Active during his pre-debut days as an underground rapper ( Runch Randa ). 13-year-old Nam-joon was already a prodigy in rap, he'd often attended gigs in his hometown Ilcheon and earned a place for himself in the underground scene at an early age, impressing even older underground rappers. He had made a collab with the famous rapper Zico back in 2008, the track can be found on many platforms including YouTube and SoundCloud.
In early 2015, RM earned not only the approval from big names in the Korean Hip-hop scene, but he had also gained respect from the American Hip-hop figure Warren G. The two came together for the track "P.D.D", where RM asks his haters to stay alive to witness his success. The west coast rapper stated in an interview with CJ America, "I couldn’t understand all his lyrics, but I can say that it was very good because his flow, style, and rhythm are all excellent.” He then even went on to say, "When I hear Rap Monster’s songs, it sounds like Snoop Dogg or me rapping with the beats we’ve made.”
On March 4, 2015, RM released a single with Warren G entitled, "P.D.D (Please Don't Die)" ahead of his first solo mixtape RM following an offer by Warren G to collaborate. The track reflected how RM felt towards those who hated and criticized him at the time, which he used to find very upsetting.
That same March, RM collaborated with hip hop project group MFBTY, EE and Dino J on the song "Bucku Bucku". He featured in the song's music video and also had a cameo appearance in a music video for another song by MFBTY, "Bang Diggy Bang Bang".
He released his first solo mixtape in the same year, titled 'RM'. It's a work where Namjoon gives his take hip-hop's influence in his life, the hardships he'd experienced in pursuit of his career, as well as his struggle with self-love and self-acceptance. "Awakening", the third track of the mixtape, talked of his internal conflict between his two identities of "rapper" and "idol", as he had received backlash from the underground Hip-hop community prior to his debut with BTS, claiming that he'd betrayed his roots as a rapper. To this day, the mixtape is considered one of the best works inside the Korean Hip-Hop scene.
Following RM's release, he featured along with Kwon Jin-ah on Primary's "U" that April. In August, RM collaborated with Marvel for Fantastic Four's soundtrack in Korea, releasing the digital single, "Fantastic" featuring Mandy Ventrice.
In August 2016, vocal duo Homme released a single titled "Dilemma", which was co-produced by RM and Bang Si-hyuk.
In 2017 was released the track "Change", a collab between Wale and Rap Monster (RM). The song talks of global violence, the school system, social injustice, and bullying. The two conversed through lyrics, claiming that people were controlled by the higher power and voiced out their wish of a changing world.
In 2018, he came out with a second mixtape named "mono". A project containing a few collaborations (with artists such as HONNE, NELL, eAeon) where Nam-joon experimented with lofi Hip-Hop and ballad. Though different from his previous works, he was still able to showcase his soul-deep lyricism, where he often implemented his skill of using wordplay and metaphors to further reach his listeners. With this mixtape, he continued to explore his own identity and life through a microscope, touching topics like loneliness, self-doubt, longing, and even explored the concept of love and hate. 'mono' proved RM a unique artist of diversity and growth. The mixtape is available on Spotify, iTunes, and SoundCloud. During its first day of release, the mixtape reached high positions on stream platforms, giving RM a profile with verification, resulting in his becoming of a more acknowledged rapper, producer, and songwriter.
In December, RM collaborated on a remix of Fall Out Boy's song "Champion". The track reached number 18 on Billboard's Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles and helped RM reach number 46 on the Emerging Artists Chart for the week of January 8, 2018.
In November, RM also collaborated with Tiger JK on his last and final album under the stage name Drunken Tiger, featuring on the track "Timeless". Tiger JK originally expected RM's lyrics to contain self-praise, which was the trend of rap at the time; RM instead wrote lyrics about leaving behind the historical meaning of Drunken Tiger's name.
A lot of prestigious artists, from South Korea and EUA, found interest in RM and invited him for collaborations. Famous American rappers like Wale and Lil Nas X, even the rock group Fall Out Boy and famous Korean artists like Drunken Tiger and Gaeko.
On March 25, 2019, Honne announced that RM would feature on their remake of "Crying Over You" alongside singer BEKA, which was released on March 27.
The same day, Big Hit Entertainment released the song "Persona" as a trailer for BTS' EP Map of the Soul: Persona, performed as a solo by RM.
In 2019 Lil Nas X called RM for one of the remixes of his hit "Old Town Road". And this collab gave Namjoon and the other BTS members a chance to perform along with Lil Nas X for the first time on the 2019 edition of the Grammy's stage.
On December 29, it was announced that RM would feature on Younha's track "Winter Flower", released on January 6, 2020.
RM also featured on "Don't", the lead single of Korean singer eAeon's second solo album released on April 30, 2021.
BTS, on June 14 2022, announced that they will be taking a break from group activities to focus more on solo projects. RM subsequently appeared as a featured artist on the single "Sexy Nukim" by alt-K-pop group Balming Tiger in September,
RM released his debut solo studio album, Indigo, led by the single "Wild Flower", on December 2. The album peaked at number three on the Billboard 200, making him the highest-charting Korean soloist in chart history.
Change
Rm Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Oh, tell me that wrong could never win the right
Baby, tell me that we gon' some day stop the fight
And tell me that every, everything gon' be alright
Oh, tell me who's stupid, baby, is it me or them?
Just tell me who's insane, baby, is it me or them?
In this crazy world after patience, could we get the pearl?
But this world, which teaches me, preaches me how to curl
Oh, fuck the school
All we got is mad teachers and some visible classes
Divided spaces, and forever lastin' stresses
Everybody's mad, kill people with fingers on Twitter
More than a gun, more than a knife
The tip of your tongue just glitter
Would the pain always win your gain? (Nah)
How could you bet? It's damn checkin' game (yeah)
We're losin' again, homie, we losin' too many things
What should we tell our sons?
You know that they will be the men
Like you and me
If hope is a taste
What is yours, what you eat all day? (What you eat all day?)
And if your love is a game
Are we losin', losin'? Oh
World is gonna change (ooh, ooh, ooh)
World is gonna change (ooh, ooh-ooh)
World is gonna change (ooh, ooh, ooh)
World is gonna change (ooh, ooh-ooh, ooh)
Yeah, yeah, tell me what is really real?
I'm tryna buy a new Ferrari for my newest deal
Baby girl say, "The world really hate us, huh?"
Pray a lot and maybe God give you Saint Laurent
Wish that I could change the world but they hold back
When it's time to go, the people just be mad again
And what if I could change the world with a pen and pad?
When it's time to vote, the people turn to mannequins
Challenge that Namjoon, I'm the man too
I'm out in Chevy Chase, the teachers used to lampoon
I sing songs, haikus over rap tunes, high IQ
Lookin' for a Song Hye Kyo, hey, cutie, yeah
I'm tryin' to keep it a hunnid
Got no faith in the governmentm, that's why we need each other, hey
Laughin' to keep from cryin', Folarin's a rap monster
Bts is the ARMY, now it's on me
I'ma keep the piece until I see some more peace
I'ma keep it G, forever, keep it low-key
Take a trip to South Korea with some DC OGs
Chiefin' OG, I'm chiefin' OG
Hated by Alt-Rights and racist police
Say, woop-woop, man, 12 comin'
They make them kids really freeze, when they say, "Freeze", freeze
World is gonna change (ooh, ooh, ooh) (ah, ah, ahh, ay)
World is gonna change (ooh, ooh-ooh) (ah, ah, ahh)
The world is gonna change (ooh, ooh, ooh) (ah, ah, ahh)
World is gonna change (ooh, ooh-ooh, ooh) (ah, ah, ahh)
The world is gonna change
World is gonna change, world is gonna change
World is gonna change
World is gonna change, world is gonna change
World is gonna change
World is gonna change, the world is gonna change
World is gonna change (ahh)
World is gonna change, the world is gonna change
World is gonna change
Moonz (uh), prayin' for better days for you and I
I see progress via my daughter's eyes (uh)
I think I think too much now and drink too much now
I numb it 'cause I don't wanna cry (uh)
Prayin' for better place for you and I
I see some grass growin' in winter's eyes (uh)
I think I think too much now and drink too much now
To numb it 'cause I don't wanna die
And I believe that real friends love you to no limit (yeah)
I believe that real change lies in the mirror (yeah)
Since I was a lil' one wasn't 'posed to get much status
Now they got they hands up for me like a stick up
So, hands up, hands up like a stick up
Hands up, hands up like a stick up
Since I was a lil' one, wasn't 'posed to get much status
Got they hands up for me like a stick up, check it
Take it day by day, ay, night by night, uh
It's on you and me, if I'm gon' shine
Not stoppin' day by day, night by night, yeah
It's on you and I, Moonz and the ARMY right (my hands up)
The song “Change” by RM is a powerful anthem that addresses societal issues such as racism and inequality. The lyrics are a call to action for people to come together and work towards a better world. The opening lines, “Oh, tell me that dark could never win the light, Oh, tell me that wrong could never win the right” refers to the ongoing struggle against the darkness of prejudice that exists in society. The song goes on to question the state of the world today, “But this world, which teaches me, preaches me how to curl”, highlighting the desperate need for change.
RM then goes on to talk about the education system, and how it is failing young people. He states that “All we got is mad teachers and some visible classes Divided spaces, and forever lastin' stresses”, pointing to the lack of resources and support for students. He also touches on the dangers of social media, “kill people with fingers on Twitter, More than a gun, more than a knife, The tip of your tongue just glitter”. He calls for people to be more mindful and compassionate towards one another, urging them to take action and not just stand by as the world falls apart.
The chorus, “World is gonna change” resonates throughout the song, amplifying the call for change. The song ends on a positive note, with RM expressing his belief that real change starts with self-reflection, “I believe that real change lies in the mirror”. The song encourages listeners to take responsibility for their actions and to work towards a better future for all.
Overall, “Change” is a powerful and thought-provoking song that speaks to the need for unity, compassion, and activism in today’s world.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh, tell me that dark could never win the light
Hope for good to triumph over evil
Oh, tell me that wrong could never win the right
Hope for justice to prevail over injustice
Baby, tell me that we gon' some day stop the fight
Hope for peace and an end to conflict
And tell me that every, everything gon' be alright
Hope for a positive outcome in a difficult situation
Oh, tell me who's stupid, baby, is it me or them?
Questioning intelligence in a world of conflicting ideas
Just tell me who's insane, baby, is it me or them?
Questioning sanity in a world of chaos
In this crazy world after patience, could we get the pearl?
Wondering if patience can lead to a reward in a chaotic world
But this world, which teaches me, preaches me how to curl
The world teaches people to conform to its ways
Oh, fuck the school
Rejecting traditional education methods
All we got is mad teachers and some visible classes
Education system is flawed and insufficient
Divided spaces, and forever lastin' stresses
Society is fragmented and causes long-term stress
Everybody's mad, kill people with fingers on Twitter
Online hate can destroy lives
More than a gun, more than a knife
Words can be just as deadly as physical weapons
The tip of your tongue just glitter
The way you speak can attract attention and make a statement
Would the pain always win your gain? (Nah)
Questioning if pain is necessary for success
How could you bet? It's damn checkin' game (yeah)
Recognizing that life is a game with risks and rewards
We're losin' again, homie, we losin' too many things
Feeling like life is a neverending cycle of loss
What should we tell our sons?
Thinking about what values to teach future generations
You know that they will be the men
Acknowledging the importance of raising the next generation
If hope is a taste
Using hope as a metaphorical flavor
What is yours, what you eat all day? (What you eat all day?)
Questioning what keeps a person hopeful
And if your love is a game
Using love as a metaphorical game
Are we losin', losin'? Oh
Questioning if love is winning or losing
World is gonna change (ooh, ooh, ooh)
Hope for a better future
Yeah, yeah, tell me what is really real?
Questioning what is true in a world of lies
I'm tryna buy a new Ferrari for my newest deal
Desire for material success
Baby girl say, "The world really hate us, huh?"
Acknowledging systemic oppression
Pray a lot and maybe God give you Saint Laurent
Hope for divine intervention
Wish that I could change the world but they hold back
Desire for positive change but facing obstacles
When it's time to go, the people just be mad again
People never seem to be truly content
And what if I could change the world with a pen and pad?
Wondering if creative expression can lead to change
When it's time to vote, the people turn to mannequins
People feel like their voices aren't being heard
Challenge that Namjoon, I'm the man too
Asserting oneself as a leader
I'm out in Chevy Chase, the teachers used to lampoon
Personal reminiscence about past bullying
I sing songs, haikus over rap tunes, high IQ
Expressing oneself creatively and intellectually
Lookin' for a Song Hye Kyo, hey, cutie, yeah
Musing on potential romantic partners
I'm tryin' to keep it a hunnid
Being honest and authentic
Got no faith in the government, that's why we need each other, hey
Recognizing the flaws in the government and the need for community support
Laughin' to keep from cryin'
Using humor as a coping mechanism
Folarin's a rap monster
Asserting oneself as a skilled rapper
Bts is the ARMY, now it's on me
Recognizing the weight of responsibility
I'ma keep the piece until I see some more peace
Promoting non-violence
Take a trip to South Korea with some DC OGs
Musing on a hypothetical scenario
Chiefin' OG, I'm chiefin' OG
Asserting oneself as a leader among peers
Hated by Alt-Rights and racist police
Being a target of hate and discrimination
Say, woop-woop, man, 12 comin'
Warning of the police's arrival
They make them kids really freeze, when they say, "Freeze", freeze
Commenting on the power dynamic between police and citizens
Moonz (uh), prayin' for better days for you and I
Expressing hope for a brighter future for everyone
I see progress via my daughter's eyes (uh)
Finding hope in the next generation
I think I think too much now and drink too much now
Coping with stress through overthinking and drinking
I numb it 'cause I don't wanna cry (uh)
Using substances to avoid emotional pain
Prayin' for better place for you and I
Desire for a better world for everyone
I see some grass growin' in winter's eyes (uh)
Finding hope in a seemingly bleak situation
To numb it 'cause I don't wanna die
Continuing to cope with pain through substance use
And I believe that real friends love you to no limit (yeah)
Believing in unconditional love and support from true friends
I believe that real change lies in the mirror (yeah)
Believing that change starts with oneself
Since I was a lil' one wasn't 'posed to get much status
Growing up with low expectations
Now they got they hands up for me like a stick up
Achieving success and popularity despite low expectations
So, hands up, hands up like a stick up
Celebrating success and urging others to do the same
Take it day by day, ay, night by night, uh
Taking life one step at a time
It's on you and me, if I'm gon' shine
Taking responsibility for one's own success
Not stoppin' day by day, night by night, yeah
Persevering in the face of difficulty
It's on you and I, Moonz and the ARMY right (my hands up)
Working together towards a better future
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Kang Hyo Won, Kim Nam-Joon, Olubowale Victor Akintimehin
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@alejandropada
Te recomiendo otras de Nam:
- Champions Fall Out Boy ft RM
- Todas las de MONO
- Todas las de Índigo
- Smoke Sprite
- Don't
- Do you
- Joker
- Bicycle
- Fantastic
- Winter flower
- Sexy Nukim
- Rap Monster
- Monster
- Crying over you
- RM x Warren G 'P.D.D'
@kayladenae4613
Since there's a lot of non native English speakers who don't understand Wale's part, I'll explain it the best I can
Yeah, tell me what is really real
I'm trying to buy a new Ferrari (an expensive car) for my newest deal
Baby girl say, "The world really hate us, huh?" (this is talking about how his daughter is starting to realize that black people are hated by many)
Pray a lot and maybe God give you Saint Laurent (an expensive clothing line)
Wish that I could change the world but they hold back
When it's time to go the people got me mad again (meaning people hold back when it's time to take action and make a change and it makes him mad)
And what if I could change the world with a pen and pad (meaning changing the world through writing lyrics)
When it's time to vote the people turn to mannequins.. challenge that (meaning that when it was election time not many people participated and voted, they "stayed still" like the mannequin challenge)
Namjoon, I'm the man, too
I'm out in Chevy Chase, the teachers used to lampoon (Wale is from Washington D.C. and Chevy Chase is a nice area there, but he's saying that when he was young his teachers used to mock him probably because they didn't think he'd be successful and live in an area like Chevy Chase. Chevy Chase is also an actor who was in a movie called National Lampoon)
I sing songs, haikus over rap tunes (Haikus are Japanese poems, so his raps are like poetry)
High IQ, looking for a Song Hye Kyo, hey cuuuuutie girl (reference to Namjoon's high IQ; Song Hye Kyo is an actress from Descendants of the Sun and Wale wants a girl like her)
I'm trying to keep it a hunnit ("keep it a hunnit" (or a hundred) is slang for keeping it real)
I got no faith in the government that's why we need each other
Hey, laughing to keep from crying
Folarin's a rap monster, BTS is the army (Folarin is the name of one of Wale's mixtapes which he considers a mix of all the music he makes.. like it represents him as a musician)
That's on me, Imma keep the piece until I see some more peace (a play on words of the phrase "keeping the peace", since there's a lot of conflict, he'll keep his gun until there's no need for it anymore)
Imma keep it G forever, keep it lowkey (G is short for gangster, meaning Wale is always gonna be a gangster, but like.. lowkey..)
Take a trip to South Korea with DC OGs (meaning he went to SK with some of his friends from Washington D.C. OG is short for Original Gangster, but in this case it means his friends)
Chiefing OG, I'm chiefing OG (uhhhhh check Urban Dictionary for this one 😅)
Hated by alt-rights and racist police (In the U.S, Lefts are Democrats/Liberals and Rights are Conservatives/Republicans. Alt-Right are the really conservative people whose views are racist, misogynistic, homophobic, etc.)
Say whoop-whoop man, 12 coming (Whoop-whoop is the sound of police sirens, and 12 is slang for the police)
And make the kids really freeze when they say "freeze!" (referencing police brutality in the U.S. where the police kill young, unarmed black kids for no reason, making them "freeze" (because they're dead))
If anything's unclear, let me know!!
@BTSBEINGBTSYT
CHANGEto15M!
We Can Do This For You, RM!
@BTSBEINGBTSYT
<33
@widysaaja
We did it
@ceeenloud7957
we did it. nothing is impossible.
@kpopcentricsolarsystem8833
WE DID IT UWU
@jurassicpark1289
Thank you for being supportive of RM
@jooniebear0421
Rm has so so many amazing collabs and this is only one of them.
@saralovesbts7
So so true
@alejandropada
TAN DE ACUERDO CONTIGO
@be.the.light.2107
This song could have come out today and it would be relevant and relatable. Respect to both artists!