ReportWire

Tag: kpop boy group

  • A Guide To 3RACHA’s Discography

    [ad_1]

    Here at The Honey Pop, we take ancient texts very seriously, and when it comes to Stray Kids, our beloved ancient text is 3RACHA’s discography. Before making music that would take over the world and define a new generation in K-Pop, before Stray Kids‘ debut, before even the survival show, 3RACHA was already an established unit making music and uploading it to SoundCloud—under the stage names of CB97 for Bang Chan, SPEARB for Changbin, and J.One for Han. And while we now have an extensive and varied catalog of Stray Kids music written, composed, and produced by 3RACHA, their early discography is something no Stray Kids fan should miss. The tracks might be direct homages to some of their favorite rappers, but there was also a spark of something new and refreshing—what would come to be Stray Kids.

    If you don’t know where to start when it comes to getting familiar with their music, then you’ve come to the right place! We’re here to guide you through their discography from January 2017 to now!

    J:/2017/mixtape

    On January 18th, 2017, 3RACHA released their first mixtape on SoundCloud, featuring two songs: ‘Intro’ and ‘The Dreamz.’ It marked the beginning of 3RACHA for the public, and it’s the day now remembered as their anniversary. After this initial release, they released two songs together every two weeks: one self-produced song and one song that followed the mixtape formula of relying on samples. All the original tracks were combined into one single mixtape, J:/2017/mixtape, released on April 26th, 2017. Unfortunately, the secondary tracks were deleted, but fortunately for us, the internet is forever, and you can absolutely still find them.

    This first mixtape already featured some of their most iconic songs, including ‘Runner’s High‘—which they performed several times in their rookie years, including during the survival show—as well as the infamous ‘WOW,’ the only track in the mixtape to be produced by Changbin, as opposed to the other tracks, produced by Bang Chan. The first line in the mixtape—“1, 2, 3RACHA spotlight“—is also what serves as the unofficial 3RACHA greeting. The mixtape already had energetic tracks, but it didn’t shy away from heavier topics such as mental health and school bullying. One mixtape was all it took to lay the foundation for what Stray Kids would become.

    Tracklist:
    • ‘Intro’
    • ‘Tik Tok’
    • ‘Runner’s High’
    • ‘Don Quixote’
    • ‘은석이 (Eunseoki)’
    • ‘WOW’
    • ‘NXT 2 U’
    Deleted Tracks & Their Samples:
    • ‘The Dreamz’ (‘Wet Dreamz’ by J.Cole)
    • ‘Complain’ (‘Who I Am’ by Pusha T, 2 Chainz, and Big Sean)
    • ‘₩1,000,000’ (‘Senile’ by Young Money, Tyga, Nicki Minaj, and Lil Wayne)
    • ’42’ (‘Too Young’ by Post Malone)
    • ‘Cloud 9’ (‘Killas’ by Ca$hfromtheb and Lilyoungstunnal)
    • ‘건들지마 (Don’t Touch Me)’ (‘Hip Hop Is Dead’ by Nas and will.i.am)
    • ‘Bucket List’ (‘King Kunta’ by Kendrick Lamar)

    3Days

    3RACHA didn’t waste any time and continued to release music shortly after their first mixtape. 3Days followed the same release pattern: two tracks every two weeks, one self-composed and one sampled. And just like J:/2017/mixtape, the sampled tracks were deleted when 3Days was released on August 16th, 2017. However, two additional unreleased tracks were added to the tracklist: ‘IF,’ a Changbin solo song, and ‘I SEE,’ a Han solo song. Bang Chan was once again the one to produce the most tracks, with Changbin and Han also taking part in the production of their respective solo songs. Additionally, ‘힘이 돼 (Become My Strength)’ was the first song entirely produced by Han.

    While this is probably the least remembered mixtape, it showed significant growth both lyrically and stylistically for 3RACHA. The iconic ‘Small Things’ is in this mixtape after all. They continued to delve into heavier topics like in ‘Peer Pressure,’ and showed more vulnerability and rawness, especially in Han’s solo track. They also experimented way more with their sound, as showcased in a song like ‘-.+.’ 3Days also features a song that would later become a Stray Kids mixtape. ‘If There’s a Shadow, There Must Be Light’ was a deleted track from 3Days, but it was rewritten as a Stray Kids song as a CD-only bonus track for I am WHO—first named ‘Mixtape#2’ and released on streaming platforms with Clé 2: YELLOW WOOD, and later re-recorded and re-named ‘Behind The Light’ in SKZ2021.

    Tracklist:
    • ‘쉿’ (Shh)
    • ‘작은 Dragon Three 마리 (Three Little Dragons)’
    • ‘Peer Pressure’
    • ‘Small Things’
    • ‘-.+’
    • ‘국산 바나나 (Domestic Banana)’
    • ‘힘이 돼 (Become My Strength)’
    • ‘IF’
    • ‘I SEE’
    Deleted Tracks & Their Samples:
    • ‘그림자도 빛이 있어야 존재 (If There’s a Shadow, There Must Be Light)’ (‘Too Far’ by Primary and Beenzino)
    • ‘깨 (Sesame)’ (‘Caroline’ by Aminé)
    • ‘ID:a’ (‘Fade Away’ by Logic)
    • ‘Subway Pt. II’ (‘After Surgery Thoughts (Cole Summer Remix)’ by JeterCT)
    • ‘Cypher I’ (‘Yonkers’ by Tyler, the Creator, ‘Butterfly Effect’ by Travis Scott, and ‘Soliloquy’ by Isaiah Rashad)
    • ‘지갑방 (Wallet Room)’ (’44 Bars’ by Logic)
    • ‘Alchemistry’ (‘Tokyo Drift’ by Kaseem The Skywalker)

    Horizon

    The final mixtape by 3RACHA, at least for now, followed the same bi-weekly release schedule, but they left behind the sampled songs. And so, Horizon was completed on December 20th, the day after Stray Kids‘ debut was confirmed, with all its members. Horizon is by far the most iconic and most well-known 3RACHA mixtape. Not only does it have truly iconic songs such as ‘Matryoshka’ and ‘P.A.C.E.,’ but it also has that sound that can only be described as Stray Kids‘ own genre.

    Horizon is the mixtape from which they also took the most songs to turn into Stray Kids songs: ‘Placebo‘ was released as ‘Mixtape#1’ as a CD only exclusive in their debut mini-album, I am NOT, ‘For You’ was released as ‘Mixtape#3’ for I am YOU, ‘Broken Compass‘ was ‘Mixtape#4’ in Clé 1: MIROH, and they all were released on platforms with the special album, Clé: YELLOW WOOD. ‘Hoodie Season’ was the last of the series, ‘Mixtape#5,’ a CD exclusive to Clé: LEVANTER. All songs regained their original titles with the release on SKZ2021.

    In many ways, Horizon marked the ending of an era for 3RACHA and the beginning of a world changing career.

    Tracklist
    • ‘Matryoshka’
    • ‘Hoodie Season’
    • ‘P.A.C.E.’
    • ‘고장난 나침반 (Broken Compass)’
    • ‘Placebo’
    • ‘SCENE STEALERS’
    • ‘Double Knot’
    • ‘For You’

    3RACHA Songs Since HORIZON

    Thankfully for us, 3RACHA didn’t stop making music as a trio just there. Of course, Bang Chan, Changbin, and Han have had their hands in Stray Kids‘ discography from A to Z, to the point where all three of them are in the top 10 of idols most credited on KOMCA, with Bang Chan coming at second overall. But aside from performing their songs, released and unreleased, on huge stages such as KCON and the MAMAs, there have also been a couple of additions to their 3RACHA discography.

    Official Songs

    ‘Start Line’ – The song was released on the anniversary of 3RACHA‘s first upload, a few months before their official debut in Stray Kids. It is a raw, emotional song that traces their journeys and explores their love for music.

    ‘ZONE’ – With the kickoff of Stray Kids‘ series, SKZ-Player, each sub-unit released a special video. In 3RACHA’s case, they released a brand-new song, ‘ZONE.’ They also performed it on MCountdown, and it was eventually released on streaming platforms as part of SKZ-REPLAY in 2022.

    ‘Carpe Diem’ – In 2019, Stray Kids gave one of their most meaningful performances of the year at VLive’s VHeartbeat Awards, by performing ‘3rd Eye,’ ‘Side Effects’ and ‘Double Knot.’ And in the middle of that, Changbin and Han performed a brand new song: ‘Carpe Diem.’ The song was later officially released on SoundCloud on the third anniversary of 3RACHA.

    ‘We Go’ – For Stray Kids‘ first world tour, each unit had a stage with an unreleased song (at the time). And so, 3RACHA gave us ‘We Go.’ It was later released as part of the repackaged version of Stray Kids‘ first full-length album, IN LIFE.

    ‘JUST BREATHE’ – In early 2022, 3RACHA collaborated with the Japanese artist SKY-HI on his song ‘JUST BREATHE.’ It was their first commercial release as a trio, outside of the songs included in Stray Kids‘ albums.

    ‘HEYDAY’ – 3RACHA teamed up with Street Man Fighter to release ‘HEYDAY,’ this time produced by Czaer, and it gave us one of their most iconic, addictive songs yet.

    ‘3RACHA’ – Just like with IN LIFE, Stray Kids included unit songs by the three different “rachas” for MAXIDENT, giving way for the self-titled ‘3RACHA‘ – which Changbin kicks off with the same opening line as ‘Intro’ from J:/2017/mixtape. The outro of the song also re-purposed a part of their song ‘PASSION,’ performed at KCON 2020.

    Special Stages

    ‘PASSION’ – Opening performance at the 2020 Summer KCON:TACT

    ‘Colours’ – Unit performance for Mnet’s Kingdom: Legendary War, alongside BTOB’s Minhyuk and ATEEZ’s Hongjoong

    ‘Hey Monster’ – Special performance during Stray Kids‘ stage at the 2021 MAMA

    ‘YEAH’ – Special stage at the 2022 KCON in Los Angeles

    ‘Music Makes One’ – Special stage for the opening of the 2022 MAMAs, alongside Jung Jaeil and Tiger JK

    It doesn’t stop there because 3RACHA have taken every single opportunity to make new music and show off their skills as writers and composers, as well as their chemistry as a trio. The thing is, these songs don’t always have titles. 3RACHA performed an untitled song alongside N.Flying at KCON LA in 2019, and revamped and performed ‘Back Door’ with the participants of the survival show LOUD in 2021. They also performed at the ON: Hallyu Festival, where Changbin rapped part of his ‘Cypher,’ Bang Chan sang part of ‘Drive,’ and Han premiered ‘Scissor.’ Their AAA 2021 performance is another example of how 3RACHA flawlessly incorporates new music and raps into their performances—yet this one was never given a name. The title doesn’t matter when the music hits, and 3RACHA never fail.

    What’s your favorite 3RACHA song of all time? What’s your favorite mixtape? Be sure to let us know by tweeting us at @thehoneypop or visiting us on Facebook and Instagram.

    Want more Stray Kids content? We got you!

    TO LEARN MORE ABOUT 3RACHA:
    INSTAGRAM | BANG CHAN’S INSTAGRAM | CHANGBIN’S INSTAGRAM | HAN’S INSTAGRAM | SOUNDCLOUD | YOUTUBE

    TO LEARN MORE ABOUT STRAY KIDS:
    FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | TWITTER | WEBSITE | YOUTUBE

    [ad_2]

    Juu

    Source link

  • 5 Stray Kids Songs You Need On Your Winter Playlist

    [ad_1]

    In Stray Kids‘ extensive discography, there is something for everyone, for every day and every season. Winter can be a difficult cold season, and yet Stray Kids have the perfect songs to accompany you on the days you need comfort, a bit of warmth, and a banger to enjoy in the cold. These are some of our favorite winter-coded Stray Kids songs!

    ‘Winter Falls’ (Christmas EveL, 2021)

    ‘Winter Falls‘ is an absolute must in your winter playlist when it comes to Stray Kids‘ songs. The title says it all, but the song goes further than that because no song like ‘Winter Falls‘ captures the season with its melodies, atmosphere, and lyrics quite like this song. Out of Stray Kids‘ special Christmas single album, Christmas EveL, ‘Winter Falls’ has been the soundtrack to all our winters since 2021. The Hanpop song feels like a breeze of cold air as the lyrics explore the falling out of a relationship. It’s full of yearning and pain, yet it’s rhythmic, cozy, and timeless.

    ‘There’ (THE SOUND, 2023)

    While ‘Winter Falls’ explores a sadder, more nostalgic side of winter, ‘There‘ is the song that will comfort you and make you feel like spending the day in bed with some hot chocolate and cookies. From their first Japanese full-length album, THE SOUND, ‘There‘ is a sweet ballad that highlights the softest sides of Stray Kids‘ vocals and their sweetest lyricism. It will bring you peace and comfort in the darkest days of winter.

    ‘One Day’ (ALL IN, 2020)

    One of Stray Kids‘ most underrated songs is ‘One Day’ from their first Japanese mini-album. This is a song that works at any time of the year, but the perfect season to listen to ‘One Day‘ on loop is definitely winter. Despite its joyful melody, ‘One Day’ explores the weight of exhaustion and mental health in everyday life. The constant metaphors between the weather and one’s mood make ‘One Day’ your best friend when the winter weather gets too cold, and the lack of sun makes you lose hope. ‘One Day’ brings happiness with its catchy melody and hopeful lyrics, as they hint for better days.

    ‘Snain’ (2023)

    Something about Changbin‘s writing style is that he loves some good metaphors with the weather and witty puns, and that’s all we get in ‘Snain.’ While his previous song ‘One Day’ is a more gloomy yet hopeful song, ‘Snain‘ sees snow and rain as positive, as a way to wash away everything from the past that hurts you. The sub-unit of Changbin, Felix, and Seungmin is the perfect song to get through winter and know that, after the rain and the snow, there will be sun for sure.

    ‘FREEZE’ (ODDINARY, 2022)

    The winter isn’t just about cozy, soft music; it can also be about one of the biggest EDM hits in Stray Kids‘ discography, and nothing quite like ‘FREEZE‘ to bring you energy in those freezing days of winter. Out of ODDINARY, ‘FREEZE‘ has a sort of harshness to it, with a heavy EDM drop and fast-paced rap verses, making it a perfect fit for the season. It mixes energy and power with darkness and coldness. It’s the perfect energy boost for winter.

    What’s your favorite Stray Kids song to loop during the winter? Which songs would you add to our list? Be sure to let us know by tweeting us at @thehoneypop or visiting us on Facebook and Instagram.

    Need more Stray Kids content? We got you!

    TO LEARN MORE ABOUT STRAY KIDS:
    FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | TWITTER | WEBSITE | YOUTUBE

    [ad_2]

    Juu

    Source link

  • 8 Highlights Of Stray Kids’ dominATE Tour We Can’t Wait To See On The Big Screen

    [ad_1]

    The news is out: Stray Kids are heading to the big screen! After dominating the world with their biggest tour yet, Stray Kids are bringing this unforgettable experience to the big screen with their concert at the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles—Stray Kids: the dominATE Experience. It’s been only a few months since the tour wrapped up, but it remains one of the dearest eras for Stray Kids. And now we get to relive it all over again. From A to Z, the dominATE World Tour had a great setlist that showcased Stray Kids‘ most hardworking side with impressive vocals, killer choreographies, and mind-blowing stage presence, but also their sillier side. All in all, here are some of the things we’re looking forward to seeing on the big screen the most!

    ‘JJAM’

    Stray Kids opened every show with a bang, going from newer songs to older, iconic songs, and in the midst of it, we got one of the songs that never fails to hype up the entire crowd: ‘JJAM.’ This ATE B-side is a great moment for the crowd to shout at the top of their lungs, while highlighting every aspect of the group and introducing the units. Vocalracha opens the second verse with gorgeous harmonies, soon followed by Danceracha’s dance break—and the entire crowd shouting, “you know, we know, Lee Know“—to wrap it up with 3RACHA and a mind-blowing back-and-forth rap between Changbin and Han, as Bang Chan wraps up the entire thing with his unique tone. Everything about ‘JJAM’ was meant to be showstopping, and that’s exactly what they did. Even placed in between such iconic title tracks like ‘Thunderous’ and ‘District 9,’ it was one of the moments we looked forward to the most.

    The Sub-Units

    After serving with every solo performance, one of the most significant changes in the setlist for the second half of the dominATE World Tour—aka the one we’ll be seeing at the cinema—was the addition of the new sub-units. Every song brought something new and refreshing to Stray Kids‘ discography and the tour’s setlist, and they also offered some of the best moments of the entire show.

    ‘Burnin’ Tires’ offered a great stage, with killer choreography, killer moments for both Changbin and I.N to shine, and some of the most comedic moments of the stage, with the baton at the end of the performance. We always knew a song like ‘TRUMAN,’ with its infectious energy and overconfident vibe, would set the stage on fire every night—and that’s precisely what Han and Felix did with their overflowing talent and chemistry. ‘ESCAPE’ served every show as the most gorgeous stage of the night, with a mind-blowing choreography that brought you right into the world Bang Chan and Hyunjin created with their song. And of course, ‘CINEMA’ is one of the big highlights of this entire tour: a song meant to be sung in front of millions of people, celebrating the love for music and the bond between Stray Kids and Stays. The rolling credits, after Seungmin and Lee Know served a dream duet, was the moment for tears to roll. We thought that we had seen the last of it, but the Stray Kids: dominATE Experience is going to bring us right back. Nothing will hit at the cinema quite like ‘CINEMA.’

    ‘Walkin On Water’

    Another big change in the setlist was the inclusion of Stray Kids’ 2024 title track, ‘Walkin On Water.’ Because the song was released in the midst of the tour, we weren’t sure when this one would be included into the setlist—and sure enough, ‘Walkin On Water‘ was one of the best songs in the setlist from the Latin American leg, all the way to the European leg, and through the North American leg—hence why we’ll get to experience this on the big screen. Stray Kids weren’t just content with adding ‘Walkin On Water’ after the explosive and grand ‘GIANT,’ they added it with a twist—one of their best dance breaks. ‘Walkin On Water’ served both as a great moment to interact with the crowd and to showcase their best dance moves and group synergy. It’s a title track for the books, and the stage was just as impressive every night, capturing all the best attributes of Stray Kids‘ live performances.

    ‘Cover Me’

    Stray Kids are mostly known for their energetic, impactful, noisy songs, but their discography also features many songs that show a softer, chill side and showcase their vocals in the most beautiful way. ‘Cover Me‘ is one of Stray Kids’ most vocally challenging songs, but it’s also one of the most vulnerable, emotional, and raw songs in their discography. And something about it live hits even harder. The lyrics may hold a lot of loneliness and struggle, but the way Stray Kids connected every night through this song made it a safe home and an even more meaningful song. Stray Kids’ rendition of the song live makes it even more special, and hearing Seungmin‘s high note live is a religious experience on its own—we’re expecting nothing less as we get to experience it at full volume in a movie theater.

    ‘Social Path’

    If there’s one song in their discography that sums up Stray Kids‘ journey, it’s ‘Social Path.’ This song isn’t just an addictive pop-rock song; it also explores their most vulnerable struggles, their sacrifices, and their love for the music they make, the shows they play, and the people around them. Ever since ‘Social Path’ was released, it has become one of the most special stages. Something magical happens every time they get to perform this song—singing their hearts out, playing around with the public, and eventually huddling up, just the eight of them, right before the explosive last chorus. It was a moment everyone looked forward to every night. The most Stray Kids moment of the entire show was right there in ‘Social Path.’

    ‘MEGAVERSE’

    The entire setlist of the dominATE World Tour gave Stray Kids a chance to play around with each other and connect with the crowd in a way not many groups can. But it was also filled with impressive, showstopping choreographies, and one of the strongest moments of this setlist was by far: ‘MEGAVERSE.’ This 2023 B-side on its own manages to capture every aspect of Stray Kids. It is a track that tells you everything you need to know about Stray Kids: the witty lyrics, the impressive rap verses, the magnetic EDM drop, and the jaw-dropping choreography, all filled with their stage presence. Getting to watch ‘MEGAVERSE‘ live is a unique experience, and we could never get tired of it. The closest thing we will ever get to repeating such an experience is the cinema—for that alone, sign us up.

    ‘Blind Spot’

    The encore of every Stray Kids show was always something everyone looked forward to for more playful songs such as ‘I Like It’ and ‘My Pace.’ One of the best additions, though? ‘Blind Spot.’ This song was the perfect addition to the setlist, allowing the members to play around on stage and dance. (Yes, Han slowly but surely learning the choreo from the dancers is a highlight on its own.) But ‘Blind Spot’ also carries a beautiful message on its own – one that reflects Stray Kids‘ restless effort to make their mark on the industry and the world. Sure enough, going on the biggest tour of 2025 did leave a mark on the industry. The lights and the chants at the end of the song for the last chorus will never fail to give us chills and reflect on just how far Stray Kids have come.

    The Surprise Song

    Stray Kids have a lot of hype songs that make for perfect encore songs. And during this tour, Stray Kids didn’t have just one, but two encores. The last encore, for the latter half of the tour, always consisted of the festival version of ‘Chk Chk Boom’ and one special addition—a sort of surprise song every night. The Stray Kids: dominATE Experience shows the concerts Stray Kids held in Los Angeles at SoFi Stadium, which gives us two options for the surprise song: ‘Hall of Fame‘ and ‘ITEM.’ Both B-sides made such an impact in their discography, and both songs hit harder live. One thing is for sure: whichever song they choose to show on the big screen, we’ll know it’s going to be the perfect song to wrap up this entire, incredible experience.

    What’s the moment you can’t wait to see in the big screen for the dominATE Experience? Which surprise song do you think they will show? Be sure to let us know by tweeting us at @thehoneypop or visiting us on Facebook and Instagram.

    Need more Stray Kids content? We got you!

    TO LEARN MORE ABOUT STRAY KIDS:
    FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | TWITTER | WEBSITE | YOUTUBE

    [ad_2]

    Juu

    Source link

  • Music Rewind 2025: The Year Of Stray Kids’ ‘DIVINE’ KARMA

    [ad_1]

    Every time we think Stray Kids have reached a new peak, they’re on their way to reach a new one, breaking records and making history. Stray Kids’ growth has been unstoppable since their debut, and this year they reached the much-feared seven-year mark without a sweat, making 2025 their biggest year yet. From completing their biggest world tour yet, to having one of the most impactful comebacks of the year, releasing impeccable songs and collabs, Stray Kids were everywhere all around the world more than ever before!

    The 5th Fanmeeting: SKZ 5’CLOCK

    In Stray Kids’ fashion, for the fifth year in a row, they hosted their fifth fanmeeting: the 5’Clock fanmeeting. With the concept of a sleepover, Stray Kids filled the INSPIRE Arena in Seoul for three days on a row around Valentine’s Day. Fanmeetings always feature new performances, but it’s also about bringing back older, fan-favorite songs. This time, they brought back ‘I Am You’ and, even more surprisingly, ‘Voices’ with the original choreography. ‘DLC‘ and ‘Astronaut‘ were also part of the setlist for one of the three days. Even better yet, we got the live debut of their 2024 b-side, ‘Bounce Back,’ along with a choreography, and the first live performance of ‘Cover Me‘ – featuring some of their most heavenly vocals.

    The highlight of the fan meeting last year was, by far, the real-life-sized SKZOO. So, of course, they were brought back this time around and were just as iconic. Plus, this year, we got the bonus of Stray Kids going around with bear versions of their SKZOOs. But it wouldn’t be a fanmeeting without fun games and challenges. The list is lengthy and includes many iconic moments, but here are our highlights: the ‘NEMO NEMO’ challenge with Lee Know, Seungmin, and I.N, the ‘AS I TOLD YOU’ challenge with Hyunjin, Han, and Felix (in the form of a Bbokkari plushie), ‘WHIPLASH’ with Bang Chan, Lee Know, and Han, ‘Home Sweet Home’ with Changbin and Han, ‘Shanghai Romance’ with Lee Know, Changbin and Hyunjin, and several versions of ‘Kissing You.’ The most memorable challenge of last year also made its comeback: Lee Know doing the ‘Loveable’ challenge, along with Bang Chan and Han. But truly nothing beats the reveal of the long-awaited ‘My People’ by Bang Chan and Changbin, a song that ended up being even better than we could’ve ever imagined from the snippet we had heard in that one 3RACHA VLive back in early 2020.

    However, the actual showstopping part of this fanmeeting goes, hands down, to the Stray Kids members switching their solos from the first part of the dominATE World Tour and b-sides in HOP. Felix performed ‘Hold My Hand,’ adding the fun element of a toy guitar. Logically, the maknae on top himself, I.N, took over ‘Youth’ and even used one of the dances from ‘Hallucination’ during the dance break. In exchange, Lee Know killed it by performing ‘Hallucination.’ Changbin performed ‘As We Are,’ showcasing his incredible vocals and adding his own rap verse. ‘So Good’ was covered by Bang Chan – but with a mullet before his hair got long, no, we haven’t forgotten. Han did an excellent job with ‘Railway’ and even revealed part of his side tattoo on the third day. And Hyunjin showcased yet another set of skills in ‘Unfair.’ But if there’s a single one performance to keep from the fanmeeting, it’s Seungmin’s take on ‘ULTRA.’ The extra layers of vocals and the evil PuppyM in the background with laser eyes: absolute cinema.

    This year’s fanmeeting came with many surprises, but its setlist would also serve as a huge spoiler for the tour’s setlist change, and little did we know, this would be the last time the solos were performed.

    Mixtape: dominATE

    With the first half of the tour behind them, Stray Kids had set to change things up for the remaining legs of the DominATE World Tour – and that included, of course, new songs. They announced Mixtape: dominATE would be released just a few days before their seventh anniversary. Unlike their other mixtapes, this one featured more than one song: the Korean version of their Japanese title track, ‘GIANT,’ and four brand-new sub-units.

    ‘Burnin’ Tires’ is a fun, energetic song that combines the wit and charisma of Changbin and I.N., while Han and Felix teamed up for ‘TRUMAN’ – a rap-heavy track that showcased their immense talent and versatility as songwriters and idols. We got a second sub-unit, ‘ESCAPE,’ featuring Bang Chan and Hyunjin, with influences similar to their first sub-unit, ‘Red Lights,’ but even more intense. And finally, Lee Know and Seungmin delivered an incredibly meaningful and heartwrenching ballad with ‘CINEMA.’ It was the first taste we got of what the first half of the year would be all about for Stray Kids: the dominATE World Tour.

    The Second Part Of The dominATE World Tour

    Stray Kids embarked on their biggest tour yet, the dominATE world tour, last year following the release of ATE, touring across Asia and Australia. In January, they concluded this leg of the tour with two dates in Hong Kong. After a break from the tour, Stray Kids finally began their first tour in Latin America on March 27th in Chile, a leg that saw them fill some of their biggest stadiums to date. They went to Brazil (both Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo) and Peru, and finally to Mexico. For the occasion, they mixed up the setlist a bit, rearranging the order and adding the unit songs, as well as ‘Walkin On Water,’ ‘GIANT,’ ‘Cover Me,’ among others. And for this leg of the tour only: ‘I am You.’

    They later played the Shizuoka Stadium ECOPA in Japan for four days, before kicking off the North American leg of the tour, where they played 13 shows in 10 different cities across the United States and, for the first time, Canada. The last leg of the tour was the long-awaited European leg, six years after their showcase tour in summer 2019. They became the first K-Pop act to perform at the iconic Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, and the act to sell the most tickets in France, selling out two shows at the Stade de France, the biggest stadium on their entire tour. They also toured in Amsterdam, Frankfurt, and Madrid, and eventually wrapped up the tour in Rome.

    The DominATE World Tour remained iconic, full of energy and passion for music, right up until the very last day, and easily earned its place in K-Pop history. Stray Kids were the first Korean act to perform in several of these stadiums, but that was far from being their only milestone. It was estimated that the tour would bring a total of 2.2 million people worldwide, making it the South Korean tour with the most attendees per date and breaking records for attendance and revenue in Latin America, North America, and Europe. When Stray Kids announced this would be their biggest tour yet, they surely hadn’t expected to break every record out there.

    The Fourth Japanese Mini-Album: Hollow

    In the midst of having one of the biggest tours in K-Pop history, Stray Kids found the time to release music. Indeed, Stray Kids released their fourth Japanese mini-album on June 18th. It featured five songs: ‘Hollow,’ ‘Parade,’ ‘Never Alone,’ ‘just a little,’ and ‘宿命’ (translated to ‘Fate’). This mini-album explored vulnerability through the title track, ‘Hollow,’ while also delivering powerful anthems about finding your place, like ‘Parade’ and ‘Never Alone.’ It also included songs written solely by Han and another one by Changbin. Hollow was a breath of fresh air that everyone needed.

    And everyone in Japan agreed with the pure genius behind this mini-album. Stray Kids, once again, topped both the Oricon Albums Chart and the Billboard Japan Hot Albums. With 523k copies sold in its first week, Hollow broke the record as their most sold album during the first week, and became the most sold album in its first week in 2025 by a non-Japanese artist. As of now, with over 700k copies sold, Hollow is certified platinum in Japan.

    The Fourth Full-Length Album: KARMA

    As much as the tour broke records and Hollow took over every playlist, the biggest shake Stray Kids would cause in 2025 was yet to come. After months of hints and not-so-subtle spoilers, in the midst of the European leg of their tour, the announcement finally dropped: Stray Kids were making a comeback on August 22nd with their fourth full-length album, KARMA.

    KARMA consisted of nine brand-new songs, plus the festival version of its title track, ‘CEREMONY.’ The album was directly influenced by the tour, as seen in songs like ‘In My Head’ and ‘Half Time.’ It was grand, full of confidence like in ‘BLEEP,’ and they experimented with staples of their music, pushing the boundaries further in tracks like ‘CREEP’ with its heavy hip-hop influence and ‘Phoenix’ where they brought back EDM into their music. But KARMA was also not afraid to be vulnerable and introspective, yet comforting, as in tracks like ‘MESS,’ ‘Ghost’ and ‘0801.’ It offered a time capsule of this new peak Stray Kids reached, while also honoring their roots and lengthy journey, making KARMA a jewel in their discography.

    The star of the show, though? ‘CEREMONY.’ It celebrated Stray Kids’ artistry, their journey, their bound, and their love for music all in one song that can’t help but give you a boost of energy and confidence. The song earned six wins in Music Shows, including a double crown at MCountdown, making it their first song to win first place on every music show. It’s also the most-viewed K-Pop boy group music video of 2025. They went on to perform the song, along with ‘Thunderous’ and ‘God’s Menu,’ at the Public Culture Exchange Committee Launch in front of the president and the culture minister. ‘CEREMONY’ is all about Stray Kids owning their history, celebrating every step that got them where they are, and becoming even more of a part of it in the process.

    KARMA made some massive noise – unsurprisingly – topping the music charts in over 10 countries, earning them a gold certification in France and the United States, and a three-million-copy certification by KOMCA. It earned Stray Kids their seventh consecutive number one on the Billboard 200 chart, making them the first act in Billboard history to do so with their first seven entries. Thanks to KARMA, Stray Kids became the group with the most number-one albums this century. It only made sense for KARMA to earn Stray Kids their first MAMA daesang for Album of the Year, the first JYPE act to do so, and a week later, it also won the daesang for Album of the Year at the Asian Artists Awards.

    The World Tour Finale: dominATE: celebrATE

    The grand finale of the World Tour came two months after the release of KARMA, as a celebration of the release and a final tour performance, this time in South Korea. Stray Kids sold out the Incheon Asiad Main Stadium for both dates, October 18th and 19th, marking their first-ever stadium concert in South Korea. They performed the unit songs for the first time in Korea, as well as the Korean version of ‘GIANT.’ Additionally, they performed for the first time live KARMA b-sides: ‘BLEEP,’ ‘Half Time,’ and ‘In My Head.’

    The show served as the perfect closure to Stray Kids’ biggest era yet, but it also opened the doors to what was next. Because one thing about Stray Kids is that they’ll drop spoilers during their concerts, so when they turned up on the second day with outfits with the words ‘DO IT’ and ‘IT TAPE’ on them, we knew something was coming. And indeed, even before Stray Kids stepped off the stage, the trailer for DO IT dropped, and was afterwards premiered for everyone in the stadium.

    SKZ-IT TAPE: DO IT

    DO IT was a release that followed a similar pattern to HOP, which was fully named SKZ-HIP TAPE: HOP. This time it was SKZ-IT TAPE: DO IT. The special mixtape dropped on November 21st, merely three months after the release of KARMA. This time it included four songs, two of which were title tracks. ‘DO IT’ was a fun track that brought back the reggaeton influence we had already seen in ‘Chk Chk Boom,’ but with a more sultry side. The song was at the forefront of the release and earned them a double crown in Show Champion.

    Meanwhile, ‘DIVINE’ was all about Stray Kids mixing many influences to give us ultimately an incredible song, filled with 90s Hip-Hop influence and incorporating Korean traditional culture in it too. ‘DIVINE’ had its live debut at none other than the MAMAs stage. ‘Holiday’ and ‘Photobook’ are not to be forgotten, though. These are some of the best songs we’ve gotten from Stray Kids in 2025. ‘Holiday’ is a seemingly fun yet quite vulnerable and emotional track about feeling burned out. ‘Photobook’ is a heartfelt song full of nostalgia and beautiful melodies inspired by band music.

    Even before its release, DO IT made history, reaching over one million pre-saves on Spotify. On its release, DO IT went head-to-head with the WICKED: For Good Soundtrack on the Billboard 200 to know who would dethrone Taylor Swift’s The Life of a Showgirl on her seven-week streak at the top. And, well, Stray Kids made history once again, extending their record as the first act to have eight consecutive number ones with their first entries. It tied them with U2 as the third group with the most number ones on the chart, behind legends like the Rolling Stones and the Beatles.

    Solo Activities, Collabs & More Music

    You would think that, with such a packed year and so many achievements, there would be nothing to add, and yet… From fashion shows to collaborations with big brands, Stray Kids was everywhere. Despite releasing one album, one mini-album, and two mixtapes, Stray Kids also ventured into other aspects of music. There were unit OSTs this year: Lee Know, Seungmin, and I.N for Resident Playbook with ‘START!,’ and Han, Felix, and I.N for Genie, Make a Wish with ‘Genie.’ Stray Kids was also the first K-Pop group to collaborate with DJ Snake on the main single of this album: ‘In the Dark,’ following their meeting in 2023. And SKZOO had their own collaboration with Tamagotchi and ZOOTOPIA 2. Past all the group activities, each member left their own mark in the industry this year – here are the highlights.

    The year started with a bang when Bang Chan was announced as the new ambassador of Fendi, leading him to attend two of Fendi’s Fashion shows in Italy. On the last occasion, he filmed a music video for his original solo song, ‘Roman Empire.’ Bang Chan also reached second place as the idol with the most writing credits under KOMCA. In June, Lee Know was announced as the new brand ambassador for Gucci, leading to his appearances on the covers of two magazines.

    Changbin participated in the writing and featured in the title track of 2PM’s Jun.K’s comeback, ‘R&B Me.’ In addition to continuing to be a brand ambassador for Versace and Cartier and attending their shows, Hyunjin also became a brand ambassador for Givenchy Beauty. At the 2025 AAA, he won the Best Choice award, reflecting his status as an icon. In 2025, Han wrote a song for NEXZ, the B-side ‘Run With Me,’ full of his color and personality. He later got invited to a variety show along with NEXZ’s Hyui. In October, Han released his first solo OST: ‘Updraft,’ and one of the songs he wrote for Stray Kids, ‘Collision,’ went viral in South Korea. He was also the cover star of Nylon Japan, modeling for NARS Cosmetics.

    Felix will never beat the most employed person allegations – he would need an entire section for himself if we were to recap every single collab he has done in 2025 alone. He kicked off the year by featuring in LiSA’s ‘ReawakeR,’ the opening title for the second season of Solo Leveling nominated for Best Collaboration at the Asian Pop Music Awards. Felix continued to be an ambassador for Louis Vuitton, but in August, he also became a brand ambassador for Hera, who released two lip colours inspired by him, including ‘Brownie Boy.’ One of his biggest collaborations this year was becoming the first K-Pop idol to serve as an ambassador for Gong Cha. And he also became the new host of Fridge Interview. No one deserved the award for Grand Presence of K-Pop at the 2025 AAA quite like him.

    On the music side, Seungmin continued his Song by. series until reaching episode 10, and went viral with his cover of Billie Eilish’s ‘BIRDS OF A FEATHER.’ He also released a SKZ-RECORD, ‘Goodbye,’ written by Bang Chan. Additionally, he released two solo OSTs: ‘My Destiny’ for The Potato Lab, and ‘All I Want Is You’ was released as the first OST for Would You Marry Me. In the fashion world, he was announced as the new Burberry brand ambassador after being revealed as one of the faces of the Burberry Festival campaign. Meanwhile, I.N became a brand ambassador for two massive brands this year alone: Bottega Veneta and Damiani. Even outside of music, there was no getting away from Stray Kids – and believe us, we didn’t want to.

    Content & More Content

    Stray Kids always find time to shower us with content, and 2025 was no different. They’ve been releasing their vlog series continuously, alongside the usual SKZ-Talker and SKZ-Talker Go content, as well as the Rachalog series with new trios. There were several SKZ-CODE episodes released this year, including Snow Kids World, which brought us back to the first-ever episode from 2021. The most important content they released, though, was, of course, the 2025 version of the 2 Kids Room series, covering every single pair as they had previously done in 2023.

    Throughout the year, Stray Kids were invited to several variety shows and series; here are the most notable. We finally got Stray Kids at Dingo’s Killing Voice, where they sang some of their most iconic songs and their best B-sides. We got two new episodes of Idol Human Theater, 3RACHA went head-to-head with Epik High in Epik High, Lee Know and Felix were featured in two episodes of Please Take Care of My Refrigerator, and Changbin and Hyunjin flooded our timelines with clips from Workdol. Outside of variety shows, Stray Kids was also featured in national news several times to celebrate their tour and releases. Even with so many schedules, Stray Kids made sure our entertainment was assured.

    The K-Pop Champion: Artist of the Year, Album of the Year & Other Achievements

    In the past year, Stray Kids went on tour, flew around the world seven times, released the most iconic music, sold out stadiums, topped the most important charts in several countries, and broke record after record. Rolling Stones named their constant record-breaking one of the most iconic moments of K-Pop in 2025. It isn’t surprising either that Forbes ranked them third on its list of the year’s Korean idols, the highest-ranked group. Stray Kids’ music continued to impact and redefine K-Pop this year, and 3RACHA were named the Best Producers by the AAA 2025. They ended the year with 234 credits for Bang Chan, 198 for Changbin, and 191 for Han, ranking 2nd, 6th, and 8th, respectively, among the most credited idols in KOMCA.

    Among all the awards, this year alone, Stray Kids doubled their number of daesangs, remaining the 4th-gen boy group with the most, with a total of 16 awards. The Fact Music Awards gave them two daesangs: Honor of the Year and Record of the Year. They won Grand Honor’s Choice and Grand Record at the KGMA, and Boy Group Best Artist Award at the K-World Dreams Awards. And finally, they won the award for Album of the Year and took their first Artist of the Year daesang at the AAA 2025, merely a week after becoming the fifth JYPE act to win a daesang at the MAMAs: Album of the Year for KARMA.

    So what’s next? With Stray Kids raising the bar year after year, literally anything is possible. But 2026 is already packing out to be another year breaking records and making history – as proved by Stray Kids being the first K-Pop act to headline the Rock In Rio festival in 2026 and becoming the first act since Beyoncé in 2013 to sell out the event in under an hour. 2025 may have been Stray Kids’ biggest year, but we’ve come to know that Stray Kids have no limits to their impact and music.

    What was your favorite song Stray Kids released this year? What’s the most memorable 2025 Stray Kids moment for you? Be sure to let us know by tweeting us at @thehoneypop or visiting us on Facebook and Instagram.

    Need more Stray Kids content? We got you!

    TO LEARN MORE ABOUT STRAY KIDS:
    FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | TWITTER | WEBSITE | YOUTUBE

    [ad_2]

    Juu

    Source link

  • Our Love Is Always Here For LUCY’s Sunflower

    [ad_1]

    LUCY knows exactly how to set the mood for the season with their music. From the lyrics to the instrumental and the vocals, the atmosphere LUCY sets with their releases makes us feel like we’re living in a movie every time. We’ve had releases for every season, and this year they’re bringing us the perfect soundtrack to fall, leading us slowly but surely into winter. From heartfelt, emotional songs to fun tracks, Sunflower is another perfect example of all the unique things LUCY brings to our lives with their masterful music.

    ‘Where’s Your Love’

    LUCY has a way about their music that makes every song sound bright, youthful, and hopeful. ‘Where’s Your Love’ plays with that energy, going against the expectations. Despite its hopeful, comforting sound, ‘Where’s Your Love’ is a heartbreaking song about the person you love growing away from you. The expectations and memories are conveyed through the softness of the verses, with lyrics full of happy memories and love. However, it’s in the chorus that reality hits, and the intense voice kicks in along with it, evoking the emotions of continuing to love someone who is falling out of love. ‘Where’s Your Love’ is a beautiful, engulfing song that combines the hopeful, bright sound of LUCY with their more emotional, sentimental side, making it the perfect LUCY song.

    Sunflower

    It would’ve been enough to give us one song for it to be the soundtrack to our autumn season, but Sunflower explores the season in its four tracks. ‘EIO’ is the most fun and bright song in Sunflower. It’s cheerful, cheeky, and mixes soft vocals with powerful belts in the way only LUCY can. The highlight of the song has to go to the instrumental, especially the bass, and of course, the mindblowing instrumental post-chorus. It’s simply the musical excellence and the serotonin boost you would expect from any LUCY release, and so much more.

    LUCY‘s featurings always hit, and their collaboration with Wonstein is simply genius. While the entirety of Sunflower feels cozy, ‘In a Rush’ is the one that fits the fall atmosphere the most. You would think it’s a LUCY song unlike any other until you get the switch in the bridge for Wonstein, and it turns into an addiction. And there is no better way to end the mini-album than with a chill, sweet, heartfelt ballad, and that’s exactly what they gave us with ‘Lisianthus.’ This track is a solo by Shin Yechan, and his musical genius is evident throughout the song, from the melodies to the beauty in the lyrics. The atmosphere this song creates is beyond magical, especially during the instrumental interlude, and the softness in his voice makes the song all the more personal and unique. While the entirety of Sunflower is fall magic, ‘Lisianthus’ is the perfect transition as LUCY guides us with their music from fall to winter.

    What’s your favorite song from Sunflower? Be sure to let us know by tweeting us at @thehoneypop or visiting us on Facebook and Instagram.

    Need more K-pop content? We got you!

    TO LEARN MORE ABOUT LUCY:
    FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | TWITTER | WEBSITE | YOUTUBE

    [ad_2]

    Juu

    Source link

  • 5 Of Stray Kids’ Best Comeback Trailers

    [ad_1]

    When a comeback is announced, you know Stray Kids are about to shower the internet with content, and nothing quite compares to the emotion and excitement of getting that trailer notification, clicking on the video, and discovering for the first time the concept to announce the music that is about to change your life. Stray Kids have absolutely mastered the art, giving us some of the most beautiful, iconic, fun, and unforgettable comeback trailers. We’re here to look back at the ones that live rent-free in our minds.

    NOEASY

    The experience of the NOEASY trailer is unlike any other. To this day, we’re confident in saying it’s one of the best pieces of content Stray Kids has ever put out. After 11 months without a comeback, NOEASY was one of the most anticipated comebacks of the year, and this was the perfect trailer. Coming off their win in Kingdom and their iconic Deadpool-inspired performance, the trailer for NOEASY has the same funny, action-packed Marvel-like atmosphere, where Stray Kids have to fight the sound monster. It’s full of Easter eggs and witty jokes, and it genuinely feels like the trailer for a superhero movie. While ‘Thunderous‘ as a song may not have followed the storyline, Stray Kids made sure to bring it back for the music video of ‘Christmas EveL‘ and even their 2021 MAMA performance. It simply rewired our brains.

    ODDINARY

    We all remember where we were when Stray Kids dropped the trailer for ODDINARY – probably because most of us were watching the end of the fan meeting live stream in 2022. This trailer gave us Hyunjin with red hair, and that alone puts it in the hall of fame. But even that aside, there are so many elements about this trailer that make it so unforgettable, from the styling to the storyline and cinematography. This trailer gave every member their own special styling, character, and unique imagery. Mixing Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, The Matrix, and Death Note together yielded an obscure, strange, unsettling trailer that would set the perfect atmosphere for the ODDINARY mini-album.

    MAXIDENT

    In contrast to ODDINARY‘s darkness, MAXIDENT was bright and youthful. The trailer is something they had never done before and never did again. Shot in the streets of New York, Stray Kids gave us the ultimate coming-of-age aesthetic, with a gorgeous color palette and a showcase of their chemistry not as a group but as friends. MAXIDENT had a twist at the end, and it introduced, in the most surprising way, one of the most iconic characters in the Stray Kids universe—Heart Tung. MAXIDENT trailer, you will always be famous.

    5-STAR

    There are no words to capture just how iconic the 5-STAR trailer was. It shook the world, and it’s no surprise this is their most-watched trailer. Giving every member their own setting and spotlight, 5-STAR presented all Stray Kids in all their glory—from the fun atmosphere to impressive looks—reflecting their individuality, boldness, and unique personalities. With a trailer like this, the world should’ve known Stray Kids were about to shake everything with their album.

    DO IT

    Similarly to ODDINARY, Stray Kids revealed the trailer for DO IT at the end of a concert—this time, it was the grand finale of their biggest tour yet, the dominATE World Tour. But DO IT has a trailer like no other. Stray Kids fully embrace symbolism and breathtaking artistic choices. With a black-and-white palette, the DO IT trailer gives off horror excellence. It is an aesthetic that Stray Kids had never tried and yet, unsurprisingly, it fits them like a glove. Every frame of the DO IT trailer makes it a simple masterpiece. It took seconds for us to add it at the top of the list of Stray Kids‘ best trailers. We’re counting down the days for the comeback on November 21st to see how this gorgeous, horrific aesthetic translates to the music. One thing we know is that it’ll change our lives.

    Which Stray Kids trailer is your favorite? Which song out of DO IT are you the most excited to listen to? Be sure to let us know by tweeting us at @thehoneypop or visiting us on Facebook and Instagram.

    Need more Stray Kids content? We got you!

    TO LEARN MORE ABOUT STRAY KIDS:
    FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | TWITTER | WEBSITE | YOUTUBE

    [ad_2]

    Juu

    Source link

  • From Pro-Dancer To Stray Kids: Retracing Lee Know’s Journey

    [ad_1]

    Stray Kids’ Lee Know is an idol like no other. His years of experience in the industry as a dancer made him one of the idols with the most mesmerizing dancing and stage presence, tied together with his incredible, versatile, and stable vocals. As soon as he steps on a stage, he shines. He doesn’t stand out from the crowd only because of his skills, but also his journey and the path that ultimately led him to Stray Kids. And we’re here to tell you all about it.

    Early Years

    His determination for dance, to choreograph and perform on stage, was present from the very beginning. Lee Know‘s journey as a dancer started as early as middle school when he took interest in dancing. He later joined the Soul Dance Studio, which he paid for by working part-time jobs, and where he even started to make his own choreographies. Lee Know auditioned for several entertainment companies, and that’s how we got the iconic pre-debut video: his interview with National Geographic during the Cube Entertainment open auditions. And, well, spoiler: he did become the next best thing in K-Pop.

    Joining a Dance Crew

    With his involvement in Soul Dance Studio, Lee Know took part in a dance crew created by the founder of the studio: CUPCAKES. Members of this crew have gone on to become some of the most iconic and well-regarded dancers and choreographers in the industry, such as Bada Lee, and Lee Know was the youngest among them. This crew was beyond iconic, and they even performed at huge events such as the World Of Dance competition in 2016 as special guests – and fun fact, Hyunjin was in the crowd that day. And in the meantime, Lee Know got into college with his own choreography to become a professional choreographer.

    Dancer for BTS

    The most significant break for Lee Know before joining JYP Entertainment and Stray Kids came when he worked as a dancer for BTS. After taking part in CUPCAKES, Lee Know joined BTS’ dance crew at the beginning of 2017. You can still catch him in the front of the performance in ‘Not Today’ stages at music shows. But more importantly, Lee Know joined BTS for the Japanese leg of their Wings Tour in the summer of 2017. It was then that it became clearer than ever to Lee Know that what he wanted more than anything was to become an idol.

    His Trainee Days in JYP Entertainment

    After auditioning for entertainment companies, enough time had passed for Lee Know to believe that he hadn’t been selected until JYP Entertainment called. And thus, practically right out of the plane from Japan, Lee Know joined JYP Entertainment as the last piece to Stray Kids and the main dancer. It meant that Lee Know had about two weeks to complete the entire training process to join the team—and he did, breaking the record for the shortest time to pass all 40 basic JYP moves, all while learning four songs a week. It was a beyond chaotic time, but the fact that Lee Know accomplished all that in only two weeks is a testament to his hard work, determination, and undeniable talent.

    Stray Kids’ Main Dancer

    And that leads us to today. Lee Know plays a major role in Stray Kids as a main dancer. He’s a major force in Stray Kids‘ stage presence, and his leadership in dancing is always noticeable. From helping members learn the choreography, leading rehearsals, and adding his own touches and arrangements to the choreographies, Lee Know‘s mark is all over every Stray Kids performance. Additionally, he has choreographed performances such as his first SKZ-PLAYER, ‘Dawn,’ as well as the Danceracha‘s SKZ-PLAYER, and helped in the design and construction of special stages. His role in the group has also led him to take the stage for solos, blowing everyone away with his performances, technique, and strength —not only as a dancer and performer but as an all-rounded idol.

    Lee Know‘s path was a long one, but it was full of success, hard work, determination, passion, and overflowing talent, which led him right where he needed to be in Stray Kids.

    What’s your favorite Lee Know dancer moment? What’s your favorite performance by him? Be sure to let us know by tweeting us at @thehoneypop or visiting us on Facebook and Instagram.

    Need more Stray Kids content? We got you!

    TO LEARN MORE ABOUT LEE KNOW AND STRAY KIDS:
    FACEBOOK | LEE KNOW’S INSTAGRAM | STRAY KIDS’ INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | TWITTER | WEBSITE | YOUTUBE

    [ad_2]

    Juu

    Source link

  • Here’s Why Stray Kids’ Bang Chan Is The Ultimate All-Rounder

    [ad_1]

    There are very few things Stray Kids‘ Bang Chan can’t do – actually, we’re convinced he can do it all! Bang Chan has talent even in his fingertips, and the way he expresses it is what mesmerizes us every single time. From vocalist to producer, Bang Chan fills absolutely every case for an idol, and even breaks the boundaries and sets the bar higher by redefining what an all-rounder really is. Here’s how he does it!

    Vocalist

    The first thing to know about Bang Chan is that his voice has the power to make an entire song special, unique, and filled with color and power. His voice is perfect for pop music, but it also possesses that distinctive tone that makes it instantly recognizable everywhere. The emotions he transmits through every word make each song hit harder. Songs like ‘Mess’ or even his solo song ‘i hate to admit‘ are true proof of all the emotions he conveys with his voice, his versatility as a vocalist, and the way he makes every song sound exactly like Stray Kids. His range is amazing, his tone is addictive, and his vocals are simply too good.

    Rapper

    Bang Chan occupies just about every role there can be in Stray Kids, and his incredible vocals have never stopped him from also being a rapper. This is a skill that you can especially see in the 3RACHA discography, but it has continued here and there all throughout Stray Kids‘ discography – and every time we get a new Bang Chan rap, you know it’s going to change your brain chemistry! Whether it’s in English, in Korean, or the most witty showcase of bilingualism, Bang Chan always delivers some of the most iconic lines in 3RACHA songs.

    Songs like ‘Maze Of Memories‘ are proof of not only the amount of aura he adds to songs with his raps, but also the genius he delivers with his lyrics and the rhythms and flows he plays with. And don’t even get us started with his “lazy” raps like in ‘The Tortoise and the Hare!’ One thing about Bang Chan is that his versatility will translate into everything he does – and rap is a big one.

    Dancing

    It is general knowledge that out of the Stray Kids members, Bang Chan was the one who trained the longest – for seven years, to be exact. It may be a given that he would excel at dancing, but Bang Chan‘s skills go way beyond that. Bang Chan has the skills to embody a song with his entire being, with the energy and passion he gives to every song, and the precision in all his moves. Bang Chan was the top trainee for a long time, and for a reason, which has also translated into his years as a member of Stray Kids. He has never stopped growing and surprising us!

    Stage Presence

    Jaw-dropping vocals, addictive raps, and incredible dance moves will give you the performer of a lifetime. It is addictive to watch Chan perform: he is more than a mesmerizing performer, leading the stage with such natural charisma. ‘Victory Song‘ (especially the MAMA 2020 version) and ‘MIROH‘ are only two of the songs that prove just how much he leads Stray Kids even on the stage. ‘CEREMONY‘ is a perfect example of his infectious stage presence and the way he simply commands performances. Every time he steps on a stage, you know that’s exactly where he belongs!

    Songwriting And Producing

    What truly sets Bang Chan apart from most other idols is his creativity. As one-third of 3RACHA, Bang Chan’s input into Stray Kids’ discography is so immense that it is hard to contain in simple words. Setting himself as one of the top three idols with the most credits in KOMCA, Bang Chan has had his hand in nearly the entire discography of Stray Kids, whether it’s as a songwriter, a composer, a producer, or all three at the same time! Stray Kids wouldn’t be Stray Kids if it weren’t for Bang Chan, not just because he put the members together, but also because he shaped their sound, their message, and everything Stray Kids stands for.

    It shines through many of the songs he has done alongside 3RACHA, but his creativity and soul also shine in songs like ‘Gone Days‘ or ‘Youtiful‘ where he is the sole songwriter. His solo songs like ‘Railway‘ bleed with exceptional artistry, and simultaneously, he’s able to create songs that fit perfectly every single member in Stray Kids. His range in terms of his art is incredible, spanning songs like ‘ESCAPE‘ to ‘0801.’ Bang Chan’s art and mastermind talent just cannot be stopped, and every new piece he gives us is another reason why he’s one of a kind in this industry.

    What’s your favorite thing about Bang Chan? What’s your favorite song written by Bang Chan? Be sure to let us know by tweeting us at @thehoneypop or visiting us on Facebook and Instagram.

    Want more Stray Kids content? We got you!

    TO LEARN MORE ABOUT BANG CHAN AND STRAY KIDS:
    FACEBOOK | BANG CHAN’S INSTAGRAM | STRAY KIDS’ INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | TWITTER | WEBSITE | YOUTUBE

    [ad_2]

    Juu

    Source link

  • P1Harmony’s EX Explodes With Genre‑Hopping Charm

    [ad_1]

    P1Harmony aren’t content to sit back and coast on past wins. Just a year after topping charts with ‘DUH!,’ the six‑member group are back with EX, a five‑track mini album designed with the Western market in mind and delivered with a creative genre blend that’s rare in 4th‑generation K‑pop. It’s their first English‑language collection, yet it closes with a Spanish version of the title track, proving that this crew aren’t afraid to stretch their sound or their languages.

    Image Source: Courtesy of FNC Entertainment

    From their world tour to daytime‑TV appearances and an ever‑growing global fan base, the stakes for P1Harmony have never been higher. So does EX live up to the hype? Here’s the thing: rather than delivering a safe, uniform sound, the group lean into variety and personality. Each song feels like a conversation with a different side of the band; at times playful, at others introspective, and occasionally downright celebratory. That diversity is both the album’s hook and its charm!

    ‘EX:’ Synth‑Pop Sparkle With A Playful Message

    The opening and title track, ‘EX,’ is a shimmering synth‑pop anthem built on catchy hooks and crisp digital textures. It’s light and breezy, almost like stumbling onto a carefree afternoon on a boardwalk. The lyrics, delivered entirely in English, celebrate independence and self‑discovery without sounding preachy. There’s even a gently feminist streak in the way the chorus suggests every woman deserves to explore and have fun without needing permission or an explanation. With Keeho and Jiung sharing centre stage, the song’s bright vocal interplay underpins a melody that lingers long after the final synth sweeps.

    Listening closely, you can sense the group’s desire to expand their sonic palette. The title track’s production folds in soft digital textures and spirited rap verses, but the heart of the song lies in its chorus; an earworm that borrows from 80s synth‑pop while keeping one foot firmly planted in 2025. It’s the kind of tune you could imagine blasting in an arena or singing along to at a festival, which makes sense given that EX arrives just before their largest U.S. tour yet.

    ‘Dancing Queen:’ Pop‑Rock Euphoria With A Nostalgic Glow

    Then P1Harmony pivot into pop‑rock territory. ‘Dancing Queen’ is the EP’s stadium‑ready moment, driven by buoyant guitars and the group’s commanding vocals. You know what? It recalls the energy of classic boy band anthems without feeling like a throwback. Keeho’s vocal tone pairs with Theo’s warm harmonies, creating a chorus that feels destined for late‑night singalongs.

    What sets ‘Dancing Queen’ apart is its effortless blend of sweetness and edge. In the lyrics, the protagonist invites their lover to own the night and dance without apology. The instrumentation shimmers with layered guitars and a driving beat, and there’s a subtle nod to 70s disco in the groove, yet the song never slips into pastiche. It’s playful and earnest in equal measure; the kind of track that would fit right over the credits of a feel‑good rom‑com!

    ‘Stupid Brain:’ Emotional Honesty Wrapped In Downtempo Grooves

    If ‘Dancing Queen’ is all about letting loose, ‘Stupid Brain’ turns inward. The track opens with lush strings and almost orchestral drama before flipping into a hip‑hop‑tinged beat. That contrast might sound chaotic on paper, but it works, creating a unique blend that showcases the group’s versatility. While the production nods to mid‑90s R&B, the song’s structure is thoroughly modern, with bubbled synths and a downtempo groove that feels tailor‑made for a rainy‑day playlist.

    Lyrically, ‘Stupid Brain’ is relatable to anyone who has ever overthought a situation. The song expresses the frustration of being stuck in your own head, unable to silence intrusive thoughts even when surrounded by friends. The melody dips and sways, giving space for introspection, and Keeho’s soulful delivery underscores the vulnerability of the message. A surprise guitar solo midway through adds a classic rock flavor, bridging the song’s orchestral intro with its pop‑R&B core!

    Honestly, it’s the EP’s heart, offering a glimpse into the group’s emotional range. While it might not explode like a single, it’s the kind of track listeners return to when they need to feel heard.

    ‘Night of My Life:’ 2010s EDM Nostalgia Meets Unbridled Joy

    Just when you think the EP might settle into moody reflection, ‘Night of My Life’ bursts through with sparkling EDM‑inspired energy. The song is pure, unadulterated fun. It’s simple, self‑hyping lyrics revolve around embracing the moment, dancing under the stars and having the best night possible, echoing the carefree charm of early 2010s pop anthems. There’s a playful electronic whistle that punctuates the chorus, and the beat builds to a euphoric drop that wouldn’t feel out of place in a DJ set.

    Fans of LMFAO or early Calvin Harris will appreciate how ‘Night of My Life’ channels the party‑rock spirit of that era while giving P1Harmony space to show off their vocal agility. In a clever twist, Intak takes a turn singing on the final chorus, adding texture to the track’s soaring finale. If ‘Stupid Brain’ is for introspective nights, this song is for living in the moment; a high‑energy reminder that sometimes joy should simply be embraced!

    ‘EX (Spanish Version):’ Bridging Cultures With A Bilingual Banger

    Closing the EP is a Spanish version of the title track; an unexpected twist that underscores P1Harmony’s eagerness to reach beyond linguistic boundaries. It’s the group’s first official Spanish release, following their earlier covers and Latin‑inspired songs like ‘Sad Song,’ and it reveals a comfort with the language that feels authentic rather than forced. The playful lyrics remain, but hearing them delivered with a different cadence gives the melody a brand‑new dimension.

    Culturally, the move is significant. K‑pop acts rarely produce full Spanish versions of their songs, and when they do, it’s often as a one‑off novelty. Here, P1Harmony treat the Spanish version as a natural extension of the original, not just a marketing gimmick. For bilingual P1ece, it’s a thrill to hear familiar words roll off their tongues; for monolingual listeners, it’s a testament to the universality of pop music. Either way, the track signals the group’s commitment to building community across borders, a sentiment echoed throughout their broader discography!

    Beyond The Music: Creative Control And A Tour To Match

    Part of what makes EX compelling is the group’s hands‑on approach. Members Keeho, Jiung, Intak and Jongseob are credited as creative producers, continuing a tradition of deep involvement that fans have come to expect. That creative input is evident in the EP’s thoughtful sequencing and willingness to experiment. From synth‑pop to pop‑rock, R&B, EDM and Latin pop, the project moves effortlessly between genres without feeling disjointed, a testament to both the group’s musicianship and the production team’s vision.

    The timing of EX’s release isn’t accidental. It drops just ahead of P1Harmony’s largest U.S. arena tour, P1ustage H: Most Wanted, which is scheduled to hit major cities like Newark, Chicago and Los Angeles before heading to Latin America. Pairing an English‑heavy EP with a multilingual tour is a savvy move: it gives new listeners an accessible entry point while rewarding longtime fans with fresh material. The tracks on EX are designed to translate well to live stages; imagine the opening synths of ‘EX’ echoing through an arena, the guitar licks of ‘Dancing Queen’ sparking a singalong, or the EDM drop in ‘Night of My Life’ triggering a sea of light sticks.

    Image Source: Courtesy of FNC Entertainment

    Final Verdict: A Polished Yet Adventurous Detour

    So, is EX worth your time? Absolutely! At just over fifteen minutes long, the EP packs more variety into its runtime than many full‑length albums. Its five tracks feel like distinct chapters in a cohesive narrative, each revealing a different facet of P1Harmony’s artistry. The members’ vocals shine, the production is tight, and the willingness to experiment, linguistically and stylistically, keeps the project feeling fresh!

    For longtime stans, EX offers another layer to a discography that already spans boom‑bap hip‑hop, hyper‑pop, reggaeton and synth‑driven anthems. For newcomers, it’s an accessible introduction to a group poised for global growth. More than anything, the EP serves as a reminder that pop music can be both fun and thoughtful, polished and playful. It’s a genre‑blurring, multilingual journey that leaves you wondering: if this is just a mini album, what sonic adventures might P1Harmony embark on next?

    Image Source: Courtesy of FNC Entertainment

    Which song is your favorite on the EP? Let us know in the comments below, or tell us over on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

    Want more P1Harmony content? Look here!

    TO LEARN MORE ABOUT P1HARMONY:
    FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | MEMBERS’ TWITTER | OFFICIAL TWITTER | TIKTOK | YOUTUBE

    [ad_2]

    Asia M.

    Source link

  • 5 Must-Watch Episodes Of Stray Kids’ Seungmin’s SONG by.

    [ad_1]

    Stray Kids‘ Seungmin has a honey-like voice that simply can’t ever fail. Whether it’s adding that extra sweetness to Stray Kids songs or having his own take on other artists’ songs, you just know Seungmin and his voice will make every song sound its best. Through the years, he has given us several solo songs, OSTs, SKZ-Players and SKZ-Records, but last year, Seungmin started his most precious series to date: SONG by. The concept is simple: Seungmin covering songs with a live, more often than not, acoustic band. With ten episodes, SONG by. went through different phases, transitioning from a format where Seungmin presented each song to simply singing. However, every single episode was deeply personal, vulnerable, and featured some of the most beautiful vocals we’ve ever heard from Seungmin. If you don’t know where to start with this series, we got you! Here are the ones everyone know about.

    Episode 01: ‘Love Poem’ (IU Cover)

    ‘Love poem’ is an extremely important song in Seungmin‘s journey as a vocalist. One of the most memorable performances he has ever given us is the unit vocal performance during Mnet’s Kingdom: Legendary War alongside BTOB‘s Eunkwang and ATEEZ‘s Jongho. We continue to think about this performance even four years later, and not only every single second of it blew us away, but it marked a before and after in the way Seungmin approached his voice, and how he pushed himself forward. It was a historic moment for our books, yet Seungmin never stopped growing from there.

    Making ‘Love poem’ the first cover of the series was a perfect full-circle moment, where he was able to take on the song on his own, four years later, with even more power, sweetness, and a voice that hasn’t stopped evolving, showing just how much he has evolved as a vocalist and an artist. And, you guess it, Seungmin still delivers one of the most beautiful renditions of ‘Love poem.’

    Episode 02: ‘High And Dry’ (Radiohead Cover)

    The second episode of the series was simply a dream come true. This type of music is not something Seungmin hasn’t been able to tackle too often, but we knew he would do it beautifully. Despite appearing to be a simple song, ‘High and Dry’ is technically and emotionally a highly complex song to sing. To capture the load of emotions Thom Yorke projects in every single note of the original version, creating a powerful and unreplicable build-up, is something that not many have accomplished. And yet, Seungmin‘s take on the song is simply unforgettable.

    ‘High and Dry’ is one of those songs that explain why this series exists and is so precious. It allows Seungmin to push his vocals further and explore his voice in a way he has never before, and he delivers. Seungmin‘s take on ‘High and Dry’ is one of the SONG by. episodes that will have you coming back, over and over again.

    Episode 05: ‘Steal The Show’ (Lauv Cover) + ‘Stars And Raindrops’

    In honor of his birthday in 2024, Seungmin released an extra special episode where he sang not one, but two songs. He opened the episode by giving us an outstanding cover of Lauv‘s ‘Steal The Show,’ capturing all the emotion, the warmth, and messaging of the song.

    But what felt even more special was the first performance of his solo song: ‘Stars and Raindrops.’ Before the release of this song, Seungmin had already released solo OSTs, but ‘Stars and Raindrops’ was the first of his songs that he wrote himself. And it changed our lives forever. ‘Stars and Raindrops‘ is a magical song that creates an atmosphere with its instrumental and melodies that is truly unlike anything else out there, all tied together by the beauty of Seungmin‘s voice. And somehow, ‘Stars and Raindrops’ live adds even more texture and beauty to this already perfect song. To have a live performance was yet another dream come true.

    Episode 08: ‘The Giving Tree’ (Lee Seung Yoon Cover) With I.N

    Just as it made sense for ‘Love poem’ to be the first episode, it made perfect sense for the first guest in SONG by. to be the second member of Vocalracha: I.N. In honor of I.N‘s birthday, they collaborated to cover an OST out of one of their favorite K-dramas, Our Beloved Summer. We could never get tired of the way their voices fit each other so perfectly and complement each other to the point of making each other even better vocalists. There is magic every time they sing together, and this episode of SONG by. is one of the most beautiful proofs of it.

    Episode 09: ‘BIRDS OF A FEATHER’ (Billie Eilish Cover)

    Our last pick is the most-watched SONG by. episode yet, with over 4 million views—and it’s for a reason. ‘BIRDS OF A FEATHER’ was everywhere, and even though we could never get tired of it, Seungmin‘s take on the viral song felt unique, memorable, and refreshing. Seungmin‘s voice fits sweet pop songs to perfection, and the way he turned ‘BIRDS OF A FEATHER‘ into an even more emotional song, with just his voice and a piano to accompany him, is proof of it. It’s no wonder this cover went viral. His voice on the bridge and the last chorus has to be one of our favorite vocal moments in the entire series. Seungmin holds so much beauty and emotion in his voice, and the way he showcases it never fails to amaze us.

    What’s your favorite SONG by. episode? What’s your favorite cover Seungmin has ever done? Be sure to let us know by tweeting us at @thehoneypop or visiting us on Facebook and Instagram.

    Want more Stray Kids content? We got you!

    TO LEARN MORE ABOUT SEUNGMIN AND STRAY KIDS:
    FACEBOOK | SEUNGMIN’S INSTAGRAM | STRAY KIDS’ INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | TWITTER | WEBSITE | YOUTUBE

    [ad_2]

    Juu

    Source link

  • DAY6 Explore All Their Seasons With The DECADE

    [ad_1]

    It’s wild to think that it’s already been a decade since DAY6 entered the scene, marking our lives forever with their mind-blowing music and unforgettable personalities. In 2015, DAY6 debuted with ‘Congratulations,’ and since then, they’ve never stopped giving us the best music. Ten years later, after many ups and downs, DAY6 are shining brighter than ever, and their music continues to touch every inch of our souls. Of course, the best way to celebrate a decade of DAY6 would be with music that encapsulates exactly why we, and everyone else, fell in love with this band so badly. The DECADE is everything we’ve loved about DAY6 in the past ten years and what we’ll continue to love.

    ‘INSIDE OUT’

    DAY6 has never had a bad title track – or a bad song for that matter – and they were definitely not going to let it happen for the release commemorating their 10 years together. ‘INSIDE OUT’ stands up immediately with its fun, infectious, and groovy chorus. It is impossible not to become addicted to the simplicity yet genius of the melodies and the song as a whole. Every element of this song is pure genius, but the bass, in particular, is truly exceptional. Don’t let DAY6 fool you with their fun, bright melodies; ‘INSIDE OUT’ is far from being the happy song you would expect. It’s about desperation, lost love, and heartbreak – ‘INSIDE OUT’ exemplifies perfectly the contrast DAY6 pulls so flawlessly between their lyrics and their catchy pop melodies, because you bet we’ll be dancing around to this.

    ‘Dream Bus’

    Every DAY6 song has the potential to be a title track, and with such a massive release, it wouldn’t be right for only one of them to be the title track. The opening track and second title track is none other than: ‘Dream Bus.’ This track encapsulates the vibe and message of The DECADE perfectly, making it an absolute must-listen. It’s one of those songs filled with serotonin, with a sound unique to DAY6. The lyricism is where you find the most magic as they use the metaphor of everyday routine and traveling to work, to symbolize their journey to reach their dreams. It’s a song to celebrate the journey and find hope for better days.

    The DECADE

    Like ‘Dream Bus,’ The DECADE is an album that, at its core, explores DAY6’s struggles and the way they achieved their dreams. Later in the album, the imagery of the ‘Dream Bus’ comes around with ‘Dream Rider,’ which brings even more musical excellence and vulnerability about their journey together. But this album wouldn’t represent DAY6’s complete journey without its darker sides. ‘Before The Stars’ is a perfect and beautiful slow song, full of nostalgia, hope, emotions, and simultaneously heartbreaking and heartwarming lyrics. With a similar vibe to Sungjin‘s solo album, ‘Before The Stars’ represents the process of finding the light at the end of the tunnel, both the struggles that they endured and how it led them to a better place. ‘So It’s The End’ is the other side of the coin, a song full of energy and no possible nuance, where they say goodbye to all the past hardships. It’s full of relief, happiness, but also endurance and hard work.

    Despite the past struggles, there is a lot of fun to be had, and The DECADE encapsulates that perfectly with its bright moments that simply celebrate life and love. From ‘INSIDE OUT,’ we go right into ‘Sun, Stay Asleep,’ a cheeky and cheerful love song. DAY6 have also never been afraid to try different genres, and they go full-on disco with ‘Disco Day.’ This upbeat and bright part of the album comes together with ‘My Way,’ an unapologetic, loud, and fun song we can already picture live in concert. And while DAY6 constantly explore and innovate their sound, if you’re looking for a song with similar vibes and melodies to their iconic b-side ‘HAPPY,’ but with actual happy lyrics this time, the energetic and addictive melodies of ‘Take All My Heart’ will be it for you.

    The most beautiful song is saved for last: ‘Our Season.’ The ballad hits all the right spots, from the vocals to the message, melodies, emotion, and lyrics. ‘Our Season’ exemplifies exactly what this album and the past 10 years have been all about: navigating the different seasons – the cold, the warmth, the rainy days, and the sunny days – to emerge stronger than ever. The gorgeous metaphor throughout ‘Our Season’ stands as a symbol of the bond within DAY6 as a band, their love for music, and their never-ending ambition to pursue their dreams. And DAY6‘s entire discography, from 2015 to 2025, is a statement of how they’re exactly where they deserve to be.

    What’s your favorite b-side out of the The DECADE? What has been your favorite DAY6 memory of the past decade? Be sure to let us know by tweeting us at @thehoneypop or visiting us on Facebook and Instagram.

    Need more K-Pop content? We got you!

    TO LEARN MORE ABOUT DAY6:
    FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | TWITTER | WEBSITE | YOUTUBE

    [ad_2]

    Juu

    Source link

  • 5 Iconic Things Stray Kids’ Felix Went Viral For

    [ad_1]

    You know the saying: Stray Kids everywhere, all around the world. Truly, no member has taken that to heart quite as much as Felix. It is a running joke that unemployment is afraid of him, because, indeed, Felix is everywhere. In your favorite bubble tea, in Louis Vuitton campaigns, in your sunglasses, or even doing charity work with UNICEF, Felix will be there. It is impossible to escape him—not that we try; we truly don’t. Felix takes over the world outside but also the world in our screens, and here are the main things he went viral for over the years!

    His Voice

    We cannot talk about Felix‘s viral moments without mentioning his voice. His voice alone and the number of times it had the entire world in a chokehold could be an article on its own. It’s the most noticeable when he performs, takes the center, and the rest of the world seems to shut down—that’s how powerful his voice and his performance are. The most memorable moments have to go to, of course, his iconic verse in ‘God’s Menu.’ That line is still engraved in the brains of everyone. Songs like ‘MANIAC‘ and ‘Victory Song‘ are also perfect examples of just how viral Felix goes just with his voice and his aura.

    Part of the reason his deep voice goes viral every 2-3 business days is also how it clashes with his fairy-like personality and youthful looks. Felix looks and acts like he could never hurt a fly, but he performs and sings like he’s about to destroy the world—it’s impossible not to get obsessed. Even outside of his performances and the music, if we’re talking about deep voice moments that went viral, we cannot possibly miss that one video from the 5-STAR era. Felix simply said ‘thank you’ with his deep voice and thick Australian accent, and it was enough to rewire everyone’s brain. Goes to show how much power this man holds.

    His TikToks

    Despite the many iconic TikToks Felix has given us, putting both of those words in the same sentence will have everyone thinking of the same TikTok—and we relate. The TikTok of Felix dancing to ‘Let’s Groove’ by Earth, Wind & Fire remains to this day the most-watched video on Stray Kids‘ TikTok account with over 100M views, also making it one of the most-watched TikToks by a K-pop group. Everything about it, from the way he dances it, the ‘Thunderous‘ outfit, and iconic long blond hair to his smile—it’s been 4 years, and this TikTok is still as addictive to watch as the first day. And truly, every single TikTok touches, you know it’s about to change your life.

    His Brownies

    Felix‘s history with Brownie is long, and, believe it or not, the lore keeps expanding. It all started during the ‘God’s Menu‘ era when Felix started to bake brownies and give them out to not only the Stray Kids‘ members and the staff but also other idols during music shows. He had already gone viral for it with the vlog he did in 2020, where he baked some, and he became so infamous for his recipe that it earned him the nickname ‘brownie boy.’

    However, the peak of Felix‘s influence with his brownie recipe was yet to come because during the ‘CEREMONY‘ era, Felix revealed the details of his recipe, with some updates from what we could pick up in his vlog. To say it took over the internet is an understatement. From fans trying out the recipe to people who found out about Stray Kids and Felix through the recipe, his brownies were everywhere—like father, like son.

    His Runway Walk

    We’ve established that Felix is the most employed person you will ever meet. It feels like every brand goes after him, and with good reason. His face card and infectious aura are unparalleled. One of his main affiliations with a brand is, of course, as a Louis Vuitton ambassador. Felix is not only in campaigns and present in every fashion show, but he has now walked twice on the runway. In early 2024, he made his debut at Louis Vuitton’s fashion show as the only man in the lineup and made history. Felix is no stranger to having his looks go viral, thanks to his unique approach to fashion and his ability to break the boundaries of gender, but this was what solidified it all.

    His Personality

    Felix isn’t called the sunshine of Stray Kids for no reason. Indeed, what ties all these different things together is the person behind. It’s all because Felix has a magical, irreplicable aura and works hard at his craft and to put good into the world. Whether he’s performing at a stadium, screaming at the top of his lungs for one more song, displaying his goofy side in Stray Kids content, such as simply playing a UNO game with Bang Chan, or doing ASMR while eating chicken in a live stream, chances are Felix will be the talk of the town. Felix exudes such a vibe of happiness, comfort, safety, and charm beyond words that everything he does will have people falling in love with him. Anything Felix does, you know he will do it with honesty, love, and care, and you will know about it.

    What’s the most memorable Felix moment for you? What’s your favorite Felix moment? Be sure to let us know by tweeting us at @thehoneypop or visiting us on Facebook and Instagram.

    Need more Stray Kids content? We got you!

    TO LEARN MORE ABOUT FELIX AND STRAY KIDS:
    FACEBOOK | FELIX’S INSTAGRAM | STRAY KIDS’ INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | TWITTER | WEBSITE | YOUTUBE

    [ad_2]

    Juu

    Source link

  • Which Song Written By Stray Kids’ Han Are You Based On Your Zodiac Sign?

    [ad_1]

    Stray Kids‘ Han has written so many songs on his own or with 3RACHA that there’s a song for everyone, and more specifically for every sign in the zodiac. Han‘s way with words, emotions, and music is genius and mindblowing every time; his songs always hit the hardest – whether it’s the very emotional ones or the confident, hard-hitting tracks. To celebrate the versatility and variety in his music, we’re here to match a Hanpop song to every single sign in the zodiac!

    Aries – ‘Bounce Back’ (HOP, 2024)

    Aries are many things, but they’re never going to stay quiet. They’re bold, ambitious, strong, resilient, and always speak up for themselves to stand their ground. As the first fire sign in the zodiac, of course, Aries had to be represented by something loud, unapologetic, and confident. ‘Bounce Back’ is all about Stray Kids‘ never-ending resilience and their confidence as they go against the odds and become stronger with every hit. Aries vibes all over this witty, unforgettable track.

    Taurus – ’19’ (Clé 1: MIROH, 2019)

    If you’ve tuned in before, you would know Taurus already has an assigned Han song in our “Which Stray Kids Song Are You Based on Your Zodiac Sign” article. While ‘Sunshine’ remains very much a Taurus song, so is ’19.’ Tauruses are reliable, dependable, and always ready to lend a helping hand to those around them. They bring stability, serenity, support, and comfort to everyone they love. But when their own stability is shaken, it can be a difficult time and a frightening situation. In ’19,’ Han portrays the struggle of change and growing up perfectly, and it resonates with a sign like Taurus. But it’s also a good reminder that change can be good.

    Gemini – ‘CHILL’ (MAXIDENT, 2022)

    Yes, we know, ‘CHILL’ is in the unholy trinity of what Stray Kids call the bad guys song. But we also know Geminis don’t have the best reputations. That is not the only reason why these two match perfectly. Geminis are often misinterpreted as two-faced, when in reality they simply are complex signs that juggle various passions and interests with their wit. Just like Geminis, ‘CHILL‘ is a song that is difficult to place in just one box. It’s complex in both its melodies and its message, but just like Geminis, it’s a straightforward song that says things the way they need to be said and heard, even when it’s hard.

    Cancer – ‘Maybe’ (2024)

    ‘Maybe’ is one of our absolute favorite Hanpop songs and one of the most special when it comes to sound. It’s soft, cozy, yet full of emotions, and carries a beautiful message. Han explores in this song the idea of finding comfort in sharing struggles with people who have been through similar experiences. The road can be challenging, but mirroring your emotions with the people who have been there before can be a great way out. There is no sign more empathic than Cancer, and sometimes they can get lost in all the emotions, but ‘Maybe’ shows how empathy can help you navigate the darkest places.

    Leo – ‘GET LIT’ (5-STAR, 2023)

    It’s an understatement to say Leos are passionate. They’re intense in the best way possible, and you will never meet anyone who is more free-spirited than they are. ‘GET LIT‘ fits their immense power and electric personalities perfectly. ‘GET LIT’ is all about enjoying life to the fullest while being your most confident self. The Korean title translates literally to “let’s die,” an expression used to cheer. If one sign is going to go that hard with the way they experience life, it’s Leos. Also, the English title refers to fire; of course, there’s no one but Leos who could do this explosive song justice.

    Virgo – ‘Hold My Hand’ (HOP, 2024)

    Just like Taurus, we have already associated Virgos with ‘Slump,’ but of course, they match the Hanpop song. With Han being a Virgo himself, you can find Virgo energy in all of his music. But, of course, ‘Hold My Hand‘ fits Han the most as much as it fits Virgos the most. There’s a side of Virgos that is hardworking and diligent, but Virgos are also incredibly supportive friends. They’re always ready to help and translate that hard work into supporting the people around them. ‘Hold My Hand‘ is a song about self-discovery and being gentler with oneself, but it’s also a massive hug for anyone who hears it. It’s a perfect reflection of Virgos and their outlook on life.

    Libra – ‘Another Day’ (GO LIVE, 2020)

    Libras seek balance and harmony in everything they do, which also makes them the most sophisticated sign in the zodiac. A song like ‘Another Day,’ which is subtle, quiet, and has beautiful imagery, fits them perfectly. The correlation can also be observed in the song’s meaning. ‘Another Day’ is a beautifully written song about feeling lonely in your daily routine and pretending to be okay. In many ways, it embodies how Libras strive to please everyone around them and often end up feeling lonely; however, it’s essential to take care of yourself and know you’re not alone.

    Scorpio – ‘VOLCANO’ (2023)

    Matching Scorpios with ‘VOLCANO’ is more than evident. Just like Scorpios, ‘VOLCANO‘ is intense, full of fire, but also full of care and love – because yes, Scorpios are water signs after all. Truth is that no one will love you and stick with you through the darkest of times quite like a Scorpio. Once a Scorpio picks you, they will do anything for you. They’re calculative, and nothing is ever an accident with Scorpios; their unconditional love is always on purpose. ‘VOLCANO’ embodies this in both its lyrics, explosive vocals, and addictive melodies.

    Sagittarius – ‘RUN’ (SKZ-REPLAY, 2022)

    Sagittarius is often represented as being afraid of commitment and ready to run, but the truth behind that is that they’re curious at their core. They want to see the world, they want to learn about everything there is to learn. ‘RUN‘ is a vulnerable song about running away from suffering, but it’s also a song full of hope where other options are always in front of you. While their non-commitment is usually seen as a problem, Sagittariuses know when to walk away and choose what’s better for them.

    Capricorn – ‘I SEE’ (3DAYS, 2017)

    ‘I SEE’ is a major throughback, but a necessary one. Capricorns are the embodiment of ambition and determination. They would do anything to reach their goals and their dreams. ‘I SEE‘ is an early Han solo song released in 3RACHA‘s second mixtape, 3DAYS. It’s a song where you can feel the youthful burning passion in his voice and lyrics, as well as the well-thought-out ideas and his vision for the future, and compassion for the people surrounding and supporting him. This is a Capricorn song through and through.

    Aquarius – ‘I GOT IT’ (2020)

    The last air sign is the most free-spirited and unique one. Aquarius doesn’t succumb to rules or standards. They’re not only breaking every expectation and innovating every idea, but Aquariuses are also ready to break the system and are probably the most likely to start a rebellion. What better song to fit that side to Aquarius than ‘I GOT IT?’ This roast song is bold and does not hold back. Han put it all out on the table, didn’t meet a single boundary he didn’t break, and left everyone speechless.

    Pisces – ‘HaPpY’ (2021)

    Like Cancer, Pisces are very empathetic people. They feel everything around them, and they sometimes sacrifice their own well-being for the sake of those around them. ‘HaPpY‘ is exactly about that. The song is full of yearning and can be summarized in its main lyrics: “Please be happy out there.” Just like Pisces, ‘HaPpY’ is about leaving your own happiness aside and wishing for those you love well, even if it’s away from you and even if you still wish for them to come back.

    What are your big three in Hanpop songs? What song written by Han do you relate to the most? Be sure to let us know by tweeting us at @thehoneypop or visiting us on Facebook and Instagram.

    Need more Stray Kids content? We got you!

    TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HAN AND STRAY KIDS:
    FACEBOOK | HAN’S INSTAGRAM | STRAY KIDS’ INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | TWITTER | WEBSITE | YOUTUBE

    [ad_2]

    Juu

    Source link

  • ZEROBASEONE Remain ‘ICONIK’ With NEVER SAY NEVER

    [ad_1]

    It’s been two years of ZEROBASEONE changing our lives and the K-pop scene. They’ve constantly shaken us with every comeback and made their way into our playlists, and it all led to this: the release of their full-length album, NEVER SAY NEVER. Beating the odds and inserting their power as 5th-gen leaders more than ever before, ZEROBASEONE just gave us their best album to date—and here’s why.

    The Pre-Releases

    Before we got the release of ZEROBASEONE’s NEVER SAY NEVER, we got a taste of what was to come. ‘SLAM DUNK‘ was released as a pre-release single last month, and its bold, loud sound made it clear that ZEROBASEONE didn’t come here to play with the most important comeback of their career. Additionally, ZEROBASEONE included the Korean version of their Japanese track, ‘NOW OR NEVER.’ This perfect pop song could never get old, and this new version gives it a new life and even more energy. ‘NOW OR NEVER’ is a must-listen and blends into the album perfectly. Those two songs were enough for us to know this album would be the release of a lifetime.

    ‘ICONIK’

    ‘ICONIK’ represents everything ZEROBASEONE stands for: youth, freedom, art, and confidence. You wouldn’t expect that with such a smooth start, ‘ICONIK’ would switch into an energetic and groovy track. The title track screams ZEROBASEONE’s name—it’s confident, electric, refreshing, bold, and magical. And in perfect ZEROBASEONE fashion, ‘ICONIK’ exudes pop excellence by delivering incredibly addictive and satisfying melodies with exceptional vocals. But what makes ‘ICONIK’ even more memorable is that when you think you have it figured out, different elements in the song simply sweep you off your feet. ZEROBASEONE are always ready to surprise us, and there’s no denying they’re right: they’re iconic.

    NEVER SAY NEVER

    This isn’t a comeback like any other. Full-length albums often allow groups to further explore their sound and artistry with more b-sides. And with a group like ZEROBASEONE, consistently delivering the best of the best, NEVER SAY NEVER was meant to be a masterpiece. These B-sides are probably the best ones we’ve gotten from ZEROBASEONE, which says a lot. ‘Lovesick Game’ starts it off extremely strong. This song is special from the very first few seconds, with its mysterious, luring, and sophisticated melodies. This song is all about falling in love, and for it to be all-consuming, hypnotizing, and intoxicating; ‘Lovesick Game’ replicates the feeling perfectly well with the atmosphere it creates.

    ZEROBASEONE excels in every concept, and while ‘Lovesick Game’ is on the darker side, songs like ‘Goosebumps’ and ‘Dumb’ represent their brighter and fun side incredibly well. ‘Goosebumps’ is a soft, bubbly, sweet song that encapsulates perfectly the initial emotions of liking someone. Just like a new love, it’s refreshing and light. Listening to ‘Dumb’ makes all worries and problems disappear with its lighthearted, video game-inspired production. The shift in the chorus is something that always comes as a surprise and makes ‘Dumb’ such a standout track.

    ‘EXTRA’ is almost too good to be just a B-side. This song is simply K-pop excellence: the vocals, the energy, the mix and match of different genres—it’s all there. ‘EXTRA’ is an absolute banger and the B-side from NEVER SAY NEVER. It soon transitions into another huge highlight of the album: ‘Long Way Back.’ This ballad embodies the ’90s boyband and R&B influence, and it’s no secret that ZEROBASEONE are incredible vocalists, so of course, this song hits in all the right ways. The way they express feelings of not wanting to lose someone they’ve grown apart from is gutwrenching and devastating.

    ZEROBASEONE can do youthful, hopeful, and nostalgic songs like no one else, and ‘Star Eyes’ is one of the most beautiful examples of that. As it represents their journey as a group and bonds with their fans, ‘Star Eyes’ is energetic and a serotonin boost, but also incredibly emotional. ZEROBASEONE has come so far as individuals, as a group, and as artists, and ‘Star Eyes’ is a testament to all they’ve been through and their hard work.

    ‘I Know U Know’ is a heartfelt, gorgeous soft ballad about unconditional love that comes as the perfect closure to NEVER SAY NEVER. It’s an album where ZEROBASEONE explore different genres, showcase their vocals, and all the sides to their talent in various amazing ways, resulting in an absolute masterpiece. ZEROBASEONE has been a group to look for since their debut, and they’ve proven with every comeback their talent and growth, everything amounting to one of the best releases of the year with NEVER SAY NEVER. ZEROBASEONE will, indeed, forever be iconic.

    Image source: WAKEONE

    What’s your favorite track out of NEVER SAY NEVER? Are you more team ‘SLAM DUNK’ or ‘ICONIK?’ Be sure to let us know by tweeting us at @thehoneypop or visiting us on Facebook and Instagram.

    Need more K-Pop coverage? We got you!

    TO LEARN MORE ABOUT ZEROBASEONE:
    FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | TWITTER | YOUTUBE

    [ad_2]

    Juu

    Source link

  • Stray Kids Celebrate All Their Good KARMA With Their Fourth Full-Length Album

    [ad_1]

    It’s been over a year since Stray Kids’ last proper comeback with ATE in July 2024. Since then, it’s been non-stop between going on their biggest tour yet with the dominATE World Tour, releasing a special album with HOP at the end of last year, their unit songs in Mixtape: dominATE, having two Japanese comebacks, including their second full-length Japanese album with GIANT, and their masterpiece of a mini-album with Hollow, and all that while breaking records left and right. 2025 has been a busy year for Stray Kids, but it hasn’t been a quiet one. Yet, we knew what it would all eventually lead to, and after months of spoilers at concerts that left us looking like idiots, one of the most anticipated releases of the year is finally here: KARMA.

    They already had us screaming the word ‘karma’ at the top of our lungs at every stop of their tour when they performed ‘TOPLINE,’ but now the word truly has earned its own meaning and special spot in Stray Kids history. And here’s how.

    Image source: JYP Entertainment

    ‘CEREMONY’

    Stray Kids have a lot to celebrate after over seven years as a group: music show wins, awards, record-breaking achievements, a perfect discography, a contract renewal, and a team that is ready to continue taking over the world. And this is precisely what ‘CEREMONY’ is about.

    While ‘CEREMONY’ screams Stray Kids and has the sound that makes them so unique, it also feels fresh and new, especially with its production, which blends trap beats with EDM, and the melodies they deliver. With less than three minutes, there are still so many details in the track to unpack, from the “no one, nobody can stop me” detail at the end of Changbin‘s verse, or Han giving us one of his most special raps in a title track. It also wouldn’t be a Stray Kids song without witty word plays, and here the most significant one is between ‘karma’ and ‘calmer.’ And the reference to a ‘ratio’ is one of the most iconic things 3RACHA has ever written.

    Tied together by a sports concept, ‘CEREMONY’ possesses a unique energy that celebrates achievements, hard work, and passion. ‘CEREMONY’ is infectious with how positive it is – listening to this alone will make you feel like good things are coming your way. There’s nothing to worry about when you put good things into the universe, and moving past their struggles, Stray Kids found the other side brighter than anyone else.

    KARMA includes two additional versions of ‘CEREMONY’: the English version, but most importantly, the Festival version. We could never forget the impact of the Festival version of ‘Chk Chk Boom,’ but this new remix is out of this world. Stray Kids makes it feel like we’re already at a rave. It’s a version that isn’t afraid to fully embrace EDM and electronic elements, serving a song that stands on its own outside of the original. Versachoi really outdid himself and proved, again, how remixes can really blow your mind.

    KARMA

    KARMA is not just a simple comeback; it’s also Stray Kids’ fourth full-length album, following some of their most iconic and groundbreaking releases: GO LIVE, NOEASY, and 5-STAR. It’s no problem to follow up such monumental releases because Stray Kids know how to deliver an album that is both cohesive and explores different styles, themes, and influences to create something unique that only they could do. KARMA celebrates their path, and it’s deeply influenced by everything that has happened in their career and carries messages of hope, heartbreak, and power. And as expected: it’s incredible.

    Image source: Spotify
    ‘BLEEP’

    Stray Kids start off KARMA with an absolute banger – or rather a slap, if you will. One thing about Stray Kids is that they consistently know how to open an album, and ‘BLEEP’ does the job extremely well, being one of the biggest highlights of the album. ‘BLEEP’ is the older sister of ‘CHEESE,’ incorporating more hip-hop elements to make a track that feels darker, bolder, and even more confident. With one single track, Stray Kids have already established their confidence, their never-ending passion, and their unique identity. The build-up to the last chorus is an experience that cannot be described and is already one of the best moments in the entire album – the production is intense. They didn’t hold back in any aspect with ‘BLEEP,’ whether it’s rap, production, or lyrics: this is Stray Kids.

    ‘BLEEP’ is a track that shuts down and dismisses all the mindless hatred thrown at them, making it the perfect track to embody KARMA and transition into celebrating everything they’ve become by being better people.

    ‘CREED’

    If you’re still listening to 3RACHA‘s discography as much as we are, ‘CREED’ will probably be your favorite. Stray Kids have always been heavily influenced by hip-hop, and they established themselves as one of the groups with the strongest rap lines in the industry even before their debut. But with ‘CREED,’ they fully went for it with the hip-hop sound, giving us a dark track full of personality, and verses that will leave you absolutely speechless (especially the second verse). Stray Kids‘ raps are just too good. ‘CREED’ is about Stray Kids’ convictions, their journey, and how they’ve always stuck to their guts, and that’s why they’re here now.

    ‘MESS’

    From ‘Another Day,’ to ‘Secret Secret,’ to ‘Collision’ and ‘GET LIT,’ it’s a staple that a good Stray Kids full-length album will always give us an incredible hanpop song. And it makes sense that this song dates back to 2021, the same year that we got songs like ‘Wish You Back‘ and ‘HaPpY‘ from him, because ‘Mess’ has that exact same vibe. And needless to say, those are some of our favorite songs from Han. The lyrics are heartbreaking yet create a beautiful and irreplicable atmosphere while giving us catchy melodies that will have you feel every note in the depths of your soul. ‘Mess’ feels desperate, heartbreaking, and has everything you need in a good sad song.

    ‘In My Head’

    Stray Kids know exactly what they’re good at, and over the years, they’ve perfected their signature sound; however, that has never stopped them from exploring outside of their comfort zone. While Stray Kids are no strangers to dipping their toes in rock, and it’s a genre that has had a huge influence on their music since day one, we’ve never heard something quite like ‘In My Head’ from them yet. Giving us that late 2000s, early 2010s pop-punk sound, ‘In My Head’ sees Stray Kids bringing us back to our teens. It has the same energy as some of our favorite anthems from that time, down to the lyrics of self-doubt and exploration of mental health, which also brings us back to the themes from their early discography.

    A song like ‘In My Head’ was a matter of time for Stray Kids, and we’re so happy it’s finally here. One thing about this one is that, for once, it will never leave your head, and two, you will find yourself constantly reaching for it.

    ‘Half Time’

    Following the sports concept explored in the title track, ‘Half Time’ is a fun, dynamic, explosive track about Stray Kids’ journey and ambitions. Stray Kids have been on their biggest tour yet, selling out stadiums all over the world, for the past year, and it’s in songs like ‘Half Time’ where you can see so clearly the influence of such an experience. ‘Half Time’ has the perfect energy and melodies for big crowds, loud cheers, and captures the electric energy from Stray Kids’ live performances in their music. To put it simply: it’s a brighter, more confident version of their 2023 b-side, ‘Blind Spot.’

    ‘Phoenix’

    We got Stray Kids going full-on pop-punk, we got Stray Kids bringing the most hip-hop track they’ve ever made as a full group, and we also got Stray Kids doing EDM again – and it’s never been this beautiful. Stray Kids themselves described ‘Phoenix’ as a middle point between ‘MIROH‘ and their self-titled song ‘Stray Kids,’ and that’s literally it – meaning also, yes, perfect for an encore. It is impossible to put into words all the emotions this song awakens in the listener and the absolute genius of the production. The influence of legends in EDM music, such as Avicii, is palpable: ‘Phoenix’ is melodic, nostalgic, but full of hope. This is the B-side in KARMA if you ask us. Give us ‘Phoenix’ and ‘CEREMONY (Festival version)’ and we’re ready for the rave.

    ‘Ghost’

    Even before the release of ‘Ghost,’ everyone was going feral over its melodies spoiled in Stray Kids’ signature mashup teaser. And it did not let us down (though we wouldn’t say no to a full version of that remix…). ‘Ghost’ has some of the most addictive melodies in the album. Its pop sound feels incredibly satisfying, accompanied perfectly by a track that leans more towards hip-hop, showcasing Stray Kids‘ genius in blending and mixing genres. But despite the brightness of the track, ‘Ghost’ is one of the darkest tracks in KARMA. It explores feelings of loss and numbness, yet still holds a hint of hope. It’s so Stray Kids.

    ‘0801’

    ‘0801’ is the last new track in KARMA – followed by the festival version and the english version of ‘CEREMONY.’ It’s been seven years since the release of ‘0325’ in I am YOU, where Stray Kids celebrated their beginning, naming a song after their debut date. It’s a full-circle experience to have a song named after the anniversary of the fandom. After Bang Chan gave us ‘Youtiful‘ in 5-STAR, ‘0801‘ writes itself in the list of Stray Kids’ fan songs, and it might be one of our favorites. With immaculate, infectious pop melodies, ‘0801’ feels warm and special, serving as a beautiful showcase of the bond between the group and STAYs. That callback to one of their most important songs, ‘Grow Up,’ will never fail to get us close to tears. ‘0801’ is sweet yet vulnerable, and the cherry on top of a masterpiece of an album.

    The concept of hard work and that good things eventually come around has never been lost on Stray Kids. Even before their debut, the group has been releasing incredible music into the world and has given us one of the most perfect and iconic discographies in all of K-pop. All the hard work and passion have paid off, with them already being one of the biggest K-pop groups ever. And clearly, KARMA shows that they’re not ready to stop any time soon.

    If you’re like us and still can’t get enough of Stray Kids, even after listening to KARMA, Stray Kids not only brought KARMA to life in several cities by teaming up with Spotify, but they also created a playlist featuring their entire discography. And if you’re wondering what kind of Stray Kids champion you are, you can take the quiz here!

    What’s your favorite version of ‘CEREMONY?’ What’s your favorite b-side out of KARMA? Be sure to let us know by tweeting us at @thehoneypop or visiting us on Facebook and Instagram.

    Need more Stray Kids content? We got you!

    TO LEARN MORE ABOUT STRAY KIDS:
    FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | TWITTER | WEBSITE | YOUTUBE

    [ad_2]

    Juu

    Source link

  • ASTRO’s ZOONIZINI Welcome Us Into Their ‘UTOPIA’ With DICE

    [ad_1]

    We’re no strangers to ASTRO‘s units by now, and getting a brand new one is always going to be good news for us. This time ASTRO‘s powerhouse main vocalist, MJ, and their main rapper, JinJin, are joining forces to release their first mini-album as a duo under the name of ZOONIZINI. This duo promised nothing but joy, charisma, chemistry, and bangers – that’s exactly what we got with DICE.

    ‘Some Things Never Change’

    We cannot emphasize enough how much ‘Some Things Never Change’ is a real musical gem. The chemistry and real bond between MJ and JinJin were enough to make this song good, but ‘Some Things Never Change’ is full of life and addictive melodies. The mixture of JinJin’s deep voice in his raps with MJ’s unique voice is perfect to create a song that feels familiar yet unique. ‘Some Things Never Change’ feels as comforting as the presence of a friend, even on the first listen. More than a boost of serotonin, ‘Some Things Never Change’ is a masterpiece that blends hip-hop inspiration with an emotional and melodic side. It feels nostalgic and youthful, and filled with hope. It truly takes one song to fall head over heels for this new unit, and ‘Some Things Never Change’ is nothing but a perfect song.

    DICE

    ‘Some Things Never Change’ is without a doubt the star of the show and their best song so far, but it’s made even better when you get into the vibe ZOONIZINI created in DICE. ASTRO‘s ZOONIZINI create a world in their mini-album by exploring different genres but keeping that energy that is so unique to them. ‘New World’ has an entirely different vibe. This magical track is smooth and atmospheric. If ‘Some Things Never Change’ wasn’t enough, this is the song that will make you dive right into their universe.

    The energy is at its highest with ‘Utopia,’ an absolute party anthem. ZOONIZINI go full on disco with this funky track that captures their care-free energy perfectly. ‘Utopia’ makes you forget about all your problems and celebrate all the good parts of life in a way that truly only ASTRO‘s music can. ‘Favorite Memory’ earns a spot as one of the most memorable tracks with its soul sound – and you know they excel at this sound. It’s a song that is full of nostalgia but is mostly about celebrating your bonds and being grateful. It’s a song that feels extremely personal as they look back on their long journey together. ‘Favorite Memory’ will make you tearful, but it’s ultimately a song full of love, good memories, and that feels healing.

    Image source: fantagio

    ‘Starlight Voyage’ takes the pop-rock route, and we could’ve never imagined both JinJin and MJ’s voices could fit so perfectly in this genre – with such strong vocals, it was to be expected. The song follows the overall theme of going on a journey, finding happiness on a new page, and ‘Starlight Voyage’ definitely gives you the strength and ambition to go for what you want. But this idea is fully formed and explored in the closing track: ‘Restart.’ This beautiful track closes off DICE by combining everything we loved from the release – the nostalgia, the comfort, the vocals, the authenticity behind the tracks. One thing about any ASTRO member is that they will give their all to every single release and make our lives better with their music – DICE by ZOONIZINI is the perfect example of it.

    Does DICE have the sound you expected from this new unit? What’s your favorite song out of DICE? Be sure to let us know by tweeting us at @thehoneypop or visiting us on Facebook and Instagram.

    Need more K-pop content? We got you!

    TO LEARN MORE ABOUT ASTRO:
    FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | TWITTER | YOUTUBE

    [ad_2]

    Juu

    Source link

  • Pentagon’s Jinho Brings Us Comfort and Serves Vocals In CHO:RD

    Pentagon’s Jinho Brings Us Comfort and Serves Vocals In CHO:RD

    [ad_1]

    Pentagon’s Jinho has been taking over our playlist for almost a month now. Jinho made his solo debut first in Japan at the end of August, and now he’s making his solo debut in Korea. And these songs are everything to us. It’s never been a secret that Jinho is one of the best vocalists in the industry, so we were expecting to be blown away when the day of his solo debut finally arrived. And that’s exactly what Jinho did with the release of CHO:RD, both in Japanese and Korean. CHO:RD explores the many sides of his artistry and showcases his voice in the most gorgeous way to remind us–not that we needed a reminder–how incredible he is.

    ‘Teddy Bear’

    Jinho explored different sides of his talent with this mini-album. Each song is special in its own way, showcasing his versatility as an artist and singer. Jinho has always radiated an energy of care and reassurance, and somehow he managed to capture that feeling with the title track, ‘Teddy Bear.’ The song is a jazz-inspired, lowkey song that will comfort you at your lowest. For this song, Jinho plays with the softest side of his voice. Building off of such a cute concept as the teddy bear that comforts you when you have nightmares and is there with you every step of the way, Jinho found a way to make a soft yet sophisticated song that seems to embody everything he’s about. The music video encapsulates this unique concept in such a fun and sweet way, almost resembling a fairy tale.

    Apart from being such an amazing song, ‘Teddy Bear’ feels like a warm hug on a cold day. And just like Jinho, this song is extremely precious to us.

    CHO:RD

    But CHO:RD is about much more than just ‘Teddy Bear.’ ‘Goodbye With You’ is the perfect opening track. It has a soft start, and the instrumental and Jinho’s voice slowly build the song to hit right in the feelings. The message makes it all the more powerful as Jinho sings about the process of letting go of someone and moving on. ‘Goodbye With You’ is a perfect song to showcase the control Jinho has over his voice and how he conveys emotions so beautifully. ‘Dear Precious One, Our Shimmering Days,’ on the other hand, is a song that sounds right out of an anime with its J-Rock energy. It’s bright and a boost of serotonin and energy; it’s that good. And just like ‘Teddy Bear,’ if we were to be asked which version of these songs is better, we wouldn’t be able to pick.

    More B-Sides!

    ‘OVER’ is an instant highlight and the only song to be the same in both releases, as it is an all-English song. While the rest of the songs tend to be more subtle and have a slower build-up, ‘OVER’ does not hold back when it comes to giving us Jinho belting and outsinging everyone. It’s a striking, impactful, and frankly addictive pop-rock banger that never ceases to blow us away with how powerful Jinho sounds. The other b-sides are full of love, while this one is full of hurt and resentment, yet power and confidence. ‘OVER’ is really that b-side in CHO:RD.

    Closing Tracks

    Jinho released CHO:RD in both Japanese and Korean. Apart from the language, there is another difference between the two mini-albums, and that is the closing track. ‘merry-go-round’ is a Japanese exclusive b-side. It emanates happiness in the cutest way. While it is not explicitly a Christmas song, it would fit perfectly for the season with its bright, jazzy sound and its lovely message. And on the Korean side, we got ‘Bad Criminal,’ a much different song from its counterpart. The song explores a complicated relationship and carries a sensual energy with its rhythm, lyrics, and melodies. That’s the extent of Jinho‘s versatility.

    Whether it’s in Japanese or in Korean, CHO:RD is a perfect solo mini-album for Jinho. He poured everything in the lyrics, composition, and vocals. Jinho will forever be one of our favorite vocalists. And to have CHO:RD in our hands is a dream come true.

    You can listen the Japanese version here. And you can also check out the Korean version here.

    Was ‘Teddy Bear’ what you expected from Jinho’s solo debut? What’s your favorite song out of CHO:RD? Be sure to let us know by tweeting us at @thehoneypop or visiting us on Facebook and Instagram.

    Need more K-Pop content? We got you!

    TO LEARN MORE ABOUT PENTAGON:
    FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | JINHO’S INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | JINHO’S TWITTER | TIKTOK | YOUTUBE

    [ad_2]

    Juu

    Source link

  • 5 Of Our Favorite Stray Kids’ Seungmin Solo Songs

    5 Of Our Favorite Stray Kids’ Seungmin Solo Songs

    [ad_1]

    Stray Kids‘ Seungmin’s voice has a unique tone to it. He conveys every emotion in such a beautiful and unforgettable way. Seungmin has always been amazing at what he does, but he has grown to not only be an incredible vocalist but also a mind-blowing songwriter. Between OSTs, solo stages during tours, SKZ-REPLAY, and SKZ-Player, Seungmin has never stopped giving us masterpieces as his solo songs. All his songs feel extremely precious, given how much care and love they are treated and how they showcase his vocals in the most beautiful way. Here are our favorites!

    ‘Here Always’ (Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha OST, 2020)

    If we’re talking about Seungmin‘s solo songs, ‘Here Always’ can’t be missed. This 2020 OST was not only his first OST but also his first-ever solo song. Seungmin has the perfect voice for an OST; it’s soft, melodic, distinguishable, and unique. And it was confirmed by the release of ‘Here Always.’ This ballad is subtle yet full of emotions and comfort. ‘Here Always’ is a perfect song, and it makes it even more perfect that Seungmin sings it. It will forever hold a special place in our hearts.

    ‘Stars and Raindrops’ (SKZ-REPLAY, 2022)

    And talking about songs that will always remain special… Before the release of SKZ-REPLAY, Seungmin‘s SKZ-Players were always covers that were already incredibly special to us and a fantastic way to showcase his vocals – no wonder that evolved into SONG by. ‘Stars and Raindrops’ was indeed the first solo song by Seungmin that he had writing credits on. That’s enough to make it special. The truth is that words cannot describe how magical ‘Stars and Raindrops’ is. Seungmin created a unique, luring atmosphere with gorgeous, catchy melodies that make us ascend every single time. There is no getting tired of ‘Stars and Raindrops,’ it is simply too good.

    ‘Phobia’ (I’m the Queen in This Life OST, 2024)

    ‘Phobia’ instantly sets itself apart from the rest of Seungmin’s OSTs. ‘Here Always,’ ‘Close To You,’ and ‘Destiny’ are all absolute masterpieces with their own merit. All three songs have that beautiful soft ballad feel to them that we love and fit Seungmin wonderfully. ‘Phobia,’ on the other hand, gives Seungmin the opportunity to explore his vocals in a different genre: pop-rock. His voice is soothing and comforting, but it also carries so much power, and Seungmin fits a more hard-hitting pop-rock to perfection. The mixture between softness and power encapsulates exactly how versatile Seungmin is and his incredible vocal technique.

    ‘As we are’ (2024)

    Stray Kids gave us unforgettable solo stages in both the 5-STAR Dome Tour and dominATE World Tour. In the case of Seungmin, he performed first ‘Perfume,’ and while that deserves all the praises in the world, we do need to talk about the beauty that is ‘As we are.’ Not only was the song a beautiful way to showcase his vocals, but the stage itself was beyond stunning. On top of that, Seungmin took this opportunity to perform while playing the guitar, making it even more special. ‘As we are’ embodies everything we love about Seungmin‘s solo music. The day ‘As we are,’ and ‘Perfume’ too, get released on streaming platforms, it’s over for all other songs.

    ‘Hold On’ (2023)

    Add Seungmin’s voice to Han‘s lyrics, and you get one of the best songs ever to see the light of day. ‘Hold On’ is the perfect display of all the emotions Seungmin can convey with his voice. ‘Hold On‘ is an unforgettable song for its lyrics and the way Seungmin sings it, tugging at our heartstrings in a way only he can. It’s a unique song that showcases Seungmin‘s incredible vocals and that unique tone that makes every song so pleasant and magical to listen to.

    What is your absolute favorite Seungmin solo song? What type of song would you love to see him do? Be sure to let us know by tweeting us at @thehoneypop or visiting us on Facebook and Instagram.

    Need more Stray Kids content? We got you!

    TO LEARN MORE ABOUT STRAY KIDS:
    FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | TWITTER | WEBSITE | YOUTUBE

    [ad_2]

    Juu

    Source link

  • 5 Of Our Favorite Stray Kids Felix’s Rap Verses

    5 Of Our Favorite Stray Kids Felix’s Rap Verses

    [ad_1]

    It is no secret that Stray Kids‘ Felix has an irreplaceable voice that’s recognizable everywhere. But it is not only his iconic deep voice that makes his rap verses so impactful and unforgettable. Felix‘s flow and rapping skills have a way of making every one of his parts special and unique. Felix shines every time he has a rap verse, and here are some of our absolute favorites!

    An obvious one, yes, but an iconic one too that simply couldn’t be missed from the list. The chokehold ‘God’s Menu’ had on everyone in 2020 is historic, and so was Felix‘s verse. His delivery made the line so impactful and even more addictive. There are no words to explain the impact of this verse. And we have to give a special shout-out to Felix’s verse in Stray Kids‘ mashup of ‘God’s Menu’ with BLACKPINK’s ‘DDU-DU-DDU-DU.’ Everything about Felix and ‘God’s Menu’ is historic.

    ‘Placebo / Mixtape #1’ (I am NOT, 2018)

    Felix’s verse in ‘Placebo’ has to be one of our favorites, and it’s also arguably one of his most underrated. So we’re here to give it the praise it rightfully deserves! Felix‘s rap in the second verse adds something very special and comforting to the song. This verse feels so natural for Felix that it is so satisfying to hear it every time. The rhythm, his flow and the way the words just roll out of his tongue make his verse one of our favorite moments in ‘Placebo.’ It feels personal and vulnerable yet never fails to brighten our day. That’s Felix for you!

    ‘WHY?’ (2024)

    ‘WHY?’ was released as an OST in early 2024, and it genuinely had no business going as hard as it did. This song is perfection. And despite being perfect in every aspect, Felix‘s part is simply mindblowing. This verse is full of Felix‘s unique charisma and personality as he somehow transposes it onto his rapping. ‘WHY?’ is an incredibly addictive song, but Felix’s part is by far the most infectious!

    ‘UNFAIR’ (2024)

    We’ll be honest for a second: ‘UNFAIR’ is what inspired this entire list. Felix’s solo stage at the dominATE Tour changed the chemistry of our brains. His first solo song, ‘Deep End,’ was already heartbreaking, but ‘UNFAIR’ low-key takes it to another level. Not only are the lyrics gorgeous while the song showcases his vocals, but the rap verses are hands-down the best we’ve heard from Felix. The flow, the emotion behind the lyric, the tone, everything about this is perfection. Again, we see Felix’s vulnerability mixed in with his charisma and unique aura. It shows how far Felix has come as a songwriter. We just need to have ‘UNFAIR’ on every streaming platform so that we can listen to it on repeat forever.

    ‘Muddy Water’ (ODDINARY, 2022)

    Before the release of ‘UNFAIR,’ the Felix rap verse was, of course, ‘Muddy Water.’ This is one of the best rap-based songs in Stray Kids‘ discography. It’s simply a masterpiece. What makes the song even better is the way Felix opens it. It’s catchy, it’s bold, and it’s iconic! Between the witty references, the flow, and the feelings behind the lyrics, Felix absolutely ate his verse in this song. It showed a new, more confident side to his rapping. And while ‘UNFAIR’ may have dethroned her, ‘Muddy Water’ will forever be one of Felix‘s most iconic and unforgettable rap verses ever.

    What’s your favorite Felix verse out of this list? Which one would you add? Be sure to let us know by tweeting us at @thehoneypop or visiting us on Facebook and Instagram.

    Want more Stray Kids content? We got you!

    TO LEARN MORE ABOUT STRAY KIDS:
    FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | TWITTER | WEBSITE | YOUTUBE

    [ad_2]

    Juu

    Source link

  • LUCY Give Us One Last Taste Of Summer With FROM.

    LUCY Give Us One Last Taste Of Summer With FROM.

    [ad_1]

    It’s been a minute since LUCY’s last mini-album, almost a year to the day. But LUCY has been busy releasing incredible OSTs and mindblowing singles, and of course, going on their first world tour. While we love all these things, there’s always something extra special about the atmosphere LUCY creates with their mini-albums. And the newest one, FROM., encapsulates everything we love about LUCY’s music: from comfort songs to upbeat crazy songs, and instrumentals to get obsessed over. FROM., along with its title track ‘Villain,’ is another example of why everyone should be listening to LUCY. It’ll simply make your life better.

    Image source: MYSTIC STORY

    ‘Villain’

    ‘Villain’ is the perfect mixture of soft, hopeful music and rock music, something that LUCY has mastered like no one else. Once again, the instrumental is mindblowing and to die for. With its stripped-back beginning, it builds up in a song that is genuinely unique to LUCY: the complexity and warmth in the instrumental, the mixture of soft and impactful vocals, and the unique yet relatable beautiful lyrics. While ‘Villain’ has LUCY’s signature sound, it also has one of their most unique and special bridges, which makes the song hit even more. ‘Villain’ is a comfort song in the same way that it is a heartbreaking song about self-doubt. The song and the music video are about how life can bring you down, but it’s eventually about accepting yourself the way you are and trusting yourself.

    ‘Villain’ has a beautiful message and is a masterful song in the same breath. It’s in brand with LUCY’s genius.

    FROM.

    LUCY built their mini-album around ‘Villain’ in the best way. FROM. continues to be extremely high in energy. While ‘Villain’ has a mixture of softness and rock, ‘Complex’ and ‘Doggaebi Dance’ are straight-up energy boosters. ‘Complex’ starts strong with a fun and impactful bass line, soon enough mixed with the violin, making it an instant highlight. The instrumental bridge is yet again proof of their genius as a band. It is mind-blowingly good. While ‘Complex’ is upbeat, it completely clashes with its lyrics about self-doubt and self-hatred. Happy sound with sad lyrics is hands down one of our favorite genres, and LUCY has always mastered it. ‘Doggaebi Dance’ is even more energic with its grandiose and insane production. Yes, it’s about being self-conscious, but it’s also about embracing not knowing who you are. Once again, the instrumental is absolutely everything, and the effect and atmosphere they create are unique and irreplicable.

    It wouldn’t be a LUCY release without a song to tug at your heartstrings like no other. Let us introduce you to ‘Burn it.’ It starts softly and lowkey with beautiful melodies that are already enough to lure us in. The build-up is what makes it even more impactful and unique. ‘Burn It’ is that type of ballad only LUCY can really give us. And it is followed by possibly the most special song in FROM.: ‘Falling Flower.’ LUCY initially played this song during their tour, and words cannot explain how happy we are to finally have it in streaming platforms so that we can loop it with no end. This song is peak LUCY: it’s everything we love the most about them. ‘Falling Flower,’ paralleled to their debut ‘Flowering,’ is about finding hope after falling down. It has that anthem and hug feel to it. ‘Falling Flower’ is the perfect comfort song. And LUCY is the perfect band to wrap up the summer with.

    Is ‘Villain’ your new favorite LUCY title track? What’s your favorite song out of FROM.? Be sure to let us know by tweeting us at @thehoneypop or visiting us on Facebook and Instagram.

    Need more K-Pop content? We got you!

    TO LEARN MORE ABOUT LUCY:
    FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | TWITTER | WEBSITE | YOUTUBE

    [ad_2]

    Juu

    Source link