Idol Producers: GOT7’s JB
Idols have been playing a more vital role in the production of K-Pop songs in recent years, with many getting their names on a greater number of works. Rather than being forced into going solo for more creative freedom, big-name idols are now able to simultaneously promote with their groups while flexing their creative muscles in other directions. You may be familiar with some of these bigger names, but you’ll be surprised to learn exactly just how many tracks they’ve produced in their time on the scene.
Today we’re focusing on GOT7’s leader JB, who goes by the name Defsoul in his solo and production work. On top of leading one of the top boy groups in the K-Pop industry today, JB produces his own solo work for free on SoundCloud, writes and composes tracks for his group as well as sub-units JUS2 and JJ Project, and has also starred in a few small screen dramas in addition to being known for his dancing skills.
JB began his journey as an artist in 2009 when he successfully passed an audition with JYP Entertainment. Before then, he had been a b-boy dancer, a fact which became well known upon his debut with GOT7. Even before coming onto the music scene with JJ Project in 2012, JB took on an acting role in the drama Dream High 2 in 2011. His name first appeared in credits for JJ Project’s debut track “Bounce,” and he later worked on B-sides for GOT7 until the release of “Home Run” at the beginning of the Flight Log series, which was promoted as a second single alongside lead “Fly.” His first song for the group was “Bad Behavior” on Got Love, followed by the rap for “Mine” off of Just Right, before taking his moniker of Defsoul with the production of “Everyday” off of the Mad repackaged album.
The release of Flight Log marked a turning point in his songwriting career, as he began to produce and write for a significant number of releases on each album. Around this time the other members also began to have more creative freedom in terms of artistry, with JB leading the charge. Departure saw tracks “Fish” and “Something Good” penned, while Turbulence saw “skyway,” “Dreamin’,” and “Prove It.” JB’s style of music began to form at this time, now fully solidified in his solo work under Defsoul.
JB’s solo work has a distinct R&B style matched by his silky smooth vocals. Unlike his squeaky-clean idol image, this outlet allows him to freely express his sensual side and work with artists in the underground scene, building an entirely different look for himself. He began releasing his solo music in 2018, with his latest mini-album dropping five months ago.
2017 marked yet another milestone for the musician, as his self-composed song “You Are” was featured as the title song for GOT7’s comeback with album 7 for 7, and reached No. 1 on multiple album charts throughout the world. This success continued with pre-release track “One and Only You,” as well as the title track “Look” for the following Eyes on You album in 2018.
2019 saw yet another title track produced by JB, this time in the form of “Eclipse.” This has been his greatest accomplishment so far, with the accompanying album achieving a bonsang at the 34th Annual Golden Disk Awards.
With GOT7 members being given more creative control over their music, JB’s career as a talented composer and songwriter has taken off. There’s no doubt he’s one of the most talented idols out there, and at only 26 years old, he has plenty of time to keep proving his skills.