Bang Yongguk - ‘Bangyongguk’ Album Review

When it comes to career trajectories, there are few more complex than Bang Yongguk’s. Starting out as part of the underground rap group Soul Connection, Yongguk debuted under the name “Jepp Blackman,” and went on to be recognised amongst peers for his sublime lyricism and scintillating rap technique.

In 2010, the South-Korean joined TS Entertainment. Despite initial skepticism as to whether his style of music-making would begin to be limited, the hip-hop star signed with the label, believing it would allow him to follow his dreams. The following year, he featured on Song Jieun’s single “Going Crazy,” a smash-hit that soared to the top of the charts. It was to be the start of a fantastically successful career, and earmarked the rapper as someone to watch out for.

As 2011 reached its eighth month, Yongguk released his own single, “I Remember.” It broke the top 10 in real-time charts, but the subsequent music video was deemed unfit for broadcast due to scenes of violence and shooting. Before the year came to a close, the rapper debuted as part of a sub-unit rap duo with Zelo (future B.A.P bandmate). The duo, named Bang&Zelo, released their first single “Never Give Up” on December 11.

In terms of marquee years for the artist, 2012 is one that is impossible to hand-wave. As the leader of newly formed B.A.P, he oversaw the success of debut single “Warrior,” and watched the critical acclaim flood in. From there, the group went on to become one of the most underrated in the country of South-Korea, helping to solidify Bang Yongguk as an international talent.

As of August 2018, the hip-hop mogul and expert lyricist has left both B.A.P and TS Entertainment, with the well documented tension between the artist and the label over the poor treatment of B.A.P being a sure-fire reason as to why. However, with five solo mixtapes under his belt, in addition to four studio albums under the B.A.P name, it’s easy to see why when the artist’s first full-length solo record, titled BANGYONGGUK, was released, there was a vast amount of anticipation, and an air of extreme expectation.

The perceived pressure accompanying the album has clearly not hindered its production, though, as on even the simplest, surface-level listen, it comes across as a release packed full of colour, genius introspection, and unmatched raw talent.

The album’s opener “Diary” layers a simplistic beat over a repetitive drum-fill, creating adequate space for the raspy vocals of Yongguk to shine through. Over the course of the two and a half minutes, there are more elements—like a catchy synth melody—added to the instrumentation, in turn weaving complexity into a song that otherwise would have felt a little too subtle for an opener. Nevertheless, it’s a smart, teasing introduction that will have you firmly hooked for whatever is next.

“I Need to Talk” follows, and has an intense rhythm that compliments the rapper’s effortless flow perfectly. The chorus is fierce despite its monotonous vocals, and notwithstanding the polished instrumentals, the song still feels extremely raw and personal. There are interesting contrasts throughout the track, making it a much more thought-provoking listen than you might expect.

“Hikikomori,” the lead-single, turns the rawness up a notch and delivers a bold, almost meta track. The Japanese term, meaning “abnormal avoidance of social contact,” is an instantly captivating choice of song-title to place at the helm of your debut release, but the track’s scrutiny of others, as well as its intense look at some people’s lack of sympathy towards the symptoms of anxiety, is musical magic. It opens a dialogue about a taboo topic through a gung-ho approach, and whether it's the unsettling bridge or the venomous rap verses, people are bound to listen.

Elsewhere on the album, the dislocated nature of “Hot and Cold” is captivating, with everything about the track feeling like organised chaos. It’s hard to keep up with, and takes more than a couple of listens to truly appreciate, but it is more than worth the effort.

Continuing, the interlude “Portrait” has a dismal piano melody as its integral component, painting a melancholic picture that is vivid for the listener. It’s a song that will take your mind to other places whilst you listen to it, and it brings out visceral emotion. In addition, it serves as an excellent gateway into “Codex Gigas,” a track that is eerie, haunting, and dark. The deep, husky voice of Yongguk sounds sinister, and it’s another number that allows for your imagination to run free.

Previously released “AM 4:44” manages to find a home on this album too, with the tremendous execution and vigour on display very much befitting for the theme of the album. A candid eye-opener about the struggles B.A.P faced with their label, it’s an emotion-filled offering that is worth an attentive listen.

Introspection is everywhere on this album, and highlights a complex approach to packing music with meaning; with the intention clearly for it to be dissected by its audience just as boldly as it has been composed by its artist. It’s an approach Bang Yongguk favours, and whether it’s about personal struggles of anxiety, the hardships of being in a successful group managed by a power-hungry label, or just a to-the-point tackling of social issues plaguing society today, this is material you must sink your teeth into, and music that will work your brain just as hard as your ears.

Strangely enough, despite all of the deep, poignant offerings this album gives, the final-track “See You Later” is almost uplifting. The instrumentals are invigorating, the EDM-inspired drop tantalising, and the vocals almost vibrant in their energy. It seems like a song thanking inspirations and the people that have helped Yongguk along on his journey, making it the perfect way to finish the album off with a finesse rarely seen in music today.

To conclude, this album is at times heart-wrenching, occasionally cathartic, but always enthralling. It shows off all of the talents the 28-year-old possesses, never shies away from tackling daring themes, and has brilliance in every track to keep the listener hooked. A true work of art, everything from the detailed lyrics to the most intricate of instrumental components is near-flawless, and worth more than just critical acclaim.

There is no such thing as a perfect release, but BANGYONGGUK comes as close to one as possible.

Album Rating - 9.8/10