NCT's Mark Elevates K-Hip Hop with 'Fraktsiya' Featuring Lee Young-ji

NCT's Mark has taken K-Hip Hop to new heights with his collaboration track 'Fraktsiya' featuring rapper Lee Young-ji. Industry insiders are praising this release as a prime example of utilizing the K-pop industry's well-established system to produce high-quality hip-hop music. Both artists, who gained recognition from their appearances on Mnet's 'High School Rapper' series, showcase significant growth in this track.

Canadian-born Mark delivers a hip-hop sound reminiscent of Billboard hits with 'Fraktsiya.' The track's heavy bass sound exudes a level of sophistication rarely seen in Korean hip-hop, diverging from the repetitive beats and fixed rhythms typical of the genre. Instead, the song's intricate beat and rap structure keep listeners engaged throughout.

The track features complex drum sounds layered over the bass, creating dynamic variations. At times, all sounds are stripped away, leaving sharp synth sounds that captivate the ears. The duo's powerful delivery of each word complements the intense atmosphere of the song. Both Mark and Lee Young-ji demonstrate their prowess as rappers by crafting diverse rap structures that rarely repeat the same rhythm for more than two bars.

Additionally, 'Fraktsiya' evokes the metallic edge characteristic of NCT, a signature of SM Entertainment idols. Mark, who has consistently explored hip-hop in his solo work, combines his identity with the group's intense beats in this track, much to the delight of his fans.

The lyrics, filled with 'confidence backed by evidence,' are noteworthy. In 'Fraktsiya,' Mark expresses his confidence in managing a busy schedule as a member of three NCT sub-units. He raps, "How many schedules do I have in a day / With my mileage, I could honeymoon out of space," and "Name somebody / who can juggle three teams / Still come up with the best solo album."

Mark and Lee Young-ji both appeared on Mnet's survival program 'High School Rapper' in 2017 and 2019, respectively. Initially, they were underestimated; Mark faced prejudice as an idol member, and Lee Young-ji was mocked for her neat school uniform appearance. However, they soon gained recognition for their talent in the hip-hop scene. Mark overcame biases to finish in the top 7, impressing underground rappers with his unique tone and flow. Lee Young-ji emerged as the winner of 'High School Rapper 3,' becoming a leading figure in the hip-hop scene with her powerful rap style.

The K-pop industry now offers an environment conducive to collaboration with top international producers. While this system has primarily been used for K-pop idol hip-hop performance tracks, its application to hip-hop solo albums is less common. 'Fraktsiya' stands as a commendable example of combining quality beats with stellar performance. For K-pop to embrace a wider range of styles, collaboration between the K-pop system and K-Hip Hop is crucial. We hope K-Hip Hop can continue to ride the wave of K-pop's global popularity.

By Min-kyung Lee, Ten Asia Reporter 2min_ror@tenasia.co.kr