REVIEW - BTS '2 Kool 4 Skool'

I previously reviewed BTS’ latest effort and talked about the members’ musicianship, but it’s not like that word hasn’t been related to them since the beginning. So now I’m going to review their debut single album, ‘2 Kool 4 Skool.’

The barely 1-minute-long intro is a collaboration between leader RM and DJ Friz who does some hip hop scratching to set the mood. It tells you this is going to be a hip hop record, and that is partially true; however, what is also true about BTS is that they are not the type to be stuck to limits in their music.

The first full song is “We Are Bulletproof pt.2” which is a hip hop track in which all members rap or sing in a hip hop fashion, even Jin, who is known by his sweet voice, is felt pretty aggressive here. The lyrics directed to the haters who underestimated them and the intensity and power of the chorus hits you straight to the face. A special mention to the closure, filled with heavy electro-trap horns that make this track the most memorable.

"No More Dream" starts with a dense bass that helps building the tension towards the rapping. In here, they move from the haters to "all the youngsters without dreams." The song is a wake up call to them, who sometimes are irresponsible, without a plan for their future, just wasting their time. In here they tell them to stand on your feet and do something for your life, in a very enthusiastic way, not to say aggressively. Jungkook's versatility shines in here since we hear him rap in the verses and sing in the chorus. From the bass line in the beginning, the intense rapping, the message, and the catchy chorus, this song will remain as a favorite forever.

After a string-driven instrumental interlude, we get to the third and final "normal" song of the record, "I Like It." It is an early example of how BTS have never been able to stay in a comfort zone. They need to move, they need to push themselves. After all the aggression of the previous two tracks, we get to listen to the members softer voices in this R&B where Jin, Jongkkook, and Jimin shine more in the melodic department. We even catch glimpses of Jimin's peculiar voice technique developed in later albums. The song lets you relax relaying in the voices of the members and, of course, even the rap fits in the whole ambient.

The album ends up with the first of what would later become a series of "cyphers", in which they improvise some rap lines. The track is recorded live in the studio and you even hear them teasing each other. What makes this cypher special is the fun nature surrounding it, and the participation of the vocal line in it. So you get to hear V, Jin, and Jimin rapping; even though not very seriously, of course. I think it is something special since one gets to know the member's interactions better.

Even though some signature elements of the group, like V's deep voice or Jimin's high notes are missing here, still this record foresees what was going to come for them. Intense music; inspirational, somewhat edgy lyrics; music experimentation and more. This is album is highly recommended if you want to explore BTS's roots, or just want to listen to a great hip hop record.

You can check out my review on the musicianship of their latest album here:

https://steemit.com/music/@jairosanchez/review-bts-love-yourself-tear