Another loss for the hip-hop industry in South Korea. On April 20, Hi-Lite Records founder and former CEO Paloalto announced the disbandment of the label during his Instagram Live. Paloalto created the company in 2010. He stepped down as CEO in 2020, but remained on as a recording artist. The label was most recently home to other artists such as Reddy, Huckleberry P, Swervy, Owell Mood, Soovi, jerd and Ash-B.
Hi-Lite Records posted a statement on its social media platforms following Paloalto's announcement saying in part...
"As many of you heard through Paloalto’s Instagram Live, we have decided to officially disband the Hi-Lite Records label. A number of different situations and circumstances led to this decision. Above all, know that this decision was made to ensure the best possible future for our artists and employees."
For many Khip-hop fans, Hi-Lite Records introduced them to the hip-hop scene in South Korea. At one point the label was home to some of the biggest names in the industry in Korea including: Keith Ape, B-Free, Okasian, G2 and Pinodyne (Huckleberry P & Soul Fish).