Be Yourself With JAY B’s New Solo EP
Lim Jaebeom, better known as JAY B of GOT7, released his second solo EP on September 21. Be Yourself features six tracks, including the lead single “go UP.” It marks the singer-songwriter’s first major release since joining CDNZA Records after his contract with H1GHR MUSIC expired in July 2022. Let’s dive into the music and “Break it Down” track by track.
“go UP”
As the opening track, “go UP” sets the mood for what’s to come on Be Yourself. JAY B doesn’t miss the opportunity to grab our attention from the very beginning. “go UP” starts off with a single spoken line in JAY B’s deep, velvety voice. “This is how we getting funky in Seoul, South Korea,” he states before the groovy beat kicks in. It’s not a lyric-heavy song, with just two verses and a simple chorus. JAY B blends Korean and English as he sings about letting go and forgetting all your worries for the day. “go UP” is a cheerful, bright track that you can’t help but dance along to.
“Break it Down” (feat. Sik-K)
“Break it Down” follows the vibe set by “go UP'' with a softer edge. It’s more easygoing through the verses, but picks up during the chorus. “Break it Down” also keeps the lyrics light with the track’s title being a main point of repetition. It features South Korean rapper Sik-K, who is signed to H1GHR MUSIC. Sik-K was a contestant on the fourth season of Show Me the Money in 2015. Together, JAY B and Sik-K sing and rap about breaking the mold. Days can become repetitive and we sometimes find ourselves stuck in a seemingly endless loop; JAY B encourages us to break the cycle and let go of any judgment from others.
“Livin’”
“Livin’” shows off JAY B’s cool, carefree side as the EP’s third track. His vocals shine through this jazzy pop song with ad-libs galore. The lyrics assure listeners that it’s okay to be selfish sometimes. “Life is too short and time is not enough.” As someone who has been pushing forward since his debut with GOT7 in 2014, JAY B is undoubtedly familiar with the feeling of running out of time. “Livin’” is a reminder that we only have one life to live, so we might as well do what makes us happy.
“The Way We Are”
The chill pace of “Livin’” continues into “The Way We Are.” The song itself is vibrant with optimistic lyrics. JAY B views life like a glass half-full versus a glass half-empty. He predicts that the future will be filled with good things only. You can throw all of your worries out the door while listening to “The Way We Are” and just enjoy the moment. After all, everything is “picture perfect…just the way we are.”
“Fountain of Youth”
The EP picks up a bit with “Fountain of Youth.” JAY B’s happy, carefree attitude is contagious in Be Yourself. You can’t help but smile and sway to the beat as he sings about the feeling of being young forever. Unlike the previous songs, “Fountain of Youth” is sung completely in English. It’s the perfect declaration of long-lasting friendship. Whether it’s a promise to GOT7’s fandom, Ahgases, or the friends he’s made along the way, JAY B makes his feelings clear. He doesn’t plan on growing up or leaving anytime soon, stating, “You've got me here for a thousand nights and days.”
“Holyday”
“Holyday” is the sixth and final track from Be Yourself. It’s a pop song with a gospel feel sung fully in English. JAY B ends on a laid-back, but uplifting note. “Holyday” is all about staying true to yourself and letting go of anything that’s holding you down. The lyrics are written introspectively, with JAY B reminding himself to keep dreaming and rising higher. Listeners can receive hope and inspiration to follow JAY B’s lead and turn their life into a “Holyday.”
Be Yourself is available now on all streaming platforms. You can also see JAY B’s new EP performed live during his Tape: Press Pause tour, kicking off September 24 in Seoul.
Edited by Rashelle B.