UK RAP FANS react to RM Wildflower , First reaction

[@SLiPinBoise]

RM originally stood for RapMonster but he changed it to RealMe as he said he realized that he was no “monster” (as understood in a bad term). Namjoon has said he enjoys biking to work but I assume he can do that as wearing masks is not uncommon. He is known as one of the poets of BTS. Always has great lyrics. The is a video of him discussing the meaning of each song in this album Indigo. It is a great watch. ARMY has been known to respect their privacy by not taking or posting photos when they are seen on vacation or non-official time. Jin asked that ARMY not show up for his entrance ceremony when he enlisted and there is a video of reporters talking about how they were surprised his fans ARMY actually listened. In the past, there would be a huge gathering when any idol entered and Jin wanted to make sure it was safe for both the fans and the families of the others enlisting. J-Hope asked for the same. One of many reasons we love and respect them. The is a video of ARMY surprising them by singing one of their songs (Forever Young) at Wembley stadium. Glad you seem to be enjoying their songs. It will be awhile I think before you are at the “scratching the surface” level. I could go on and on about the members but this just a bit too long already. Lol. Have fun!💜💜💜

[@a.k.a.b-hope1088]

RM is a lyrical genius and a master of double entendre and wordplay both in Korean and English. This is a beautiful uplifting poetic song.

[@dl7596]

a.k.a.b-hope1088, "RM is a lyrical genius and a master of double entendre"

[@jenniferrassart3054]

He wants to be a wildflower, grounded to the floor instead of a firework in the spotlight. It's about him wanting to just to poetry, writing songs, performing but be in the limelight all the time and have the negative aspects of fame. He wants to be his true self. It's about him finding a good balance between RM, the performer and Kim Namjoon, an average human being.

[@stardustkitty28]

It's really great that you picked up on his fixation with his "end", they've mentioned several times how they struggled to find new goals when they keep unexpectedly reaching the "impossible" goals they set before, like at first they just wanted to debut, then wanted to win a small weekly music show award then maybe an end-of-year grand prize (they were the first group from a non-Big 3 company in Korea to win a grand prize!), then maybe get nominated in the US and even for the Grammys. I can't imagine the feeling of getting to the top of the mountain and realizing there's even higher mountains you're pressured to climb, you have to prove and outdo yourself cause people are doubting you so you can't just be a one-hit wonder. Oh and hey! There's actually dozens of groups who are now making it their goal to beat you! They're your friends and your peers but they've declared that they want to win those same awards that you have. So not only do you have to absolutely climb that higher mountain but you have to beat your competitors. It's really sad actually cause RM said himself that at some point, after their burst in popularity due to Dynamite and Butter, that the group had lost its direction trying to pursue so many higher things. I too would ask myself, I just climbed that fucking mountain dude, when do I get to actually stop and just enjoy the scenery?

[@menohero_menovillian]

I want to add on that it's also the government and the country that they have on their shoulders. When the country deems you as an ambassador for their country, that's a lot of pressure. You can't let your country down. I don't think they care as much about "competitors". I feel like they try to help lesser known Korean artists get some spotlight. for one, they want to be a mentor to the new generation and help them the way they wanted to be helped and guided when they were up and coming, but didn't have that guidance; and two, so that someone else can take some of the spotlight so that they don't have to have so much pressure. I think at this point, they just want to do music they love. Music they love doesn't always mean being able to chart and get results. It's usually the more general public friendly songs that will get all the popularity and chart well. RM's Indigo is a perfect example. It's a masterpiece, but it hasn't even broken 1million in album sales. whereas some other songs, although good and fun, but doesn't have the depth of Indigo, but still charted much better and sold more copies.

[@stardustkitty28]

@@menohero_menovillian super agree! Re. The competitors line, I was thinking more about the expectations of the company and the industry on them being the “top group” but I super agree that they themselves aren’t even driven by that. I left another comment before this saying the same thing in relation to the fame and shackles line. Like they’ve been very consistent about their message and how they embody that, but their success has led to so many titles that they didn’t even ask for. I’m sure they’re good people and they would’ve continued to be good people, but they’ve come to a point where they (and very specifically RM himself) are being judged based on unfair standards when they just wanted to make good music, ya know? Sometimes when I listen to Wildflower (pretty much all RM’s songs), I kinda feel guilty that I’m enjoying a song that was made from RM’s pain 😭

[@RideAndRhyme]

Some great points. A lot of people become the victim of their own success - you are criticised for any song that doesn't reach the previous heights you set which is just unsustainable. Thanks for the insights!

[@HailToTheMeep]

Commenting on this comment to bump it up. Such excellent points I’ve struggled to verbalise myself but feel in the depth of my being.

[@dl7596]

@@RideAndRhyme RideAndRhyme, "Thanks for the insights!"

[@biru-kelabu-0821]

1. His entire album "Indigo" is a delight. It takes you on a journey of genres. Eight out of ten songs have featured artists and they are each perfect for the song and genre. RM, an art enthusiast, really acts like a curator of his album, making sure each song and each feature fits his vision. 2. Now that they've achieved everything they dreamed of and more, their current goal is longevity, doing music as BTS for as long as they can, and everybody seems to be on the same page in this. When they talk about their reunion in 2025 after completing their military service, you can see the enthusiasm from all of them. 3. However, there was a time that they did seem lost and burned out. When they announced (in their FESTA Dinner 2022 video) that they were going to take a break from group music and focus on solo projects, RM said he didn't know where to go from there as BTS and that they needed the rest. We also see them actively searching for answers, like when they had conversations with veteran artists. Genuinely interesting conversations, such as RM and Pharrell on Rolling Stones, Suga and Ryuichi Sakamoto or veteran artists on his talkshow Suchwita. I'm glad that they seem to have found their answers now. The experience they gain from their solo projects has allowed them to grow and developed as artists and rekindled their passion for music. 4. Since you want to see J-hope without a feature, "Arson" tackles a similar theme, i.e. what do I do after all this success? And then "More" answers the question. Suga also has the song "Interlude: Shadow" that talks about the dark side of fame and success.

[@HailToTheMeep]

He and many adult “idols” have to wish themselves a lovely night. They are always alone. There is never anyone there. All their fans are free to move on with their lives, meet someone, marry, have children, while they are forever frozen in time, obliged to be whatever others want them to be, their fans, their company, their company’s shareholders ….

[@HailToTheMeep]

Apparently those Korean traditional fireworks, that stream gently down on him, is called Fireflowers …? Someone had to be flown across the country to set them alight apparently. The Wildflower title is a compromise they say because the Korean word play wouldn’t have worked (“flower works”)

[@englishrose7408]

"My start was poetry, my one and only strength and dream that protected me so far." In this song and the album as a whole, RM reflects on the struggles and success he has achieved in his twenties and how he wants to stay true to his roots and communicate through his lyrics despite the pressure of success.

[@bl00dFairy]

I freaking love this song it's so emotional, and so raw. You are right he does do play on words and this song has deep meaning. "The song is about RM's struggles with fame and his desire to be true to himself. He wishes to let go of the pressure to perform and reclaim his identity. The lyrics also touch on the theme of chasing dreams and the pain and isolation that often comes with it. The chorus, sung by Youjeen represents RM's desire to shine like a flower in the sky and be true to himself." In a video RM talked about how fireworks shine so brightly then disappear so quickly. Wildflower conveys his desire to live like a humble and tranqiil wildflower rather than a flamboyant flame that burns out quickly.

[@B16pal]

Personally, my favorite RM songs are from his 2018 "Mono" mixtape: "Everything goes" and "UhGood".... "EverythingGoes" is a calming reminder that bad times will pass, and "Uhgood" is a play on language (the Korean word that is pronounced "uhgood" means the opposite of what it sounds like as an English word) that symbolizes RMs internal struggle between who he is in reality and his idealized sense of self he holds in his mind... RM created the new word 'flowerwork' to symbolize what he now wants from his career as an artist - not to burn brightly and then quickly flame out like a firework in the sky; but instead to grow steadily and bloom like a flower, anchored to the ground...He seeks a long and steady, but ever-growing, beautiful career in his artistry

[@stardustkitty28]

Sorry for spamming, but I just wanted to express my appreciation for you both! Just reacting and actually taking meaning from the music on first watch is in itself is already such a feat, it takes me so much time to even absorb and let alone process new things. But aside from that, I've seen from your previous videos (sorry I'm not usually a habitual commenter) that you're both very earnest and respectful. Even if you may not like the sound of a song--which is not really avoidable, of course!--I can see that you don't just easily dismiss their music, something that was painstakingly created by another human. Anyway, hope you guys are doing well and wishing you both the best!

[@RideAndRhyme]

Thanks you so much and no need to apologise for spamming. Loved the intelligent comment you left!

[@lizruork7877]

Wildflower is the title track of his solo album indigo. It’s a reflection on his twenties; 10 tracks in 10 genres with some amazing collab’s… RM is the intellectual poet of BTS .. he does travel around Korea by train, visiting museums and taking photographs and army typically do follow the army’s rule of not approaching the members in public ( this has broken down recently with some of the younger ones) RM was an underground rapper performing from 13 years old… took a lot of abuse from that community when he joined big hit…. And that fueled the groups drive to be artists in the midst of the industry of K-pop… Youjeen is the 45 year old lead singer of the Korean Indy rock group Cherry filter…

[@Luthien3333]

the whole indigo album is a masterpiece, so good, it was supposed to be his last project before enlisting so i interpreted the line 'ah i'll return someday' to be partially about his upcoming military service but that's just my interpretation

[@laurenm.6320]

I would never approach or take pictures of BTS on their personal time. ❤ However, even if we all behaved that way, fame is still no joke, I couldn’t handle it and would never want to try.

[@laurenm.6320]

I forgot to add that is one of my very favorite BTS solo songs. It’s gorgeous and real. RM is a genius.

[@laurenm.6320]

You may enjoy ARMY singing Young Forever to BTS at Wembley in 2019.

[@JoSedunary]

Same 💜

[@stardustkitty28]

I think the line about fame becoming shackles was more due to the fact that as BTS became more and more famous, there were more and more expectations placed on them unfairly. Imagine just wanting to do music but then as they kept succeeding, they became pretty much THE face of a whole country and the fore-runners of its soft power (they became presidential envoys, spoke at the UN General Assembly 3x, became UNICEF ambassadors, became the face of KPOP etc). Like their heart and the messages they try to send through their music is well-meaning, no question about that, but they're basically at the point now where they're treading a landmine and they don't have map to look at for guidance, and any single tiny thing could be a bomb that would reflect on their country or this industry as a whole just because they're successful. Even an Instagram story from RM sharing music becomes a whole scandal, when he wasn't even the one who wrote the damn song! So it makes sense that RM wants to be free from his desire for success when all success has done is to shackle him

[@gigilovesdior]

Amazing reaction, thank you for all the care and attention with the lyrics

[@jenniferrassart3054]

He's a lyricist and a poet. He lives for his music. He doesn't want to retire yet. I'm told the fanbase is 50 million. He did an interesting interview with Pharell Williams. You should check it out.

[@pambarab5506]

In Korean, wildflower and firework is close to the same word. Would you rather be a firework that brightens the sky for a short time or a wildflower that blooms beautifully and quietly in the fields but reseeds itself for the next blooming season. OR the made up word "flowerworks" which combines both.

[@mayrarueda654]

Rm es un genio ❤

[@ccx7004]

I love how much you two could take from this, your conversations were brilliant. I’ve been in a field like that too, his expression of total serenity and genuine peace was very relatable! Fun fact: RM as a child first wanted to be a poet before he discovered music.

[@OT7_DopeOldARMY]

1) If you are ARMY, you live by the following: "If you see a BTS member in the wild, no you didn't." 2) The BTS members work very hard at staying humble. They check each other. On a Suchwita episode, SUGA talked about it with Big Bang member (and an idol (and senior, or "sunbae") for all of the BTS members) - how imporatant they felt it was to remain humble and grounded and they really work at it. 3) The original title of this song was "Flowerwork." They were concerned that it would be confusing with that title since that word doesn't exist in English.

[@norhayati5573]

I'm still live by rm

[@EclipsedJT]

You should really check out the whole indigo discography even if you don’t film your reactions! The whole album is SO GOOD! Anyways, thank you for your reaction again and can’t wait for you guys to react to more BTS and jimin ☺️

[@ericweinman9447]

I would like to chime in on the "when your dreams devour you" line. In the early 2010's when RM got started, the dream of being a successful Idol would have involved a popular rise, southeast Asian fandom, followed by what RM termed in the song a beautiful fall. Idols previously never had had truly global 10-year careers with no seeming end. Most who were successful performed for a few years and were destined to recede out of the true spotlight as new younger groups would replace them in the public's eye. RM being from a small company would have set his dreams in this way hoping as popularity shifted to be less engaged being a busy highly promoted Idol. So I think his exceeding his dreams, ultimately accepting the hardships and trappings of global game, choked off his expectations for the future and hence the second half of his dreams. He wanted to move forward as a poet/artist having had a successful Idol career. This did not happen but as seemingly the other BTS group members felt similarly, albeit with the caveat of reuniting in the future, BTS opened their second chapter exploring their individual artistries. They have reinvented what it means to have a beautiful fall dream based on unexpected success to their original dream.

[@MistikButterfly]

The way I enjoyed this reaction! Your way of analyzing the song through conversation is awesome! 💜 👑 💜 ☝️😌 Subscribed! You won't regret the Guide. BTS is NOT what you think it is 😁

[@RideAndRhyme]

Awesome! Thank you for subbing 😊

[@eileencritchley4630]

There's a word play in the song title Wild Flower as flower work and Firework they are extremely similar words in Korean. RM love's nature. There's element to this song about him wanting to remain 'Grounded/rooted' like the wild flower rooted in the soil and blooming for a longer time verse's the beautiful display of a Fireworks which explode in glorious colours but last for second's or minutes if you're lucky. He doesn't want to have his 'head stuck in the sky' or explode into glorious colour that only lasts for a minute in time.

[@gargi996]

You really need to check out this whole album, all features smash! It has features from Erikah badu and Anderson paak too!

[@ismotjahan6583]

This song is a masterpiece...and after you know Namjoon more (for example in Rise of Bangtan series where you'll get to see his thoughts and struggles from the beginning) this song hits hard. Thank You for reacting to it! As always you guys say or point out something which I don't realise before even though I watch something 100 times. That's why I love watching reaction videos. So many perspective and so many new things to learn.

[@wmk0945]

RM used to stand for Rap Monster now it stands for Real Me cause he outgrew the first meaning. he is the main writer in bts although they all partecipate. he is very versatile in styles, he likes to try new sounds and genres. he really has a great talent in writing and he's been recognized for it. this song is the title from his latest solo work "indigo". there's a lot of depth to the person (kim namjoon) and it tranpires in his music

[@menohero_menovillian]

RM is a poet and intellectual. His album Indigo is brilliant if you watch his interview where he explains the story behind each song and how it came to be. I feel like he's slept on as an artist. I love all 7 BTS members. They are all very talented, but it breaks my heart that RM doesn't get the recognition he deserves. It's still mind boggling to me that Indigo hasn't passed 1mill sales yet. Honestly, i think it's Grammy nomination worthy, but with the low sales, i guess it won't be happening.

[@ann-archist7172]

RM came from underground rap. When he decided to stick with BTS as an idol group, he imagined a 7 years ( their contract length) with some moderate success and then he would have been in his mid 20's and then move on. Instead they became an unstoppable juggernaut. They all struggled with the fame and discussed disbanding. The lovely night and the beautiful fall he talks about is hoping for gentle landing instead of a crash from the heights of fame

[@probittreys9954]

NEED U TO REACT ALL THE SONGS IN HIS ALBUM!! SERIOUSLY MASTERPIECE!!

[@WonderingWildWanderingRose]

Really enjoyed your conversations working through the lyrics. You made some good connections that many discovering BTS/members don't. You had good insights for people with limited actual knowledge of the group, its members of its history. I look forward to more as you learn more about BTS/members.

[@zee_an]

You got Jin broo.. Please react to Jin too💜🙏

[@anakay1394]

A friend recommended this video and it was very cool to see the discussion around the lyrics and the video! Armys in general tend to deep dive into BTS videos a lot, but it's always really nice to see their words reach more people who appreciate the beauty and depth of their work. Just in case if you'd like to explore more, RM had a mixtape/playlist/album called mono. One of the most beautiful music I have come across in a while (Seoul, everythingoes, and Forever Rain are my favorites). His solo songs from BTS albums also have really cool lyrics. Persona from Map of The Soul: Persona is also another take related on fame but focuses more on the kind of artist RM wants to be for the fans. Thanks for sharing this interesting discussion!

[@jenniferrassart3054]

Het also did a sobg 'Yun' with Erykah Badu and 'Still Life' with Anderson Paak. He did a song''Change' with Wale when he was younger. His song 'Bycicle' is beautiful too. He has no driver license (yet) and is always riding hiss bike to work. His song 'Don't ever say you love me' woth Colde is beautifull too. If you want hard and fast rap (you'll have to pause consrantly to be able to read the lyrics 😅) I suggest 'Joke' and 'Do You'.

[@jenniferrassart3054]

I'm sorry for the typing errors...

[@JenAvaShei]

You may already know that but purple is the official color of BTS and Army. So the fact that he uses the color for the image you noticed is not a coincidence ;)

[@AlexaOleksa]

11:52 artists in any medium, always have to reinvent themselves. Also in RM case and BTS this solo period and military enlistment became a good opportunity to do it. To discover themselves as individual artists, to take a break and to set new goals. And we see that they love eachother and want to be together and with army for many years to come. We also saw how over last couple years they became more vocal and honest in voicing their opinions. Which also angers a lot of haters

[@eileencritchley4630]

Also Purple is the colour of the fandom ARMY. so you'll see purple hearts and the term Borahue.

[@jenniferrassart3054]

You should check his Mono mixtape. It"s from 2018 bu it' still gorgeous. He was going to depression at that moment. Many of the lyrics are sad but oh so beautiful.

[@AlexaOleksa]

05:40 it's not only about respect of a fanbase. It is more how people it particular space react. Cause in cities like New York and London it is common to see celebs taking subway, and on the streets, so people most of the time mind their business. (If they are not tourists, or paparazi or whoever) i was in NYC and saw couple celebs, no one payed attention to them. Also BTS has a different level of fame than Keanu, not that he is less famous, not at all, it's that bts has different level of clout and attract more delusional people, everyone wants piece of them or get them into scandal. The hype is different. No one wants to defame Keanu, but people constantly, every day want to defame and destroy bts. I can't even count how many attempts were since i became army in 2019. People even try to make scandal out of the thing that RM posted song Bad Religion and they accused him of islamophobia, and week ago they tried to make scandal over the video some stalkers took of JK smoking outside of restaurant.

[@leona614]

Love it! Thanks for your reaction💜

[@Kristal01]

for me ..all the solo album from bts members which is so great to check out from 1 to the end ..thats such a good songs and all have their own story and style.for RM i'd say wild flower and closer..you have to watch his live performance

[@eileencritchley4630]

YouJeen is part of the the South Korean Rock Band Cherry Filter.

[@carolynacra2197]

J hope and also Jin from the missing member ❤

[@purpleskiesforever]

One of my favorite albums of all time. Mainly because of how diverse and awesome it is. For JHope, the song 'More' is a must. Also, Youjeen is the lead singer of a K-Rock band, Cherry Filter.

[@JoSedunary]

They've all released solo works knowing that by the end of the year they will all enlist into the military, if they want to be done and reuniting in 2025. Their inspirations will change once they're all finished and 2025 will prove to be Chapter 2 of BTS and it will be very interesting to see which direction musically they go.

[@nataliacastillo1003]

Su forma de expresarse es una locura. De verdad que es una persona extraordinaria. Excelente canción

[@HailToTheMeep]

IF there is any “guide” or “intro” to BTS you are checking out, please check out one by Rice Squad and xCeleste. Many will recommend one by Taylor because she is a BTS ARMY. But so is xCeleste. Taylor focuses too much on their personalities and the intro feels so much like a love letter to BTS which is lovely, but as a new fan myself I am hungry for more hard facts especially musically. Thanks for this enjoyable video!

[@livuniverse]

for RM you can also check 'Still Life' and Lonely(This last one doesn't have a video but I really love that song) also you need to react to Jin from BTS: 'The astronaut', 'Epiphany', 'Abyss'. He is in the military now, but The astronaut was a song he did for the BTS ARMY before he went to the military. You can watch the official video and also the performance live at a Coldplay concert in Argentina, that concert was a magical moment for ARMY. I'm also waiting for JHope reaction 'On the street', 'More' and 'Arson'. P.S. Purple is the color of BTS and Army =)

[@eileencritchley4630]

The Kpop Industry it cut throat. There are more group debuting every year I mean 100's but most don't pass the 100days after debute.

[@anitaherbert1037]

Why have you not listened to the 3 Rappers of the Rap line do CYPHERS 1,2,3, and 4 that will allow you to hear RM properly Rap. Wildflower is from INDIGO an experimental album. Each track a different genre. CHANGE is a drunken disaffected exposition on the inevitability of change.. whereas STILL LIFE is a great catchy and a great music video.

[@livuniverse]

The guy on the left should only do reactions when he's not tired since seeing him yawn gives me the feeling that he finds the song boring even if he says he likes it.

[@rapperthv]

Guys next please checkout tae's tiny desk it's very good💜

[@anitaherbert1037]

J Hope do ARSON or More

[@judyburgess3357]

RM did a tiny desk concert and You jeen sang this song with him.

[@eileencritchley4630]

Can I ask as this has been bugging me a lot. Where you or are involved with the Japanese car club scene?

[@RideAndRhyme]

Hahah we really want to know why you’d think so?

[@eileencritchley4630]

@@RideAndRhyme Only it's been bugging me as you look like 2 guys I met via the Japanese club scene a few years ago. I'm a member of a Japanese Car Club.

[@Borahaeb2013]

For JHOPE, do 1VERSE firstly 🙏

[@Borahaeb2013]

It’s how you’ll get a true introduction to his flow style

[@johntran3232]

They wear mask because of fan I think cuz like they are crazy