Jay Park - ‘Nothing Matters’ EP Review

Just under four weeks ago, Jay Park released The Road Less Traveled, his first studio album since 2016. It was an inconsistent-yet-intriguing offering; a record that offered up some staggering highs, but matched them with excruciating lows. Songs like “Feng Shui,” a lyrically humorous, vibrantly produced number provided ample amounts of enjoyment, and tracks like “Legacy” showcased Park’s ability to still strike a poignant note with his lyricism, as well as it shone a light on his versatile abilities as an artist. But, with “Ben Baller,” amongst others, lacking the depth that the Korean Hip-Hop staple has had a reputation for upholding, the album still felt like it was missing something.

Fortunately, the singer’s latest EP, Nothing Matters, is a true return to form. Packed with smart features, refreshing sounds, and the signature style and flavour now expected of the AOMG superstar, it’s a tour de force of a five-track offering, and one that packs a lot more punches than a shorter release should have any right to.

Opening the extended play is “All Day (Flex),” a carefree, buoyant song that contains all the necessary components for a Summer anthem. Loaded with energy, Jay Park and featured artist Haon—the winner of High School Rapper 2, and a rapper signed to Park’s H1GHR Music label—bring exciting, layered verses to the table, and couple them with an earworm of a refrain. Complete with sublimely produced, Summer-inspired instrumentation, it’s a feel-good number with few flaws, and one that has an unconventional charm to it.

The titular “Nothing Matters” follows, and is a sleeker, more sonically restrained offering. Layered over simplistic trap instrumentation are vocals all about a lost love, and it helps forefront the excellence of Park’s smooth, uber-talented vocal ability. It’s a slow-burning R&B offering that makes for comfortable listening, but one that, as you dig deeper into it, brims with subtle excellence.

As far as anticipated features go, look no further than towards R&B artist Crush’s sublime verse on “Yummy,” the EP’s third track. Full of vibrancy, it’s an upbeat cameo on a song full of tangible energy, and one that focuses on the talents of the newly independent artist without compromise. The chemistry between the two is seamless as they sing over zestful, high-spirited synths, and it helps build a song that stands out as a highlight of the release.

“By Myself” continues with more of the same quality as the offerings preceding it, and forefronts the 32-year-old’s flair and ability over simple piano melodies, and restrained trap beats. The track flows effortlessly, and although it may be slower stylistically than some of the surrounding songs, it still has an air of energy to it. It’s an excellent, diverse presentation of Park’s versatility, and a welcome change of pace.

And, to finish, comes “Encore,” a short number that starts with the declaration of “You’re gonna miss me when I’m gone.” Confident? Sure. But is it a type of confidence easily backed up? Absolutely. This may be a ballsy hip-hop offering that differs from the sleekness that has come before it, but it’s a mark of extreme assurance, and shows the fruits that come from years of experience. It’s magnificently produced by Slom (who worked on “By Myself” too), and is the perfect way to finish the EP the same way it started: unconventionally, and full of quality.

All in all, this is a home run for Jay Park, and an extended play that shows that the artist is still capable of bettering himself, and can still reach new heights. The soundscapes are interesting, the vocals are refined to perfection, and the production levels are unparalleled. Given the hip-hop mogul is set to embark on a world tour soon, there’s no doubt that these tracks have unlimited potential to get people moving, and will become staples of his setlist in time. There are no missteps here, and if you ever doubted Jay Park, now is the time to eat your words.

EP Rating - 9.5/10