박혜진 Park Hye Jin – Before I Die
박혜진 Park Hye Jin shows why she's one of 2021's most in-demand artists with an intricate and emotive debut album
Blood Orange, Clams Casino and Nosaj Thing are all among the list of artists 박혜진 Park Hye Jin has collaborated with over the last year, since the release of her second EP – and first release on Ninja Tune – How can I. Returning to the label, the South Korean-born, LA-based producer, rapper, singer and DJ demonstrates exactly why she's one of the most in-demand artists around on her debut album, Before I Die.
The album’s tracks generally take a similar form, with sung choruses made up of short, repeated phrases and verses delivered in Hye Jin’s signature mumble rap style, switching between English and Korean throughout. While the album’s first half leans towards a more mellow, jazz-tinged sound though, by Whatchu Doin Later the production takes a heavier turn and the pace begins to pick up.
Hints of early TNGHT and SOPHIE influences can be heard on Never Give Up and Can I Get Your Number, and the beat on Sex With ME (DEFG) is about as filthy as the lyrics. I Need You and i jus wanna be happy, on the other hand, play out like lullabies in comparison.
Although fairly simple in its lyrical content, it’s in the intricacies of the album’s emotive production where 박혜진 Park Hye Jin’s talents really shine. Before I Die firmly establishes Hye Jin’s multifaceted sound and crafts a mood that feels very of the moment.
Listen to: I Need You, Never Give Up