Jung Hoseok, known worldwide as j-hope of BTS, returns to his roots with a sentimental new single following the announcement of his impending military enlistment. Almost six months after the release of “Rush Hour,” the main dancer is back with yet another collaboration. Released on March 3, “on the street” is a reflective hip-hop track featuring American rapper and producer, J. Cole.

It’s truly a full-circle moment, as j-hope has often referred to the rapper as one of his greatest influences. The pair met for the first time backstage at Lollapalooza where the moment was captured in his first solo documentary, j-hope IN THE BOX, available for streaming on Disney+. The two artists embraced with bright smiles as the singer admirably declared, “You’re my muse.” However, the relationship between BTS and J. Cole dates all the way back to 2013 when the idol group recorded an adaptation of “Born Sinner.” The reworked track, “Born Singer,” was unofficially released ten years ago, but has since made its way into the group’s 2022 anthology album Proof. 

An official music video filmed in New York dropped alongside the single, showcasing contrasting views of the city underground, at street level, and the Brooklyn skyline. The twenty-nine-year-old singer-songwriter from Gwangju takes us back to where it all began: “on the street.” Jung Hoseok started his career as a street dancer when he became the youngest member of NEURON in middle school. Throughout his time as an idol, he has always remained loyal to his roots, creating a dance cover series titled “Hope On The Street” to showcase his affinity for street dance. Roughly fifteen years later, j-hope can be seen dancing past graffiti-painted buildings and vacant subway tunnels as J. Cole raps with a picturesque view of the Brooklyn Bridge as his backdrop. The overall vibe contains a calming sense of nostalgia, which is made more prominent in the track's lyrics.

The lofi single starts off with carefree whistling before j-hope hops on the beat in English, singing the repeated lines:

“Every time I walk

Every time I run

Every time I move

As always, for us.”

He uses “walk,” “run,” and “move” interchangeably with “look,” “love,” and of course, “hope.” For his rap verse, the multi-talented artist switches to Korean in which he shows love and gratitude to the fans who have been there all along. As j-hope moves from one chapter to the next, he assures the new path will be one of hope and promises, “to repay [ARMY] even from afar, just like a butterfly.” 

J. Cole proves he’s deserving of the “muse” moniker through thoughtful verses about his steadfast faith, hardworking nature, impressive accomplishments, and unpredictable future. My personal favorite line comes at the end of his profound rap: 

“I contemplate if I should wait to

hand over the crown

And stick around for a bit longer

I got a strange type of hunger

The more I eat the more it gets stronger.”

The lyrics align with themes discussed in j-hope’s debut album, Jack In The Box, specifically in the tracks “MORE” and “Arson.” Everything in this collaboration, down to the minute details, clearly shows a deep understanding and respect between the two artists. It is something rare to see when K-Pop meets Western music, making “on the street” all the more beautiful.

As j-hope prepares for the next stage of his life, ARMY around the world can find comfort in his undying passion and message of hope. The song ends with a whispered promise: “on the street, I’m still.” Much has changed since BTS’s debut in 2013, but the genuine love j-hope holds for dance, music, and ARMY is unwavering. Until our paths converge again, you can listen to “on the street,” available now on all streaming platforms, and watch the heartfelt music video linked below.

Edited by Cara Musashi