J-Hope de BTS on being the first solo Korean act at the head of the BMO Stadium

You might think that most people would need a break after passing 18 months in the army. But most people are not better known as J-Hop of BTS. It seemed that the international pop icon had barely changed its uniform in October of last year before climbing an airplane for Los Angeles, ready to work on new documents. Although he is still in service, J-Hope published “Hope on the Street Vol. 1 “, a special album alongside a documentary series which accompanies him with the same name in which he explores street dance in different cities of the world.

On this album, he worked with the producers of Los Angeles Benny Blanco and Blake Slatkin. He turned to Slatkin once again for his last outing “Here Lisa,” a follow -up of “Sweet Dreams” (feat. Miguel).

And although the 2022 Criticized by criticism The hip-hop grunge-rock-meets-boom-bap “Jack in the box” marked its beginnings, its solo discography goes back much further.

The 2016 BTS album “Wings” was the first to present solo works from the seven members. Until then, the emphasis was put on the delivery of Rap Swaggy, a growled of J-Hope (he is undeniably of BTS swagmaster) and the capacity of dance rooted at his beginnings as a member of the Neurone dance team based in Gwangju, South Korea.

With “Mama”, his solo effort contribution to the “wings”, he stretched as a singer taking advantage of the moving qualities of his voice in homage to his mother.

The year 2018 marked a turning point when he released “Hope World” a six -track mixture strip followed by the single “Chicken Noodle Soup”. Although the bouncing hip-hop track sampled a 2006 song by New York DJ artists DJ Webstar and Young B, it presented a singer raised in Inglewood Becky G and words in Korean, English and Spanish. So he seemed appropriate when he made a trip to Los Angeles To film his clip, with members of the dance community playing his choreography in front of a local joint Chicken hut Signature yellow car.

Since his group announced a temporary interruption in 2022 to focus on solo work – on the basis of the western idea of ​​boys' groups, worried fans they separated (they are not) – not all members published their own musical albums and even pre -recorded projects.

In January, J-Hope announced its Hope on tHe stages Tour, his first as a soloist with North American dates in Brooklyn, Chicago, Mexico, San Antonio and Oakland. The tour is divided into sections covering the story of his career. The production includes a live group and uses 28 moving elevators which reconfigure according to the scene.

“Sweet Dreams and” Mona Lisa “were both on surprise during the tour, and a third single is planned for the Asian leg, which starts in the Philippines on April 12.

Each stop included a tailor -made commitment with “Army”, the famous and passionate fans of “Army”. Experiences extend over regional food, goods specific to the site, some designed with the contribution by the famous avant-garde artist and dance challenges. Fans also had the possibility of buying a package where they could “send” J-Hope.

As the tour took place, Instagram flows regularly filled selfies with the famous optimistic star and cute interactions. With each successive city, it seems to increase the bet: to dance in hats and cowboy boots in San Antonio, speaking of complete phrases in Spanish in Mexico and even getting closer to points to exchange hugs and hold hands.

Before the last judgments of the North American dates of the tour on Friday and Sunday at BMO Stadium, Times caught up with the world star near the stadium city center. In an intimate conversation after photo shots, was tight between his promotional events on Thursday (he appeared during the game of lakers of this night), we talked about his relationship with the city, his artistic talent, love for the BTS army and future ambitions.

Congratulations – “Mona Lisa “has been in the Billboard Hot 100 since this week and it's your seventh song as a solo artist to reach this important step.

Wow.

You are equal with (BTS member) Jung Kook.

(Laughs) It is an honor to have so many of my songs on the graph, and I am incredibly grateful in many ways. I realized the number of people who love and connect with my music, and at the same time, it pushes me to think about the type of music that I should then create as an artist. I think my life right now is filled with anticipation and excitement for what will happen.

With “Jack in the box”, you were not necessarily concerned about cartography, but you seem more ambitious with these versions. Is it true?

Yes, you are very on the point. I have the impression that it was a challenge that I had to take up after my military service. And so far, I have focused on what I liked, but this time, I wanted to collaborate with large producers who have a more in -depth understanding of culture. I was curious to know their point of view on J-Hope as an artist. Once I took this step forward, I felt that it would open new opportunities to experiment and pass my music to the next level. I really think it's a good time for me.

“”Jack in the box“” was incredible but “sweet dreams” and “mona lisa” have a different sexy atmosphere and theRmy love it. Have you enjoyed the answer?

Well, you know that I didn't have too much in my mind when I was doing these songs, but I wanted to make a song that expressed my maturity after military service. So it came naturally. So, I wanted to show another visual side of me as a j-hop and I want to show something new, a new facet of me for my fans.

Can we talk about Jay?

Jay? (laughs) Yeah, it's good, army calls …

It was a fun thing between you and THE We oneRMY (fans base) Whether you transform into “Jay” when you land in the United States, how would you describe it?

You know, I find it very funny too. I love the atmosphere in the United States, I have fun and I have fun, and because of that, it allows me to show a more authentic side. Fans really seem to love him too and I therefore feel good in what I have been able to share here in the United States.

“Of course, I could not have imagined at the time that I would have this kind of life and I really appreciate what I am currently,” explains J-Hope. “Over time, I'm really grateful to see more and more people listen to and enjoy my music.”

(Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times)

You seem to have time for your life during this tour. You interact much more with fans at a personal level, going to the public when you do “= (Equal sign))“Choose someone (who interact with). Has any of those moments set you out?

I think you know me now and I really appreciate that. I wanted to show something great for the fans who had been waiting for so long and I wanted to connect to a very personal level through these concerts and these performances. There is a song called “= (Equal sign))“” And his first word concerns the way in which we see ourselves as equals – “There is no one above us / There is no one under us.” Staying faithful to this message, instead of being on stage at a higher level with the public below, I really wanted to connect with my fans by engaging directly with them and seeing them in the eye. This connection with my fans was incredibly significant.

With these upcoming performances, you become the first Solo Korean artist at the head of the BMO Stadium (he is also the first Korean male artist to make the headlines in North America). Do you think that the 2013 Jeong Hoseok which seemed surprised to even receive a pack of mail of fans could have considered that?

Of course, I could not have imagined at the time that I would have this kind of life and I really appreciate what I have currently. Over time, I am really grateful to see more and more people listen to and enjoy my music. I have the impression that it is their support and their passion that allow me to be the artist that I am today.

Hope on stage in part, is a tribute to your origins as a street dancer, but you also do a lot of song (in the show) with a live group. You have minimized your vocal capacity, but you have a big voice that is really flexible. When did you realize for the first time you can sing? Was it a natural extension of rap?

This is an interesting question. As I continue music, I think I have developed a style that embraces versatility. Throughout this process, I tried to explore and experience my voice in various ways and I think it is reflected in my voice today. I try to deliver my voice naturally without forcing anything and it seems that the public appreciates it. Is my voice perfect? This is something I have to think of, but I am committed and I try to improve it. It is a bit difficult to locate a specific moment. Before my beginnings, I had vocal lessons and when I started to record, my vocal style naturally started to develop. It is difficult to say exactly when the change happened, but it was a progressive process.

By working here, you went to in-n-out and you have had all the experiences of the. At the start of BTS, you filmed a reality show where you were supervised by Warren G and Coolio – they even took you Long Beach VIP records…

You watched that – Wow (laughs).

Yeah … (laughs) “”American agitation life.“” Is there anything you have learned about hip-hop of this experience you keep with you today?

It was more than just a musical influence. I was very young at that time, and if I was lucky to go back now, I think I could understand and take much more. At the time, however, it was a process to adapt to a new culture, different from that in which I grew up. And I believe that these moments were crucial for my growth and shaped who I am today. This is the most important lesson I have drawn from this experience.

Rest in peace, Coolio.