Throwback Thursday: K-Pop And K-Hip-Hop From A To Z (Letter “M” Edition)
Photo: THEBLACKLABEL
This week's installment arrives at letter "M." Finding tracks that start with “M” was super easy. There are so many tracks in the pop, hip-hop, and R&B categories that it was fun to dig through them to choose which songs to talk about. So, let’s go back and talk about some tracks that start with the letter “M.”
EXO - “Monster”
On June 9, 2016, the acclaimed boy group EXO released their expansive album EX’ACT - The 3rd Album. The album contains a large number of songs, so it was split into two discs: the Korean and Chinese versions of the tracks. This album features standout tracks like “Artificial Love,” “Lucky One,” “Stronger,” and the well-known title track “Monster.” “Monster” is the album's second track, packed with hard-hitting instrumentation and powerful vocals. From the opening bars, listeners are drawn in by the propulsive, synth-driven beat. The members begin singing, and their voices are filled with angst and intensity. EXO is known for the members’ dynamic vocals, and throughout the song, listeners hear intricate vocal runs, belts, and harmonies. “Monster” is one of EXO’s best-known tracks, and its influence on K-Pop is still widely recognized.
ONF - “Moscow Moscow”
On October 7, 2019, the boy group ONF released their mini-album GO LIVE - EP. This striking mini-album has a smooth, laid-back vibe, and the tracks differ noticeably from the group's previous output. While retaining the group's signature hard-hitting instrumentation and strong vocals, many tracks lean toward the ballad end of the spectrum, but the emotion comes through in every song. One song that captures that sound and emotion particularly well is the B-side, “Moscow Moscow.” Drawing on R&B and jazz elements, the track is calming, and the members' skillful vocals shine throughout. The falsettos are prominent throughout; the members' vocals blend smoothly into a seamless, richly textured sound. When this track was released, COVID-19 halted all live performances, and KCON was held online. Although there was no audience in attendance, viewers could feel and hear the emotion in the members' vocals, and the performance was compelling and emotionally resonant.
MEOVV - “MEOW”
On September 5, 2024, THEBLACKLABEL debuted its hard-hitting girl group MEOVV. A powerful group of talented performers, the members arrived on the scene with a bold, assured energy that leaves a lasting impression. Their debut track “MEOW” is dynamic, with a bass-heavy instrumental and powerful vocals. “MEOW” is an interactive dance track that will have you singing along and copying the members' dance moves. With lyrics like “Yah-yah-yah, yah-yah-yah-yah-yah-yah,” and “With my girls we gonna shake sumn (Meow), we don’t run, we don’t chase ‘em (Meo-o-o-o-ow),” listeners are ready to join in. Seeing the group perform at KCON makes clear how far MEOVV has come since that debut. MEOVV is a powerful group, and this debut announced exactly who MEOVV is.