The latest episode of Mnet's music competition show 'Show Me the Money 12' showcased the much-anticipated 'Soundtrack Mission' stage.
Aired on the 5th, the 8th episode featured the team-based competition phase where participants presented newly produced tracks and collaborative performances. According to AGB Nielsen, this episode ranked first in viewership among male audiences in their teens and twenties in the metropolitan area, including terrestrial channels. The four performance videos uploaded on the program's official YouTube channel garnered over 10,000 comments within 12 hours.
The competition highlighted the significant involvement of the producers. Producer Lil Moshpit and singer Jay Park tailored beats and directed performances to match their team members' rap styles. Rapper J-Tong and producer Hucky Shibaseki fostered a horizontal atmosphere, incorporating team members' ideas into the stage. Producer Gray and rapper Loco provided detailed choreography guidance and practical rehearsal environments, while singers Zico and Crush led training sessions to prepare for unexpected stage situations.
First up was the Lil Moshpit & Jay Park team (referred to as the Model Team) with their new track 'No Manners.' The song narrates the raw attitude and honesty inherent in hip-hop. It began with rapper DK's rap, followed by an alternating rap exchange between rapper Jene the Zilla and rapper Tray B. Rapper Flowsik's rap skills and rapper Jeffrey White's high-pitched vocals were added. In line with the song's concept, a performance involving dropping pants was staged.
The J-Tong & Hucky Shibaseki team performed 'Money Checks,' a track that addresses material value while emphasizing an ultimate life attitude. The song incorporated the sound of counting bills to highlight its theme. Rapper Now I'm Young led the chorus, with rappers Royal44 and Flicky Bang distributing parts for their rap performances. The latter part of the song featured rapper Young Shuler's unique tone and rapper Double Down's gritty vocals.
The Gray & Loco team presented 'Ssak,' a melody-focused track about achieving goals in one's own way. Rapper Mason Home handled the vocal-infused introduction, while rapper Oxynova and Thai rapper Milli performed in line with the song's vibe. The stage concluded with rapper Poggy at the Bottom's strong vocals and rapper Kwon Oh-sun's steady rhythm.
The Zico & Crush team (referred to as the Zik Team) participated with the track 'TICK TOCK,' depicting the fast-paced flow of modern society. The song was completed after a three-day training camp. Rapper Kim Ha-on took the first section, followed by rapper Noseon's rap, rapper Raf Sandu's vocal power, and rapper Jung Jun-hyuk's choreography. Rapper Marv sang the melody-infused verse section, filling the latter part of the stage.
As a result of the Soundtrack Mission, four participants were eliminated, with one member from each team being selected according to internal rules. Noseon, DK, Young Shuler, and Oxynova were the final eliminations. With 16 participants advancing to the next round, the broadcast ended with a preview of the upcoming team diss battle.
Following the release of the tracks and stage videos, viewer reactions were collected. Online comments included "The beat is amazing," "The track is a hit," "The hook is catchy," and "Feels like it could play in a cafe." Additionally, individual participants received praise with comments like "Milli gives a Billboard chart vibe," "Kim Ha-on is incredible," "Marv's rediscovery," "Royal44 is legendary," and "Jeffrey White is a standout."
The four tracks revealed during the competition, 'No Manners (feat. Jay Park) (Prod. Lil Moshpit),' 'Money Checks (Prod. Hucky Shibaseki),' 'Ssak (feat. Loco) (Prod. Gray),' and 'TICK TOCK (feat. Zico) (Prod. Zico, Crush),' were officially released on music platforms at noon on the 6th.
Reported by Min-Kyung Lee, Ten Asia 2min_ror@tenasia.co.kr