Description
'XXX,' the duo consisting of rapper Kim Ximya and producer FRNK, is set to release their first EP, KYOMI, this July. Kim Ximya gained attention in 2015 when he featured on E SENS' critically acclaimed album The Anecdote, which won the Korean Music Award for Album of the Year, despite having no official releases of his own at the time. Meanwhile, FRNK made a name for himself by producing E SENS’ track "Sleep Tight" and later crafting an official remix for "4 Walls," the title track of f(x)’s fourth album, also without a formal solo project to his name.
Despite not yet releasing a debut album, XXX has already garnered significant international attention. Their music has been spotlighted by globally influential platforms such as Apple Music's Beats 1 Radio, Maison Kitsuné Hot Stream, and Hypetrak. Such recognition for emerging artists is nothing short of remarkable.
KYOMI is an album that showcases XXX’s innovative and boundary-pushing sound. Featuring seven tracks, including the title track "Flight Attendant," the album is rooted in rap yet leans heavily into electronic beats. Within a single track, they seamlessly blend genres like hip-hop, future bass, trap, and synth-pop, offering a fresh, genre-defying approach. The originality of XXX’s music lies in their ability to transcend conventional boundaries.
Through KYOMI, XXX encapsulates a bold and dynamic style within a cohesive concept. They describe the antics of partying youth as an "animal feast" or "mating season," exposing and mocking their cheeky inner thoughts. At the same time, they confront their own insecurities with honest lyrics about longing to be the center of attention. The album’s charm lies in this unfiltered candor. The audacious sound design, filled with unexpected twists and creative elements, adds to the album's allure, making the beats a vital part of their storytelling.
While many producer-rapper duos have collaborated in the past, XXX takes a unique approach by freely expressing their individual perspectives under a unified concept. This focus on balance and synergy between their contrasting styles enables them to surpass the limits of any single genre, showcasing a maturity beyond their years.
The album’s sound is further elevated by the mixing of DJ and producer 250, known for his work on "4 Walls" and E SENS’ "Flight," and the mastering by renowned engineer Vlado Meller. With two Grammy Awards under his belt, Meller has worked on legendary albums for artists such as Kanye West, Michael Jackson, Celine Dion, Oasis, and Frank Ocean. Rarely one to comment on projects, Meller praised XXX's album as "so impressive," highlighting its "innovative and fresh" approach to music and rap.
In a Korean music scene often criticized for its reliance on trends and formulaic styles, XXX is a breath of fresh air. KYOMI is a groundbreaking album that introduces a style previously unseen in the Korean mainstream, cementing XXX’s status as trailblazers in the industry.
• TRACK LIST
1. Liquor
2. 우물정자
3. 교미
4. Too High
5. Pass
6. Dior Homme
7. 승무원
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