The streak of solo MONSTA X projects has kicked in, and on May 11, 2023, we’ve been blessed with Joohoney’s first set of ethereal Lights concept photos. While this is not the first time the rapper will be venturing onto a solo path of artistic expression, it still marks the start of something new since it’s his first official album entry.
On May 8, his album’s tracklist was also revealed, and he went on to proudly showcase his name written all over the song credits. He’s often composed and produced several songs for MONSTA X albums, some of which have been featured as the title tracks like Gambler. While stepping in as an arranger, composer, producer and lyricist, he’s widely known for his official position as the Kpop act’s main rapper. Yet, his talents don’t cease there. Despite being a ferocious rapper, he’s also a strong vocalist, and the same attribute has been witnessed in his previous solo endeavours – his mixtapes.
As mentioned before, his upcoming album isn’t his first solo rodeo. In 2018, he released DWTD and then in 2020, another one titled Psyche. Yet again, he’s gearing up for a new challenge, but so far, we can only speculate what is in store for us. The first few concept photos present his softer side and a rather delicate look as he donned an all-white outfit against a sunny landscape. His Lights tracklist includes 6 tracks – Hype Energy, Voice, Freedom, Evolution, a Korean-titled track featuring GSoul, and Don’t Worry Be Happy.
On May 10, the “TURN ON THE ‘LIGHTS’ Teaser #1” video gave us a sneak peek into some behind-the-scenes moments of the album production. Therefore, in the coming days, the singer will likely discuss the artistic process that went into making this album, its meaning and the reason behind its release. Among his previously released solo songs, with Smoky, we saw him tap into his more vulnerable emotions, while in Intro (Ambition), he presented his aggressive and beastly rapper persona. On the other hand, his older mixtape’s title track, Red Carpet, depicted his music style on a lighter and more chic scale.
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Therefore, deducing what the new album will sound like is difficult. It can be an amalgamation of all those things, or a completely new and surprising concoction could find its way to us. Regardless of what the palette will present, we know that Joohoney, aka Lee Jooheon, never disappoints, and we’re here for whatever storm he’s brewed this time.
Check Out the Lights Concept Photo Version 1
As per the official scheduler, the next agenda in sight is the concept photo version 2 tone released on May 13, followed by the third and the last set of concept pictures on May 15. On May 17, the “TURN ON THE ‘LIGHTS’ Teaser 2” video will be published, and then on May 18, the titular music video teaser will come out, with the album preview on May 21, a day before the album premiere.
Lee Jooheon’s first solo mini album drops on all music platforms on May 22, 2023, at 6 PM KST. The pre-orders for physical sales are open.
Have your ordered your copy of the rapper’s first official album yet? Let us know your thoughts on his upcoming solo project in the comments below.
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