Loco Got Cut From BTS Lineup, But He’s Now Collaborating With Jimin
Loco nearly debuted as a BTS member?!
We can’t imagine any other BTS lineup than the one we have now, as RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook make up the dream team. Yet, before they debuted, several other trainees in BigHit Entertainment nearly made the final cut of the BTS lineup. One of these was Loco.
Loco reportedly auditioned for BTS when the group was initially intended to be a “rap/hip-hop” rather than an “idol” group. He was cut out of the program but later shared in an interview about his experience and how Suga impressed him.
LOCO talks bout how he auditioned for BTS back when BigHit had the intention of forming a new "rap/hiphop" centered group
He mentioned how Min Yoongi impressed him the most,,"although he didn't win first place at audition, he still made such a big impact" pic.twitter.com/R8V9bME273
— Rize⁷ (kinda ia) (@rize07addict) June 20, 2024
The now K-Pop rapper won the first season of Show Me the Money in 2012 and has since signed to hip hop label AOMG where he has made a name for himself. Loco has been part of many iconic collaborations, such as “All I Wanna Do” (Jay Park feat. Hoody & Loco) and “Somebody!” (with MAMAMOO‘s Hwasa), as well as beloved Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo OST “Say Yes” with Punch.
Aah okay these 2 are where I know Loco from pic.twitter.com/niyftKMGrM
— ⟭BlueeDenise⁷⁼¹⟬ 아포방포💜 (@BlueeDenise) June 20, 2024
Now, Loco is teaming up with Jimin for another iconic collab.
Previously, BIGHIT MUSIC announced via Weverse that Jimin will make his comeback with a second solo album titled MUSE, documenting “his journey in search of the source of his inspiration.” It will include seven songs, including his previously released fan-dedicated song “Closer Than This.”
Hello.
This is BIGHIT MUSIC.We are excited to share details about the release of BTS member Jimin’s second solo album, “MUSE.”
Following his first solo album, “FACE,” where he sought to explore his true identity, “MUSE” documents his journey in search of the source of his inspiration.
Showcasing Jimin’s expanded musical spectrum, “MUSE” includes seven tracks, including the fan song “Closer Than This,” released in December 2023.
We ask for your continued love and support for Jimin’s second solo album, “MUSE.”
Pre-Order Period: Starts 11 AM, Tuesday, June 18, 2024 (KST)
Release Date and Time: 1 PM, Friday, July 19, 2024 (KST)— BIGHIT MUSIC
Today, the official tracklist dropped, revealing the titles of all seven songs. The tracks appear to be 1. “Rebirth,” 2. “Interlude Showtime,” 3. “Smeraldo Garden Marching Band (Ft. Loco)” [PRE RELEASE], 4. “Slow Dance (Ft. Sofia Carson),” 5. “Be Mine,” 6. “Who” [ TITLE TRACK], 7. “Closer Than This.”
The pre-release track ‘Smeraldo Garden Marching Band (feat. LOCO)’ draws inspiration from a Marching Band, blending hip-hop elements with the big band sound characterized by a large-scale orchestra, creating an upbeat, lively rhythm and dynamic atmosphere.
— BIGHIT MUSIC press
Loco also shared the exciting news on Instagram, posting the cover art for “Smeraldo Garden Marching Band.”
South Korean rapper and <Show Me The Money> Season 1 winner LOCO shared about his collaboration with Jimin on Instagram!
“Jimin – S.G.M.B. (Feat. Loco)
June 28, 1PM 🫡”SMERALDO GARDEN MARCHING BAND is a pre-release track from Jimin’s 2nd solo album, ‘Muse’ 🥰
MUSE IS COMING pic.twitter.com/JgDFYgdzas
— Jimin Global (@JiminGlobal) June 20, 2024
Loco story:
@/bts.bighitofficial pic.twitter.com/z4c5ciMdgQ— BTS News & Updates⁷ (@dalbitbangtan) June 20, 2024
Knowing Loco’s history, ARMYs recognized what a unique full-circle moment this must be for him. They’re anticipating the collab, knowing what a skilled rapper Loco is.
Loco auditioned to BTS, but haven't made through, and now he has a single with BTS 😭 this collab will be fire#SmeraldoGardenMarchingBand pic.twitter.com/Ib65YFNj5y
— gomooshin⁷ (@taesoothe) June 20, 2024
oh i remember loco because of this thing i read 😭😭 pic.twitter.com/8f1nylp0dN
— ྀི♡ fai ♡ྀི ᴹᵁˢᴱ ✨ (@myyouwithjk) June 20, 2024
Read more about Korean music artists who nearly debuted in BTS.
