HUTA Returns with Short and Sweet “Icy & Spicy”
BTOB’s Minhyuk, under his solo stage name HUTA, made a return with new single “Icy & Spicy.” Despite not releasing much music under this moniker, Minhyuk has been busy in his activities with BTOB. A HUTA release is always at the top of my list to check out, so let’s dive into the new single.
The track opens with a driving beat and a surprising vocal focus, which is a notable choice, especially since he sings in a higher vocal register. He’s not an untalented singer, but his rap tone definitely captures the listener more upon first impression so it seems like a more logical starting point for the track. That said, even if I was thrown off by the opening, the chorus hooked me in with the driving tempo and intense EDM beat. The sampled track as the main focus in an empty chorus reminds me a lot of Missy Elliott’s “Gossip Folks,” which gives the track an appealing, familiar quality. The empty chorus is not a popular choice for releases today, since it can be pretty disastrous if not done properly. The fast tempo of the song keeps the energy up into his rap for the second verse, which is his specialty as an artist. HUTA’s rap tone has always stood out, but in some ways it would get overshadowed in BTOB releases, so any time he’s able to flex his ability it’s a reminder of his true strong suit as an artist. “Icy & Spicy” is only 2 minutes and 44 seconds, a trend I am not fond of, but at least in that timeframe he delivers a high-energy, sun-drenched track driven by a punchy EDM beat and quick-fire rap delivery that showcases even with his 1990 birth year, he’s still very much in the game.
Performance is a major piece in a HUTA release, so there’s no surprise that it’s a major focal point of the music video. He’s also not shy about showing off all the work he’s put into his body, that’s for certain. Whatever your opinion is on his state of dress, there’s no denying that the video is fun and full of energy because of the focus on the lively choreography with him front and center.
Check out the video for “Icy & Spicy” here!