If there’s anything I’ve learned from covering pop music for over a decade, it’s that songwriters and collaborators are just as important as the artists themselves. Though they often work behind the scenes, this feature is a chance to shine the light on some of k-pop’s most innovative and accomplished producers and composers.

TEDDY

Years active: 1998-present

Associated Acts: Bigbang, 2NE1, BLACKPINK, iKON, Taeyang, G-Dragon

His sound: Pop melodies over hip-hop beats. A heavy R&B influence when composing ballads, and a potent mix of electro, rock and trap elements when creating dance tracks.

Why you should love him: No single producer has crafted YG’s signature sound more completely than Teddy. Though he started as part of rap group 1TYM, his more recent work has become synonymous with 2NE1 and Bigbang. His name on a track practically guarantees that it’ll be good, but the thing I love most about his songwriting is that it’s incredibly diverse. You’ve got hype tracks like I Am The Best and Bang Bang Bang, rockers like Crooked and Wild & Young, and gorgeously melodic ballads like Eyes, Nose, Lips and Lonely. YG artists are often criticized for sounding the same, but Teddy’s work is truly versatile.

Examples of his best work: