ZICO and Crush’s Latest Single: Need We Say More?
Photo: Mnet TV/YouTube
Some collaborations immediately demand attention, and ZICO and Crush’s “Yin and Yang” is one of them. Built around a chant-like, almost childish refrain, the song quickly worms its way into your head—much like the traditional children’s tunes popularized by Squid Game. Released on January 15, the track sets the stage for the latest season of Show Me The Money, Mnet and TVING’s long-running rap competition, now in its twelfth edition.
At its core, “Yin and Yang” is a playful, high-energy track. ZICO’s sharp, tangy delivery pairs effortlessly with Crush’s smoother vocals, both riding atop a dense, pulsating beat. The two artists also took part in producing the song, further reinforcing the sense of creative cohesion that defines the collaboration.
As the title suggests, the song’s concept, as well as its visual rendition in the music video, revolves around ultimate juxtapositions: positive versus negative, black versus white, light versus dark. Despite this thematic duality, ZICO and Crush present a united front. In the music video, they sport extravagant looks that blend primitive elements with glitzy details, while referring to themselves as “two monkeys who awoke in 1992”, a nod to their shared birth year.
Free-spirited and charismatic, the artists channel what they describe as a “mindset of staying composed even amid harsh realities.” Visually, this philosophy plays out through synchronized performances alongside a large ensemble of dancers dressed entirely in either black or white, reinforcing the song’s central motif.
Recently, Crush has focused much of his online presence on promoting his 2025 CRUSH H★UR live concert. His most recent musical release dates back to August 2025, with the EP FANG, which included “UP ALL NITE,” in which he collaborated with SUMIN. ZICO, on the other hand, is fresh off the single “DUET,” featuring Lilas (YOASOBI’s ikura), released last December and still gaining traction. Fans have been quick to point out the stark contrast between ZICO’s softer appearance in that video and his bolder styling in “Yin and Yang.”
Unsurprisingly, much of the buzz surrounding the track is tied to ZICO’s role as both producer and judge on Show Me The Money 12. Having previously served as a producer in seasons 4 and 6, leading contestants to runner-up and champion positions, expectations are high. Viewers are eager to see what he’s going to bring to the table this time around.
Edited by Sandy Ou