B-Sides: Be Strong

We all have those days, or sometimes even weeks, where all the energy is sucked out of you. On days like this, any help is welcome to get through the day, and even K-Pop can help inspire enough confidence to overcome the rut.

“I’m Him” - MINO of WINNER

WINNER’s MINO was breaking into the K-Pop scene with his memorable beats early on in his career. “I’m Him” has an undeniable feeling of swagger to it that’s hard to pinpoint, but there’s no doubt that it’ll leave you feeling like the baddest in the room after one listen. Perhaps it is the infectious beat or powerful, lower register notes, but either way it’s impossible not to feel some drive after listening to this song.

“Hot Blood” - UP10TION

UP10TION is not a group known for their intense releases, often going for softer and brighter concepts. “Hot Blood” is the exception to this rule, as the song goes hard from the second it opens. With the urgency of the beat sending waves of energy through you, this track is sure to ignite some fire into your blood, no matter how exhausted you may be.

“Absinthe” - punchnello

You can never go wrong with some classic K-Hip-Hop for an injection of energy. punchnello’s “Absinthe” has a ferocity that can be felt from the moment he begins his first verse, peaking in the chorus and post second verse where he lets out a guttural screech of pure anger. The power behind this track is strangely cathartic, especially when you’re feeling drained.

“Kang Baekho” - Jooheon of MONSTA X

There’s no question that Jooheon of MONSTA X has some fierce tracks to accompany his powerful rap style. “Kang Baekho,” from his latest mixtape, is probably the song that goes off the hardest, with an opening vocal line that includes profanity and a heavy and frantic beat that gets the heart pumping instantly. Jooheon’s aggressive verses accompanied with this wild beat will have you up and conquering the day in no time.

“I’m Not Sorry” - DEAN

What better way to build inner strength than to have an unapologetic view on your life choices? While the song may seem somewhat shallow lyrically, it can also be taken in a deeper context. DEAN reminds us to be confident in our choices and to never apologize for our choices in “I’m Not Sorry,” an important reminder during a time of low energy when you need a boost.