Album Review: 2 - Bang Yongguk

Bang Yongguk has had quite an extensive career. He started his wild career as an underground rapper and he really made a name for himself in that scene. From there, he was convinced to join an entertainment company where he became the leader of the popular idol group, B.A.P. It was there that he was able to showcase his songwriting and producing skills as he participated in the making of B.A.P's music. After B.A.P disbanded, Yongguk released his solo, self-titled, debut album in 2019. This album was an exploration of himself and his life. It was a personal record that really showcased his softer side. It was an album that would really make a name for himself as an artist. Now, after 3 years, a military enlistment, and forming a one-man company, Bang Yongguk is finally releasing a follow-up record and he's proving to everyone he's better than ever.

Yongguk's 2nd solo release aptly titled [2], spans only 6 tracks but each track takes you on a wild journey. From the wild opener, G.M.T, to the rock-inspired closer, Race, this album has everything you could want. It's got some serious bangers and some songs that showcase his softer side. And as every song was written and produced by him you can really feel the passion that he put into every song. It makes this album a true work of art that demands your attention.

From the beginning, you are dragged into the world of this album on G.M.T where Bang Yongguk states that he's back in the way only Yongguk could. This track really showcases that he really still has it as he raps over some heavy bass and distorted guitars. It's a perfect way to open an album as it has some catchy lyrics and some badassery. He really shows that he's back and he's still got it.

Up serves as the title track of this record and it's a perfect choice. The instrumental has a hip-hop groove with more heavy bass that rings your eardrums a funky piano chord that really makes your head bop. It's a simple backdrop that really lets his rap flows shine. He really takes the mic here as he raps some sexy lyrics. It really showcases his flow and vibe. That's why it makes it a great title track. It's a great way to get people hooked and craving more.

Screwed Up and Shut Up are the softer b-sides that this album has to offer. They prove to be a nice breather from the bangers this album started off with. Screwed Up has a simple, lo-fi hip-hop instrumental that he raps over. He also lets his vocals shine a little bit here which shows him proving himself as an all-rounder. The chorus features a nice harmony that feels like walking into the gates of heaven. The next track, Shut Up, is where his vocals really shine. Yongguk lets his deep and raspy singing voice shine as he sings over a simple instrumental that features a piano and drum. While the lyrics may be a little aggressive as he takes a stab at haters, it's a nice chill track that shows he really can do it all.

The last two tracks close the album the same way it began: With hype. Off is the most serious hip-hop track on this album. It's got the wild synths, heavy 808s, and a flow that is just insane. Yongguk goes full beast mode on this track. His already low-tone rap seems to go even lower which really feels like he means business. The instrumental gets you bopping as the bass reverberates through your body and his flows really take it home. This is certainly a song to make you go wild. Race, the closer, hits you once again with some rock-inspired guitars and atmosphere. It's a song for arenas. This track builds beautifully as the verses give a simple hip-hop drum instrumental that builds to a chorus that has some sick guitar riffs. It closes the album in the most climactic way and leaves you satisfied with what you have just experienced.

Bang Yongguk is a man of many talents. Not only is he a skilled rapper but he's an excellent songwriter and producer. [2] is a comeback record for the books in that regard. He showcases every skill he could possibly have and does it so beautifully. Yongguk ate all the competition up on this record and he left absolutely no crumbs. This is an album you definitely need to experience. It's truly a work of art.

Watch the music video for Up below and stream 2 on your preferred streaming service!