Kim Nam-joon, known by his stage name RM (formerly Rap Monster), was born on September 12, 1994, in South Korea. He is a rapper, songwriter, and record producer, recognized as the leader of the immensely popular South Korean boy band BTS. During his time as an idol trainee, RM chose the stage name "Rap Monster," inspired by the lyrics of a song he wrote, which was influenced by San E's "Rap Genius." The decision stemmed from a segment in the song where San E declares himself a "rap monster" due to his relentless rap flow. RM found the name appealing and "cool," leading him to adopt it, despite harboring mixed feelings about its significance to him.
As of November 2023, RM has amassed an impressive portfolio with 218 songs credited to his name as a songwriter and composer, according to the Korea Music Copyright Association (KOMCA). This achievement solidifies his status as one of the most prolific talents in the music industry. Remarkably, RM holds the distinction of being the youngest and the second most-credited songwriter in the association's history, a testament to his exceptional talent and prolificacy in music composition.
However, in November 2017, RM made the decision to formally change his stage name to simply "RM." He felt that "Rap Monster" no longer accurately represented his identity or the music he produced. In an interview with Entertainment Tonight in 2019, RM explained that the name "RM" could symbolize various aspects of his persona and artistic expression, suggesting that it could stand for "Real Me" among other interpretations. This transition marked a pivotal moment in RM's career, reflecting his evolving artistic identity and desire for authenticity in his work.
Reflecting on the mixtape a year later, RM revealed that it largely encapsulated the negative emotions he had been grappling with, including anger and rage. However, he acknowledged that the songs did not solely represent his perspective, describing them as "not 100% under [his] sovereignty." Despite its success, RM expressed a desire for his next project to be more independent in its creation.
Following the success of his solo endeavors, he released his second mixtape, "Mono," in 2018. This project made history by becoming the highest-charting album by a Korean soloist in the United States, peaking at number 26 on the Billboard 200. True to his aspiration, RM released his second mixtape, "Mono," on October 23, 2018, which he described as a "playlist." This release marked a significant milestone for RM, as he became the first Korean artist to reach number one on the Emerging Artists Chart in the United States. Critics lauded "Mono" for its raw honesty, particularly praising tracks like "Tokyo" and "Seoul," where RM bared his deep insecurities and emotions.
RM underwent septoplasty for his nasal septum deviation in 2018 and temporarily withdrew from band activities while recovering from the operation.
In 2022, RM marked his official solo debut with the release of his studio album "Indigo." The album featured collaborations with acclaimed artists such as Erykah Badu and Anderson. Paak, garnering widespread acclaim. "Indigo" soared to new heights, peaking at number three on the Billboard 200, solidifying RM's position as one of the most influential Korean soloists of all time.
Throughout his career, RM has collaborated with a diverse range of artists spanning various genres, including Wale, Younha, Warren G, Gaeko, Krizz Kaliko, MFBTY, Fall Out Boy, Primary, and Lil Nas X. These collaborations further showcase RM's versatility and his ability to transcend boundaries within the music industry.
On June 1, 2023, RM was appointed as the Public Relations Ambassador for South Korea's Ministry of National Defense Agency Remains Excavation and Investigation Team. The team's goal is to find and identify remains of war veterans from the Korean War.
For his 25th birthday, RM exhibited his philanthropic spirit by donating ₩100 million (approximately US$85,810.58) to the Seoul Samsun School, aimed at facilitating music education for hearing-impaired students. This gesture underscored his commitment to making a positive impact in the community.
In December 2020, RM's generosity was recognized by the Arts Council of Korea, which honored him as one of its ten 2020 Patrons of the Arts. This accolade was bestowed in appreciation of his ₩100 million (approximately US$84,726.68) donation to the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art. The funds were allocated for the printing and distribution of rare art books to schools and libraries in rural and mountainous regions, reflecting RM's dedication to promoting access to cultural resources.
Since September 2021, RM has continued his philanthropic endeavors by consecutively donating ₩100 million annually towards the preservation and restoration of cultural artifacts overseas. These contributions, facilitated through the Cultural Heritage Administration (CHA) and the Overseas Cultural Heritage Foundation, have played a vital role in safeguarding cultural treasures for future generations.
In September 2023, RM reaffirmed his commitment to societal advancement by donating ₩100 million (approximately US$87,416.41) to the National Forensic Service of South Korea. This contribution was designated for the development of forensic science in the country, highlighting RM's dedication to supporting advancements in critical fields.
Notably, RM's donations have supported various initiatives, including the treatment of a hwarot owned by the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) and the creation of an art brochure introducing Korean paintings.
RM possesses a baritone vocal range, contributing to the distinctive sound of BTS. His rap skills have earned him recognition beyond South Korea's borders. In 2017, American hip-hop magazine XXL featured him in its list of "10 Korean Rappers You Should Know." Writer Peter A. Berry highlighted RM's aptly chosen stage name, stating that "Rap Monster rarely fails to live up to his name."
Berry praised RM's versatility as a rapper, describing him as "one of the region's most dexterous rappers." RM's ability to effortlessly switch flows across a variety of instrumentals was noted, showcasing his adaptability and skill in navigating diverse musical landscapes. This acknowledgment solidified RM's reputation as a formidable rapper both within South Korea and on the global hip-hop scene.
RM's rap skills have garnered widespread acclaim, with Crystal Tai of the South China Morning Post highlighting his "natural flow and lyrics." Recognized for his lyrical prowess, RM's ability to deliver authentic and captivating verses has earned him praise from critics and fans alike.
Bianca Mendez of Noisey drew parallels between RM's work and acclaimed albums like Kanye West's "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy," noting his ability to captivate listeners with his artistry. Mendez further likened RM's style to that of Earl Sweatshirt and Chance the Rapper, highlighting the excitement surrounding his unique approach to hip-hop.
On November 22, 2023, Big Hit Entertainment announced via Weverse that RM, along with bandmates V, Jimin, and Jungkook, had commenced the enlistment process for their mandatory military service. RM officially began his military service on December 11 as an active-duty soldier, demonstrating his sense of duty and responsibility as a citizen of South Korea.
In January 2020, RM received recognition for his contributions to the music industry when he was promoted from associate to a full member of the Korea Music Copyright Association. This acknowledgment underscored RM's significant impact as both a rapper and a songwriter within the Korean music scene.
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