Label
Illionaire Records
Illionaire Records was a South Korean independent hip-hop label founded in 2011 by rappers Dok2 (도끼) and The Quiett. Operating out of Seoul, the label became one of Korea's most influential hip-hop operations despite its deliberately small roster, championing an artist-first ethos at a time when idol pop dominated the domestic market.
At the core of the label's output was the founding duo themselves, Dok2 and The Quiett, whose solo projects anchored the label's catalog. Beenzino joined Illionaire in the label's early months and went on to release some of the most acclaimed Korean hip-hop albums of the decade, including 12 (2013) and Beenzino (2015). Changmo also came through the label's orbit, building his profile through collaborations and appearances.
Dok2 launched the sublabel Ambition Musik under the Illionaire umbrella in 2016, further expanding the label's reach. Both Dok2 and The Quiett became prominent figures on the reality competition Show Me the Money, which massively increased public awareness of the independent hip-hop scene they represented.
Dok2 resigned as CEO in November 2018 to pursue activity in the United States and officially departed in February 2020. Illionaire Records announced its closure via official social media channels on July 6, 2020. The Quiett subsequently focused on Ambition Musik, which continued operating after Illionaire's disbandment. The label's catalog remains a cornerstone reference point for the generation of Korean hip-hop that followed.
1 articles
Gallery
Fans Also Ask
Who founded Illionaire Records?
Illionaire Records was co-founded in 2011 by South Korean rappers Dok2 and The Quiett. Despite its small size, the label became one of Korea's most respected independent hip-hop operations, known for its roster of Beenzino, Changmo, and the founders themselves.
Is Illionaire Records still active?
No. Illionaire Records announced the closure of the label on July 6, 2020, via its official Instagram and social accounts. Dok2 had resigned as CEO in November 2018 and officially departed in February 2020 before the final closure.
Who were the main artists on Illionaire Records?
The label's three core artists were The Quiett, Dok2, and Beenzino. The Quiett and Dok2 co-founded the label in 2011, with Beenzino joining later that year. All three built significant solo careers while at Illionaire, with Beenzino enlisting for military service in 2017 and Dok2 departing in February 2020.
Why did Illionaire Records close?
Illionaire Records announced closure on July 6, 2020, stating that after nearly a decade it was time for each artist to pursue independent paths. Co-founder Dok2 had already departed in February 2020. The Quiett subsequently focused on his sublabel Ambition Musik, which remained active after Illionaire's disbandment.
What was Illionaire Records' legacy in Korean hip-hop?
Illionaire Records operated from 2011 to 2020 as the most influential independent hip-hop label in Korea. It championed the artist-led alternative to K-pop majors, with Dok2 and The Quiett serving as judges on Show Me the Money. The label's catalog remains a cornerstone reference point for the generation of Korean hip-hop that followed.
