J-Hope of BTS released his highly anticipated solo album Jack In The Box on Friday, July 15, 2022. The album drop was accompanied by the release of the second lead single, “Arson,” and its official music video.
Jack In The Box is heavily hip-hop influenced and gives off a ’90s hip-hop vibe. The album contains a total of 10 tracks including the first single, “More,” which was released on July 1st, debuting at number 82 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Track 7 “What If” is sampled from “Shimmy Shimmy Ya” by the late Ol’ Dirty Bastard of the iconic hip-hop group Wu-Tang Clan. Already a fan favorite, “Equal Sign” finds J-Hope showing off his singing voice – a rare treat from the rapper. The song’s powerful lyrics speak to everyone being equal and ask “why is it a sin to be different? Beyond age, Beyond gender, beyond border.”
The smooth flow and narrative in the album can be felt throughout, starting with the first track and concluding with the final track. “J-Hope participated in the overall album making from music, concept, design, and music video, bringing out his own unique colors through the album,” stated Big Hit Music.
Big Hit Music describes the story the album tells as a whole: “The first two tracks, ‘Intro’ and ‘Pandora’s Box,’ tell a story behind the origin of J-Hope’s stage name which comes from Greek and Roman mythology, ‘Pandora’s Box.’ The dual main tracks ‘More’ and ‘Arson’ unfold J-Hope’s authentic stories, from his pure passion to inner shadow and agony, that prove his growth. The album also carries on the essence of BTS who have been validating themselves through music.”
All 10 tracks off of Jack In The Box are currently charting in the top 15 on the All Genres chart on US iTunes, with “Arson” leading the way at number one. Jack In The Box is currently sitting at number two on the All-Genres chart.
Shortly after Jack In The Box dropped, Rolling Stone released an interview with J-Hope in which he expresses his nervousness at being the first BTS member to drop a solo album. “Jack in the Box is filled only with things I personally wanted to do, almost to the point where I worry to myself, “Did I focus too much on solely what I wanted to do?” [laughing] I think that’s where the half nervousness comes from. This album is really meaningful to me, and mostly, I feel proud and excited it’s coming out,” said J-Hope during the Rolling Stone interview.
J-Hope collaborated with the talented artist KAWS for the cover artwork of Jack In The Box.
Talking about their first collaboration together, KAWS said, “I was thrilled when J-Hope invited me to collaborate on the cover artwork for his solo project. We have become friendly the last few years and I’m happy our paths will have crossed at this moment in time.”
Jack In The Box is available now on all streaming platforms and will be released via Weverse Albums on July 29th. The Weverse Albums app allows users to download the album, photos, and more through QR codes.
The world-renowned superstar is slated to make his solo stage debut at one of the biggest music festivals in the world, Lollapalooza, where he’ll not just be performing, he’ll be a headliner. J-Hope is set to take the stage on Sunday, July 31, 2022. During a Vlive after his album was released, J-Hope revealed there will be a surprise at Lollapalooza.
Jack In The Box Tracklist
1. Intro
2. Pandora’s Box
3. More
4. STOP
5. = (Equal Sign)
6. Music Box: Reflection
7. What If
8. Safety Zone
9. Future
10. Arson
