Korean hip-hop is like a spider-web of connected artists. Many will guest vocal on each other’s records and it’s not that difficult to move to multiple different artists in one album.

Upgrade was released in 2008, which consistently sounds like a transition year for the genre. The sound of the album does have a emphasis on bass and a sparse sample style.

Rather than recognizable samples, Upgrade uses instrumental accompaniments. It’s easier to focus on the lyrics and verses.

Swings is a great album though, the style and flow of the verses is easy to digest and the songs do emphasize some R&B elements. It could be considered a bit standard, but overall the album is solid.