Watch pH-1’s Melancholic Winter Release ‘Lately’

Marking the duo’s collaboration after three years, Korean-American rapper-songwriter pH-1 joins forces with South Korean singer-songwriter Hoody on the latest digital single “Lately.” 

Co-written by pH-1 and Hoody along with moocean, “Lately” floats over a soulful R&B composition, steered ahead by a dreamy synth sound. A consistent echo of rich bass and soft guitar riffs rings in the background, allowing listeners to experience the wide emotional range of the track. Like his previous releases, pH-1’s determination to deliver a fresh soundscape and style reflects in this record through the breathy rap performance and choice of tender melodies that’s been incorporated. 

The sentimental track describes the emotional landscape two former lovers explore after pulling the plug on their relationship: “Lately/ I’ve been tripping up and acting crazy/ It’s all because you left/ My life is faded.” The songwriters come from a place of honesty, penning down feelings of nostalgia, regret and vexation (emotions that follow the untimely death of a relationship.) 

While pH-1’s segments explore these extensively, Hoody’s verse provides a much-needed perspective on the impact of the relationship: “Getting comfortable around someone/ I didn’t know could make me feel small and trapped.” In many ways, “Lately” is a soothing balm for those healing and re-discovering themselves outside the borders of a relationship.

The music video amplifies the emotional quotient of the track with an interesting mix of montages documenting the good and bad times. We see the couple go from hauntingly silent dinners to lovely embracing each other on a cold night. This juxtaposition leaves you empathizing with the couple, but the lyrics draw you back to reality, reminding you that sometimes holding on can do you more harm than good. 

“Lately” marks pH-1 and Hoody’s collaboration after the 2018 single “Communicate” (Prod. WOOGIE). The Korean-American rapper has had a busy year working alongside various artists such as Jay Park, Jamie, Apro, youra, Paloalto. Hoody, on the other hand, recently released her four-track EP D-day featuring musicians such as Giriboy and Ku One Chan.