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Zico is a South Korean rapper and music producer who has achieved mainstream success while maintaining an underground reputation, known for leading the boy band Block B and establishing his own entertainment label, KOZ Entertainment.
ZICO (Block B) was announced as a global partner for Guess Jeans.
Fendi appointed South Korean singer-songwriter and rapper Zico as its latest brand ambassador after his mandatory military service.
Zico collaborated with the streetwear label MISBHV for London's Fashion Week, where he also performed.
Woo Ji-ho, known professionally as Zico, was born in Dohwa, Seoul, South Korea, on September 14, 1992. He began his musical journey as an underground rapper under the name “Nacseo,” meaning ‘doodle’ or ‘scribble’ in Korean, gaining experience in the Japanese underground hip hop scene with groups like “Dope Squad” and “Undisputed.” He also studied abroad in Canada, China, and Japan during his formative years. In 2009, he officially debuted in Korea as part of the duo ‘Harmonics’ with Park Kyung, releasing the digital single “The Letter.” He later joined Stardom Entertainment and contributed to tracks for other artists, including IU’s “Marshmallow.” His first mixtape, “Zico on the Block,” released in 2010, was well-received within the Korean hip hop community.
In 2011, Zico debuted as the leader of the boy band Block B, producing their first mini-album, “Welcome to the Block.” His solo career officially launched in 2014 with the single “Tough Cookie.” Over the years, he gained recognition as a producer, notably appearing on and producing for “Show Me the Money 4” and “Show Me the Money 6,” where his team’s contestant, Hangzoo, won the season. In 2018, he embarked on his first solo concert tour, “King Of the Zungle,” with sold-out shows in Seoul and international dates in Europe and the United States.
A significant career turning point occurred in 2019 when Zico established his own label, KOZ Entertainment, aiming to develop both his own career and emerging artists. That same year, he released his first full-length solo album, “Thinking.” In 2020, his single “Any Song” became a major hit, spending seven weeks at number one on the Circle Digital Chart and becoming the longest-running number-one song in the chart’s history at the time. After completing his mandatory military service in 2022, Zico continued to release new music, including the EP “Grown Ass Kid.” In 2024, his collaboration with Jennie, “SPOT!,” topped the Circle Digital Chart and marked his first number one on the US Billboard World Digital Song Sales chart, also receiving MAMA Awards for Best Collaboration and Best Rap & Hip Hop Performance.
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