Baddest Nice Guys

Baddest Nice Guys is a collaborative EP between AOMG founder Jay Park and the 8ballTown producer Kirin, released in August 2019. The project is a deliberate stylistic departure for Park, moving away from the trap-heavy sounds of his 2019 'The Road Less Traveled' album toward a meticulous recreation of New Jack Swing. Kirin, known for his dedication to 80s and 90s retro-funk, provides a production bed of gated snares and FM synths that perfectly complement Park's R&B sensibilities. The EP features a robust list of collaborators from the Korean hip-hop scene, including Simon Dominic and Ugly Duck, further cementing its status as a community-driven project. Critically, it was praised for its authentic execution of a difficult subgenre, successfully bridging the gap between nostalgic homage and contemporary pop appeal. It stands as a testament to Park's versatility and his role in diversifying the sonic palette of the K-hip-hop industry.