Global hitmakers and South Korean sensations BTS recently announced a new chapter of their careers. Aptly titled "BTS' Chapter 2," it's an exciting time for the septet to better explore their own individual music tastes. And kicking off this new era is the group's rapper and dancer j-hope.

So far, j-hope's solo discography includes 2018's acclaimed mixtape Hope World and the chart-topping trilingual single "Chicken Noodle Soup" (featuring Becky G) from 2019. But on July 15, he'll break new ground as a solo artist with his highly anticipated debut studio album, Jack in the Box.

Fans got a first taste of what's to come with the single "MORE," which teases a different musical direction than his previously high-energy and pop-leaning songs. On July 7, j-hope revealed the album's tracklist, giving fans lots of interesting song titles to analyze.

With the release of the album right around the corner, here's everything we know about j-hope's new solo album, Jack in the Box.

The Album Is Dropping July 15

The album date is sneaking up on us as we speak. With not a lot of time left until release, we won't have to wait long to hear what j-hope has in store for ARMY. 

j-hope Is The First BTS Member To Release Music During "BTS' Chapter 2"

Though the announcement of Chapter 2 was referred to as "an indefinite hiatus," the septet insisted that they are still very much together — but for now, they're giving themselves a chance to explore and release solo music. 

Shortly after this announcement, j-hope's album release was also announced. Jack in the Box will allow us to see how much the star has grown since the release of his debut mixtape, while also feeding fans with new content.

The First Single Is "MORE"

If the first single is any indication, j-hope is ready to show a new and more mature side of himself. On July 1, the singer dropped "MORE," a alt-rock and hip-hop-tinged song with a dark and moody aesthetic. 

With lyrics that touch on his successful career as an artist, j-hope gets real about how money and fame aren't everything. His emotions are clear through his tone and the visuals, and show great promise for the rest of the project's depth. 

There Are 10 Tracks In Total

As j-hope revealed on July 7, the Jack in the Box tracklist will include 10 songs: "Intro," "Pandora's Box," "MORE," "STOP," "= (Equal Sign)," "Music Box : Reflection," "What if…," "Safety Zone," "Future," and "Arson." 

The singles will be the previously released "MORE" and new track "Arson." The meaning of "Arson" is described as a j-hope experiencing the world outside the box, and choosing which path to take.

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The Album Will Show A Darker Side Of j-hope

In an interview with Weverse Magazine, j-hope divulged his desire to show "an extremely dark, raw side" with his current music. It'll be exciting to see how this manifests through the rest of the album, as we've already seen a glimpse with "More." 

This will be a major contrast from the bright and airy aesthetic j-hope has previously brought in his music, fashion and personality. While Hope World was overall a feel-good project, Jack in the Box can show us just how multi-faceted j-hope truly is.

It's A Departure From The Hip-Hop/Pop Sounds Of j-hope's Past

Though the hip-hop vibes are apparent on the rapper's tracks regardless of genre, this album is a chance for him to experiment with other genres as well. The teaser video j-hope released on Instagram has jazzy beats, which hint at the new sounds we might hear.

j-hope Participated In The Album Concept And Composition

Though we know j-hope is skilled in lyric writing and producing, it's cool to know he worked on composing and conceptualizing his debut album as well. This means that his own flair will be apparent throughout the project, and should be an accurate representation of how the artist has evolved as a soloist.

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He Worked On The Album Cover With KAWS

j-hope announced on his instagram that he worked with designer KAWS on the album cover. In his post, he called KAWS a great collaborator and friend, as the rapper has supported the designer often over the years. Back in 2020, he even displayed KAWS figurines on Twitter  made exclusively to support BLM. 

The Visuals Are Cryptic

There have been loads of fan theories online about what the concept images may mean. From jester hats, black-and-white coloring, checkers, and doors, there's a lot that hints to the theme of the album, also tying into its title. We'll just have to wait and see how it all connects to the lyrics and overall vibe once it drops.

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Jack In The Box Will Only Be Available Digitally

Just as 2018's Hope World never got a physical album release, similarly, Jack in the Box will only be available online and not via CD. Despite the music not having a physical release, there  will still be physical inclusions like photo cards, a card holder, and a scannable QR code to access the album on Weverse. Statements made by HYBE revealed this decision was made to reduce plastic waste and be more eco-friendly.

He'll Make His Solo Festival Debut (And History) At Lollapalooza 2022

j-hope will become the first South Korean artist to headline a major US music festival when he takes the stage at Lollapalooza in Chicago on Sunday, July 31. With the album arriving two weeks prior, it's safe to bet that he'll be performing new songs off of Jack in the Box when he takes the stage. No matter what he has prepared, it's sure to be a hit, and will hopefully lead to more performances in the future — and more exposure for j-hope and BTS as a whole.

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For the past year, BTS fans have been getting a taste of what each member has to offer musically as the group has been on hiatus. And now, it's Jimin's turn.

Jimin's debut EP, FACE, arrived on March 24. The 6-song EP spans genres sonically, and is lyrically both intense and delicate — much like Jimin himself — detailing his sincere feelings from the pandemic. FACE doesn't just tell Jimin's unique story, but it also has personal touches in every way — he had a hand in everything from songwriting to conceptualizing music videos, showcasing his prowess as a solo star. 

Jimin's lead-up to FACE has been feeding the fans at every turn. After collaborating with one of his idols, Big Bang member Taeyang, on "Vibe" in January, and dropping songs once only available on Soundcloud and Youtube, he officially kicked off the FACE chapter with "Set Me Free pt. 2" a week before the EP's release. With the full project now out, it's clear those songs were only a glimpse of what Jimin is truly capable of as a solo act. 

Below, take a look at 5 takeaways from Jimin's highly anticipated debut FACE.

Jimin Was Partially Inspired By Film

For the main track "Like Crazy," Jimin took inspiration from one of his favorite films of the same name. Released in 2011, the film is a romantic drama about a couple from different places falling madly in love in college. They're separated by distance because of visa issues, but consistently find their way back to each other.

Much like the movie, the lyrics of the song touch on the pain of losing oneself. The music video visualizes this storytelling with hazy expressions and visually stimulating scenes.

He Isn't Afraid To Experiment

While "Like Crazy" is a danceable synth-pop record — similar to that of Jimin's BTS roots — the rest of the EP explores several different sounds. "Face Off" is has a trap-soul feel; "Interlude:Dive" is a trance-like transitional track; "Set Me Free pt. 2" has a strong hip-hop beat; and "Alone" is a ballad laced with R&B.

To close out the project, there's an English version of "Like Crazy" that demonstrates Jimin's versatility while also appealing to his global audience. Overall, the EP allows listeners to feel both familiar and new sounds from the singer, ultimately cementing his ability to entrance an audience no matter the tune.

Dance Adds To The Storytelling

As one of the main dancers of BTS, and a master of contemporary dance, it's only natural that Jimin's solo music would be grounded in movement. The music videos for "Like Crazy" and "Set Me Free pt. 2" are very different, but both relate to dance: the former captures a vibe at a club, while the latter focuses on elaborate dance numbers.

There Are Hidden Gems

Though the EP is technically only six songs, the physical version has an additional "hidden" track called "Letter." The song provides an intimacy that stands out from the other FACE tracks, capturing Jimin in his best form.

The lyrics are poignant and vulnerable, as Jimin pleads for someone to stay ("Baby, don't leave/ Just stay by my side, yeah") The biggest surprise, though? Fellow BTS member Jungkook contributes vocals to harmonize with Jimin. 

Jungkook isn't the only BTS bandmate to play a role in FACE, either: Group leader RM co-wrote two tracks, "Face Off" and "Like Crazy."

"Interlude: Dive" also includes a BTS Easter egg, as Jimin included his intro from the group's last concert before their hiatus in Busan, South Korea. Seeing as Busan is also his hometown, it's clear he wanted to pay homage to his roots in more ways than one.

It's An Honest Reflection Of Jimin's Thoughts

Though he may seem delicate at first glance, Jimin demonstrates his unpredictability and willingness to take risks on FACE. He exposes emotions that may be tough to divulge in relatable ways, while also creating music that simply sounds good.

Challenging himself with intense choreography, rapping and bold conceptual choices, Jimin's first solo project proves he's a visionary in his own right. FACE offers an impressive introduction to Jimin's abilities as a solo performer — and a promising one at that.

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As members of BTS gradually enlist in South Korea’s mandatory military service, this new chapter sees the septet focused on individual activities tailored to their best talents. 

After J-Hope’s studio album Jack in the Box, Jung Kook’s collaboration with Charlie Puth on "Left and Right" and the 2022 FIFA World Cup song "Dreamers," Jin’s single "Astronaut," and RM’s debut album Indigo, the next in line to release new music is Jimin. The skilled dancer, new global ambassador for Dior, and owner of an instantly recognizable falsetto just announced his first solo EP, Face, to be out on March 24.

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Jimin was the sole singer on three BTS songs: 2016’s "Lie," 2017’s "Serendipity" and 2020’s "Filter." In 2018, he co-wrote and released "Promise" — his first credited solo work — followed by "Christmas Love" in 2020. In 2022, Jimin collaborated with singer Ha Sung-woon on "With You," a soundtrack to TvN’s drama Our Blues, and in January of this year, he featured on and co-composed the single "Vibe" for Big Bang member Taeyang, which reached No. 76 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. 

While other BTS members already have established solo careers, Face is Jimin’s first full solo effort — one that ARMY eagerly awaited. It’s finally time to discover what colors Jimin will bring forward and what surprises he will deliver on this brand-new path. While you wait, take a look at everything we know about Face so far:

Jimin Co-Wrote Five Of Its Six Tracks

The singer has been steadily developing as both a lyricist and composer, so expectations were high for more credits under his name. Luckily, Face will give us five songs where he participated in the creative process, including the title track "Like Crazy" and its English version.

Bandmate RM also collaborated on the title track and on the opener "Face-off." The album also enlisted a slew of frequent BTS producers such as Pdogg, EVAN and GHSTLOOP.

Jimin Will Face Himself

BigHit Music announced on global fandom life platform Weverse that "Face is all about Jimin facing himself head-on as he gets ready for his next step as a solo artist." Through a press release, they also promised that Jimin "will present his own musicality with distinct timbre and impeccable dance performance."

The Pre-Release Track "Set Me Free Pt.2" Alludes To Agust D’s "Set Me Free"

Not only will fans be blessed with an official title track, but Jimin will also drop the pre-release single "Set Me Free Pt.2" on March 17. The "Pt.2" in the title has fans speculating that it will be a continuation of the 2020 track "Set Me Free" by bandmate Suga (released under his Agust D alias).

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The Concept And Cover Relate To The Resonance Phenomenon

The physical album will come in two versions: Invisible Face and Undefinable Face (plus a special Weverse Albums edition). The cover image preview suggests a shiny, reflective material like a mirror, so that your own face is reflected on the cover. The title, written in bold sans serif, is covered by water ripples. On the bottom of the cover, the sentences "circle of resonance," "reflection of vulnerable minds and unexposed wounds" and "an echo, tremor, and small movement to reach out" invite the listener to dive deeper into the concept.

Resonance is ubiquitous in nature, and occurs when an object's own tone or frequency is intensified by a supplementary vibration. When using the resonance phenomenon to express himself, Jimin hints at how everything that he has gone through led him to today, and how each of his actions ripples towards infinity.

"Promise" And "Christmas Love" Will Be Available On Streaming Platforms

Although they are not an official part of Face, fans will finally be able to listen to Jimin’s first official solo songs, "Promise" and "Christmas Love," on all streaming platforms. 

The release will happen on March 6 — a little treat to make the month-long wait for Face less painful.

Face Is Available For Pre-Order

While there is still some time until the release of Face, you can pre-order the album on Weverse Shop now.

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With the 2023 GRAMMYs less than a month away, excitement is bubbling over in the music community.

Whether you're rooting for innovative newcomers like Wet Leg and Omar Apollo or beloved legends like Beyoncé and ABBA, there is an abundance of spectacular talent to be celebrated this year. And the 2023 GRAMMY nominees are not only leading music, but they’re creatively transforming genres, from rap to alternative to reggae — and beyond.

To let the music speak for itself, stream the official 2023 GRAMMYs playlist, presented in partnership with Amazon Music, which features 115 GRAMMY-nominated songs across pop, rap, country, and beyond from today's stars, including BTS, Harry Styles, Kendrick Lamar, Lizzo, and many, many more.

Get to know this year's nominees by listening to their biggest hits and GRAMMY-nominated works on this immersive Amazon Music playlist — and tune in to CBS and Paramount+ on Sunday, Feb. 5 to experience Music's Biggest Night live.

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It's rare that a genre can be traced back to a single artist or group, but for funk, that was James Brown. The Godfather of Soul coined the phrase and style of playing known as "on the one," where the first downbeat is emphasized, instead of the typical second and fourth beats in pop, soul and other styles. As David Cheal eloquently explains, playing on the one "left space for phrases and riffs, often syncopated around the beat, creating an intricate, interlocking grid which could go on and on." You know a funky bassline when you hear it; its fat chords beg your body to get up and groove.

Brown's 1965 classic, "Papa's Got a Brand New Bag," became one of the first funk hits, and has been endlessly sampled and covered over the years, along with his other groovy tracks. Of course, many other funk acts followed in the '60s, and the genre thrived in the '70s and '80s as the disco craze came and went, and the originators of hip-hop and house music created new music from funk and disco's strong, flexible bones built for dancing.

Legendary funk bassist Bootsy Collins learned the power of the one from playing in Brown's band, and brought it to George Clinton, who created P-funk, an expansive, Afrofuturistic, psychedelic exploration of funk with his various bands and projects, including Parliament-Funkadelic. Both Collins and Clinton remain active and funkin', and have offered their timeless grooves to collabs with younger artists, including Kali Uchis, Silk Sonic, and Omar Apollo; and Kendrick Lamar, Flying Lotus, and Thundercat, respectively.

In the 1980s, electro-funk was born when artists like Afrika Bambaataa, Man Parrish, and Egyptian Lover began making futuristic beats with the Roland TR-808 drum machine — often with robotic vocals distorted through a talk box. A key distinguishing factor of electro-funk is a de-emphasis on vocals, with more phrases than choruses and verses. The sound influenced contemporaneous hip-hop, funk and electronica, along with acts around the globe, while current acts like Chromeo, DJ Stingray, and even Egyptian Lover himself keep electro-funk alive and well.

Today, funk lives in many places, with its heavy bass and syncopated grooves finding way into many nooks and crannies of music. There's nu-disco and boogie funk, nodding back to disco bands with soaring vocals and dance floor-designed instrumentation. G-funk continues to influence Los Angeles hip-hop, with innovative artists like Dam-Funk and Channel Tres bringing the funk and G-funk, into electro territory. Funk and disco-centered '70s revival is definitely having a moment, with acts like Ghost Funk Orchestra and Parcels, while its sparkly sprinklings can be heard in pop from Dua Lipa, Doja Cat, and, in full "Soul Train" character, Silk Sonic. There are also acts making dreamy, atmospheric music with a solid dose of funk, such as Khruangbin’s global sonic collage.

There are many bands that play heavily with funk, creating lush grooves designed to get you moving. Read on for a taste of five current modern funk and nu-disco artists making band-led uptempo funk built for the dance floor. Be sure to press play on the Spotify playlist above, and check out GRAMMY.com's playlist on Apple Music, Amazon Music and Pandora.

Say She She

Aptly self-described as "discodelic soul," Brooklyn-based seven-piece Say She She make dreamy, operatic funk, led by singer-songwriters Nya Gazelle Brown, Piya Malik and Sabrina Mileo Cunningham. Their '70s girl group-inspired vocal harmonies echo, sooth and enchant as they cover poignant topics with feminist flair.

While they’ve been active in the New York scene for a few years, they’ve gained wider acclaim for the irresistible music they began releasing this year, including their debut album, Prism. Their 2022 debut single "Forget Me Not" is an ode to ground-breaking New York art collective Guerilla Girls, and "Norma" is their protest anthem in response to the news that Roe vs. Wade could be (and was) overturned. The band name is a nod to funk legend Nile Rodgers, from the "Le freak, c'est chi" exclamation in Chic's legendary tune "Le Freak."

Moniquea

Moniquea's unique voice oozes confidence, yet invites you in to dance with her to the super funky boogie rhythms. The Pasadena, California artist was raised on funk music; her mom was in a cover band that would play classics like Aretha Franklin’s "Get It Right" and Gladys Knight’s "Love Overboard." Moniquea released her first boogie funk track at 20 and, in 2011, met local producer XL Middelton — a bonafide purveyor of funk. She's been a star artist on his MoFunk Records ever since, and they've collabed on countless tracks, channeling West Coast energy with a heavy dose of G-funk, sunny lyrics and upbeat, roller disco-ready rhythms.

Her latest release is an upbeat nod to classic West Coast funk, produced by Middleton, and follows her February 2022 groovy, collab-filled album, On Repeat.

Shiro Schwarz

Shiro Schwarz is a Mexico City-based duo, consisting of Pammela Rojas and Rafael Marfil, who helped establish a modern funk scene in the richly creative Mexican metropolis. On "Electrify" — originally released in 2016 on Fat Beats Records and reissued in 2021 by MoFunk — Shiro Schwarz's vocals playfully contrast each other, floating over an insistent, upbeat bassline and an '80s throwback electro-funk rhythm with synth flourishes.

Their music manages to be both nostalgic and futuristic — and impossible to sit still to. 2021 single "Be Kind" is sweet, mellow and groovy, perfect chic lounge funk. Shiro Schwarz’s latest track, the joyfully nostalgic "Hey DJ," is a collab with funkstress Saucy Lady and U-Key.

L'Impératrice

L'Impératrice (the empress in French) are a six-piece Parisian group serving an infectiously joyful blend of French pop, nu-disco, funk and psychedelia. Flore Benguigui's vocals are light and dreamy, yet commanding of your attention, while lyrics have a feminist touch.

During their energetic live sets, L'Impératrice members Charles de Boisseguin and Hagni Gwon (keys), David Gaugué (bass), Achille Trocellier (guitar), and Tom Daveau (drums) deliver extended instrumental jam sessions to expand and connect their music. Gaugué emphasizes the thick funky bass, and Benguigui jumps around the stage while sounding like an angel. L’Impératrice’s latest album, 2021’s Tako Tsubo, is a sunny, playful French disco journey.

Franc Moody

Franc Moody's bio fittingly describes their music as "a soul funk and cosmic disco sound." The London outfit was birthed by friends Ned Franc and Jon Moody in the early 2010s, when they were living together and throwing parties in North London's warehouse scene. In 2017, the group grew to six members, including singer and multi-instrumentalist Amber-Simone.

Their music feels at home with other electro-pop bands like fellow Londoners Jungle and Aussie act Parcels. While much of it is upbeat and euphoric, Franc Moody also dips into the more chilled, dreamy realm, such as the vibey, sultry title track from their recently released Into the Ether.

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