Hope World Tracklist
His “calling card to the world,” Hope World is the first solo mixtape released by J-Hope (Jung Hoseok) of Korean pop group BTS.
Colloquially referred to as Hixtape by the ARMY fandom pre-release, the album was released on multiple platforms at midnight (KST) March 2, 2018.
The title is likely a shoutout to J-Cole’s 2011 debut studio album, Cole World: The Sideline Story which J-Hope has previously mentioned as an artistic influence. (For more, see the “Hope World” song bio.)
Consisting of seven tracks, the mixtape spans genres of hip-hop, trap, EDM, futuristic funk, and dance-infused pop.
On March 2, 2018 (KST), BigHit also released a music video for “Daydream” on their official YouTube Channel.
Although released as a mixtape, available for free download in several places, Hope World was also made available for purchase on iTunes and hit #1 in more than 50 countries. This set a new record for hitting number #1 in the most iTunes stores/regions by a Kpop soloist.
J-Hope also released alternative download links 1 via BigHit Official’s Twitter.
“Hope World” Q&A
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Translations
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What has the artist said about the album?
My fantasy had always been making a music video and performing with music that I had created. I also wanted to put my own story to music and share it with the world. [BTS members] RM and SUGA releasing their own mixtapes was the motivation for my own project. I have been and continue to be deeply influenced by them, from the day we began to where we are today, and I always thought it was awesome that they were telling their own personal stories and making music in their own styles. I started dancing first, but felt I could also tell my story through my music. […] I actually don’t preoccupy myself with “I’m going to do this kind of rap in this kind of genre” kind of thinking when I work. I went with and got my beats from what appealed to me, what drew me in and what felt good. The way I work is very on-the-spot flow, and I write the rap and the music as I feel them coming. I drew inspiration for this mixtape from artists like KYLE and Aminé. I also have to mention the heavy influence of Joey Bada$$. These are all artists I highly respect, and I’d love to do projects with them in the future.
—j-hope via TIME
