What happens when you put three incredibly talented artistes — Filipino-Australian singer and songwriter James Reid, Korean superstar Jay B and Taiwanese-American hip-hop sensation, ØZI — together? You’ll get “Hello 2.0 (Legends Only)”, a funk pop-dance fusion that makes you feel good.
Here, Reid takes us through the drop.
Hello James! What drew you to collaborate with Jay B and ØZI? What do you like the most about them?
I actually got to meet ØZI in LA in 2020. He’s a cool dude and I love his work. I never actually got to meet Jay B in person but he is very talented and we thought he’d be a great fit. I’m just lucky they both agreed to be on the song.
James Reid.
How much creative input did “Jay B” and “ØZI” have with you on this song with their verses? With the combination of English, Korean, and Mandarin lyrics, what message did you want to further share?
I just sent them the track and let them do their thing. Each artist wrote their parts and I loved their interpretation of the song. The main message was bringing different cultures together with a simple “Hello” during a time when people have been disconnected.
Do you have a special method of saying hello? Perhaps in the way, you say it or even with your body language?
Maybe with my eyes? Sometimes it doesn’t feel genuine unless you say it with your eyes too if that makes sense.
Jay B.
Do you see yourself doing more funk pop-dance songs?
Oh yeah definitely. I’ve been vibing on a lot of retro-psychedelic-funk-disco lately and I do have some more songs on the way.
ØZI.
Being the CEO of your own independent record label, Careless, do you have any new achievements you’d like to reach this year?
More successful international collaborations and just get our music out there. We have a lot of new signees this year so I’m really excited about all the projects we got coming.
What would you like to tell your Singapore fans?
I hope to visit Singapore soon, see everyone, perform, eat some good food and connect with you all!
Once you’re done streaming HELLO 2.0 (LEGENDS ONLY) by James Reid, Jay B, and ØZI, click here to catch up with our March 2022 cover stars, BTS!
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