“If I were to retire later on, Teddy would be the successor to lead YG's music department. ”
Translation of 2015.09.22 OSEN exclusive interview :Yang Hyunsuk first announced establishment of what we know now to be The Black Label.
Teddy’s been with YG for over 20 years.
"It's already been 20 years since meeting Teddy and working together. YG, which used to be a small hole-in-the-wall, has grown this much, all thanks to Teddy. Because Teddy and I have always been comfortable friends, time has flown by so quickly like that. We've been together for 20 years, but Teddy is the friend I want to work with for another 20 years."
On the 22nd, Yang Hyunsuk, revealed for the first time plans for Teddy, YG’s representative producer, to establish a new label. Although the exact timing and label name have not yet been decided, his voice during the phone interview that day sounded brighter and more excited than usual.
"Teddy may be younger than me in age, but he is a colleague and friend with whom I have the most conversations and share opinions within YG. If I were to retire later on, Teddy would be the successor to lead YG's music department. Finding ways to work more fun and excitingly with such a friend led to the decision to in creating his own new label. If producers within YG collaborate with their own separate labels, the synergy effect will be significant."
“Teddy is a really old friend whom I've known since he was a trainee. I’m doing what I can do for him.”
In a world where finding a couple to stay together for 10 years is difficult, Yang and Teddy have been inseparable for 20 years in the music industry filled with migrating birds. Their bond must be incredibly strong. From Yang's voice and expression when talking about Teddy, one can sense the deep affection and trust.
"Nowadays, many aspiring musicians choose to come to YG. However, there is a limit to what YG can accommodate, and even if I had ten bodies, I wouldn't be able to take care of them all. That's why I suggested to Teddy to create a new label, and I expect great results. Teddy is the producer with the best instincts and makes excellent music even within YG."
Teddy, YG's representative producer who has been with YG for over 17 years since his 1TYM days in 1998, is not only Yang Hyunsuk's musical colleague but also his close friend. Yang said, "Teddy is a really old friend whom I've known since he was a trainee. I’m doing what I can do for him," expressing his intention to actively support the joint venture of Teddy & Kush’s new label.
When the reporter exclaimed, "Teddy’s really blessed to have such a friend," Yang responded, "Actually, I'm the one who's truly blessed to have such a friend," concluding the interview.
