A month after K-pop superstars
BTS
announced they were taking a break from group activities, bandmember and rapper
J-Hope
released his debut solo full-length,
Jack in the Box
. As the first member to officially step out on his own, the artist born Jung Ho-seok delivers emotional depth and irresistible energy. Backed by rowdy production, his aggression, raspy delivery, and tongue-twisting bars take center stage, showcasing the rap-focused perspective that he brings to the
formula. His introspection also comes to the fore, balancing tempered optimism ("STOP"), hope for change ("= [Equal Sign]"), and comfort ("Safety Zone") with the contemplation of fame (the explosive "MORE") and his place in a broken world (the haunting "Pandora's Box"). It's a lot to pack into roughly 20 minutes, but
manages with equal parts heart and fire, like on the closing track "Arson." Longtime
fans who are familiar with the group's early rap-heavy days will delight at the hard beats and nostalgic production, which echo the best of old-school East Coast hip-hop (right down to the satisfying sample of
Ol' Dirty Bastard
's "Shimmy Shimmy Ya" on the rousing "What If..."). Of course, diehards will eagerly await the day when the
hiatus ends, but if the rest of the group members produce solo endeavors of this caliber, then that uncertain period should fly by quickly. ~ Neil Z. Yeung