HONG KONG—Renowned for his critically acclaimed contributions as an experimental hip-hop producer and a percussionist for iconic Filipino bands Kjwan and Kapatid, the Hong Kong-based maestro of beats and rhymes, J-Hoon, makes a triumphant return with his sophomore opus, “Noodles II”.
Within this 14-track offering, J-Hoon eloquently chronicles a decade’s worth of firsthand experiences observing social turbulence, unrest, and apprehension in his beloved hometown, Hong Kong—a city grappling with the challenge of maintaining its autonomy in the face of shifting political tides. This eclectic hip-hop odyssey also serves as a vessel for the multitalented artist to candidly share his personal insights on life and culture, traversing back and forth between Hong Kong and distant cities that lie miles away from his origins.
Image Courtesy of Sony Music.
“In lyrical form, it’s a tapestry of narratives, commentaries, and contemplations stemming from my life in Hong Kong,” reveals J-Hoon. “You might consider it my poetic homage to this bustling city, an artistic unraveling of its splendors and blemishes amid the backdrop of political turmoil. The tone is that of a diary, deeply introspective; I hadn’t realized I’d muster the courage to lay bare my encounters, where tales and emotions occasionally take the reins. Writing, for the most part, becomes cathartic and restorative, and I found immense joy undertaking this journey in my own time.”
“Noodles II” unveils a more refined facet of J-Hoon’s musicality, fusing hip-hop, boom bap, jazz, trap, neo-soul, IDM, and electronic soundscapes. The melodies possess a looser cadence, and the songs are audibly more unbridled compared to his debut work. Yet, the allure of “Noodles II” lies in its capacity for intimacy and liberated energy, exploring musical landscapes that transcend genres, epochs, and locations while steering towards a more playful trajectory.
Image Courtesy of Sony Music.
“This time around, I transitioned to using Ableton and MPD from AKAI,” shares the versatile hip-hop enthusiast. “The approach significantly varies from my debut, as I lean toward embracing simpler structures and gravitating more towards the classic hip-hop blueprint. Additionally, I’ve incorporated genuine keys in several tracks—a novel addition. The overall vibe harkens back to the analog and lo-fi hip-hop of my upbringing. However, rather than polishing to perfection, I endeavored to retain that raw, carefree spirit within this album.”
“Noodles II” follows the blueprint set by its predecessor, “Noodles I,” J-Hoon’s inaugural album from over a decade ago. This sophomore venture encompasses collaborations with several Asian producers, including Manila’s own Chi Capulong and Justin De Guzman (JDG), Guangzhou’s Pete Chen, and Seoul’s Noden and Chillingcat. J-Hoon also synergizes with rappers and MCs from diverse corners of the region—Rebelman from Guangzhou, Noyz134 and Hour Tan from Kuala Lumpur, So Wada from Tokyo, and Mattforce, YoungQueenz, and MouseFx from SensiLion in Hong Kong.
Image Courtesy of Sony Music.
As J-Hoon aptly delineates the communal essence of “Noodles II,” “In a sense, all these experiences and personas comprise a bowl of Noodles where you have the broth and noodles, yet it’s augmented with an array of ingredients, cultures, and flavors merging to yield a novel yet familiar taste.
In the past month, J-Hoon unveiled the soulful anthem “Lei Ho Leng,” where he rhymes about the pursuit of flawlessness at the expense of dimming the radiance within one’s heart—a concept known as “true” beauty. Over soul-stirring keys and vintage, dusty grooves, the Hong Kong-based rap virtuoso unfurls a tune exuding sumptuous subtlety and sophistication.
Other notable gems on the album encompass “Paradise,” birthed during a tumultuous phase in his life marked by transitioning between disquieted cities; the collaboration with Yehaiyahan titled “Reality,” a mirror reflecting the tapestry of truths across continents and landscapes; and the jazzy ode “Modern Li Bai,” a heartfelt homage to the legendary poet sharing its name.
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