A Powerhouse Producer Lineup for SMTM12
With each new season comes a new wave of hype—and Mnet’s ‘Show Me The Money 12’ is back with a stacked squad of producers ready to shake things up. On August 23, Mnet officially revealed the four powerhouse producer teams set to steer this year’s competition, and the names don’t disappoint.
Team Zico x Crush: KOZ Meets R&B Royalty
First up: Zico and Crush. Zico, the hip-hop mastermind behind Block B and the CEO of KOZ Entertainment (aka the guy who brought us BOYNEXTDOOR), joins forces with vocal virtuoso Crush. Known for soulful bops and critical acclaim, Crush brings the R&B heat while Zico dominates with genre-bending genius. Together? A certified dream team.
Team GRAY x LOCO: Trendsetters Reunited
Next, we’ve got GRAY and LOCO, titans of the Korean hip-hop scene. GRAY, who produced the SMTM5 champion and gave us hits like “MOMMAE,” links back up with LOCO, the OG SMTM winner who just dropped his third album. This duo oozes polish and punch—don’t sleep on their comeback chemistry.
Team JTONG x Hukky Shibaseki: Raw Energy from Busan
Representing Busan and the underground scene, veteran rapper JTONG and experimental producer Hukky Shibaseki are making their debut as SMTM producers. Fans who caught them in last year’s TVING show ‘RAP:PUBLIC’ already know—they rep authenticity and lyrical depth. Expect some raw, unfiltered heat from these two.
Team Lil Moshpit x Jay Park: Old-School Meets Innovation
Rounding out the lineup is producer Lil Moshpit, known for his edgy, modern sound, teaming up with none other than Jay Park. A K-hip-hop icon, Jay’s resume spans from rapper to CEO to idol group producer. Think high visuals, smart bars, and major star power—this team is set to surprise.
What to Expect in Season 12
Mnet shared that this year’s producer line-up mirrors the evolution of Korea’s hip-hop landscape. “We’ve assembled artists with wide-ranging influence, the kind who push boundaries and redefine what Korean hip-hop can be,” said the production team. “They’ll bring not just swag, but sincere stories too.”
If you’re an aspiring rapper, now’s your shot. SMTM12 is accepting auditions until Friday, the 26th at 11:59PM KST. And yes—it’s open to all nationalities and backgrounds. Submit via email, the official website, or by uploading a video on Instagram (don’t forget the hashtags).
One Mic, Four Teams, Endless Possibilities
From legacy acts to breakout beatmakers, ‘Show Me The Money 12’ is shaping up to be a battle of vision as much as flow. With Zico, Jay Park, and others at the helm, this season promises not just bars, but bold storytelling and culture-shifting moments. Ready to watch the future of K-hip-hop unfold?
