BTS’ J-Hope conveys hope and gratitude in lo-fi track ‘on the street’ with American rapper J. Cole, watch music video

j-hope’s bright energy and J. Cole’s heartfelt rapping together create a unique synergy between the two artists.

By Monica Yadav -

March 3, 2023 - 11:20 AM IST

Rapper-producer-songwriter j-hope of 21st century pop icons BTS released a new single “on the street” (with J. Cole) today. The official music video of the song was also revealed on the official YouTube channel. “on the street” (with J. Cole) arrived about seven months after his first official solo album Jack In The Box released in July 2022. The song conveys gratitude and hope as an ode to his fans.

BTS’ J-Hope conveys hope and gratitude in lo-fi track ‘on the street’ with American rapper J. Cole, watch music video

The lo-fi hip-hop track is an earworm with easy-listening melody and warm-hearted lyrics. j-hope participated in the songwriting and the creative process for the choreography and music video, delivering a hopeful message and warmth with the change of season. The song is highlighted by the whistling sound recorded by j-hope himself.

j-hope took the word ‘street’ as a key motif for the song. ‘Street’ can be interpreted as a place where many people’s everyday lives pass by–a metaphor for life. The word also bears special meanings for j-hope as it comes from the genre ‘street dance’ that represents his roots as an artist. Street is where his musical inspirations come from and where he learns lessons of life. It also symbolizes the path he will continue to take with fans around the world.

For the song, j-hope is joined by one of his all-time favorite artists, rapper and producer J. Cole, as a featured artist. j-hope’s bright energy and J. Cole’s heartfelt rapping together create a unique synergy between the two artists.

The music video of “on the street” (with J. Cole) pictures j-hope freely vibing on the streets of New York City. From narrow streets to subway stations and a rooftop, j-hope takes the viewers through moments in life represented on the street. J. Cole also made an appearance in the music video. The music video ends with the two artists’ meeting on the rooftop.

Furthermore, j-hope held a Weverse live outdoors just prior to the release of “on the street” (with J. Cole), introducing and expressing his views about the song. Since the title “on the street” (with J. Cole) suggests his dream and the message of "a path to walk together" with fans around the world, he set out to engage fans in a novel way against the backdrop of the street.

‘On the street’ is set to be revealed on March 3 along with a music video. Last year, j-hope also validated his capability as a creative director by leading all aspects—from music to concept and visual elements—of his solo album, Jack In The Box (July 2022), which addresses his passion and agony he goes through as an artist. In 2022, j-hope made history as the first South Korean act to headline a main stage at Lollapalooza.