"Say hello to my Hope World!"
J-Hope is BTS’s main dancer. The rapper line consists of three members: RM, J-Hope, and Suga. In a matter of four years after their debut, their names were plastered on the Billboard and the AMAs. They soon developed into the international super stars they are today.
J-Hope too, like most people, had a dream of his own. Other than being a renowned artist, he had the desire to get his hands on mixtapes.
His solo career was beginning to take off. On August 2nd 12am, J-Hope released his mixtape (Hope World) to the public. The tracks all told a story about himself.
J-Hope announced the release on his v app, “A mixtape was always a big dream of mine. I worked on it as I was touring the world last year. I was very picky with the quality of the mixtapes. It took a while but I’m very satisfied with the outcome.”
We were curious about the messages depicted in the songs. We asked and he provided the answers. Through the mixtape, you’ll get a whole different perspective of J-Hope as an individual rather than a rapper in BTS.
Track ① Hope world= The first song on the mixtape. BigHit’s producer, DOCSKIM helped with the making of the song. They drew inspiration from French writer, Jules Verne’s “Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea.”
If I were to explain myself, every day is like a D-day/ Being thankful for everything that comes my way/ Having a lot of expectations for life/ Living my twenties, trusting myself. (Hope World)
▶ Dispatch(D) listen: This song spoke to us as the most authentic to J-Hope. The song is upbeat, and the lyrics are full of hope. It’s a song chock with positive vibes.
▶ J-hope(J) SAY: “It marks my first work as an individual. I wrote it with the intentions to portray my identity. I didn’t complicate things and made the rap verses, easy for anyone to follow.”
Track ② P.0.P(Piece of peace) = “P.O.P” was produced by J-Hope himself. He tackles real problems in society and comforts young adults that may possibly be facing uncertainty.
“This is none of your fault/ Continue to face the struggles head on and climb/ plant your hopes/ If I could be of any help/ I’d do so to this country first.
▶ D listen: This specific song hits home for young adults or anyone in times of struggle. He includes the lyrics “Everyone makes mistakes.” And encourages people to decide what happiness is for themselves. “The standard for happiness is you.”
▶ J SAY: “I feel more of an attachment to it because it’s the song I produced. Although the lyrics aren’t exactly light, I hope a lot of people find peace through my songs.”
Track ③ Daydream = “Daydream” is a result of BIGHIT’s producer Pdogg’s work. The melody was made by the producer, but the lyrics were created by J-Hope.
Half and Half Who knows? / Life Who knows? / Who knows?" (Daydream)
▶ D listen: Daydream. We often fantasize about the unknown or something we desire. He talks about the reality of being a public figure and a longing for “Jung Ho Seok” before the fame. He also described “Jung Ho Seok” before the fame.” The song is a collection of daydreams that he wishes to experience.
▶ J SAY: “J-Hope is a public figure. In life, there are sacrifices to be made. I understand that but there comes a time when a desire for something begs to be heard. It’s an illustration of my thoughts from a big picture.”
Track ④ (Base Line) = “Base Line” is a short song that runs for only an hour and twenty nine seconds. The song is the last on the mixtape list.
“I debuted because I worked harder than anyone/ I slept less and worked more for me/ My life is like a movie Main Base Mainstay/ Kids who haven’t woke up yet Play Back.” (Base Line)
▶ D listen: We recommend this song for anyone who is new to J-Hope. His style of music is evident in the way he controls the tempo of his songs and letting it come to fruition.
▶ J SAY: “The song was made with the idea of what my base line would be. I just wanted things to be natural. It’s basically an autobiography of J-Hope. If the opportunity presents itself, I’d like to perform it live one day.”
Track ⑤ Hangsang (Feat. supreme Boi) = Hangsang, translates to (always) features rapper and producer “Supreme Boi.” It depicts BTS’s success and affection for each other in the song.
"When I open my eyes red road / Top stars calling me / Always living these experiences with my dawg / And I plan for it to stay that way with my thug / The seven of us walking alongside, forever.” (Hangsang)
▶ D listen: Supreme Boi and J-Hope rap their way close to three minutes and forty nine seconds in “Hangsang.” The lyrics are full of character and confidence.
▶ J SAY: “I have confidence as a member of BTS. We spent a lot of time together. We’ve made footprints all over the world together. I want to continue creating music.”
Track ⑥ Airplane= The song breaks up bits and parts of the beginning of their careers. The melody is light, but the lyrics were written in typical J-Hope fashion. The members of BTS also took part in the song.
I still can’t believe it/ me, an ordinary guy from Gwangju is high up in space/ I’m sitting on the seat that was once viewed too high up/ I’m flying above the beautiful world.” (Airplane)
▶ D listen: J-Hope first got his start as a dancer and moved on to being a rapper. Then he was able to fulfill his long-term dream of creating a mixtape. He went back in time before his fame. You could sense the intentional messages in the songs where he contemplates and worries over music.
▶ J SAY: “I drew inspiration after looking at the night sky on an airplane ride. My wish as a child was to ride in an airplane. That same child was riding on the best seat of an airplane. I’m happy that I was able to write such a song at a successful part in my career.”
Track ⑦ (Blue Side) = The last song on the mixtape is “Blue Side.” The mixtape is worth the blood, sweat, and tears of three years. J-Hope is a lyrical genius. He pieced together the song in hopes of people getting a glimpse into his character.
“I want to cherish you in this light blue dream of mine/ Even if you don’t want it to, my eyes/ I want to hold you in the light blue dream/ even if you say no/ In my embrace.” (Blue Side)
▶ D listen: The song consoles people bearing the weight of anything that may be troubling them. Loneliness is inevitable but comfort is needed, nevertheless. Over time, J-Hope has turned into an artist who is capable of treating his own wounds.
▶ J SAY: "The song is a nice concluding song in relation to the rest. The songs remind you of clear, blue skies and a breeze just strong enough to refresh you. It immediately has you reminiscing over happy memories.”
We hope J-Hope’s mixtape plays a big role in the evolution of the kpop industry. He proves that you don’t necessarily have to insult people to make it. A message, if done right, is able to be delivered just as clear. We think it’s safe to assume that J-Hope is a musician who knows how to use his influence and energy, positively.
<Photo credits=Big Hit Entertainment>
<Translated by=Justina Kim(Dispatch)>
