Indigo - RM (2022)

I listen to BTS-related projects becuase I really couldn’t do otherwise (readers of this space will recall that I’m married to a super fan). But more than most, I have to admit this is one I would probably seek out even if I had no idea who RM is.

Kim Nam-Joon (who goes by RM, which is apparently short for “rap monster” but I wouldn’t blame him for pretending that’s not the case now that he’s a grown-up) is a legitimately great rapper, and has spent his time in the global behemoth honing his songwriting and performing skills.

He’s put together a large crew of producers and collaborators to create a very mature and coherent statement, even though it’s quite varied from track to track.

His flow is a great mix of Korean and English that makes it (for me, anyway, not knowing more than a few words of Korean) kind of hypnotizing without being able to tune it out.

Also English-wise, he is quite adept at dropping the F-bomb, which is… fun, I guess.

Tracks I Liked

Still Life - Anderson Paak adds some great texture and grit to a smoothed out jam

Change pt 2 - Sounds like a 90s Nine Inch Nails b-side in the best possible way

Lonely - a real standout for me.