THROWBACK #21: BANG YONGGUK FT YOSEOB- I REMEMBER

Released: August 11th, 2011

Duos like this one rarely exist in K-Pop anymore; with the long-term average of the number of members in a group increasing, it makes more sense schedule-wise to create these special showcases within the same group or respective agency. When a duo does form though, it's almost always going to stir some noise, as was the case with IU and Suga's Eight. The glory days of duos though were in the early 2010s, back when vocals and raps were distinct, yet complimented each other in singles. One of those songs that come to mind is Bang Yongguk and B2ST's Yoseob's I Remember. Yongguk, who at that time had yet to debut with the well-known group B.A.P, was still making a name for himself. His song-writing brilliance and talent is truly present in I Remember, and the result is a track that leaves a profound mark in an era where the Pop in K-Pop started blossoming.

I Remember brings back what loved the most about hip-hop; raw, unfiltered rapping with beautiful vocals to bridge those verses. It also happens to be one of the more sentimental tracks brought forth by a haunting piano melody that echoes itself throughout the entire track. The piano though isn't the only component responsible for powering the engine; Yongguk's soft but husky voice propels the song forward, carrying forth his emotions along the way. All of those sentiments pave way to the chorus, where I Remember truly shines. B2ST's Yoseob is still one of the powerhouse vocals in K-Pop and the decision to feature him was a great one. His singing continues what Yongguk passed on, contributing to the moody nature of the song. The composition accompanied is just as powerful, with a loud but blissful chord progression led by the guitar. The second verse continues to empower Yongguk's story while the bridge unleashes all of those sentiments at once, bringing forth explosive guitar riffs and another sprinkle of vocals to deliver I Remember's climax, before the final chorus properly closes the song with a minor modulation.

I Remember's composition may be simple, but it's heart-felt and written with full desires. It's a wonderful masterpiece that defines Yongguk's journey as a solo artist and the future leader of B.A.P. To be able to write these kind of songs at just the age of 19, and use this experience to eventually guide one of the biggest K-Pop groups into stardom is truly an unprecedented feat. With B.A.P's future unknown though, there are many doors open for Yongguk to return to the artistry that I Remember built.

RATING: 7.65/10