Jackson Wang Releases New Single & Music Video “GBAD,” From Upcoming Album, MAGIC MAN 2

Rosa Gulliver of TINYGMUSIC | March 27, 2025

Jackson Wang sends a bold message with the release of “GBAD,” the new single from his upcoming album, Magic Man 2.

“Sometimes… We gotta be a dick. Not to harm, but to set boundaries and protect our own will,” Jackson shared. With a tongue-in-cheek edge, Jackson embraces the reality that setting boundaries may make you the villain in someone else’s story. The song sheds Jackson’s people-pleasing tendencies, offering a sharp reflection on the uncomfortable price of personal growth.

An unapologetic, alt-R&B cut, “GBAD” pairs Jackson’s unmistakable vocals with laid-back, jazzy production from Grammy-winning producer, Dem Jointz. Directed by Rich Lee, the melancholic music video shows Jackson’s Magic Man alter ego in an idyllic town, where he’s repeatedly called on to save the day. The surreal, dark comedy video explores Magic Man’s existential crisis as he feels overlooked and underappreciated, mirroring Jackson’s own personal experiences.

Last month, Jackson announced that Magic Man 2 is set to arrive in 2025 and shared the riveting single “High Alone,” which explores isolation and self-destruction and introduces the deeply personal themes of the upcoming album. The sequel will continue to build on the evolution of Jackson’s Magic Man persona, first introduced in his 2022 Billboard-charting album. Since its release, “High Alone” has reached No. 1 on Apple Music in 22 countries and regions.

A project that Jackson produced himself and has worked on for more than a year, Magic Man 2 unfolds across four chapters, each representing a different stage of grief. From manic highs fuelled by denial, to painful reckonings with lost identity, to shedding people-pleasing tendencies, and finally finding peace through acceptance; Magic Man 2 is Jackson’s most unfiltered and vulnerable work to date. Magic Man first began as a mask; a way to process his darkest emotions and internal struggles. With Magic Man 2, the mask begins to slip, revealing a deeper truth about Jackson’s inner world, his battles with betrayal, and his ongoing fight to stay true to himself.

Across social media platforms, Jackson boasts over 100 million followers, making him the most-followed artist in China on Instagram. Beyond this, his influence continues to reshape culture on a global scale. In addition to his record-breaking success as a solo artist, Jackson was recently named Creative Director for Nike and Jordan. He also serves as a global ambassador for Louis Vuitton, Cartier and Hennessy, further cementing his role as a bridge between music, fashion and global youth culture.