Last year, we saw him and his fellow members of KARD getting down and dirty across countless programs during promotions for their super seductive comeback album, ICKY. We got a taste of his goofy side as a recurring guest on the DIVE Studios podcast, GET REAL. Now, after the successes of his previous singles as a soloist, DSP Media is finally treating fans of BM to his very first digital EP.

Entitled Embers, the five-track EP branches deeper into the rapper's musical direction with energetic beats and clever bars. And, as is clear from the Parental Advisory sticker slapped on the album, an even more provocative approach to BM's provocative idol image - if that's even possible. 

“Embers”

The album starts off strong with the title track that bumps quintessentially Afro-pop beats under BM's suave voice. Sung entirely in English, the title track does a nice job of encompassing the overall vibe of what's in store in the following tracks. It wouldn't be a song from KARD's main rapper if it didn’t showcase BM's masterful approach toward wordplay and narrative found within the bordering-on-raunchy bars that spill throughout the EP.

“Nectar”

Calling in an assist from one of K-Pop's most sought-after male solo artists, BM brings Jay Park in for a feature on the second track, “Nectar.” It is the sort of song that could easily be the background music to get people up and grooving at any nightclub, regardless of language barrier, along with giving fans an iconic collab. 

Much like the title track, it's easy to hear the Afro-pop influences in BM's rap flow. Along with some impressive vocals, Park's verse gave the track a nice edge that one could only expect from K-Pop’s certified bad boy.

“Loyalty” and “Motion”

The next two tracks, “Loyalty” and “Motion,” give a much-appreciated energy shot to the listening experience. While “Loyalty” stays true to the overall stylistic tone with a more upbeat rhythm, ‘“Motion” takes on a more Western, trap beat sound that works well for BM. Out of all the songs in the EP,  “Motion” is easily the most explicit track. Still, it never reaches the realm of obscenity, and lyrics like, “twerk it like it's a competition, like it's a mission” make this track an overall fun time. 

Embers comes to close with BM tag-teaming another uptempo nightclub-esque track, “Badboy Badgirl” with fellow KARD member Somin. Much like the rest of the EP, “Badboy Badgirl” revolves around having a wild, twerk-filled night out on the town. The production of this track truly shines in the bridge with how the song slows down, and circles back to those Afro-pop-inspired beats heard from the beginning of the EP. 

BM's freshman EP offers an interesting look into what future songs we can get from him as a soloist, while giving KARD a taste of what the group could do in upcoming comebacks. Overall, Embers is a fun listen that's sure to bring your inner party monster straight to the dance floor.

Edited by Lacey Diluvio