You know how some people say that you don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone? That’s how the music industry feels nowadays with ZICO serving his mandatory military enlistment as a public service worker. So to make the time spent apart a bit more manageable, here is just a selection of his B-sides to keep you company until his service is over.

“말해 Yes Or No” ft. penomeco and The Quiett

“말해 Yes Or No” was originally released as a single back in October 2015, two months before being included on ZICO’s first mini-album Gallery. And while it does have a music video, the video is an animated short featuring just ZICO’s verse. Translated as both “Say Yes Or No” or “Tell Me Yes Or No” depending on if you’re looking at the single or Gallery, this track starts out dark with ominous beats before ZICO launches into his rap. penomeco and The Quiett feature on the track as well, the three rappers taking shots at the industry and what’s trending.

“날 (Predator)” ft. JTONG

Originally released as a B-side with single “Boys And Girls” featuring Babylon before also being included on Gallery, “날 (Predator)” features rapper JTONG and takes ZICO in a heavier direction than his normal B-sides, just like “말해 Yes Or No.” This track also starts out dark and ominous and stays that way throughout, giving ZICO a darker, more aggressive edge than ever before. JTONG’s verses are even more in your face, making it seem like he’s pushing ZICO to go harder.

“걘 아니야 (actually)”

Off of ZICO’s THINKING Part.1, “걘 아니야 (actually)” is a fun throwback to ‘90s R&B, featuring a lilting beat that keeps a peppy tempo throughout. While talking about the highs and lows of a relationship, ZICO plays the role of an outside observer talking to the female half of the relationship. He concludes the track by saying he’s the one for her, not her current beau. “걘 아니야 (actually)” is easy to dance to and we don’t doubt you’ll be bopping around in your seat in no time.

“Dystopia”

With the track title alone, the subject of the song is easy to figure out—ZICO is living in a dystopia. He doesn’t know where he is or why he’s there, with the lyrics speaking about the different ways in which people try to overcome unhappiness in their lives. Another ZICO song that makes it hard not to dance in your seat, the track is jazzy and feels slightly cluttered at times, but it works. It’s interesting to note that when the beat gets clustered, his sentences get longer and more crammed together as well. ZICO also flaunts his talents as a rapper and a vocalist, making this not just one of his best B-sides off of THINKING Part.2, but one of his best B-sides overall.

“Roommate”

“Roommate” is off July 2020’s RANDOM BOX, ZICO’s last release before his enlistment. The track starts out with the Netflix opening sound, fitting with the repeated lyrics of, “We’re in a cold war, been watching TV for an hour and a half. We end up breaking a laugh at the same scene.”* Even with the upbeat drum throughout, there’s a definite relaxing vibe to the track. The track is, for lack of a better phrase, the music version of Netflix and chill. ZICO repeatedly sings that his roommate is his other half; the two get along easily, even while social distancing, but there are times where the lyrics make it seem like there may be more to the friendship than meets the eye.

*Translated lyrics from video subtitles.