Jin — "Don't Say You Love Me" Official MV

Okay, compared to "Running Wild" and "I'll Be There," this definitely takes on a more somber mood — in the best way possible. While it is a song about heartbreak, it's not slow or overly depressing — it's definitely still a pop song, not a ballad — but it's mellow and extremely easy to listen to. I have quite literally listened to this song twice through and I'm already singing along with the lyrics. 

I really thought I made up my mind

Hopped in the car and put it in drive

I tried to leave, like, a hundred times

But something's stopping me every time, oh

Faking a smile while we're breaking apart

Oh, I never, never, never meant to take it this far

Too late to save me, so don't even start

Oh, you never meant to hurt me, but you're making it hard

Don't tell me that you're gonna miss me

Just tell me that you wanna kill me

Don't say that you love me 'cause it hurts the most

You just gotta let me go

I really thought this was for the best

It never worked last time that I checked

I got this pain stuck inside my chest

And it gets worse the further I get, oh

Faking a smile while we're breaking apart

Oh, I never, never, never meant to take it this far

Too late to save me, so don't even start

Oh, you never meant to hurt me, but you're making it hard

Don't tell me that you're gonna miss me 

Just tell me that you wanna kill me 

Don't say that you love me 'cause it hurts the most 

You just gotta let me go

Lie to me, tell me that you hate me 

Look me in the eyes and call me crazy 

Don't say that you love me 'cause it hurts the most 

You just gotta let me go

Let me go

Gotta let me go

Gotta let me

Don't say that you love me 'cause it hurts the most

You just gotta let me go

But can I just say how fucking good Jin and Shin Sekyung look together? That's a top K-drama couple right there. (But also, how stunning does Singapore look? It is giving me some serious wanderlust.)

Tablo x RM — "Stop the Rain" Official MV

Hello, rainy day

TABLO

RM

[Tablo]

I'm all in with a losing hand

Teachers called me rebel

Parents called me lost

Pastors called me devil

Had me kneelin' at the cross

Since I was a young'un, I was called names and bossed around

Back to the wall so long, call me pain's poster child

Religious home, times were different

They told me I was gifted

But to unwrap my mind was wicked

I was raised by guilt, raised by shame, raised by the rod

(Bloody calves sacrificed in the name of their God)

They claimed it was love, felt like heartbreak to me

Later they'd say, "Baby, all your scars are to teach and remind you, you can soar higher"

What good's a bird's eye view when you're in a hunter's crossfire?

Sometimes I wished I got crushed in the womb

Turned to dust in the womb

My scent of youth, an ungodly perfume

No wonder I've always hated the adults in the room

[RM]

The rain, the rain will fall

And tomorrow may not come

But maybe the tears will fall to wash the pain away

I'm tryna stop the rain

(I know what it feel like)

[Tablo & RM]

Can't run away from the pain

I feel like I'm goin' insane

Bad thoughts fillin' up my brain

Demons swimmin' inside my veins

Two seconds from fallin' into nothing

Can't run away from the pain

I'm tryna stop the rain

[RM]

When I was a kid

I was convinced that I was destined for the 27 Club

I'm 29, sinkin' in the bathtub, sippin' gin, lookin' for another club

All the lost was a lust, dust into dust

Stray after stable, one trap after another

And every night, I put my shadows on

But you know how much I hate my status quo

("Be positive") 

I know, but you gotta know my life is out of love

[Tablo] 

All the lessons learned already, comin' out of trust

Keep my mind steady but it's hard to readjust

Nothing stops time but the clock will turn to rust

[Tablo & RM] 

Pain and rain, they still stay the same

Got me lookin' for the exit just to entertain

Pain and rain, think I'm goin' insane

Gotta turn off my phone tonight

[Tablo & RM]

Can't run away from the pain

I feel like I'm goin' insane

Bad thoughts fillin' up my brain

Demons swimmin' inside my veins

Two seconds from fallin' into nothing

Can't run away from the pain

I'm tryna stop the rain

[RM]

I'm tryna stop the rain

I'm tryna stop the rain

This is perhaps the most vulnerable song I've ever heard from both RM or Tablo — and there is no shortage of painful, emotional songs from either artist. There's no hiding under superfluous metaphors or innuendos — these lyrics are raw, real, and dark. I'm glad that they were able to collaborate on this and share these stories with us, and I genuinely, desperately hope it was cathartic for them.

J-Hope — "Sweet Dreams (feat. Miguel)" Official MV

This is Hobi's first love song and it is SO GODDAMN CUTE. AND CATCHY. And Miguel's voice is SO DREAMY. (No pun intended.) Like, that is a voice that CROONS. My god, this song is such a bop that even Mona Lisa is grooving to it. 

Yeah, sweet dreams come after hours

Nothin' that's not allowed

You should never sleep alone (sleep alone)

'Cause I'll always take you home (yeah, right)

When there's nothin' left but diamond necklace (uh-huh)

On you, girl

I just wanna love you like, love you like, love you like that, yeah

Love you like, love you like, love you like that, yeah

Then, you love me right, love me right, love me right back, yeah

Love mе right, love me right, love mе right back

You should never sleep alone

'Cause I'll always take you home

When there's nothin' left but diamond necklace

On you, girl

Any night, any time, you are my appetite

Double vision, Gemini, and it goes like this

Take you home, take it slow, 'til you bite your lip

Got a movie in my mind, and it goes like this

Closed curtains, open eyes

Lay down your skin on mine

Leave all the rest to me

Yeah, sweet dreams come after hours (that's what they do)

Nothin' that's not allowed (uh-huh)

You should never sleep alone (sleep alone)

'Cause I'll always take you home (yeah, right)

When there's nothin' left but diamond necklace

On you, girl

I just wanna love you like, love you like, love you like that, yeah

Love you like, love you like, love you like that, yeah

Then, you love me right, love me right, love me right back, yeah

Love me right, love me right, love me right back

You should never sleep alone

'Cause I'll always take you home

When there's nothing left but diamond necklace

On you, girl, oh

You're the only cover that I need when I'm cold (cold)

You can have my body with my heart and my soul (soul)

You light up my life, you're like a diamond

Shinin', shinin', shinin', yeah

And we might never get to sleep tonight

I'll give you everything you need tonight

This kind of love, I guarantee for life

Dreams gonna be sweet tonight

Sweet dreams come after hours

Nothin' that's not allowed

You should never sleep alone (sleep alone)

You should let me take you home (alright)

'Til there's nothing left but diamond necklace (Yeah) 

On you, girl

I just wanna love you like, love you like, love you like that, yeah

Love you like, love you like, love you like that, yeah

Then love me right, love me right, love me right back, yeah

Love me right, love me right, love me right back

You should never sleep alone

'Cause I'll always take you home

When there's nothing left but diamond necklace

On you, girl

I can't figure out what's happening at 3:11 with this construction worker, though. He looks at this couple photo, gives a serious look into the camera, then darkly sighs. And then the camera pans to the two drinks on the table. Is he thirsty? Did he just want to sneak a sip of that cola/iced Americano? Or did he find something out? I KNEW THOSE DRINKS WERE SINISTER.

RM (feat. Moses Sumney) — "Around the World in a Day" Official MV

One of my favourite songs from Right Place, Wrong Person. 

Look around

Say I love 'em, all your lies

Only time will sort it out

If it's right, if it's wrong, then I'll tell you

Only time will sort it out

Oh, now what's wrong?

Is it right? Is it wrong? I can tell you

That I've outgrown

Look around

Say I love 'em, all your lies

Only time will sort it out

Is it right? Is it wrong? Could you tell me?

Is it right? Is it wrong? Could you tell me it's true?

Only time will sort it out

Tell you it's true, yeah, hey

Mm, mm, mm-mm

Let's start the parade

If it's by design

Only time will sort it out

Mm, mm, mm-mm

Let's run the night

If it's their design

Only time will sort it out

Mm, mm, mm-mm

Let's end masquerade

If it's by design

Only time will sort it out

Oh, oh, oh-oh

What's wrong is right

What's wrong is right

Yet it's our design

And we'll bе marchin'

I see lovin' all around the town

All around the town

I see lovin' all around and 'round

All around and 'round

I see lovin' all around the town

All around thе town

I see lovin' all around

Look around, jump around like I live that raw

Motherfuckers in the crowd lick mine with that straw

And this, I write a letter to you

I be actin' like that, "Who you?"

I'm around, in the club, and I be stampin' on like, "Screw you!"

I just miss that, sometimes all those, our chit-chat

You hit me back a lotta times, I never did that

I can't barely sleep, I got yo' ghost in my closet

If you want my bad and some tears, give you the loot, it's a loop shit

I'm gonna roll, you roll 'em up every time

I'm gonna ride till the hate and love ain't matter

I never mind 'cause I wanna do is dance better

I'm sick and tired of you digital trendsetters

Know I ain't cool, but I'm in a move

All in fuckin' numb, and everything is rude in a mood

I'ma burp loud, everything's gettin' rather loose

And above cloud, and I'm down with you, let it loose

If I fall asleep again, hit me

I don't feel good, drop me off

After losing your path, the scenery is more beautiful

It's like a lost piece I hope will be found

We lost the path, we ain't look so pitiful

Now you raise your middle finger with that smile on your face

Yeah, all the past, the present

I'ma pass, then give it to you

I like my broken self bitch, that's the shit

Look around

Say I love 'em, all your lies

Only time will sort it out

If it's right, if it's wrong, then I'll tell you

Only time will sort it out

Oh, now what's wrong?

Is it right? Is it wrong? I can tell you

That I've outgrown

Look around

Say I love 'em, all your lies

Only time will sort it out

Is it right? Is it wrong? Could you tell me?

Is it right? Is it wrong? Could you tell me it's true?

Only time will sort it out

Tell you it's true, hey, yeah

I'm going to watch the RM: Right People, Wrong Place documentary tomorrow and can't wait to see the stories behind the footage in this video. It looks like this time period was a true catharsis for RM.

V (with Park Hyo Shin) — "Winter Ahead" Official MV

Oooooof, the combination of these two vocals is just GORGEOUS. Smooth, velvety, warm, and soothing — a perfect song to make you feel cozy on a cold winter night. (Or to play in the background of a really fancy, super expensive restaurant.)

Lie with me

By the fire

We can be

Safe from the storms up high

There's a winter ahead

If it's cold and wet

We're always warm here side by side

Come what may

Change of heart

Who can say

If you look in my eyes

For the moon and the stars

Hearing strumming guitars

Well, I admit that it'd be nice

I'll be with you

Until the spring runs by

And the summer starts to burn

I'll be with you

When the autumn wind returns

Don't you want to say you'll stay?

Lie with me

By the fire

We can be

Safe from the storms up high

There's a winter ahead

Whether it's cold and wet

We're always warm in paradise

Paradise

I'll be with you

Until the spring runs by

And the summer starts to burn

And I'll be with you

Whena utumn returns

Yes, when all the seasons turn

Come what may

Change of heart

Who can say

If you look in my eyes

For the truth in my heart

From a world far apart

You'll realize where you can find

Paradise

Paradise

Paradise

Anyway, I wasn't wrong; this music video is about love gone wrong, just with a little more delusion and a sprinkle of schizophrenia… I'm actually getting "Blood Sweat & Tears" MV vibes from this but, like, after the main character gets fully lead into temptation. You know, with the creepy clay sculptures and the ink (blood?) dripping down his face and the cracked mirror? I'm sure there will be many ARMYs coming out with hundreds of theories about this video in the upcoming days...

Jin — "Running Wild" Official MV

Okay, this is giving early 2000s pop rock, Coldplay-meets-The-Killers vibes, but with the smoothest, most immaculate vocals, so basically, I am totally nostalgic and completely obsessed with this song. Not to make it about me, but, THIS IS THE BEST BIRTHDAY PRESENT, EVER.

There's a way

There's a way that we can fly again

Remember how we used to love back then

Living like we had no end

Let's stay out all night

Out all night until we see the sun

Remember how we used to long ago

We can miss the last train home

Don't you let our love go cold

When we're standing still

We can light it up once more

I'll take you there

We'll be running wild

Loving 'til the sun is out

Running 'til there's nothing left

'Til our last breath

We'll be running wild

Loving like it's made for us

Running 'til there's nothing left

'Til our last breath

We'll be running wild

Don't forget

Don't forget about the times we shared

All the places that we used to go

Living like we ruled the world

Don't you let our love go cold

When we're standing still

We can light it up once more

I'll take you there

We'll be running wild

Loving 'til the sun is out

Running 'til there's nothing left

'Til our last breath

We'll be running wild

Loving like it's made for us

Running 'til there's nothing left

'Til our last breath

We'll be running wild

We'll be running wild

We'll be running wild

We'll be running wild

We'll be running wild

Anyway, what this video is really telling us is that all you need in life is an adorable, loyal dog.

Jin — "I'll Be There" Official MV

Okay, I get what BigHit meant by "band sound" now because this is giving early 2000s pop-rock vibes, like Rooney or The All-American Rejects, and I AM OBSESSED.

Woo

One, two, three

All these busy people

How does anyone get by in this tough world

Oh oh oh (Oh oh oh)

Oh oh oh (Oh oh oh)

Giving something greater than just the little things

That’s what I live for

I will be there forever

I’ll stay the same, I’ll be there for you

There for you

Oh oh oh (Oh oh oh)

With this song I say to you

I swear that I will always sing for you

Sing for you

Oh oh oh 

I’ll be there for you

Ooh ooh, ooh ooh

Ooh ooh, ooh ooh (Oh)

Ooh ooh, ooh ooh

I'll be there for you

Just smile, that’s it

So everyone can feel it

Smile bright, we can all be happy

Oh oh oh (Oh oh oh)

It don’t matter the timе

It don’t matter the place

Takе the ordinary, make it extraordinary

I will be there forever

I’ll stay the same, I’ll be there for you

There for you

Oh oh oh (oh oh oh)

With this song I say to you

I swear that I will always sing for you

Sing for you

Oh oh oh

I’ll be there for you

Ooh, ooh, ooh ooh

Ooh, ooh, ooh ooh (Yeah, yeah, yeah)

Ooh, ooh, ooh ooh

I'll be there for you

When you feel down

When you feel all alone

When you need someone to lean on

I’ll be there for you

I will be there forever

I’ll stay the same, I’ll be there for you

There for you

Oh oh oh (oh oh oh)

With this song I say to you

I swear that I will always sing for you

Sing for you

Oh oh oh

I’ll be there for you

Ooh, ooh, ooh ooh

Ooh, ooh, ooh ooh

Ooh, ooh, ooh ooh

I'll be there for you

I said this before, but Jin's vibe has always been a little more chill and less dance-driven, and this is exactly what I meant. Can't wait to hear the rest of the album.

Jin — "Super Tuna" Special Video

So, "Super Tuna" was revamped with a second verse (that Jin actually first performed the day after he got discharged) and is now officially being released as a full-length song. (What started as a joke actually became a viral dance challenge song because, you know, that's the power of BTS.) Now, it's still about tuna and it's still kind of a joke and the genre is still not my cup of tea, but damn, if it's not still catchy as fuck.

Tuna!

Ha!

Tuna!

Super Tuna!

Jumping, jumping, heart's a-thumping

Oh, where did my fish go?

To the East Sea, to the West Sea

Where, oh, where could my fish be?

Whether it's tuna fish

Whether it's flat fish

Whether it's seer fish

Whether it's shark fish

Please bite my fishing rod

And right then, a tuna came to me

"Hey, take me with you, brother!"

Tuna!

Ha!

Tuna!

Let's go!

Whoa, whoa

Jumping, jumping

Whoa, whoa

Super Tuna!

I cast my fishing rod

Who's coming to me today?

Dizzy spinning bluefin tuna

You'll grow to be one fine tuna

Jumping here and there

Jumping, jumping everywhere

Your eyes are sparkling

Let's be friends

Please bite my fishing rod

And right then, a tuna came to me

"Hey, take me with you, brother!"

Tuna!

Ha!

Tuna!

Let's go!

Whoa, whoa

Jumping, jumping

Whoa, whoa

Super Tuna!

I mean, I can definitely say that this is, without a doubt, the best song about tuna out there.

Jimin (feat. Loco) — "Smeraldo Garden Marching Band" Official Track Video

THIS. IS. SO. FUCKING. CUTE. 

Say oh!

This harmony's just for you

Oh say love

Now introducing

It all began on June 12

We gift happiness every day

Say oh!

(Let's talk about us)

All the things we couldn't say before

And your hidden feelings, too

I'll tell you everything now

(Just for you)

Don't you worry anymore

Since we're together now

Let's be a little more honest

(Let's go)

Ooh, I love you, babe

I'll come closer to you

I love you, babe

(Yes, sir)

Ooh, I want you, babe

I wanna hold your hand

I want you, babe

[Loco]

Fade away with the old

Every day is brand new

I'll call out your name

All you have to do is blossom

Let's jam together, keep it going

However you feel

I couldn't say it face-to-face

But just for you, I've made a band

I've been looking for love

Just for you

Speeding up

I can't stop

Can't stop

I've lost all sense of time

You hover inside my head all day long

If we ever touch

I might burst with a pop

My love keeps growing

(Let's talk about us)

[End verse]

The dazzling sky

The fluttering flowers

Will be with us, too

(All for you)

So tell me how you feel

Let whatever you feel

Wash over you

(Let's go)

Ooh, I love you, babe

I'll come closer to you

I love you, babe

(Yes, sir)

Ooh, I want you, babe

I wanna hold your hand

I want you, babe

(Take it to the bridge)

When the curtains rise and the lights turn on

Everyone is in their places

Turn up the music

I think we're ready now

Lets' begin, 1, 2

Put your hands up

Ugh, we love a love song to ARMY. And it's fun, lighthearted, and cheerful — perfect for summer. I love the title of this song, too, because the smeraldo garden has become a safe place for BTS and ARMY. Gven that "Closer Than This" is also a song dedicated to ARMY, I guess we know why Jimin's album is called MUSE.

RM — "ㅠㅠ (Credit Roll)" Official MV

Well, there are indeed two types of people when the credits roll.

When the credits roll

Do you hang tight?

Do you stay inside

Or go off to life?

I'm so grateful for

Everyone's time

Hope you all had such 

Wonderful night

When the credits roll

Do you hang tight?

Do you stay inside

Or go off to life?

I'm so grateful for

Everyone's time

Hope you all had such 

Wonderful night

When the credits roll

Do you hang tight?

An interesting choice to release this track with an official MV, but also cheeky as fuck.

BTS FESTA 2024: Jungkook — "Never Let Go"

Every year, the BTS members release a song dedicated to ARMY for Festa (and we've gotten some real gems like "Ddaeng," "Still With You," and "My You") and this year, it's Jungkook again with this super-catchy, upbeat, pop track. (He actually explained why the hook is repeated for so long — he had planned it as a performance song with a "house genre dance" but didn't have the time to film it. I really hope he gets to show us one day.)

Every day I wonder if this all is just a dream

Everything falls into place

'Cause you're right here with me

Without your love I'm nothing

You mean more than you know

And words escape me whenever you're close

I tried to put it into words but it don't measure up

My pen and paper could never do quite enough

It's the truth, it's the truth

We got something real nothing could break

And when the days get longer

You fill my world with wonder

Everybody needs somebody

You been that somebody

So stay with me and keep holding on

Never let go (go, go, go, go, go)

Never let go (go, go, go, go)

Never let go (go, go, go, go)

Never let go (go, go, go, go)

Never let go (go, go, go)

Never let go (go, go, go)

Never let go (go, go, go)

Never let go (go, go, go)

Never let go (go, go, go)

Never let go (go, go, go)

Never let go

Every town I'm in, you're the one I'm with

With me from the start

Always the best part of my day

Being who you are

Being who you are

In the dark, you were the light that led me to you

I'm grateful (for you)

It's simple (with you)

I'll never (leave you)

I'm better (with you)

It's too good (with you)

It's my turn

To give back for all that you do

And when the days get longer

You fill my world with wonder

Everybody needs somebody

You been that somebody

So stay with me and keep holding on

Never let go (go, go, go, go, go)

Never let go (go, go, go, go)

Never let go (go, go, go, go)

Never let go (go, go, go, go)

Never let go (go, go, go)

Never let go (go, go, go)

Never let go (go, go, go)

Never let go (go, go, go)

Never let go (go, go, go)

Never let go (go, go, go)

Never let go

Never let go

They have never let us down with content during Festa. Even though they've been on a group hiatus for two years and all of them are in the military now (though Jin will be back for this Festa!!!), they've still planned out so many things for us and I'm always grateful that we have them to look forward to before we're reunited in 2025. 💜

(Addendum, 06/12/2024: Updated with the official Lyric Video.)

RM (feat. Little Simz) — "Domodachi" Official MV

Not gonna lie, out of all the tracks on Right Place, Wrong Person, this one is the hardest for me to get into. The tempo and the placement of the instrumentals are just a little too chaotic for my liking, but there is a genius behind it when putting it in context with the lyrics.

Mu'fuckas want a bigger growl

Mu'fuckas need a damn patrol

I been slippin' through all kinda bullshit

I've forgotten where I came from

All suckers wanna get it

Take a sip, silently pour it in that glass

All the suckers wanna hit it

I'ma lead you to the heaven, play the pipe

All my friends wanna get around in O's

All my friends wanna take another pose

Yeah, I'm knocked out, what a bullshit 

(Get the fuck down)

Mu'fucka, want a doom shit

No more goofin' around, I want cool shit

I'ma stay calm when they come up with that new shit

Just stick to the embers of this bonfire

My friends gather around me, one by one

Get high, gеt fire, we in Saudi

Let mе go ape, get down with the party

Yeah, I'm knocked out, mu'fucka, what a bullshit 

(Get the fuck down)

Break in unannounced

We're all friends, let's dance here (I'll dance right now)

We're all friends, let's dance here

We're all friends, let's dance here (I'll dance right now)

We're all friends, let's dance here

Mu'fuckas want a bigger growl

Mu'fuckas want to take control

All my friends cryin' in a row, you won't get it

Free soul, you betta come up with it

[Little Simz]

Look, I step on the place and they yell, "Go figure"

Watch, I'ma go all out for my hitta

I already told them, I'ma gorilla

Simz and RM, man, it don't get bigger

Catch me in the back with my G's dem

Greet them with respect when you see them

Run me up a check, I'ma need that

And give my co dee a stack

'Cause that's my dawg, that's my homie

You and I know I don't do phoney

I set the tone, listen up closely

You know my name but you do not know me

I got, got my broski's back til the end

You can't put one hand on my friend

We just here for a good time everyday

I can't cross my line

[End Verse]

We're all friends, let's dance here (I'll dance right now)

We're all friends, let's dance here 

We're all friends, let's dance here (I'll dance right now)

We're all friends, let's dance here

We're all friends, let's dance here

We're all friends, let's dance here

Given the pure bedlam in the sounds, lyrics, and MV imagery, I think the question at the end of the day is: who can you count as your true friend in the midst of it all?

RM — "Nuts" Live Performance Video

OOOF, the guitar in this song is giving me Minus the Bear vibes and I AM HERE FOR IT. 

All right, all right, all right, all right

All right, all right, all right, all right

All right, all right, all right, all right

All right, all right, all right, all right

I could make this right place for you

I could make it just right for you

I could make this right place for you

I could make it right

She a pro ridah

Whoo, whoo, whoo, whoo, ridah

Must be an A1 guider

Always throw a fuckin' slider

When it come to love

She could be an all nighter

Best gaslighter, no man could ever fight her

I go mad

How could we do everything together?

What now, you got nothin' to offer

Freaky you, you freakin' me

Beggin' you, baby, please

Bullshit like "forever"

Love is for the freaks

He a pro ridah

Whoo, whoo, whoo, whoo, ridah

Must be an A1 guider

Always on that fuckin' KaTalk

When it come to money

He could be a damn fighter

Best gaslighter, not a woman could stop him

I go nuts

You're like a monster now

You look like your guts

It's nothing but a word, trust

Freaky you, you freakin' me

Wishin' you in a grief

Love will surely fail

Love is for the freaks

I could make this right place for you

I could make it just right for you

I could make this right place for you

I could make it just right for you

I could play this right chord for you

I could take you right to the moon

I could make this right place for you

I could make you right

Now lay back

You never been so high

Know you 'fraid of heights

I will close your eyes

Now lay back

You never been so high

Know you 'fraid of heights

Don't say a goodbye

I finally feel alive now that you've left

Every night, I write my will to my past self

All these memories that'll vanish with a glass of whiskey

Pray to a god I don't even believe in

To break free from my 20s when you were my everything

Wishing you happiness

I mean it, even though you won't believe it

It was a relationship too tough to break

There's a stigma on my chest

It's called you

It's hard to believe that we were ever together

It was a flu

And we could see the karma's comin' through

The monster hasn't been me

I beg you, oh, baby, please

Forever, ever, ever wish you a true happiness

Damn

I don't think there's been anyone else in K-pop who has been so blunt and honest about their own toxic relationships, especially one at this level of celebrity. But damn, the woman he's singing about is goddamn ballsy to a) actually date Namjoon, and b) treat him like shit. Maybe that's another reason this song is called, "Nuts."

RM — "Groin" Official MV

I listened to Right Place, Wrong Person on repeat while on my flights to and from NYC this past weekend, and I can honestly say that "Groin" has made it into my Top 5 songs from this album. It's old-school RM with a funk-rock twist, and the most honest and uncensored I think he's ever been about himself and his situation while still keeping a sense of humour.

There world's full of thoughtless bastards

Whatever, just leave me alone

The world's full of clueless bastards

When I think I'm gonna crash, that's the time I step on the gas

I just fuck it up 

(Fuck it up, bitch)

Every time you know I fuck it up

(Fuck it up, you dick)

Every time, I fuck it up like this

Not a fuckin' monk

Speaking of me, the things they say get misconstrued

Not a fuckin' diplomat

I just made it and now they're pressure me to step up

Like I represent something?

All I rep is myself

Lemme say something before the frustration kills me

If I don't like you, I'm gonna go bbangsang

Bbangsang, bbangsang, gonna go bbangsang

Like I can do anything, now no one can stop me, bbangsang

I see what I see (me)

I be what I be (me)

I'll set you free

Can't tell me nothin', I'm so far

What it do, just come

Get yo ass outta trunk

Get yo ass outta trunk

Get yo ass outta trunk

Your face, I'm like "Fuck it!"

Get yo ass outta trunk

Get yo ass outta trunk

Get yo ass outta trunk 

Don't care what you talk, bitch 

Get yo ass outta trunk

Get yo ass outta trunk

Get yo ass outta trunk

You walk like a duck, bitch

Get yo ass outta trunk

Get yo ass outta trunk

Ass outta trunk

Ass, ass outta trunk

The world's full of thoughtless bastards

Whatever, just leave me alone

The world's full of clueless bastards

I step on the gas, I just step on the gas

Yeah, I fuck it up, I fuck it up

The hate's toxic, but I suck it up

Now backin' it up, closer to the cliff

With San Yawn, makin' mom worried sick

No matter what, above the law I'll never go, never, no

I'll live an honest life, but you never know

Lower your gaze, alright, don't egg me on

If you wanna be friends, just bring some drinks along

You dig?

I see what I see (me)

I be what I be (me)

I'll set you free

Anyway, I now get why the song's called, "Groin."

RM — "LOST!" Official MV

I'm not sure what I was expecting with this track but calling Right Place, Wrong Time, "alternative," was probably the most accurate, because it really is. Whereas "Come Back to Me" is '70s-inspired. ambient, indie pop, "LOST!" is a kind of unpredictable, quirky, indie rock. I love that RM is really getting to experiment with so many different sounds and genres that he hasn't before — whether solo or with BTS. 

Love

How you get in love like oh

How you get love

Take it for the love like oh

How'd you get lost

Take it from the love like us

How'd you get lost

Take full of love like us

It was you (you ooh)

It was you (you ooh)

It was you (you ooh)

It was you (you ooh)

I'm goddamn lost

I never been to club before

I hit the club

I never felt so free before

You’re goddamn ghost

I never felt so fine before

I hit the cloud

Hold up, hold up, hold up

Damn now, thank you don't worry

I snap into it, suddenly I’m in an empty street

Time flies like an arrow, 14 now they’re 30

And I look up in the sky I see silver cloud

Yo hurry

Dump it on the ground

Pick it up, throw it in the trunk

Dump it on the ground

Pick it up, throw it in the trunk

Dump it on the ground

Pick it up, throw it in the trunk

Dump it on the ground

Pick it up, now let’s go dumb

Aye, aye, aye, aye (Dump it on the ground, shit)

Aye, aye, aye, aye (Dump it on the ground, shit)

I keep trippin’, I can’t stop bleedin’

I got lost in the ground, but not beggin’ at you

I'm goddamn lost

I never been to club before

I hit the club

I never felt so free before

You’re goddamn ghost

I never felt so fine before

I hit the cloud

I got temptation

I got temptation

Every morning, every night

I always feelin’ lifeless

And in the morning I feel love

I hug it in excitement

Every morning, every night

I always feelin’ sikeness

When I feel lonely as fuck

I still got lifeless

I'll never love when I'm low

It'd gonna lightless

I'm goddamn lost

I never been to club before

I hit the club

I never felt so free before

You’re goddamn ghost

I never felt so fine before

I hit the cloud

I never felt so free before

I got temptation

I got temptation

I got temptation

I got temptation

I got temp...

But also this video is fucking wild and "LOST!" really does seem like the most appropriate title…

Can't wait to stream the rest of Right Place, Wrong Person. I will be in NYC this weekend so it will be my official airplane soundtrack.

RM — "Come Back to Me" Official MV

This track is totally different from anything RM has done before — mellow, mildly melancholic indie pop — but there is a familiarity to it that makes me feel strangely nostalgic. For some reason, it reminds me of The Virgin Suicides soundtrack, and I mean that in the best, most complimentary way possible. 

I told you I'm fine tonight

Staying good

Spring's always been here

I will sleep in her eyes

Come back to me

Like you used to do

Be what you be

I will roll you to the moon

I forgot the hour

I don't wanna know 'bout the hour

I forgot to shower

Even washing my face feels like a waste of time

You don't have to be

You don't have to be the anything, you see

Tryin' not to be

Try not to be that somethin' in this sea

Come back to me

Like you used to

Now, I could see

What a life is about

I told you I'm fine tonight

Staying good

Spring's always been here

I will sleep in her eyes

Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh-ooh

I see you come back to me

Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh-ooh

I see you come back to mе

You are my pain divine, divine

You arе my pain divine, divine

Get, get, get to the divine, divine (so fine)

I see you come back to me

I forgot the hour

I don't wanna know 'bout the hour

I forgot to shower

Even washing my face feels like a waste of time

You don't have to be

You don't have to be anything, you see

Tryin' not to be

Tryin' not to be that somethin' in that sea

I told you I'm fine tonight

Staying good

Spring's always been here

I will sleep in her eyes

Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh-ooh

I see you come back to me

Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh-ooh

I see you come back to mе

You are my pain, divine, divine

You arе my pain, divine, divine

Get, get, get to the divine, divine (so fine)

I see you come back to me

You are my pain, divine, divine

You arе my pain, divine, divine

You arе my pain, divine, divine

You arе my pain, divine, divine

You arе my pain, divine, divine

You arе my pain, divine, divine

You arе my pain, divine, divine

You arе my pain, divine, divine

(I told you I'm fine tonight

Staying good

Spring's always been here

I will sleep in her eyes

I told you I'm fine tonight

Staying good

Spring's always been here

I will sleep in her eyes)

As expected with RM, there is a lot to unpack here. The multiple scenarios in this MV; are these alternate realities? Regrets? Different fates? What could have been if he wasn't an idol? One big dream? As an gifted lyricist and intellectual, RM has always written poetically introspective songs, so there might be even more to interpret in his words than the MV itself — the paradox of pain being divine, that he's fine even when everything feels like a waste of time because he always has spring (one of his favourite metaphors for hope). Perhaps the true intention with this song and MV is simply the resulting discussion and interpretation of the art. I just love how much RM experiments with his sound and music. His albums and mixtapes feature completely different genres and emotions from each other, but they're all truly incredible. (Both Mono and Indigo were two of my most-listened-to albums in their respective release years.) I can't wait to listen to Right Place, Wrong Person.

J-Hope (feat. Gaeko and Yoonmirae) — "NEURON" Official Motion Picture

Hope on the Street was released just in time so I can play it on repeat on my flight back home because this whole EP fucking SLAPS. Not a single skip on this album.

I'll tell you again

We'll never ever give up, forever

I'll say it again

We'll always be alive to move us

(Your deep-rooted movement

Don't ever lose it

'Cause above all, it's priceless)

[Refrain: J-Hope]

N-E-U-R-O-N, attention

N-E-W-R-U-N, ain't enough

All my neurons respond

Get up, neu

Get up, ron

N-E-U-R-O-N, attention

N-E-W-R-U-N, ain't enough

My upright generosity begins

Better new

Better run

[Verse 1: J-Hope]

NEURON, it responds to my mind

NEURON, it responds to my life

New run, a time for myself, once again

Get my nerves working again, just like the younger me, dive

My body’s freestyle, still freestyle

My timeless soul, a whole new type

Such a deep-rooted tree, like deep-spring water

'Cause these neurons are the cells that awakened me

[Chorus: J-Hope]

I'll tell you again

We'll never ever give up, forever

I'll say it again

We'll always be alive to move us

I’ll tell you again

We'll never ever give up, forever

I'll say it again

We'll always be alive to move us

[Refrain: J-Hope]

N-E-U-R-O-N, attention

N-E-W-R-U-N, ain't enough

All my neurons respond

Get up, neu

Get up, ron

N-E-U-R-O-N, attention

N-E-W-R-U-N, ain't enough

My upright generosity begins

Better new

Better run

[Verse 2: Gaeko]

When the life I've lived is reflected on my face

I sneak a peek at the mirror, and what I see is not bad

I relaxed my shoulders, to be upright

Dozens of given motivation

At the intersection connecting each neuron

I carefully assemble the meaning and reason of life

The driving distance of a lightning delivery ball

Whether it be short or long is up to each's decision

I no longer embrace bombs

I've passed the ball on to my crew

While I play catchball with my look-alike son on weekends

Metro on the outskirts

The metronome next to my childhood piano

Matching it became my job, and the payout keeps pilin' up

Still on thin ice

Anxiety about the future lurks beneath the stage like a ghost

I scream, shout, then come back

To relax with a bland home-cooked meal

Make some white noise

[Chorus: J-Hope]

I'll tell you again

We'll never ever give up, forever

I'll say it again

We'll always be alive to move us

I’ll tell you again

We'll never ever give up, forever

I'll say it again

We'll always be alive to move us

[Verse 3: Yoonmirae]

J-Hope X Yoonmirae, we on a new level

Love and peace, the two letters roaming in my heart

Throw ya peace in the sky, with two fingers

But no, okie doke, yo, dark winged baby T

Little Miss with a fiery smile (Oh, no)

​J-Hope done gave T the beat drop

Look at ya, mad like, how she get the best spot

'Cause you can learn to flow

But passion it can't be taught

I got a passion for the game

Hustle, never stop

Music and family, that's what it's all about

They keep me going like day in and day out

Music and family, that's what it's all about

You keep me motivated on the days I hate it

Reminded that God created something special

Look at me, I made it

[Chorus: J-Hope]

I'll tell you again

We'll never ever give up, forever

I'll say it again

We'll always be alive to move us

I'll tell you again

We'll never ever give up, forever

I'll say it again

We'll always be alive to move us

[Refrain: J-Hope]

N-E-U-R-O-N, attention

N-E-W-R-U-N, ain't enough

All my neurons respond

Get up, neu

Get up, ron

N-E-U-R-O-N, attention

N-E-W-R-U-N, ain't enough

My upright generosity begins

Better new

Better run

[Outro: J-Hope]

I'll tell you again

We'll never ever give up, forever

I'll say it again

We'll always be alive to move us

I think "NEURON" might actually be my favourite track on this EP. Yoon Mirae KILLS IT here.

V — "FRI(END)S" Official MV

Ah, he fell for his friend with benefits. A rookie mistake. We've all been there. But it's okay; as the MV shows, the love that really matters is for yourself. (I mean, didn't BTS spend an entire era promoting just that?) 

You're in my head

I had plans for the weekend 

But wound up with you instead 

Back here again

Got me deep in my feelings

When I should be in your bed 

You and I go back to like '09, it's like forever

And you were there my lonely nights, yeah

Keeping me together

So wouldn't it make sense if I was yours?

And you could call me your baby

But we say we're just, say we're just

Friends, just for now

Yeah, but friends don't say words that

Make friends feel like more than just

Friends, just for now 

Now, I'm over pretending

So let's put the "end" in friends

Friends are not supposed to get too close

And feel emotions that

We're feeling now, now, now

We ain't slowing down, down, down 

But once we cross the line

There's no denying you and

I can never turn around, 'round, 'round

Know we'll never be the same 

You and I go back to like '09, it's like forever

And you were there my lonely nights, yeah

Keeping me together

So wouldn't it make sense if I was yours?

And you could call me your baby

But we say we're just, say we're just

Friends, just for now

Yeah, but friends don't say words that

Make friends feel like more than just

Friends, just for now

Now, I'm over pretending

So let's put the "end" in friends 

Friends, just for now 

Yeah, but friends don't say words that

Make friends feel like more than just 

Friends, just for now

Now, I'm over pretending

So let's put the "end" in friends

And on that note, this song is actually way more playful and poppy than I expected, and I'm OBSESSED WITH IT. It's already on three of my playlists because it fits so many moods and genres. Plus, the storytelling and cinematography in this MV is just... chef's kiss, incredible. ENTIRELY WORTH THE WAIT.