The members of BTOB have been in the music industry for a lot of time, and many have already started exploring their own solo careers as well. Obviously, BTOB has a reputation for being a vocal-focused group with a propensity for ballads. As such, rapper Minhyuk tends to take a back seat in group promotions, which can cause many people to overlook his talents. 

But in 2019, Minhyuk made his solo debut under the moniker HUTA, where he’s given a chance to shine. When releasing music as HUTA, we see a much more gritty, dark aesthetic with far more hip-hop influences than we will likely ever get from BTOB. Both Minhyuk’s rap and vocals really shine in these releases. 

On June 27, he released his second album BOOM, his first solo release in three years and since completing his mandatory military service. Title track “BOOM” is an intense, hip-hop driven track that is extremely captivating, though that may just be HUTA himself putting us under a spell. The song has some very light Middle Eastern melodic influences, mostly heard in the chorus. The build to the drop will definitely elicit goosebumps, and even upon first listen the song is addicting. HUTA showcases that he is the whole K-Pop package in this song: there’s plenty of vocal and rap in the song, and he executes both flawlessly. The intensity of the melody definitely makes the song additionally captivating, at least to us. It’s the complete opposite of BTOB’s discography. 

The music video drives home the dark aesthetic, with much of the lighting in the video subdued and often drenched in reds. Even when he’s dressed in white in a mostly white room, it feels toned down. The way the light is used really complements HUTA’s features in a way that’s hard to properly articulate. If you’re like me and love a good punk look complemented by piercings and black everywhere, this video will fit your tastes . We also can’t gloss over the moment in the final verse of the song where he removes his shirt and is covered in chains. The man should definitely be proud of his physique.

HUTA also never fails to give us a ton of music in his releases, with both his debut and comeback being full length albums with at least 11 tracks. BOOM features 12, kicking off with “I’m Rare,” a rap intro of sorts that feels like it matches up as an introduction to the title track “BOOM.” The song has some gritty EDM elements in the chorus, but it still somehow fits the hip-hop themes of the title that follows. His flow in the verses is seriously infectious, and instantly you’ll find yourself dancing along to the song without even thinking about it.

This hard-hitting style isn’t the only thing he does, though. In B-side “Shadow” which immediately follows, you’ll hear a softer sound from the rapper, as the song has a much more traditional pop feel and has him showcasing his vocals alongside the driving beat. The song has almost a retro ‘80s feel to it, especially in the chorus with the synth. It’s totally different from the title, but just as compelling.

“Dear My Spring,” “Secretly,” and “Is It Love?” follow the line of softer songs, especially in “Secretly” which has HUTA performing a ballad much more along the lines of BTOB’s discography. This variety really showcases his all-rounder status, since in his group he’s not considered at the forefront of the vocal line, but in these songs he showcases his own talents in that department.

As you listen to the album, you’ll definitely get a feel for HUTA’s chosen musical style and come to realize that he can really perform any type of genre and excel at it. While his title showcases a bold and confident intensity, the B-sides showcase a softer and sweeter artist expressing himself. 

Admittedly I am drawn to the sound of the title more than anything, but it was also a treat to listen through the whole album and see a more multifaceted face to BTOB’s Minhyuk. He has a way of being enchanting no matter what genre he chooses to explore, and we’re lucky to have the chance to learn more about him as a solo artist.