The Asian House Of Talent: Jackson Wang

Jackson Wang

You might know Jackson Wang as the funny rapper of GOT7 but really, this multi-talented 24-year-old, is hard to label. The Hong Kong native is a rapper, a MC, a fencing champion, a polyglot, a dancer, a producer, and a superstar in Korea. Be prepared to see him everywhere because he is truly the next big thing.

You might know Jackson Wang as the funny rapper of GOT7 but really, this multi-talented 24-year-old, is hard to label. The Hong Kong native is a rapper, a MC, a fencing champion, a polyglot, a dancer, a producer, and a superstar in Korea. Be prepared to see him everywhere because he is truly the next big thing.

After being introduced to music through Garage Band, Jackson developed an undying passion for it. Passion so big in fact, that he decided to give up a scholarship to a prestigious university and his place at the London Olympic games, in order to pursue it.

He started his journey in Korea as a trainee for JYP (one of the biggest entertainment agency in Korea). There, he had to train with people who sang and danced their whole life. Despite the fact that he was “just” an athlete, Jackson made it through the constant elimination by being the hardest worker in the room: «If they work 10 times harder, I have to work a 100 times more.» Finally, after two years and a half, Jackson debuted along with his 6 team members. However today we are not talking about his part in GOT7 but about his solo career. He says it himself, he “needs to work on his own colour” by doing the music that he wants to do.

Inspired by artists like Chris Brown and Omarion, it wasn’t a surprise to discover that his first solo project Papillon was deeply rooted in American hip-hop. His rapping skill is sharp, rhythmic and heavy, similar to other trap artists like Gucci Mane, with whom he worked on the song Different Game (2018).

Because of his languages abilities, he navigates easily between Chinese and English lyrics, developing his own unique style. His first album «Journey To The West» is due to drop later this year but while we wait for this anticipated LP, he promises to release new singles throughout the year. The next one being «Faded» (March 9th) where he talks about people who only care about him now that he made it. Between GOT7 successful world tour, being on every variety shows in China and Korea and becoming Fendi Chinese ambassador, it is safe to say that Jackson definitely made it to the big league.

He owes his success to his hard work. Scared to miss any opportunities, he makes sure to be ready at all time. He goes as far as working half a year in China and the other half in Korea, putting two years’ worth of work into one.

Beyond being a successful entertainer, Jackson wants to be a role model to the next generation. He highly recommends everyone to pursue their dream the same way he did. To avoid having regrets when he is 80, he dropped everything he had to work on his passion, despite his father assuring him that it would be the worst mistake of his life. Well… we know how this turned out!

If you want to feel inspired, have a good laugh or are just looking for some eye candy join the 12.8 million members of Team Wang on Instagram by following him: @jacksonwang852g7.

WordS by KHATY ILBOUDO PHOTO: ALL RIGHTS RESERVED