“All hail the mighty survivor of hell,” raps J. Cole in “On the Street,” a collaboration with rapper J-Hope of BTS. In early March, it was announced J. Cole and J-Hope would be collaborating, causing commotion amongst fans of both artists.
Since its release, “On the Street” has steadily climbed the Billboard charts. The track earned the no. 1 spot on the R&B/ Hip-Hop Digital Song Sales and the Rap Digital Songs Sales charts. Hope is now the second member of BTS to earn two no. 1 song on the latter chart, tying with bandmate and fellow rapper Suga. According to Billboard, this also marks J. Cole’s best charting song since 2021.
The song is a sentimental reminder of why both artists picked this genre. J-Hope laments that it’s the fans that have carried him to the top. In his verse, Cole explains that his talent is god-given and raps a vaguely existential verse about his future and whether or not he will continue rapping. The track ends with both artists harmonizing, and the video features a sweet moment between the two, meeting up on a rooftop in New York, overlooking the Manhattan Bridge.
An Idol Meets His Muse
As a rapper and K-pop idol in one of the biggest bands in the world, BTS, J-Hope is no stranger to praise or the Billboard charts for that matter. However, Hope saw this as an opportunity to pay homage to perhaps his greatest hip-hop influence, J. Cole. The pair met backstage when Hope headlined Lollapalooza. After J-Hope’s set, In a behind-the-scenes look at the music video, J-Hope expressed his feelings about making music with someone he respects so much.
“When I started listening to music, the first artist I listened to was J. Cole. Being able to work with J. Cole after 10 years as a fan, I’m so happy. It’s just all new, and I still can’t believe it.”
And the feeling is apparently mutual, as J. Cole was the one to reach out to the rapper after their initial meeting. Cole described working with Hope as a “blessing,” pleasing fans of both artists.
It’s A Bittersweet Moment For Army
For those who may not know, South Korean men must serve mandatory military time. This is J-Hope’s, or Hobi as fans lovingly call him, way of saying goodbye for now before he returns as part of the pop sensation BTS in 2025.
Last year, the group’s oldest member Kim Seokjin began his service despite fans, or the army, half-joking about taking his place. And it’s likely when the other members go, they will be met with similar jokes, tears, and well wishes. Getting another Billboard hit for both artists not only further cements them as rap stars but is a full-circle moment for these artists to come together after years of mutual admiration.
You can also check out the video for the track below.
Written by Kimberly Stelly | Letterboxd | Instagram | Twitter
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