While many might know him as SUGA from BTS, Agust D is a perfect example of holding duality as an artist. After a new album release and a sold-out U.S. tour, Agust D is touring Asia and breaking records. Here's a little more about SUGA’s solo music and its meaning.

He debuted under BigHit Entertainment with his fellow six members of BTS and gained worldwide attention. However, SUGA expressed how he solely joined the company to become a music producer but they had different plans for him. Being a part of BTS has allowed him to incorporate his rap talents into music that is very different from his own. 2016 is when he decided to introduce his alias to the world, Agust D, and showcase his own hip-hop talents with very meaningful lyrics. 

First Mixtape: Agust D

August 16, 2016, was the day SUGA’s first solo release was introduced. The mixtape includes a total of 10 songs, three of those songs including features with very popular artists. The main differences between his rap as SUGA and his rap as Agust D are the lyrics of the songs. BTS is known for its meaningful lyrics and story. However, SUGA found ways to incorporate his own struggle, whether it be mental health or growing into the artist he is, into his work. 

My favorite song from the mixtape is “so far away (feat. Suran)” and the main reason is how soothing the song sounds. One thing that's very noticeable about his music is that no matter how intense he might sound, there will always be a part of the song that will bring you peace. This song speaks of the feeling of being stuck in the same place while you see people around you succeeding. While the song pleads for a change it also speaks of a dream; hope. 

Second Mixtape: D-2

Four years after the release of his first mixtape, Agust D came back with his second mixtape D-2 on May 22, 2020, in the midst of the pandemic. One big difference between this mixtape and his first was the sound of the songs. I noticed a change in the tempo behind most of them. But one thing continued to ring true, they were still very meaningful songs. There is also a large improvement between them, as he took those four years continuing his time as a rapper and producer in BTS to better his own solo work.

My favorite song from this mixtape is “People” because of how fun and high-tempo it is right from the beginning. Being able to speak about the personality and character SUGA holds is one thing he does well in his music. That causes the listener to not only enjoy the song but also think about who they are as people and how they handle life. This is a perfect example of being able to find your own meaning in a song. For example, his lyrics, “Why so serious?” translate to me in a way that leaves me questioning why I take things so seriously sometimes. However, others might read this in a completely different way. After listening to the song and the sound behind it, how would you interpret that?

Since the release of D-2, SUGA has continued his time as a part of BTS but has recently released his first album, D-DAY, containing even more beautiful songs with meaningful lyrics. If you're into K-Pop with a deeper meaning, Agust D is the artist for you! Make sure to stream all three of his solo releases!

Edited by Cara Musashi