[Album Review] Stray Kids’ SKZHop HIPTAPE Mixtape Reveals Solo Songs and More

Photo Cr. JYP Entertainment

“HOP”, also referred to as SKZHOP HIPTAPE, is Stray Kids’ most recent mini-album, released Friday, December 13, 2024. Inspired by 90’s hip hop sound and style, they add their own flare of the known “noise” sounds that they have never shied away from and create a visually exciting music video to tie in traditional Korean elements. 

‘WALKIN’ ON WATER’ is a title track that could be considered an anthem of sorts, where the lyrics grasp where the group currently is in their ever-growing success and how determined they are to maintain doing what they love. As the song moves past the initial hype sound, it branches off into unique individual and duo verses that highlight each member’s skills. 

The ‘HIP Ver’ also featured on the EP, strips away some of the extra background sounds in the initial sections of the song and bringing it to a head at the end with more industrial rock rather than the DJ set and drum beats of the original ending. 

Having just been named Billboard’s Top Global K-pop Artist, Stray Kids continues to express their love for their fans, STAY, explore their styles, and make a name for themselves worldwide. 

BOUNCE BACK

While the base rhythm is similar to that of the title track, the additional mixture of rock elements takes this track to the next level. It expresses being able to get back up, especially when there is a strong team together. Member and main lyricist on the song, Han Jisung, tells fans that this released version is 

U featuring Epik High’s TABLO

SOLO SONGS

The latter half of the album features their solo songs debuted on the ‘dominATE’ tour stages for their ongoing world tour. 

‘Railway,’ by leader Bang Chan, has been left to fan interpretation via the lyrics and visuals of the teaser video. This wouldn’t be the first song the top 5 KOMCA producer has showcased where he told fans he wanted everyone to experience it how they interpret it. The visual storyline leaves STAYs anticipating the full video and what he will do at each new tour stage. 

In the words of the next song’s creator, ‘Youth’ by Lee Know, is about enjoying youth while it is present. Specifically, his inspiration was to engage with the young self that isn’t overthinking and can “enjoy this youth.” The musicality of the song truly encapsulates that feeling. It is bright, makes fans want to dance and sing along, and most of all, is something that could be left on repeat to brighten anyone’s day. 

‘ULTRA’ by 3RACHA member, Changbin, expresses his personality not only through his rap but also the dance moves and lyrics. He encourages himself and anyone listening to break out of the things that hold you down and finding the ultra power within. It also isn’t too blatant to say the green color scheme, laboratory -style setting of the teaser video, and Stray Kids’ love of marvel, that the storyline may have a bit of the Hulk inspiration. 

‘So Good’ by DanceRACHA member, Hyunjin, may have been born out of boredom, but the song is anything but boring. He embraces the love and joy he has felt from his time as an idol and the encouragement of his members to finish the song. It is sure to make listeners sway to the joy in their soul and the catchy beat. The switch-up, breakdown, and whispered lyrics at the end before closing the song with a bang is what will make someone put it on repeat. Expecting the unexpected is a good way to go in to listening to a Stray Kids album. 

‘Hold My Hand’ by 3RACHA member, Han, summarizes his journey as a person who felt out-of-place to someone still working hard but in a loving and learning way to helps him find more to love about life and self. His journey can be marked by his songs, ‘Alien’ and ‘Human’ before reaching its current peak at ‘Hold My Hand.’

‘Unfair’ by DanceRACHA member, Felix, tells his version of the story of Beauty and The Beast. The visuals of the teaser are dark and enthralling, while the lyrics of the song we have now heard in full range from ballad-style to rap. He thrills listeners when he explores his vocal range and ‘Unfair’ is no exception. 

‘As We Are,’ a ballad by VocalRACHA member, Seungmin, showcases his range in pitch. While fans have yet to see a full music video, the stage performance features Seungmin playing a guitar and gripping the hearts of fans as he belts out the meaningful lyrics. The teaser video did reveal there would be a baseball element to the storyline, likely based on his love of the sport and his journey with music. Don’t miss the ending of this song as it picks up and brings a sigh of relief at the end to round it out. 

‘HALLUCINATION’ by VocalRACHA member, I.N., is something unexpected and overwhelmingly adored by STAY everywhere. Originally, a track meant for Changbin or even the whole team, I.N. expressed his interest in the song and did not disappoint. Turning the rap portions into melodies befitting his vocal style allowed him to show a new style. He takes that growing image and moved it into the music video and stage performances. 

WHAT’S NEXT?

Since Stray Kids are currently on their third world tour, the comeback activities may not be as overtly present, but they have prepared many gifts for their dedicated fans, known as STAY. And any new fans will surely learn how much love and time each member puts forth when trying new things, whether as an individual or a thriving group of creatives. Long-time and new fans alike, can learn more about the process and mindset in Stray Kids’ INTRO to the album. 

Listen to “HOP”

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