J-Hope’s long awaited mixtape is finally here! The BTS member’s debut mixtape, Hope World, was released on March 2. A music video featuring one of the songs from the mixtape, titled “Daydream,” was also released on the same day, while another song’s music video, “Airplane,” was released a few days later on March 6. Aside from being J-Hope’s first solo effort, which he referred to as his “calling card to the world,” this mixtape is also BTS’s first material of 2018.
Dubbed ‘hixtape’ by fans (a combination of mixtape and J-Hope’s real name, Hoseok), Hope World has a very different vibe from the other BTS rappers’ debut mixtapes, RM’s self-titled RM and Suga’s Agust D. Whereas RM and Suga’s mixtapes were rap-heavy and moody, J-Hope’s is more hip-hop oriented and mellow, although his rap background is still prevalent throughout the album. As J-Hope is the last member from the BTS rap line to release his mixtape, fans anticipated his mixtape the most. Not only that, but J-Hope also released it for free on Twitter, although fans can also purchase it on iTunes.
The mixtape contains seven tracks, and acts as J-Hope’s personal reflection on his fame and success. It showcases his cheerful and positive personality, as evident by the colorful album cover. Here are some of the songs that captured my attention.
Dubbed ‘hixtape’ by fans (a combination of mixtape and J-Hope’s real name, Hoseok), Hope World has a very different vibe from the other BTS rappers’ debut mixtapes, RM’s self-titled RM and Suga’s Agust D. Whereas RM and Suga’s mixtapes were rap-heavy and moody, J-Hope’s is more hip-hop oriented and mellow, although his rap background is still prevalent throughout the album. As J-Hope is the last member from the BTS rap line to release his mixtape, fans anticipated his mixtape the most. Not only that, but J-Hope also released it for free on Twitter, although fans can also purchase it on iTunes.
The mixtape contains seven tracks, and acts as J-Hope’s personal reflection on his fame and success. It showcases his cheerful and positive personality, as evident by the colorful album cover. Here are some of the songs that captured my attention.
Hope World
“Say hello to my Hope World, this is my world, my own story”
The title track of the mixtape, “Hope World” is an upbeat pop tune with hip-hop and dance influences. The track’s name may be a reference to American hip-hop artist J-Cole’s 2011 debut album Cole World: The Sideline Story, which J-Hope also previously mentioned in his verse in “Hip-Hop Lover Phile”, from BTS’s first full album Dark & Wild. It is a very optimistic song that could be considered as J-Hope’s statement that he has matured and come full circle, who is now able to create his own artistic world that he previously looked to other artists to impart.
Daydream
“If I want something now, that’s a daydream”
“Daydream,” the third track of the mixtape, talks about how J-Hope wants to dream about the impossible. Like “Hope World,” this track incorporates both pop and hip-hop sounds and makes for a very cheerful tune that will make anyone dance. The lyrics are very inspiring and thoughtful, with references to Alice In Wonderland and Harry Potter. J-Hope describes the track as different from the tracks before it, stating that “those two tracks are really about J-Hope and the tone and theme really scream me. On the other hand, this track is like my shadow." The music video for the track depicts J-Hope in a dreamlike fantasy, with whimsical objects and bright colors reminiscent of surrealist paintings, that make for an interesting and unique video.
Base Line
“I debuted because I worked harder than anyone, I slept less and did more, for myself”
One of my personal favorites, “Base Line” is a hip-hop track that showcases J-Hope’s excellent rapping skills. The shortest in the mixtape, it describes J-Hope’s introduction to music and how he deals with the world from “a place of deep gratitude.” This track, along with “Hangsang”, will get anyone hyped up, as it did for me, and will allow people to learn about J-Hope’s beginnings in the music industry.
The hype surrounding Hope World truly was worth it, as it has now made K-Pop history by becoming the solo act with the best-selling release on the Billboard 200. It really exhibited J-Hope’s skills as an artist and songwriter and enabled fans a glimpse into his life. I really like how J-Hope incorporated his sunny personality into the mixtape, and how he made sure to show his love for his group members and fans through the songs. Seeing how hard J-Hope worked on this mixtape is inspiring and having that reflected in the mixtape made me think about my own hopes and dreams and how I wanted to achieve them. Hope World has definitely made me excited for his future solo projects!