How I felt about B.I's HIPHOPPLAYA Interview

On July 9, Youtube Channel HIPHOPPLAYA uploaded a 13minute interview video with artist, B.I — who will be holding his Fan Meet event soon in Manila.  He talks about his first album, his collab with Soulja Boy, his take on Kpop and HipHop and a lot of other things that will trigger a lot of emotions.

The intro cut was edited to show somewhat “controversial” statements that are probably connected to what has happened to him in the past or how he started as an idol and songwriter.  I was in the car while watching this and did not expect a roller coaster of emotions along with my hangover.

B.I opens the interview by introducing himself and sharing how the process for Waterfall came about. Waterfall is the first full length album he released after his hiatus.  He opened up about how he didn't know if he still wanted to be a singer and how he got out of that rut after finding out that there were still people waiting for his music.  He said that he had to make this album even if it's just for one person.  

That particular statement made me feel all sorts of relief.  Being baby ID (B.I's fandom name) I am still processing everything that happened to him.  From that time when he was still a trainee up until today.  Imagine what a roller coaster ride it has been for me for the past few weeks.  Hearing him say this makes me feel thankful towards the people that stayed with him all throughout the ordeal he had to go to.  Give yourselves a pat on the back because we got B.I back because of that.

When he said he really had a poor environment when he was making the songs, this reminded me of that Filipino (street slang) saying "Wala sa Pana yan, nasa Indian yan" (rough translation/meaning would be it's not in the tools, it's the person who uses the tools) -- I realized Hanbin (B.I's real name) is truly an artist.  

The rest of the story of how the Waterfull album came about was both a heartbreaking and proud moment for me.  It was heartbreaking because everything that happened to him was still fresh to me being a baby ID and all.  It was also a proud moment because the story was truly a testament of how he used his life experience to get back up again, stronger and better. 

A lot of the thoughts and feelings he shared during the interview made me remember his WIN and MIX&MATCH era.  For those who have watched the both reality shows, I think you would agree when I say that he truly deserves to make songs only according to how he feels and how he wants.  He is an artist after all. Hanbin believes that this album had the highest quality --- and indeed it does.

He also shared how it was for him when he was doing both Show Me The Money 3 and Mix&Match and how it was a hard time for him.  He opened up about using his Show Me The Money hit song "BE I" as an inspiration and take off point in making the songs for the Waterfall album.

He also opened up about not having friends and that he had to change and meet new people to help him with his music.  From this part, I had to pause and and take it all in.  If you watch the whole interview, you will get what I mean. 

With B.I’s Manila Fan Meet just around the corner, ID’s emotions are at an all time high.  If you miss Hanbin (not that we lack content  -- i mean there are fancams of him being uploaded left and right) I would suggest to watch this because this will make you fall in love with him even more.  However, if you're not in a good headspace --- you might want to wait for a few days before watching because I assure you --- it will make you cry.

- L

You can watch the full interview here: