Jump to content

On the Street

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
"On the Street"
Single by J-Hope and J. Cole
from the album Hope on the Street Vol. 1
Language
  • Korean
  • English
ReleasedMarch 3, 2023 (2023-03-03)
GenreLofi hip hop
Length3:34
LabelBig Hit Music
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)Pdogg
J-Hope singles chronology
"Rush Hour"
(2022) 		"On the Street"
(2023)
J. Cole singles chronology
"Procrastination (Broke)"
(2023) 		"On the Street"
(2023) 		"All My Life"
(2023)
Music video
j-hope 'On The Street (with J. Cole)' on YouTube

"On the Street" is a song by South Korean rapper J-Hope of BTS and American rapper J. Cole. It was released as a digital single through Big Hit Music on March 3, 2023. A lofi hip hop track, the song was written by J-Hope, Cole, and Pdogg, who also served as producer. Lyrically the song is an ode to J-Hope's artistic roots and the intersection of his love for street dance and hip hop. Cole's verse follows a similar theme, detailing his journey as an artist and the evolution of his craft. An accompanying music video shows J-Hope walking and dancing through the streets of New York City then in the Bowery subway station while Cole is seen standing and dancing on the rooftop of a city building.

Described as a "gift" to his fans, the single marked J-Hope's final music release before he began his mandatory military service in April 2023. A solo version of the song without Cole was released in March 2024, as part of J-Hope's first extended play Hope on the Street Vol. 1 (2024).[1]

Background and release

[edit]

J-Hope released his debut solo album Jack in the Box in July 2022. The album debuted at number 17 on the Billboard 200, while both of its singles, "More" and "Arson", debuted on the Billboard Hot 100.[2] He then featured on the single "Rush Hour" by South Korean singer Crush in September, following the latter's completion of his mandatory military service in August.[3] On February 26, 2023, Big Hit Music announced that J-Hope had begun the enlistment process and would be carrying out his own military service soon.[4] Shortly afterwards, the label posted notice of a new single by J-Hope, titled "On The Street", scheduled for release on March 3.[5]

A four-set of teaser photos, featuring J-Hope posing in an alleyway and on the street in New York City,[6] was shared via Big Hit's social media accounts on March 1, 2023—J-Hope also shared the photos on his Instagram.[7][8] American rapper J. Cole's appearance on the song was revealed through a music video teaser uploaded to YouTube on March 2.[9] J-Hope has been a fan of Cole since his youth and throughout his career—he referenced the rapper's Cole World (2011) album and Friday Night Lights (2010) mixtape in his verse on the 2014 BTS song "Hip Hop Lover"[10]— and considers the rapper his "muse", citing him as his musical inspiration on several occasions.[8][10] The two first met at Lollapalooza in July 2022, where they were both headliners.[9][11] In the documentary J-Hope in the Box, which chronicles the creation of Jack in the Box and his preparations for Lollapalooza, J-Hope said that Cole was the artist that made him "dream of becoming a singer".[8][10]

Music and lyrics

[edit]

"On the Street"'s title refers to J-Hope's roots in street dance and symbolizes the path he "will continue to walk together" with his fans.[12] Per a press release from Big Hit, the "street" motif can also be interpreted as a "metaphor for life", as it is "a place where many people's everyday lives pass by".[13] Intended as a "meaningful gift" from J-Hope "to everyone who supports [him as an] artist",[12] the song was co-written by J-Hope, Cole, and Pdogg, who also served as producer.[13] "On the Street" is a lofi hip hop track with "elements of boom bap mixed with a catchy whistle hook"[6] and an "easy-listening melody".[4] Tom Breiham of Stereogum described it as a "pop-rap song" with a "sprightly beat...built on a whistling melody" from J-Hope.[14] Lyrically, it contains "warm-hearted lyrics" and a "hopeful message".[4] J-Hope performs his verse primarily in Korean, with some lines in English.[14]

J-Hope opens the track addressing his fans, singing: "Every time I walk / Every time I run / Every time I move / As always, for us"[15] then later rapping "Even my walk was made of your love and your faith". He talks about growth; giving "his all to be a symbol of hope" for others (the "Every time I hope, as always, for us" line of the chorus); and encourages the listener to "go on hopefully, wherever you walk".[16] Cole's verse follows next and is a "candid, reflective section" that "look[s] back with appreciation on the rapper's journey: 'All hail the mighty survivor of hell…/ Fought tooth and nail/ Just to prevail 'mongst its most ruthless'". He goes on to contemplate his future as an artist, "As the moon jumps over the cow/ I contemplate if I should wait to hand over the crown/ And stick around for a bit longer/ I got a strange type of hunger".[6] J-Hope repeats "the anthemic chorus" to close out the song, and includes a shoutout to Cole World.[6]

Critical reception

[edit]

"On the Street" received generally positive reviews from music critics upon release, with praise for the way J-Hope and Cole complement each other on the track as well as the warm and empowering messages contained within the song. Rhian Daly of NME gave the song a four-star rating in her review for the publication, noting the "more relaxed and looser" nature of the song in comparison to the "darkness" of Jack in the Box. She wrote that the track "feels like J-hope's only concern here is leaving things on a high and showing gratitude for those who have supported him along the way", but opined that his impending military service made the otherwise "dream come true" collaboration "bittersweet", "turning it into a farewell". Daly mentioned Cole's appearance on the track as the latest example of his notoriety as "a feature slayer, famous for his ability to bring a momentary Midas touch to any track", calling it "both that and also something more – perhaps why the release isn't billed as 'featuring' but 'with'". She praised the way the rapper "effortlessly electrified" the "undertones of emotion in the song's whistling melody", complementing J-Hope's "light to [his] shade", but expressed a "desire to see J-Hope use his muse's energy to make his own parts really sizzle."[17] Echoing sentiments similar to Daly's about Cole's feature, Breihan commented that Cole "takes the song seriously, and he treats it the same way he'd treat a feature for YG or Benny the Butcher or Smino."[14]

In her review for Nylon, music writer India Roby described "On the Street" as a "not farewell, but see-you-later-of-sorts" that "encapsulates...feelings of gratitude and empowerment" with both artists "seamlessly flow[ing] and complement[ing] one another". She concluded that while it might possibly be the last song fans would hear from J-Hope for a while, the song "accomplishes one mission: to make sure his appreciation for his fans' support echoes all over the world."[18] Writing for Billboard, Jeff Benjamin commented that "On the Street" is "brimming with gratitude" and "true to both artists' penchant for invigorating and socially conscious messages", and felt that "the song's warm energy is undeniable.[6] Alex Gonzalez of Uproxx described the release as "continuing a fire run of solo bangers" from J-Hope. He felt that the rapper's confidence in his "fresh solo era" coupled with his desire "to share that joy with the world" and "the song's breezy, empowering beat" made it feel like "years of dreams wrapped inside of a beautiful package."[19] GMA Network's Nika Roque called the song "smooth yet emotional", J-Hope's lyrics "heartwarming" and "comforting", and Cole's verses "equally moving".[16]

Commercial performance

[edit]

"On the Street" sold 5,728 downloads on its opening day in Japan and debuted atop the March 3, 2023 issue of Oricon daily Digital Singles Chart.[20] It ranked at number two on its second day with a further 1,316 downloads sold.[21] Despite being released partway through an ongoing tracking week (February 27–March 5, 2023), the song debuted at number two on the weekly issue of the Digital chart dated March 13, having sold 7,702 cumulative copies during its first three days of availability.[22] According to Billboard Japan, the song was the second most-downloaded track of the week[23] and J-Hope reentered the domestic Artist 100 chart at number 79.[24]

J-Hope earned his first top-40 entry in the UK, while Cole earned his ninth,[25] following "On the Street"'s debut at number 37 on the UK Singles Chart.[26] This made him the highest-charting Korean soloist in the history of the chart, surpassing previous record-holder bandmate Jungkook who peaked at number 41 with Charlie Puth on "Left and Right";[27] J-Hope is the first member of BTS to reach the top-40 as a soloist.[25] The song was the second most-downloaded track of its release week and the second best-selling single overall.[28][29]

In the United States, "On the Street" debuted at number 60 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking J-Hope's fourth and highest entry on the chart;[27] he previously peaked at number 81 with "Chicken Noodle Soup" in 2019.[30] It was the second best-selling song of the week in the country[27] and J-Hope reentered the Artist 100 at number 31.[31] The song also debuted on the corresponding issues of the Billboard Global 200 and Global Excl. US charts, dated March 18, 2023, at number 16.[32][33]

Music video

[edit]

A 40-second long video teaser preceded the music video on March 2, 2023. Uploaded to the Hybe Labels YouTube channel, the clip opened with a shot of J-Hope from behind, walking atop the roof of a city building. The camera then panned to the side to show Cole leaning against a ledge on the same rooftop waiting for him. Both rappers gazed into the distance at the cityscape while the "whistling of a melodic tune" played in the background as the camera panned upwards to the skyline. The song's title and Cole's name appeared at the end.[9][34]

Filmed in New York City,[6] the music video was released simultaneously alongside the single on March 3, 2023. It opens with J-Hope in an alleyway "high-fiving a kid before the melody starts".[18] He walks and dances through the city's streets singing and rapping as the video progresses. Interspersed with his scenes are shots of Cole on the rooftop of a city building with the Manhattan Bridge behind him. J-Hope then enters the Bowery subway station[18] as Cole begins rapping his verses, and dances freestyle on an empty platform. He exits the subway as the song winds down and the visual fades to black. A bonus end-scene shows J-Hope meeting Cole atop the rooftop and the two "exchanging pleasantries", reminiscent of the scene from the teaser, before again fading to black.[19][16]

Accolades

[edit]

Though J-Hope did not appear on any domestic television music programs to promote the song, "On the Street" was nominated for first place on the March 9, 2023, episode of M Countdown, alongside "Teddy Bear" by STAYC, and won.[35] The song achieved a second consecutive win on the March 16 episode, against "Set Me Free" by Twice.[36] It also won the weekly Melon Popularity Award for the third week of March, ending March 20.[37] The song was later nominated in the Best Music (Spring) category at the Fact Music Awards,[38] and for Best Rap & Hip Hop Performance and Song of the Year at the 2023 MAMA Awards.[39]

Charts

[edit]

Release history

[edit]
Release dates and formats for "On the Street"
Region Date Format(s) Label Ref.
Various March 3, 2023
Big Hit [10]
Italy March 17, 2023 Radio airplay Universal [61]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Martin, Annie (February 26, 2024). "J-Hope shares 'Hope on the Street Vol. 1' highlight medley". United Press International. Archived from the original on March 30, 2024. Retrieved February 26, 2024.
  2. ^ Yeo, Gladys (July 26, 2022). "J-Hope's 'Jack In The Box' debuts within top 20 on Billboard 200". NME. Archived from the original on July 26, 2022. Retrieved February 26, 2023.
  3. ^ Mier, Tomás (September 22, 2022). "BTS' J-Hope Joins Crush for His First Single Since Military Service, 'Rush Hour'". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on September 22, 2022. Retrieved October 4, 2022.
  4. ^ a b c Garcia, Thania (February 26, 2023). "BTS' J-Hope to Begin Military Service, Sets Out to Release New Solo Hip-Hop Single". Variety. Archived from the original on February 26, 2023. Retrieved March 2, 2023.
  5. ^ Wilkes, Emma (February 26, 2023). "BTS' J-hope to release new solo single later this week". NME. Archived from the original on February 26, 2023. Retrieved February 26, 2023.
  6. ^ a b c d e f Benjamin, Jeff (March 3, 2023). "BTS' J-Hope & J. Cole Reflect on Careers for 'On the Street': Watch the Meaningful Hip-Hop Collaboration". Billboard. Archived from the original on March 3, 2023. Retrieved March 3, 2023.
  7. ^ Lee, Yoo-na (March 2, 2023). '軍 입대 절차' BTS 제이홉, 솔로 싱글 '온 더 스트리트' 감성 공개 ['Military enlistment process' BTS J-Hope, solo single 'On the Street' emotional release]. Sports Chosun (in Korean). Archived from the original on March 3, 2023. Retrieved March 2, 2023 – via Naver.
  8. ^ a b c Romualdi, Melissa (March 2, 2023). "BTS' J-Hope To Release Final Single, Featuring J. Cole, Before Military Service". ET Canada. Archived from the original on March 3, 2023. Retrieved March 2, 2023.
  9. ^ a b c Rossignol, Derrick (March 2, 2023). "The Ultimate Hip-Hop/K-Pop J Summit Is Coming As J. Cole And BTS' J-Hope Announce A Collaboration". Uproxx. Archived from the original on March 2, 2023. Retrieved March 2, 2023.
  10. ^ a b c d Espinoza, Joshua (March 3, 2023). "J. Cole Joins J-Hope for BTS Member's New Song and Video "On the Street"". Complex. Archived from the original on March 3, 2023. Retrieved March 3, 2023.
  11. ^ Butkovic, Leanne (August 1, 2022). "'I'm Fully Prepared': Inside J-Hope's Lollapalooza Performance". Vulture. Archived from the original on August 1, 2022. Retrieved March 2, 2023.
  12. ^ a b Iasimone, Ashley (February 26, 2023). "BTS' J-Hope Begins Military Enlistment Process, Announces Solo Single 'On the Street'". Billboard. Archived from the original on February 27, 2023. Retrieved March 2, 2023.
  13. ^ a b Caraan, Sophie (March 3, 2023). "BTS' J-Hope Tags J. Cole for New Single "on the street"". Hypebeast.com. Archived from the original on March 3, 2023. Retrieved March 3, 2023.
  14. ^ a b c Breihan, Tom (March 3, 2023). "J-Hope & J. Cole – "On The Street"". Stereogum. Archived from the original on March 3, 2023. Retrieved May 22, 2023.
  15. ^ Zhan, Jennifer (March 3, 2023). "J-Hope Drops New Music Video With His Muse, J. Cole". Vulture. Archived from the original on March 3, 2023. Retrieved March 3, 2023.
  16. ^ a b c Roque, Nika (March 3, 2023). "J-Hope from BTS' new single 'on the street' feels like the best guidance". GMA Network. Archived from the original on March 3, 2023. Retrieved March 3, 2023.
  17. ^ Daly, Rhian (March 3, 2023). "J-hope fulfils another fantasy with his J. Cole collab 'On The Street'". NME. Archived from the original on March 3, 2023. Retrieved March 3, 2023.
  18. ^ a b c Roby, India (March 3, 2023). "J-hope's "On The Street" Thanks Fans For All They've Done". Nylon. Archived from the original on March 4, 2023. Retrieved March 4, 2023.
  19. ^ a b Gonzalez, Alex (March 3, 2023). "J-Hope Manifests Years Of Dreams With His New J. Cole Collab, 'On The Street'". Uproxx. Archived from the original on March 3, 2023. Retrieved March 3, 2023.
  20. ^ デイリー デジタルシングル (単曲) ランキング 2023年03月03日付 [Daily Digital Single (Single Song) Ranking dated March 3, 2023] (in Japanese). Oricon. Archived from the original on March 4, 2023. Retrieved March 9, 2023.
  21. ^ デイリー デジタルシングル (単曲) ランキング 2023年03月04日付 [Daily Digital Single (Single Song) Ranking dated March 4, 2023] (in Japanese). Oricon. Archived from the original on March 5, 2023. Retrieved March 9, 2023.
  22. ^ a b 週間 デジタルシングル (単曲) ランキング 2023年03月13日付 (2023年02月27日～2023年03月05日) [Weekly Digital Single (Single Song) Ranking dated March 13, 2023 (February 27, 2023–March 5, 2023)] (in Japanese). Oricon. Archived from the original on March 8, 2023. Retrieved March 7, 2023.
  23. ^ "Billboard Japan Download Songs [March 8, 2023 公開]". Billboard Japan (in Japanese). Archived from the original on March 8, 2023. Retrieved March 8, 2023.
  24. ^ "Billboard Japan Artist 100 [2023/03/08 公開]". Billboard Japan (in Japanese). Archived from the original on March 9, 2023. Retrieved March 9, 2023.
  25. ^ a b Griffiths, George (March 10, 2023). "J-Hope becomes first BTS member to sink solo UK Top 40 entry with On The Street with J Cole". Official Charts. Archived from the original on March 10, 2023. Retrieved March 13, 2023.
  26. ^ Brandle, Lars (March 13, 2023). "J-Hope Becomes First Solo BTS Member to Crack U.K. Top 40". Billboard. Archived from the original on March 13, 2023. Retrieved March 13, 2023.
  27. ^ a b c Hwang, You-mi (March 14, 2023). "[Today's K-pop] BTS' J-Hope hits Billboard Hot 100 at No. 60 with solo song". The Korea Herald. Archived from the original on March 14, 2023. Retrieved March 14, 2023.
  28. ^ "Official Singles Downloads Chart Top 100 (10 March 2023 - 16 March 2023)". Official Charts. Archived from the original on March 14, 2023. Retrieved March 14, 2023.
  29. ^ "Official Singles Sales Chart Top 100 (10 March 2023 - 16 March 2023)". Official Charts. Archived from the original on March 14, 2023. Retrieved March 14, 2023.
  30. ^ Benjamin, Jeff (October 7, 2019). "J-Hope Becomes First BTS Member to Hit Hot 100 Solo with 'Chicken Noodle Soup' Alongside Becky G". Billboard. Archived from the original on October 8, 2019. Retrieved October 11, 2019.
  31. ^ "Artist 100 (Week of March 18, 2023". Billboard. Archived from the original on March 14, 2023. Retrieved March 14, 2023.
  32. ^ "Billboard Global 200 (Week of March 18, 2023". Billboard. Archived from the original on March 14, 2023. Retrieved March 15, 2023.
  33. ^ "Billboard Global Excl. US (Week of March 18, 2023". Billboard. Archived from the original on March 14, 2023. Retrieved March 15, 2023.
  34. ^ Almazan, Faye (March 2, 2023). "BTS J-hope's upcoming single, 'on the street,' to feature J. Cole". GMA Network. Archived from the original on March 2, 2023. Retrieved March 3, 2023.
  35. ^ Kim, Soo-hyung (March 9, 2023). 제이홉, 온유→니콜. 황민현 등 막강한 솔로✭컴백 속 출연없이 1위 ('엠카') [종합] [J-Hope, Onew → Nicole. Hwang Min-hyun and other strong solo comebacks. First place without appearing on "M Countdown" [Summary]]. Osen (in Korean). Archived from the original on March 10, 2023. Retrieved March 9, 2023 – via Naver.
  36. ^ Lee, Ji-hyun (March 16, 2023). '입대' 제이홉, 트와이스 제치고 '엠카' 2주 연속 1위[★밤TView] ['Enlisted' J-Hope beats TWICE, wins first place on "M Countdown" for two consecutive weeks [★Night TVview]]. Star News (in Korean). Archived from the original on March 16, 2023. Retrieved March 16, 2023 – via Naver.
  37. ^ 주간 인기상 [Weekly Popularity Award]. Melon (in Korean). Archived from the original on March 20, 2023. Retrieved March 20, 2023. (Note: Scroll down to the section labelled 3.20 3월 3주차 멜론 주간인기상 TOP 20, which translates to "Top 20 Melon Weekly Popularity Award for the 3rd week of March")
  38. ^ "TMA Best Music (Spring)". en.fannstar.tf.co.kr. Archived from the original on April 14, 2023. Retrieved April 14, 2023.
  39. ^ Ziwei, Puah (October 19, 2023). "MAMA Awards 2023: Jungkook, (G)I-DLE, SEVENTEEN and Jisoo lead nominations". NME. Archived from the original on October 19, 2023. Retrieved October 19, 2023.
  40. ^ "The ARIA Report: Week Commencing 13 March 2023". The ARIA Report. No. 1723. Australian Recording Industry Association. March 13, 2023. p. 4.
  41. ^ "J Cole Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved March 14, 2023.
  42. ^ "J Cole Chart History (Global 200)". Billboard. Retrieved March 14, 2023.
  43. ^ "Official IFPI Charts – Digital Singles Chart (International) Week: 10/2023". IFPI Greece. Archived from the original on March 16, 2023. Retrieved May 13, 2023.
  44. ^ "Archívum – Slágerlisták – MAHASZ" (in Hungarian). Single (track) Top 40 lista. Magyar Hanglemezkiadók Szövetsége. Retrieved March 17, 2023.
  45. ^ "IMI International Top 20 Singles for week ending 13th March 2023 | Week 10 of 52". IMIcharts.com. Archived from the original on March 15, 2023. Retrieved March 15, 2023.
  46. ^ "IRMA – Irish Charts". Irish Recorded Music Association. Retrieved March 11, 2023.
  47. ^ "J Cole Chart History (Japan Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved March 17, 2023.
  48. ^ "2023 10-os savaitės klausomiausi (Top 100)" (in Lithuanian). AGATA. March 10, 2023. Retrieved March 11, 2023.
  49. ^ "Dutch Single Tip 11/03/2023". dutchcharts.nl (in Dutch). Retrieved March 11, 2023.
  50. ^ "NZ Hot Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. March 13, 2023. Retrieved March 11, 2023.
  51. ^ "j-hope with J. Cole – On the Street". AFP Top 100 Singles. Retrieved March 21, 2023.
  52. ^ "RIAS Top Charts Week10 (3 - 9 Mar 2023)". RIAS. Archived from the original on March 14, 2023. Retrieved March 14, 2023.
  53. ^ "Digital Chart – Week 12 of 2023". Circle Chart (in Korean). Retrieved March 30, 2023.
  54. ^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved March 10, 2023.
  55. ^ "Official Hip Hop and R&B Singles Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved March 14, 2023.
  56. ^ "J Cole Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved March 14, 2023.
  57. ^ "J Cole Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved March 14, 2023.
  58. ^ "J. Cole Chart History (Billboard Vietnam Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved March 17, 2023.
  59. ^ "Digital Chart – March 2023". Circle Chart (in Korean). Retrieved April 12, 2022.
  60. ^ "Digital Chart 2023". Circle Chart. Retrieved January 12, 2024.
  61. ^ Fusi, Eleonora (13 March 2023). "j-hope, J. Cole - on the street (Radio Date: 17-03-2023)". EarOne (in Italian). Archived from the original on March 28, 2023. Retrieved July 9, 2023.
[edit]
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=On_the_Street&oldid=1242745246"