EURO
On August 26, 2017, Jackson Wang released “Papillon,” his first official
solo single.
Nine years later, we return to that summer, to the song itself, to the message Jackson wanted to share and to the first days of Papillon.
Summer 2017: a new solo project
By the summer of 2017, Jackson was already known worldwide as a member of GOT7 and was a familiar face on television in both Korea and China.
On June 26, the first reports about his upcoming solo activities in China were released.
Two months later, “Papillon” arrived.
The single and its music video were released on August 26, 2017. Sung entirely in English, the track embraced a hip-hop sound built around a heavy production and a visual style that strongly reflects that era.
Jackson was directly involved in its creation. He wrote the lyrics and worked with BOYTOY on the composition and arrangement of the track. He was also credited as a producer.
Why “Papillon”?
One day after the release, Jackson shared a long message with fans and explained the inspiration behind the title.
Papillon was inspired by the film of the same name, which had left a strong impression on him.
Through the song, Jackson wanted to communicate a simple idea: follow your dreams without setting limits for yourself and try hard enough to move forward without regret, whatever the result may be.
That explanation gives another perspective to a track whose sound and visuals are filled with confidence, energy and attitude.
Behind the strong aesthetic was ultimately a message about perseverance, taking risks and continuing to pursue what you believe in.
In the same message, Jackson also thanked the TEAM WANG staff, JYP, Ahgases, Jackys, his friends and his parents for their support.
Five days at No. 1
Papillon quickly found its audience.
By August 31, 2017, the song had spent five consecutive days at No. 1 on QQ Music.
The music video also topped Sina Weibo’s chart for new Asian releases and YinYueTai’s popular music video chart.
Internationally, Papillon reached No. 1 on the iTunes hip-hop charts in several countries, including Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam and the Philippines.
The video also appeared on WorldStarHipHop, with jeweller Ben Baller among the faces featured in the visual.
Papillon on stage
Only one week after the song was released, Jackson joined rapper GAI during the semi-final of The Rap of China on September 2, 2017.
Together, they performed a version of Papillon combining Jackson’s original track with a verse from GAI.
The song quickly began to live beyond its music video and digital release.
Over the years, Jackson would continue to revisit Papillon on stage through different live versions and arrangements.
Nine years later 🦋
Today, the oversized jackets, cars, jewellery, choreography and unmistakably 2017 hip-hop aesthetic of the video feel almost like a small time capsule.
But nine years later, the message Jackson shared the day after its release is still just as relevant today.
follow your dream, give it everything you have and move forward without regret.
On August 26, 2017, that message had a name:
Papillon.
Happy 9th anniversary. 🦋