Jooheon—'DWTD' Mixtape Review

If you're a fan of K-Pop, chances are you'll have heard of Monsta X. The fast rising group have a unique and likable style, with all members sharing progressive views, charms, and a general warmth that makes them appealing to fans. Their passionate and dedicated fanbase have helped sell out two World Tours (with the latest concluding just last week), and have helped their favourite group rapidly grow in terms of global popularity.

Continuing their fresh and interesting approach to making music, Jooheon, a rapper from the group, has today released his first mixtape, titled DWTD. Not only did he credit all of the producers on this particular offering (a rarity that really should be more common), but offered a unique, distinctive style that differs from that of a typical Monsta X release.

To help break down this Mixtape, I've taken the privilege of doing a track by track review, I hope you enjoy.

"Should I do (Prod. 9F)"

Don't be deceived by the slow start to the track, it's only Jooheon showing off his signature flow. With excellent production and hard-hitting claps coming in at timed intervals, the occasionally stripped back rapping allows his talents to shine. It doesn't quite go in hard from an instrumental perspective but rather allows the listener to catch their breath before an upcoming song comes at you like a bullet train. However, with scathing lyrics that force you to ponder the lives of these idols, it goes hard in a completely different context. It's more than a substantial appetiser, and one that'll have you clamouring for the main course. Track Rating—9/10

"RED CARPET (Prod. BOYCOLD)"

Charismatic, vibrant and a generally colourful track, "RED CARPET' is relaxing and subtle. The tropical beats add a well-defined feeling of Summer, and the music video provides an excellent visualiser to the song. Even the up-tempo second verse is still relaxing, and it's a superb listen to sit and take the weight off your shoulders for a while. With a catchy and creative hook to match the calming vocals, it's a seasonal toe-tapper that'll put a smile on your face. Track Rating—9.5/10

"Kang Baek-ho (Prod. YE-YO)"

Here comes the bullet train. Coming in at just under three minutes, the aggression and rawness from this track is tangibly exciting. With an unrivalled flow, the aggressive chorus complete with harsh drop will have you enticed and memorised. Add some ridiculously fast rapping and you barely have time to take a breath. In fact, it's a public service that this isn't any longer, as some masterpieces have to be short. The abrupt ending leaves you in awe, and the sublime production by YE-YO really does deserve a lot of credit. A seriously special track, and one worth more than a few listens. Track Rating—10/10

"RUNWAY (Prod. DAKSHOOD)"

The longest track on the Mixtape, this collaboration is less in your face than other songs, but is still just as hard-hitting. The hook feels like a slap in the face that you're almost thankful for, and Jooheon and KILLAGRAMZ play off of each other extremely well throughout. It isn't mainstream music, and that is the charm, rather serving as a welcome treat for those who wanted to see this side to Jooheon, a rapper praised by many for his musicality. Track Rating—8/10

"Manito (Prod. YE-YO)"

The return of YE-YO and his genius production, this is a duo that I would be happy to sit and listen to for years. Subtle instrumentation allows Jooheon to firmly take the driver's seat here, and the guitar riffs add an extra bit of edge to this emotion-packed track. It doesn't suddenly evolve into a crazy song with drops left, right and centre, but rather sticks to the same tempo throughout, allowing you to cling to every word and really pay attention. It's effective and leaves you wanting more, which is exactly what a Mixtape should do. Track Rating—9/10

Album Overall

Written by Jooheon, composed by Jooheon (and carefully chosen producers), executed by Jooheon. This mixtape shows an exciting side to the idiosyncratic rapper, and its every bit hard-hitting as it is colourful. A truly versatile talent, I'm sure every fan will be impressed with this offering, and I won't be alone in saying I cannot wait for what is next.

Rating—9.5/10

Don't forget to stream the "RED CARPET" music video on YouTube, and listen to the entire Mixtape on Spotify and/or SoundCloud, and support this excellent piece of art.

*There is a goal set to get 1 million views on the music video in the first 24 hours, so please try to contribute if you can*