June 28rd, 2023 — Korean hip-hop artist Bryan Chase releases his long-awaited EP album [2U] and the music video for the title-track of the same name, featuring rap star A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, out today via THEBLACKLABEL and Interscope Records.
The title-track “2U” is written by Bryan Chase with production by 24, the lead beat-maker for BLACKPINK and behind the global hits “Ddu-Du Ddu-Du”, and “Pink Venom”. Coupled with a verse from A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, an artist who has topped the Billboard 200 and has collaborated with everyone from Ed Sheeran to Lil Uzi Vert, “2U”’s melodic verses complement each other and the production creates an immersive and cinematic atmosphere.
The music video for “2U” was created by Takayuki Moriya, executive producer of the award-winning Japanese virtual human company Aww Inc., and YKBX, an acclaimed animator and video director. Aww Inc., pioneers in developing virtual and anime IP such as imma, Asia's first virtual human. The state-of-the-art video transports fans into Bryan’s spellbinding multiverse and captures his camaraderie with A Boogie from across the world. It also illustrates the peaceful energy of the track. A message to all the haters, “2U” is about choosing to approach these situations with love and to embrace everyone, despite their desire to see your downfall.
The 6-song EP follows Bryan’s artistic and personal growth, as he explores new sounds and ideas, pushing himself out of his comfort zone. “This album is an embodiment of my deepest thoughts and emotions, my highs and lows, my heaven and hell,” Bryan shared. “This is 2U.” Bryan partook in all of the songwriting throughout the EP with production from BIG BANANA, 24 and his long-time collaborator JUNIORCHEF. The album is executive produced by TEDDY.
It is being released by THEBLACKLABEL, which is home to artists TAEYANG, JEON SOMI, LØREN, Zion.T and Park Bo-Gum, in conjunction with Interscope Records, who’s championed some of hip-hop’s biggest names, including 2Pac, Dr. Dre, Eminem, 50 Cent and Kendrick Lamar. Bryan joins the roster as the only Korean rapper currently on the label.
[2U] marks Bryan’s highly-anticipated return, following a remarkable feature on TAEYANG's 2023 EP, Down to Earth. Bryan’s standout guest verse on the closing track, “Nightfall,” and the accompanying live performance video, left a lasting impression and set the stage for his solo release. Last week, leading up to the EP, Bryan announced his comeback with the pre-release music video for “Restart It”.
Bryan Chase first gained notoriety alongside Korean hip-hop collective, The Cohort, who exploded on the international music scene with people of all backgrounds hailing their tag, “Underwater Squad.” Dominating the blog era with support from the likes of VICE, Complex, The Fader and Hypebeast, The Cohort cultivated the underground rap scene, while demonstrating hip-hop’s cross-cultural powers. Their “No Flex Zone (Remix)" went viral on YouTube and the momentum culminated into a series of releases by The Cohort called [The Last Orcas], released through 88rising. It included Bryan's collaboration with Keith Ape on “Let Us Prey," and singles like “Walkin (Remix)” and “Underwater Bank,” which combined have more than 14M views on YouTube.
Bryan, who was born in Seoul, but grew up between Texas and Virginia, fell in love with hip-hop at an early age and was inspired by the Southern rap scene. [2U] is a culmination of his journey thus far.
Photographs by THEBLACKLABEL
