D-2, the second mixtape by Agust D, the pseudonym of BTS' Suga. One of the best records released in 2020, a mix of trap, hip-hop, rock, pop, and R&B that evince why Min Yoongi is one of the best artists of our generation.
"저 달 Moonlight", an upbeat track, opens the album reflecting on how things are always changing
"Changes are fated to happen to everyone. Perhaps, it is how we change that is our karma to bear". Change is inevitable, what matters is how we change
In this track, he travels through his career as a musician questioning his own abilities and success, ending up coming to the conclusion that all he can do is keep going on hoping what he's doing is what he is meant to be doing.
"A lot has changed but that moonlight is still the same" resume pretty well what is the main topic and concept of the mixtape - how it feels to be Agust D in the present time with reflective lyrics that raise many questions about society.
"대취타 DAECHWITA" was the best choice for the lead single. And it's quite genius the way this song was built to pass a clear message.
Using traditional Korean elements, sampling the sound of a real Daechwita - the music that is played during the ceremonial walk of the King - he is stating "I'm the king, I'm the boss" but also has the intention to controvert critics that claim BTS are "westernizing" themselves and forgetting where they come from.
Suga said the song is a sort of trap for his haters. Which worked since this song got a lot of haters mad for his subtle non-addressed critics.
Imagine being a BTS hater and then listening to the next track "어떻게 생각해? What Do You Think"... men, I'd feel embarrassed and constrained. He raps about his success while rhetorical asking "What do you think?", a clear sting to the haters.
The song is quite controversial - addressing topics like BTS' military enlistment which people like do debate a lot about, even though they always left clear they will obviously enlist when duty calls. Calling out people who use their name for clout and fame, and also the unaddressed strong disses and critics which left a lot of people mad thinking it might have been about them.
He said that despite the aggressive tone on this track, he doesn't carry anymore hate regarding these topics. He thought over and over again about releasing it or not, even the company was worried about the lyrics which went through a couple of revisions, but in the end, Bang PD just said "Just do what you wanna do"
"이상하지않은가 Strange" no one else could collaborate in this song if not RM due to its intense lyrics and message that cover topics from economic inequality, disapproval to war/peace commentary.
A philosophical discussion expressing concerns about certain aspects that have become "normal" in society and the loneliness that can come from thinking differently.
Yoongi commented, "In my personal opinion, it’s often better for those who have such influence on others to be wary of loudly voicing their biased views."
The song "점점 어른이 되나봐 28" ft NiiHWA is one of the reasons why I look up to him. These lyrics been hunting my mind in the form of thoughts and concern since real life hit me "I breathe but seems like my heart is broken. Now I become an adult who finds it hard to catch my dream. And that's growing up"
The Korean title translates to "Seems Like I'm Becoming an Adult" which reflects a melancholic and downhearted feeling to the contemplation present in the song about the consequences that come along with adulthood.
"Burn It" ft. MAX references BTS' track "Outro: Tear" with MAX vocals giving the song the perfect R&B feeling.
Another powerful reflective track that discusses the conflict with your past self as life changes over time. Wanting to burn down your past to ashes but in the end "we don't know if there's be ashes left or will it remain the same".
"사람 People" is a song that everything appeals to it - the lyrics, the instrumentals, production, his rap's flow, and also vocals in the chorus. One of the favorites among the general public and also one of Suga's favorite.
The track with remarkable lyrics like "Who said that man is an animal of wisdom but I can see that it is an animal of regret", reflects on the human changing nature and people's relationship with one another.
"혼술 Honsool" I only gave this song a couple of listens since the production and rhythm is not my cup of tea, however, it hits hard when you listen in the right mood. The title translates to "drinking alone" here he narrates the bittersweet feeling he feels at the end of a day.
"Interlude: Set me free" feels like a cry for help, both figurative and literal (having in mind the current pandemic), an urge to escape the monotony of some days. I think that it translates to the overall concept of the mixtape.
"어땠을까 Dear my friend" ft. Kim Jong Wan of NELL closes the album.
It left me hanging with a short breath and a lump in my throat deep in my thoughts and memories. A vulnerable song that even though carries his own personal experience can be deeply relatable for a lot of us.
The Korean title ‘어땠을까’ translates to ‘what would it be’ agreeing upon the concept of the song is nostalgia and regretfulness, not necessarily hate. Recalling an old friend who ended up in jail he questions himself what would've been if certain things were different.
About the way this record is built and the diversity presented on it, Suga simply said "It’s more that I made the music I wanted to make, rather than fixating on attempting something new. I’m not too picky on genre or crossovers between them. What’s good is good, and it’s up to the listeners to judge. I just do what I want to do."
This album has been on repeat ever since its release on May 22. An unrepeatable record with acid lyrics accompanied by his distinctive flow and vocals. Every song is unique but all of them complement each other and scream AGUST D. Making it more appealing is the sympathizable lyrics which leads to a deep reflection on your own life, even if the songs are about Yoongi.
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