[Review] HAON’s “Over You”
The High School Rapper winner is finally back with solo work, stepping into the world of RnB for a new, mature sound.
HAON returns with his first solo project in five years. Image: H1GHR Music via Helix Publicity.
The world of Korean hip-hop and RnB is home to a myriad of names and faces: SIK-K, JUSTHIS, Lee Youngji, pH-1, PENOMECO, Jay Park, BIBI, and many more. The name that rose to stardom back in 2018 is Kim Haon — the young winner of the High School Rapper competition at just 17 years old, and the vibrant tongue twister that can be found on KHH album features all across the industry.
HAON drew attention thanks to his intelligent lyricism, his wisdom beyond his years, and his incredible flows, but with just one 2018 EP to his name and a handful of singles, fans have been ravenous for more.
Image: H1GHR Music via Helix Publicity.
And more music is on its way, with HAON releasing “Over You” as the ballad entry into his upcoming full-length album. The track signifies a maturation for the young artist; a move away from the effervescent sound of his teenage years and into one that is much more suited to rhythm and blues than hip-hop.
Traversing new territory
“This single signifies a notable evolution in my musical journey,” says HAON. “While it ventures into new stylistic territories, it remains true to my core ethos of crafting raw and deeply personal narratives through music”. The intimacy he aims to develop in his new projects is clear with “Over You” as the first, which sees the rapper showcase his surprising skill as a vocalist.
Taking a leaf out of the book of his industry brother SIK-K, as well as contemporary artists like Keshi and Colde, the track is softly melodic with stylistically auto tuned vocals. It’s accompanied only by the plucking of electric guitar strings and a stripped back, lo-fi-esque trap beat. This combination allows HAON to highlight his shifting style, drawing listeners in for a warming three minutes.
HAON enthusiastically describes “Over You” as “a perfect accompaniment to the winter season, a harmonious blend of melody and emotion” that lyrically pines over a former lover. Whilst this is a big change from tales of life’s journey in “Boong-Boong” or his well-earned fame and skill brags in “TELÉFONO”, it’s the start of a new chapter for the 23 year old.
“Just as I have grown and evolved, so too have the stories I tell in my music. They have matured, reflecting the nuances of my journey.”
“Over You” is available to listen to on streaming platforms now.
Edited by Chelsea Cheetham.