Kim Ji-yong (Korean: 김지용; born March 11, 1987), professionally known as Okasian, is a Korean-American rapper and singer recognized for his contributions to the South Korean hip-hop scene. Born in Los Angeles, California, he graduated with a biology degree from Pennsylvania State University before pursuing a career in music. Okasian debuted with the mixtape Preseason#1 in 2010, followed by Preseason#2 in 2011. He released his first full-length album, Boarding Procedures, in December 2012 under Hi-Lite Records, showcasing his unique lyrical style and musical versatility. The album included tracks like "Good Night" and "On My Way," which earned him critical acclaim within the Korean hip-hop community. He collaborated with notable artists such as Paloalto, B-Free, and Reddy. In 2017, Okasian joined YG Entertainment’s sub-label, The Black Label, marking a new chapter in his career. That year, he released the mixtape Dis//connect alongside Bryan Chase and B-Free, continuing to explore experimental sounds in hip-hop.
