BamBam Shares Thailand With the World on His Solo Evolution

GOT7 member and solo artist BamBam is currently charting an independent course, a journey that has led to his distinct solo sound and a major collaboration with Pharrell Williams‘ JOOPITER auction house. The rapper describes his creative evolution as resisting a single genre, maintaining a recognizable style that is unequivocally his own.

He is expanding his influence through collaborations, including an upcoming JOOPITER auction with mentor Pharrell Williams. BamBam, who sees himself as bridging his two “hometowns” of Korea and Thailand. BamBam spoke with Hypebeast in an exclusive converation during his JOOPITER exhibit, where he revealed some of his most memorable artifacts ahead of the auction. Titled, BamBam: From the Stage and Beyond, the auction coincides with the release of his first-ever Thai album HOMETOWN, giving fans a rare glimpse into his world. From personal artifacts to performance pieces, the auction celebrates him both on and off the stage. In line with the auction, BamBam speaks with Hypebeast about what it is like to create an album that unequivocally spotlights Thailand, sharing some of the most intimate parts of the culture with his fans. Take a look at what he had to say and divulge about working on this album with Pharrell and what it means to him.

Hypebeast: Your solo work has a distinct style that sets it apart from your music with GOT7. How would you describe the evolution of your sound?

BamBam: I feel like I’ve always had my own sounds. I don’t stick to one style, but when you listen to it, people know that this is BamBam.

What was the creative process like, and were there any specific themes or stories you wanted to tell through the new album?

I want people to see the Thailand that Thai people really experience day to day and not just for tourism. So this time, if you look at the music videos and all the concepts, I’m bringing it back to the late ’80s or the early ’90s of Thailand. I don’t go to a famous spot but rather, a local spot, so y’all can see what Thai people really think about Thailand.

The new album Homecoming features productions with Pharrell. You even performed with him during the Vatican City concert. What’s it like working with Pharrell?

It was an honor. It was so special and I just love the process because he’s been around for a really long time and is a living legend. I might be a nobody to him, but he treats me like a younger brother. He taught me a lot of stuff and gave me a lot of good advice.

What are some key pieces that you’re putting up and what did they mean to you?

The black and red fur jacket is my favorite. I made it not too long ago and it represents me now.

As an artist who represents both K-pop and Thailand, what does it mean to you to bridge those two cultures for your fans around the world?

First, I want to say thank you to all the people that let me do this. I think Korea and Thailand have a lot in common. I feel like both places are my hometown, with half of my life in Thailand and half of my life in Korea. It feels like an honor that I can do this.

You’ve built a reputation for being an innovator, both in your music and your projects. What are some of the goals you still hope to achieve, and what do you hope your legacy will be?

There’s a lot. I want to go into acting, and I’ve never been through with it because I’m worried I’m going to mess up in a movie. I also want to walk in a runway once in my life because I just want to see the process. And since my US tour was canceled due to unforseen conditions, and now as a solo artist, I would love to visit the U.S.

The BamBam: From the Stage and Beyondauction ends on October 27.

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