“It Felt Like a Diary”: RM of BTS and Tablo of Epik High Deliver a New Anthem for the Wounded

TABLO x RM - “Stop the Rain” animated music video. Image Credits: Epik High Youtube Channel

World-famous BTS member, Kim Nam-joon (Also known as RM), and iconic hip-hop trio, Epik High’s leader, Tablo, collaborated on their latest animation-single titled “Stop the Rain.” Already, fans are overwhelmed by the emotional lyrics written by both men. 

“Stop the Rain” combines a haunting melancholy melody with the unique rap styles from the two rappers. Released on May 2, the newly released single doesn’t chase trends or radio play – it’s a confession from two artists who share trauma and feelings with nothing but a pen and a microphone. 

Needless to say, it’s the artists’ lyrics that reach their listeners with a twist on the reiteration of childhood pain. Just from the starting verses from Tablo we’re able to see the vulnerability and inner turmoil these artists had throughout their career and youth. 

“Since I was a young’un/ I was called names and bossed around/ Back to the wall so long/ Call me pain’s poster child” 

“They told me I was gifted/ But to unwrap my mind was wicked/ I was raised by guilt/ raised by shame/ raised by the rod” - Tablo, Stop the Rain

These lines echo a truth some fans resonate with – the unspoken burden where expectations are high, but the emotional scars are left unseen. For Tablo, being “gifted” wasn’t a golden ticket to a carefree life but a path of torment and pain ahead of him. 

As the song continues, RM enters with his own introspective lyrics. His voice adds another layer to the song’s heartache as he shifts the mood from Tablo’s anger to his own exhaustion. 

A specific line from RM has caught the attention of fans and listeners of the track: “When I was a kid/ I was convinced that I was destined for the 27 club/ I’m 29 sinkin’ in the bathtub/ Sippin’ gin, looking for another club”

In an interview with Rolling Stone, Tablo shared insight into RM’s verse. He opened up that it referred to the tragic fate of several artists who died at the age of 27 due to heartbreaking reasons. These celebrities include Amy Winehouse, Kurt Cobain, Brian Jones, Jim Morrison, and Kim Jong-hyun from the Kpop group SHINee. Soon after the meaning of the lyrics were revealed, many listeners were quick to guess that RM continues to fight negative thoughts despite crossing 27. 

The contrast between Tablo’s louder, sharper lyrics to RM’s quieter delivery highlights the dynamic emotional landscapes both have navigated. The song serves as a companion to listeners, providing them the comfort that comes with being understood as a human being.