A contemplation on BTS SUGA’s new album D-Day, and what this means for his alter ego Agust D
By Usraat Fahmidah
BTS member Suga’s Agust D debut mixtape in 2016 marked the beginning of something significant. The mixtape introduced a refreshing concept distinct from the content we typically associate with BTS, unveiling a more personal side of the young rapper during his early 20s. It marked the debut of Suga’s alter-ego, Agust D, granting him the creative freedom to express himself in an unprecedented manner. Thus, Agust D’s journey began.
When the mixtape was released, it stirred up a lot of controversy for being candid, but it also went on to enjoy monumental commercial success despite not being produced to be one, and was officially re-released in 2018.
In a cultural climate where discussing mental health is still burdened by stigma, Agust D fearlessly stepped forward and openly shared his own struggles, marking a groundbreaking move at that time. With candid and daring lyrics about mental health, ambitions and life, the album spoke to many.
The first mixtape made waves back when it was released, and the subsequent installment lived up to expectations as well. Agust D’s second chapter captivated fans to such an extent that it resulted in chart domination, record-breaking achievements, and greater commercial success for the second mixtape.
Suga mentioned that the alter ego Agust D emerged from the young rapper’s deep-seated frustration and anger towards a society that we all intimately experience. Perhaps, this is why the introspective mixtapes and the rapper’s struggle with ambitions and big life questions felt all too relatable.
D-Day is the last we will see of Suga’s alter-ego – Agust D. The rapper is in his 30s now, and has comfortably adjusted to the spotlight. So, when Suga announced the release of D-Day as the final installment in the trilogy, the question emerged: What direction will he take with this concluding album?
D-Day comprises a total of 10 tracks, including the main track Haegeum and the pre-release track People Pt.2 (feat. IU). Undoubtedly, this album showcases an impressive array of artist collaborations, featuring not only his bandmate J-Hope, but also renowned names such as IU, Ryuichi Sakamoto, and Woosung of The Rose. The studio album shines with a distinct level of polish and refinement, setting it apart from his previous mixtapes which had an element of roughness.
It opens with the titular track D-Day, where he delivers the lines: “Future’s gonna be ok/ ok, ok, look at the mirror and I see no pain.” As if to declare that he’s done dwelling on the past.
Amidst an energetic beat, he raps: “The past is gone, the future is far away/ What are you afraid of?/ The past is just the past/ The present is just the present,” symbolizing that this album revolves around his pursuit of resolution. In contrast to his earlier songs where he bared his vulnerability regarding the uncertainty of future, we now witness his liberation from the burdens of dwelling on the past and future. He has finally embraced the present.
The album has tracks connecting the storyline to his previous albums, featuring tracks like “Haegeum” and “People Pt.2 (Feat. IU),” which act as the anticipated follow-ups to the immensely successful songs “Daewchita” and “People.”
The standout tracks from this album are undoubtedly “Amygdala” and “Snooze” (feat. Ryuichi Sakamoto and Woosung). While “Snooze” showcases a remarkable collaboration with various artists, for “Amygdala,” Agust D single-handedly delivers an emotionally powerful performance. Accompanied by a heart-wrenching music video that unveils Suga’s darkest moments, which we see giving birth to Agust D, “Amygdala” leaves us in tears. The video possesses a painfully raw aspect to it and showcases the distinctive flow and rap style that are synonymous with Agust D.
Overall, the album has a contemplative edge that we see in the rest of the tracks in “SDL, Huh?!,” “Polar Night” and “Life Goes On.” We also witness Agust D embracing new skills such as singing and creating emotionally-driven music videos that weave a narrative. This demonstrates his eagerness to explore and break the boundaries of his own creativity as an artist.
What sets this album apart from his previous releases is Suga’s infusion of more storytelling into the overall production of this album, adding a new dimension to his artistic expression.
This artistic growth is also apparent in the thoughtfully crafted lineup of his Agust D world tour, where he captivates the audience with a seamless performance that intricately weaves an emotional narrative, tracing his artistic journey. This unwavering confidence in his artistic expression serves as a testament to his remarkable growth as an artist throughout the years, solidifying his status as a genius artist, storyteller, and musician. Few artists have achieved what Suga has accomplished with the Agust D trilogy.
The allure of Agust D albums lies in the unfiltered and raw music that takes the listener on an introspective journey. D-Day is no exception. When the initial mixtape was released in 2016, we witnessed an artist grappling with his own fame, burdened by struggles that felt familiar to many. However, almost a decade later, we observe the transformation of the artist, Agust D, as he discovers a sense of resolution, apparent in the deliberate and thoughtful production of his latest album.
While my personal preferences lean towards the first two albums, D-Day serves as a perfect conclusion to the Agust D trilogy. But it’s pointless to compare when Agust D stands as his own standard. D-Day marks a bittersweet farewell to Agust D.
Without a shadow of a doubt, whether it’s D-Day or D-2, Agust D’s music will remain timeless, forever resonating with the audience.
