RM was active as an artist, rapper, songwriter for quite a while before BTS was formed. “Runch Randa”, a name he adopted from a MapleStory character, was his first-ever stage name as he established himself in the underground hip-hop circles. However, his music didn’t remain underground for long as he was already collaborating with artists like ChangMo and ZICO (then known as LUPE and Nakseo). RM was already learning all about rap making, composing, and producing without almost any assistance at a tender age. Soon enough, he joined BigHit Entertainment (now, HYBE) and the rest is history. Keep reading for the sure but steady evolution of RM as a multifaceted artist through some of his solo music!
‘What Am I To You’
RM’s first solo track under BTS was released as a comeback trailer for “DARK & WILD”. Right from the start, BTS’ signature sound was starting to form: a forward-flowing intense rap against the backdrop of an overwhelmingly melodic tune. The two musical streams offset each other but work brilliantly well. It was clear that RM had a significant role in setting this sound up, especially with this track’s release right before their first full studio album.
‘Do You’
No holds were barred when it came to RM’s first-ever solo mixtape, appropriately titled “RM”. The entire focus in this track is concentrated on RM with only a monotonous unchanging beat in the background. RM doesn’t care for his image as an idol in this track but rather, gives way to his hip-hop persona. The message is simple, “You do you, I’ll do me.” RM is sharp-tongued in criticizing the system that holds creativity down and tries to bash it. His speed and diction are unmatched to the point of intimidation. This was a dark horse in the making.
‘Fantastic’
Ma DongSeok and Park SeoJun might be part of the Marvel Universe now but RM created Marvel’s soundtrack for ‘Fantastic Four’! This song was composed, written and produced by RM and proved to be a huge success. The lyrics in particular, which cleverly conveyed the essence of the film and the hard-hitting beats were intelligently put together, which ultimately gave the song its iconic status.
‘Change’
RM was coming into his own with experience in the music industry. His preferences of musical expression shifted from a personal standpoint to a more emotionally charged collective message. RM was no longer just a rapper. He was an agent of social change, influencing millions through his music. This is exactly the sentiment he echoes in ‘Change’, a song that was definitely ahead of its time.
‘Champion’ (Fall Out Boy Remix)
RM made history as the first-ever K-pop artist to chart on the Rock Digital Songs chart, standing at number 2 when he collaborated with American rock band Fall Out Boy on the remix of their mega-hit song ‘Champion’. RM raps entirely and flawlessly in English but what was more impressive was his incorporation of the unique rock sound of Fall Out Boy into his verses. RM is bubbling with the fierce energy of rock and his lyrics are perfectly in tandem with the message of the song. ‘Champion’ proved once and for all that RM had the incredible ability to mold himself in accordance with any genre he wanted to take on. Whether that be rock or a ballad, RM’s perfection is untouched. In fact, as we see in his mixtape “Mono”, RM was creating his own brand of music, reworking existing forms into novel ones and pioneering the same.
‘forever rain’
‘Mono’ perfectly reflects the graph of RM’s emotional growth over the years. When it comes to technique, RM has always been and still is brilliant. He employs an unusual flow for most of this mixtape and rather than feeling like a song, this mixtape feels as though RM’s lyrics are dancing over his music. It is beautifully conversational and strangely easy to identify with. This mixtape isn’t just a collection of songs but rather, a free therapy session and a promise of love to oneself.
‘Persona’
‘Persona’ brings back the intense unstoppability of RM’s early rap style but his lyrics and expressive modus operandi are distinctly revised. At this point, RM has already established himself as a creative genius, the best of the world. As such, it is clear that he’s allowing a free play of his artistic faculties. ‘Persona’ is easily the culmination of who RM was, who he is and who he’s going to be. This becomes even more relevant with the song’s central import revolving around the authenticity of identity. What RM posits most significantly through this song is his understanding of the fact that his voice is no longer just his but rather that of millions who find it hard to, in RM’s own words, “speak themselves”. BTS is not just the world’s biggest musical act anymore. They’re change personified. BTS is who the world has been waiting for and RM is the helping hand that has been extended to all those who need something to hold on to. These Are The Top 10 Best Live Rappers In K-Pop KPOP STORIES|Jul 21, 2021
