JAY B Reconciles K-Pop Persona With Introspective Producer Identity

JAY B, the leader of the K-pop group GOT7, stated that his solo producer alias Def and his main stage persona now coexist within his creative process. He previously kept the two identities separate, viewing them as distinct musical approaches. Now, he says they are blending together.

The group first visited New York City in July 2016, performing at the PlayStation Theater during the Independence Day holiday weekend. JAY B recalled watching the Fourth of July fireworks with his bandmates as a fond memory from that decade-old trip. He returned to the city for his 2026 TAPE: ROOTS tour, performing at the Palladium Times Square on Sept. 23. During that show, he interacted playfully with the crowd, joking that he had enough money to pay for an extended stay if fans wanted him to remain longer.

In September, JAY B stood on the 103rd-floor outdoor catwalk of the Empire State Building. He described the experience as cinematic, noting that the wind whipping through his hair felt like a scene from a drama. He told amNewYork that the moment was surreal and that he would always remember it. The visit reinforced his sense of freedom to travel and create.

Musically, JAY B has shifted toward contemporary R&B, alternative R&B, and neo-soul. He explained that he writes for GOT7 by considering the vocal tones and habits of his bandmates. When writing as Def, he focuses on his own voice and style. He noted that his musical taste favors deeper sounds and vintage vibes, which were previously at odds with the group's direction but now align.

JAY B cited a specific song, "Thoughts of You," as an example of a project that remains unfinished. He said he made the track years ago and has kept it in his mind despite deleting it. He believes the song is not yet ready for release. He added that he no longer actively searches for inspiration. Instead, ideas come to him while he is physically active, such as boxing, walking, or camping.

He described Def as a vehicle for personal vulnerability, allowing him to share private emotions and stories. JAY B, the stage persona, remains more commercial, with an eye on what audiences enjoy. He said both sides start with his own emotions, but Def is more fictional in its expression. He finds purpose in creating music that helps fans process their feelings.

To recharge from the intensity of touring, JAY B returns to nature. He said scuba diving in the Indian Ocean off Bali provides a silence that heals him. Watching marine life and falling leaves offers him a calmness he finds hard to achieve in city life, even in Seoul. He views these quiet moments as essential to his artistic balance.