Rocky Makes Smooth Solo Debut with ROCKYST
Former ASTRO member Rocky made his solo debut with ROCKYST on November 22. This debut EP reintroduces him as a solo artist and CEO of his company ONE FINE DAY Entertainment. The whole EP comes from the collaborative efforts of Rocky and OBROS MS, a producer who has worked with ASTRO since the group’s early days.
ROCKYST contains six tracks:
“Music Is My Life”
“LUCKY ROCKY”
“Your Halley”
“Chameleon”
“Yes or No”
“Find Me”
Catching Up with Rocky
Rocky’s K-Pop career began as the lead rapper and one of the main dancers of ASTRO in 2016. Over time these roles expanded as he took on lyric-writing, composing, and arranging for some of the group’s songs. In 2022, Rocky teamed up with Jinjin to create the sub-unit Jinjin & Rocky. The two released their first and final EP Restore on January 17, 2022. Restore allowed Rocky to showcase more of his vocal talents, not just in positions given to him within ASTRO. The two rappers promoted the title track “Just Breath,” a goofy and comforting track about overcoming isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic.*
ASTRO’s latest release, their third full album Drive to the Starry Road, featured solo songs from all members—Rocky’s was the ballad “S#1.” Similar to ROCKYST, Rocky worked with OBROS MS on“S#1.” In October 2022, Rocky contributed to the debut EP for the boy group HAWW, whose lineup includes his younger brother Jeonggeun. Rocky helped with writing for, composing for, and choreographing for their B-side “Wanna Be Love.” Rocky departed from ASTRO and Fantagio Entertainment this February, but still continues to promote as an artist.
Introducing “LUCKY ROCKY”
Rocky is in his element in “LUCKY ROCKY.” Rocky is a stellar performer, and the title track makes it clear. “LUCKY ROCKY” is an upbeat funky track well suited for dancing. Unfortunately, this track runs shortest on the EP, ending at 2:29. Rocky and OBROS MS, like with all tracks on ROCKYST, wrote and composed for this title track.
In the music video, Rocky adds color to the blank canvases of an art gallery by dancing. He stuns in the performance’s execution. The way he interacts with the environment, including the usage of a prop, flows seamlessly as the music video progresses. My favorite part is the dance break, which starts off elegant—accompanied by piano, Rocky walks in donning a white suit, but then the tap dancing ends with a powerful rock segment. As much as Rocky considers himself lucky, so are fans who get to experience new performances from him.
The Best of Rocky in B-Sides
ROCKYST’s songs have a variety of energetic dance tracks and soothing ballads. “Music Is My Life,” “Chameleon,” and “Yes or No,” follow a similar trajectory as “LUCKY ROCKY,” sure to get people moving. “Your Halley” and “Find Me” are the sentimental tracks of the EP. “Your Halley” is calmer and hopeful, showcasing gentle vocalist Rocky. “Find Me,” which ends ROCKYST, has Rocky in both roles as a powerful singer and strong rapper.
Though Rocky’s absence from ASTRO remains bittersweet for many fans, his new journey as a solo artist assures that the stage will stay his calling. ROCKYST is a great collection of songs perfect for long-time fans and new listeners alike. Shortly after this debut, Rocky will embark on a series of Japanese fan concerts next month in Osaka and Kanagawa. There is no doubt that he will continue to build on his artistry as time goes on.
*Note: lyrics taken from English captions from the official music video.
Edited by Lacey Diluvio