Crush (singer)

Crush was born Shin Hyo-seob on May 3, 1992.[2] Raised in Seoul, he began listening to R&B and hip hop music at a young age and aspired to become a singer. Dynamic Duo's debut album Taxi Driver left a "deep impression" on him, which inspired him to begin rapping.[3] He began making music during his first year of middle school with a friend and sending demos to the group's record label Amoeba Culture. Nicknamed "Shi Syeob" (시셥), he wrote the moniker "C-sub" in English as a tentative stage name. His friend misread it as "Crush", which he took an immediate liking to and decided to use.[4] Crush attended Hoseo University and graduated from the Department of Practical Music.[2]

While taking a break from school, Crush sent Zion.T his demos after meeting at a hip hop party. The two became acquainted and, along with Gray, Loco, and Elo, formed the music crew VV:D in 2012.[4]

Crush released the single "Red Dress" featuring TakeOne on December 7, 2012.[5] He contributed to his first song as a record producer and guest artist on Loco's single "No More".[4] In the following year, he released the singles "Crush on You" and "Where Do You Wanna Go" with Taewan and Gary. Crush signed an exclusive contract with Amoeba Culture in July 2013.[3]

He officially debuted on April 1, 2014 with a single titled "Sometimes".[6][7] His first album, Crush on You, was released on June 5, 2014. He also collaborated with Gaeko for the single "Hug Me".[8] In August, he sang "Sleepless Night" for the OST of the SBS television drama It's Okay, That's Love.[9] He then released the song "Sofa" in October.[10]

In 2015, he collaborated with Zion.T for the single "Just". The song was released on January 30, 2015, and debuted at number one on the Gaon Singles Chart.[11] They also won Best Collaboration & Unit at the 17th Mnet Asian Music Awards.[12] In July, he released the single "Oasis" which featured Block B's Zico.[13] He also held his first solo concert, Crush on You, from November 13 to 14.[14]

Crush performing in 2017

In January 2016, it was announced that Crush was to release a new single featuring Girls' Generation's Taeyeon.[15] The song titled "Don't Forget" was released on January 22 and won first place on Show Champion on January 27, marking his first music show win.[16][17]

In 2016 Crush also became an active member of the hip-hop crew 'Fanxychild', consisting of Zico (rapper, producer), Millic (DJ, producer), Staytuned (producer), Penomeco (rapper), and Dean (singer, producer).

In July 2018, Crush released his third EP Wonderlost.[18]

On June 4, 2019, Crush announced on Instagram that he would be leaving Amoeba Records to start his own agency.[19] However, on July 17, 2019, he announced that he had signed to P Nation.

On December 5, 2019, Crush released his second full-length album From Midnight To Sunrise, with "Alone" and "With You" serving as the album's double title tracks.[20]

In May 2020, it was announced that Crush had asked Joy of Red Velvet to feature on the title track of his new album.[21] The song "Mayday" topped multiple music charts upon its release.[22]