The multitalented Jackson Wang once again captivates audiences with his new single, “GBAD”. Released on March 28, 2025, this track is the second offering from his eagerly anticipated album, “Magic Man 2.”
Embracing Boundaries: The Essence of “GBAD”
“GBAD,” an acronym for ‘Gotta Be A D*ck’. It explores the struggle of choosing self-care over trying to please everyone. In his new single, Jackson Wang openly talks about how hard it can be to feel like the “bad guy” just for standing up for yourself—something many people can relate to in complicated relationships.
The chorus clearly sums up the song’s message:
“Life is great / Just gotta be a d*ck sometimes / You only live once / Just gotta be a d*ck sometimes.”
Musical Composition: A Fusion of Alt-R&B and Jazz
Collaborating with Grammy-winning producer Dem Jointz, Jackson Wang crafts an alt-R&B soundscape infused with laid-back, jazzy elements. This composition allows his distinctive vocals to shine. Additionally, it creates a relaxed yet powerful sound that matches the song’s introspective message.
“Love, trust and principle. I’ll believe in this forever. But in the world we live in, everyone’s standard is different. We can only seek people with a similar vision, but we’ll never find them.”
Jackson Wang.
Visual Narrative: A Surreal Exploration of Self-Assertion
The accompanying music video, directed by Rich Lee, presents a surreal narrative set in an idyllic town. Here, Jackson Wang the “Magic Man” is always helping others but gets little appreciation. This mix of dark humor and sadness reflects Wang’s own experiences. It shows how draining it can be to constantly try to please others.
“Saying NO isn’t a harmful gesture, It’s nothing but protection of our own will.”
Jackson Wang.
“Magic Man 2”: A Journey Through Grief and Acceptance
“GBAD” gives us a sneak peek into Jackson Wang’s upcoming album, “Magic Man 2”. He has spent over a year pouring his heart into and will be released on summer 2025. The album is divided into four chapters, each diving into a different stage of grief—denial, breakdown, acceptance, and finally, letting go. It’s raw, real, and shows just how much he’s grown emotionally.
Jackson Wang: A Multifaceted Global Icon
Beyond his musical endeavors, Jackson Wang continues to make significant strides in the fashion and sports industries. With over 100 million followers across social media platforms, he is the most-followed artist on Instagram in China. His roles as Creative Director for Nike and Jordan and global ambassadorships for luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton, Cartier, and Hennessy underscore his influence as a cultural bridge connecting music, fashion, and global youth culture.
Nike Collaborates with Jackson Wang
On March 26, Shanghai’s West Bund transformed into the Nike Air Max Innovation Lab, hosting the immersive “Air Max Night” event. The event blended art, music, sneakers, and sports to celebrate Nike’s bold spirit. And, Jackson Wang served as the creative curator for the event.
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