Ji-yong trained in SM Entertainment for five years, and in YG Entertainment for six years.
As of 2016, Ji-Yong was named by Forbes as the most influential person under 30 in Asia's entertainment and sports.
Ji-Yong, then 13 years old, was the youngest Korean rapper when he took part in the 2001 release of the Korean hip-hop album Korean hip-hop Flex, which was produced under the guidance of People Crew.