I.M Releases hypnotizing third EP ‘OFF THE BEAT’
MONSTA X’s I.M. has released a new EP called ‘Off The Beat’, which continues his solo journey. With six new songs, each embodying a unique story, the extended playlist blends hip-hop and tracks with ‘atypical’ elements from soul, R&B, and bossa/Latin music. With Sony Music Entertainment, the extended play is available on all music streaming platforms.
From his former releases ‘Duality’ and ‘Overdrive’, fans around the globe have been immersed in I.M’s unlimited and non-stereotypical musical worldview. ‘Off The Beat’ will be a fresh addition to his portfolio that portrays this distinguished artist’s unique self-storytelling as well as the motif of ‘not following the regular’ and being ‘unconventional’ by utilizing empathy in order to talk about the ambivalence in life that isn’t often mentioned through music.
Photo Credit: Sony Music Entertainment Korea Inc
The focus track, ‘LURE,’ is the first to stand out as a unique musical endeavor, showcasing I.M’s musical expansiveness between his vocals and his rap skills. With a punchy beat and Latin-influenced guitar sound, the tune becomes tangible in the listener’s mind. The opening starts with soft guitar strumming that lures us into upbeat hip-hop and trap sounds, carrying into smooth vocals. Ending with a type of serenading tone with the lyrics “Want ‘em to know for sure, can’t keep it on the low, babe can you love me out loud,” I.M sure aims to hold onto the theme of ‘temptation’ and luring his listeners into the lyrics.
Each song on the tracklist unveils I.M’s current identity and different aspects of his daily life. ‘Bust it’ conveys his self-confidence over a strong trap sound, ‘X0’ is a smooth sound that draws someone in late at night. ‘Skyline’ with its rhythmic beat and tempting lyrics. ‘MMI’ contains self-confessional lyrics in an uptempo exotic melody. ‘nbdy’ is where one is faced with the emptiness of someone’s absence.
Photo Credit: Sony Music Entertainment Korea Inc
While the superstar may face challenges and opportunities as a solo artist, he has been showing a more unique side to himself and connecting with his fans through his previous works. The rapper is a solo artist under Sony Music Entertainment Korea for his subsequent solo music ventures.
Still remaining as an active member of his group, MONSTA X, I.M. takes the role as their rapper and maknae. MONSTA X is a global top tier K-Pop group that has expanded its fandom both domestically and internationally over the past seven years and has been picked up by Epic Records. The group was formed from a survival program called No. Mercy by Starship Entertainment and Mnet in 2015. Since their debut, they have shown many different musical elements of hip-hop, EDM, and pop. The supergroup has gone on to achieve international success with nine studio albums released. In 2019, MONSTA X signed to Epic Records for their English-language recordings and worldwide distribution.
With their first U.S. release of their full-length album “All About Luv” in 2020, MONSTA X ranked number five on the U.S. Billboard 200 Chart. The second release of their English-language full-length album “The Dreaming” in 2021 (under BMG), debuted at number 21 on the Billboard 200. The group’s latest released music as a full group was in January 2023 with the mini album, “Reason.” The boy group has gained popularity throughout their years of being an active group and has even won Next Generation Asian Artist in 2015 at the MAMA Awards, Artist of the Year in 2018 at the Asia Artist Awards, Global Artist in 2022 at the Melon Music Awards, and was even nominated for the Choice International Artist in 2017 at the Teen Choice Awards. Fellow members also release music within units and solo albums.
Check out I.M’s new ep below!
SARAH BRITTON
Sarah is the founder and content manager of TokkiStar. She has been a K-pop fan since the age of 13 but began as a J-pop fan at 11. Some of her favorite groups include SHINee, Wonder Girls, Red Velvet, SVT, WJSN, NCT, Day6, The Rose, and SNSD. She is currently anticipating the day Pristin reunites.
