The BTOB rapper Lee Minhyuk (HUTA) made his Korean solo debut with the multi-colored and powerful “YA” on January 15, with the full album HUTAZONE released the next day.  

BTOB has been called a vocal powerhouse before due to their talented vocal line and many ballad songs. However, the group possesses a highly talented rap line as well, which they have proven many times. With the rap line each having their solo debuts—Peniel with his mixtape and another single release, and Ilhoon with his mini-album last year—fans have been waiting in excitement for Minhyuk’s solo debut.

Minhyuk made his solo debut first in Japan last year with the mini-album SUMMER DAY, which had a light and cute concept; but for the Korean debut, it’s darker, sexier, and more powerful. In “YA,” Minhyuk gets to show his many talents as an artist: his dancing abilities, rapping skills and even singing prowess. Some even call him a boy group in one singular person.

His voice changes throughout the song, making it sound like a collaboration between 4 people. The song balances between a slow sexy dance beat and a hardcore and powerful rap song. Minhyuk surprises throughout the whole song with his talent for both rapping and singing, experimenting with different sounds without making it sound messy or chaotic, as if trying to do too much in one song.

The music video is filled with contrasts like light and dark visuals, clean and messy environments, and strong colors like hot pink, red, and purple. Many changes of wardrobe help keep every moment of the music video fresh and exciting.

The rest of the album contains 11 tracks, mostly songs but an interlude as well. The album starts with “Hutazone,” the introduction, followed by the title track “YA.” He has done a few collaborations on the album, with artists Soyeon of (G)I-DLE, Cheeze, and BTOB’s Sungjae. The whole album is filled with different sounds, going from the powerful rap songs, to fun dance songs, to the softer tunes, and even to a song dedicated to Melodies (BTOB fans).

To BTOB fans, they already know Minhyuk as a multi-talented artist, but with his solo debut he might attract new fans. With the catchy song, good performance, and the mix of a soft vocal and hard rap, Minhyuk is branching out with his solo debut. Minhyuk does not disappoint on any level of his solo debut, and we can’t wait to hear more.