Outsider is a South Korean rapper from Daejeon, born Shin Ok-cheol in 1983. He is known for speed rap and is widely associated with a delivery rate of 17 syllables per second, making him one of the best-known fast rappers in Korean hip hop.

Career

Outsider begins as an underground rapper and gains wider attention after appearing on a television programme hosted by Yoo Jae Seok, where his rapid delivery draws notice. He is then scouted by MC Sniper and signs to Sniper Sound, the label run by his mentor.

He releases two studio albums, Soliloquist and Maestro. His debut album is promoted with the single “Like a Man”. His second album becomes a major success, reaching the top of the charts, and the title track “Loner” stays at number one on M.Net and Melon for more than five weeks. That achievement makes him one of the first rappers to reach number one on a Korean music chart.

Work and appearances

Outsider appears on MBC, SBS, KBS and MNET, and also appears as a special guest on MBC’s Star King. After the promotion for “Loner” ends, he promotes another track from Maestro, “My Youth Confession”, with Joy and Vasco. He also works with a range of underground and mainstream rappers including MC Sniper, L.E.O, Illnit, DJ r2, Bae Chi Gi, K.Will and Dok2.

His performances include a special stage with K.Will, as well as a remake version of BIG BANG’s “Lies”.

Style and reputation

Outsider is especially known for speed-rapping. He is described as being able to rap 17 syllables per second, and is referred to as the fastest rapper in Korea. A Guinness record of 15 syllables is mentioned in relation to English-language counting, but his Korean delivery is treated as an unofficial benchmark rather than a formal record.

Labels

He is associated with Sniper Sound and ASSA Communication.