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#KAMPxHKP: Songs From “KAMP LA 2022” Artists To Add To Your Playlist
Ahead of KAMP LA next month, get to know the artists through some of their fan-favorite tracks.
Since the announcement in August, the lineup for the upcoming K-Pop festival, “KAMP LA,” has only gotten hotter. From headliners like MONSTA X and SUPER JUNIOR to rookie groups like T1419 and Lapillus, fans are eager for this “fully immersive K-Pop experience.”
To get you ready for the two-day event next month, we’ve compiled a list of tracks highlighting the artists’ skills as musicians and their swoon-worthy visuals.
MONSTA X – “Kiss or Death”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1rg8hUpd0U
First up is “Kiss or Death” by MONSTA X. An original song produced for UNIVERSE, an all-in-one fandom platform for fans to connect to artists, “Kiss or Death,” is nothing short of amazing. The cinematic MV jumps through time and space while putting the members’ steamy visuals of front and center. The song captures MONSTA X’s signature style as an influential artist, making it a mind-blowing experience for listeners.
SUPER JUNIOR – “Mango”
Released in July of this year, “Mango” is the title track of SUPER JUNIOR’s 11th studio album, The Road: Keep on Going. “Mango” is a vocal-centric pop song with stunning melodies from start to finish. The MV added to the song’s appeal with colorful nature backdrops and mood lighting, further cementing it as a song for Summer.
EPIK HIGH – “Rosario”
What more can you say about “Rosario” aside from being epic? Jokes aside, EPIK HIGH enlisted the vocals of K-Pop industry veterans CL and ZICO for the track from their 10th studio album Epik High is Here. The aesthetic of the MV is as cool as the song’s lyrics, not to mention it was produced in a vertical format, making it truly one of a kind.
From CL’s smooth feminine vocals to the hard-hitting raps of ZICO and the members of EPIK HIGH, here’s hoping we get a surprise exceptional performance of “Rosario” at KAMP LA.
Taeyeon – “INVU”
Since her solo debut in 2015, Taeyeon has been pumping out hits, and “INVU” is no different. With her beautiful vocals taking center stage, it’s hard not to get captivated by the melodies and lyrics throughout the track. In the accompanying MV, Taeyeon looks like an ethereal queen, with her visuals shining brightly throughout as she dons beautiful monochromatic outfits in white, gold, and more.
Kai – “Mmmh”
Off his debut solo album in 2020, Kai’s “Mmmh” is a sleek debut track, to say the least. Starting off soft and mellow, “Mmmh” takes listeners on a sexy R&B journey. His voice is smooth as he effortlessly transitions between Korean and English before he leads into the fantastic harmonizing chorus. Finally, the MV helps push the song’s sensuality as Kai dances in water, shows skin, and more.
Aespa – Next Level
“Next Level” is a song that crams many genres into one track but does it correctly. The track immediately dives in with an electronic background before shifting into more percussion, then pop, as it highlights each member’s vocal skillset elegantly. Not to mention the repetitive hook, “Next Level” mixed with the fun choreography, makes this song addicting for fans and peers alike.
iKON – RHYTHM TA
This throwback iKON track is hard to ignore. Released in 2015, this addictive rap-heavy track is still a favorite among Generation 4 boy groups today. The song is smooth, catchy, and offers a mature type of sound that iKONICS have come to expect from iKON. The MV is retro K-Pop at its greatest as the members wear matching basketball uniforms while dancing around a gym floor and locker room before heading outside.
P1Harmony – Siren
P1Harmony kicked off their debut on the right foot with the powerful hip-hop track, “SIREN.” The song takes advantage of the members’ rap, adding a lot of energy and intensity to the track. When the chorus arrives, listeners are ready to sing along with the track’s chanted chorus. Given the times, the MV is quite ambitious, moving across various locations with a large group of extras.
Momoland – Bboom Bboom
It’s hard to believe this funky and irresistibly catchy song was released in 2018. “Bboom Bboom” was an ambitious track. It included many elements that K-Pop was missing at the time and set the stage for future disco-pop tracks. Not to mention, the choreography throughout the MV beautifully compliments the tempo and overall feel of the song, making the members seem more mature.
BAMBAM – riBBon
True to his one-of-a-kind allure, BAMBAM’s solo debut song, “riBBon,” is anything but basic. As the song kicks off, listeners are immediately captured by the catchy sing-song hook and playful vibe. Additionally, the complimentary MV offered a refreshing fantasy-like concept and bright colors – giving us a new side to the multidimensional BAMBAM.
Zion T. – A Gift!
Zion T. offers fans a comforting track with the comeback song “A Gift.” The track is a beautiful soft-pop song filled with Christmas undertones and a jazzy feel that makes it feel like a gift. The soulful vocals and ballad-heavy lyrics offer a soothing message to listeners who feel alone. In comparison, the MV follows a more mysterious concept over a Christmas-y one to further highlight the track’s message.
Jeon Somi – XOXO
From her first full album, “XOXO” is a catchy pop track with a serious attitude. Throughout the track, Somi delivers confident vocals that are as expressive as they are powerful. Plus, the MV offers a fun “bad girl” type storyline that only plays up the overall attitude of the song.
T1419 – FLEX
“FLEX” by T1419 comes in hot and delivers exactly what fans have come to expect from this rookie group. It’s gritty. It’s cool. It’s a hype track. Following the song’s title, the lyrics are all about flexing. The MV follows a unique concept showcasing the members in bright hair, tattoos, and donning bad attitudes.
Lapillus – GRATATA
Last but certainly not least is the latest track, “GRATATA,” from rookie girl group sensation Lapillus. The song is an energetic dance track that elegantly shifts from the group’s vocalists to the rappers and back again. Throughout the MV, the members dance their way through various locations, but their individual shots where they put their adorable charms on display are most impressive.
Photos/Videos: Respective Agencies of the Aforementioned Artists.
