listening to a wide variety of music." he shares. The influence of rap was the element that served to culminate his decision to pursue music professionally as a rapper—it was a way of expression, of narrating his story. The case was closed after his first hand at production and lyrical composition. "I especially loved hip-hop. The reason I decided to move forward as a rapper was because I enjoy doing things the way I want and writing out stories how I want. Hip-hop was a way I could unwind my own story through rapping. Once I wrote my first lyrics and completed my first take, I knew this was my path."

“The reason I decided to move forward as a rapper was because I enjoy doing things the way I want and writing out stories how I want. Hip-hop was a way I could unwind my own story through rapping.”

2016 saw the birth of his debut album, LIME, featuring drum-heavy funk and electro-influenced beats co-created with members of his hip-hop/R&B collective Club Eskimo, millic and Crush.

An appearance on a rap track called “Eung Freestyle” with some of K-Hiphop’s best also aided in putting the spotlight on the young rapper, with the music video amassing almost 36 million views and garnering attention from hip-hop enthusiasts around the globe. Three years later, he dropped ordinary.; showing an entirely different color with an experimental approach—a variety of sounds packed in the seven-track EP including explorations of lo-fi, tropical house, R&B, and trap alongside powerhouses like SAAY, PENOMECO, and AOMG's Simon Dominic.

It’s worth noting that somewhere in the middle of his introductory work, a brief stint in the sixth season of hip-hop reality competition Show Me the Money took place; where he proved himself to be a strong contender further from the three studio tracks in LIME. It wasn't difficult to impress the seasoned rappers and crowd with his impeccable flow and swagger and while punchnello ultimately decided to forfeit for family reasons, this only became a channel for him to exhibit his prowess.

“If you learn to trust in yourself and have fun along the way, you get to solidify your own unique style. However, I don’t like to stick to one—to be able to alter and change is what I desire.”

Fast forward to 2019, he’s on the path to quite possibly the greatest redemption reality TV has ever seen as he returned and emerged victorious in the show’s eighth season. It was already no secret to the world that he was a force to be reckoned with and he entered the show with a goal to finish what he started. “The world is vast and there are tons of rappers,” punchnello expresses observingly when asked about his takeaways from his previously-relinquished feat. While it may be a mere remark, he shows a discernible self-awareness that helps us recognize why he’s on this steady upward trajectory, but undeniably knows the capacity of his talents.

The way punchnello speaks is self-assured—greatly evident in his rap style, particularly in ordinary.’s single, "Absinthe" accompanied by a heavy beat, vocal distortion, and a fair share of screams. It's the track that sticks to you and a preface of what's to come from the record’s unchained plan of attack and the artist’s very genius. Just like his system with music, punchnello's the free-spirit—readily choosing to ride the flow than to categorize himself. As a young artist, he takes his fresh approach and turns it into an advantage. "Because I was young, I gained more attention positively. I found it amusing to be able to do what I love with the people I love,” he tells with an air of optimism.

Taking a break from celebration and brewing musical magic, punchnello talks to us about his evolution from the scene, what it means to be a rapper, and the future of modern hip-hop.

You’ve been rapping since you were a teenager. There must have been plenty of aspects of your ability that has changed over the years. Looking back, how do you think you’ve evolved from when you started to the present?

I definitely have matured a lot musically and personally. Previously, I used to put others before me and putting their needs before myself and whatnot, but my mindset has changed now and I’m the most important person.

How did you learn to produce? And having worked on so many collaborations with different artists, some even contrasting to your own style, what is your method in working with them in order to create a good song?

As I kept making music, the producing aspects just came to me naturally. The habit of being able to freely create stories at my own will played a huge part in allowing me to collaborate with different artists.

You also put music out on Soundcloud. At this time where everything is accessible now because of the internet, do you think it’s easier for rappers to get recognition?

I feel like it’s easier [to gain recognition] but at the same time, it’s not. Compared to the past, it has allowed music to be much more accessible to the public but since there are a lot of people doing the same thing, it could be more difficult to gain recognition.

A lot of artists have expressed that they categorize their music in order to cater to the more mainstream sound. Do you personally feel like there is a need to separate the music that you make on Soundcloud versus with your commercial releases? Or are you not afraid to be openly experimental?

I reckon it depends on people but I wasn’t afraid of being experimental before, but nowadays I’ve started being more cautious in terms of what I upload.

You’re in a collective called Club Eskimo with a diverse mix of singers, rappers, and producers. Tell us how you got together. What’s the best thing about being in a team of such diverse artists?

To put it simply, [Club Eskimo] was created when music nerds naturally got together. And being surrounded by diverse enthusiasts of music, you get to grow from learning each and every one of their various energies and thoughts.

How does a punchnello song take form? Where do you draw inspiration?

All of my music are compilations of the thoughts that cross my mind on a daily basis. Life itself is my source for inspiration.

Developing as an artist over the years, do you think you’ve found and solidified your style? How are you trying to find it as you go?

If you learn to trust in yourself and have fun along the way, you get to solidify your own unique style. However, I don’t like to stick to one [style]—to be able to alter and change is what I desire.

What’s the definition of a rapper to you? It’s a title that’s being thrown around a lot these days. Do you think anyone can be one?

Definitely. I believe that anyone who’s able to tell their story is qualified to call themselves rappers. I don’t think we’re the only ones that are exclusive or anything.

As a hip-hop artist, how do you innovate your sound and style of music apart from others who are singing the same genre?

It’s pretty straightforward. Just do whatever you feel like doing and just have fun, because at the end of the day, each and every person has their own world that they live in. At least that’s how I am.

You’ve worked with a wide variety of artists already but is there anyone else you want to work with? Who would be a dream collaboration for you?

The one role model I looked up to and dreamed to collaborate with was Mac Miller, but since he’s no longer here, I currently don’t have anyone in mind yet.

What’s in the future of punchnello? Are there any new avenues you’d like to dip into?

I’m not too sure about the near future, but later on in life, I would like to try out as a writer.

The rise of streaming platforms has also lead to an abundance of rappers. Considering your entry into the scene was different, where do you see modern hip-hop moving forward?

To be honest, I don’t know where it’s headed, and that’s the perks of it.