JOOHONEY of MONSTA X is back with a powerhouse second mini album 光 (INSANITY) that features some incredible collaborations, bound to pack a punch that's sure to knock fans out.
光 (INSANITY) is framed to be one of his most authentic and fearless projects yet, as it is built on the concept that “Only by going mad do you truly shine.” It encourages listeners to embrace creative freedom, no matter how aloof it may seem, to truly reach the destiny they were meant for. JOOHONEY channels both instinct and emotion, represented by the dual forces of “madness (狂)” and “light (光).”
With 光 (INSANITY), he enters this fresh new era, demonstrating his vast sonic capabilities that saw him contribute to this project in the avenues of writing and composing, moulding it to represent the message without fault.
At the heart of the album lies a legendary track and iconic collaboration. Joining him in the ring is Muhammad Ali as one of the several jaw-dropping features this record boasts. ‘STING (Feat. Muhammad Ali)’ is a fusion of pop and hip-hop, which sees JOOHONEY overpowering pain with sheer motivation and grit. Throughout his career, JOOHONEY has come to embody the “bee”, fast and potent, and ‘STING (Feat. Muhammad Ali)’ hones that identity to perfection. Featuring Ali’s iconic line, “I’m gonna float like a butterfly, sting like a bee,” the track fuses JOOHONEY’s personal story with its bold, fierce energy.
Another noteworthy collaboration is with REI of IVE on the track ‘Push’, which draws on unveiling the flaws and cracks threatening a relationship. The track plunges into a personal exploration that balances the unwavering responsibility that JOOHONEY has developed after years in the spotlight with the restless youth that he channels. REI brings the track an element of softness between blistering rap verses, further driving home the juxtaposition and eventual fusion between his raw, untamed energy and his polished, seasoned artistry.
JOOHONEY also joins forces with Tiger JK on ‘Touch the Sky’, which rises with unstoppable drive, pushing boundaries and ascending toward a limitless determination that knows no bounds. Beyond the three tracks featuring collaborations, the four remaining tracks help to complete the vision that JOOHONEY aimed to paint with this record. ‘Gwang’ blurs the line between light and madness, while ‘Fear’ channels anxiety into raw, intense energy. ‘Bite’ unleashes raw, unfiltered desire, while ‘NO BRAIN NO PAIN’ closes the album in a haunting calm after the storm of emotions.
With 光 (INSANITY), JOOHONEY completely comes into his own as an all-rounded rapper, singer, producer, and director, creating each track that converges on a brilliant light attainable only through absolute determination. He pushes himself to his limits and emerges with renewed purpose, charting a fearless path forward that signals the next chapter of his musical evolution.
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