SM groups are known to have some of the best discographies in K-POP. Name the genre, a SM artist have done it.

EXO is no exception to the rule. Having one of the best discographies amongst the 3rd generation of idol groups. From Chen’s solo to EXO-CBX’s funky music, the South korean Chinese group keeps setting new trends every release. Yet, when Chanyeol and Sehun’s unit was announced, many were perplexed on that. I was one of the few who was quite confident in the type of music they would showcase. EXO’s rap line, who doesn’t get to truly shine in their group release, was finally having the chance to show a whole new side of EXO nobody, even the fans, knew of…

And boy, did they deliver when the album came out.

In my honest opinion, ‘What A Life’ is not only one of the best K-POP releases of 2019. But it is also one of the best SM albums released in the past 5 years by miles away. It is also one of SM’s gems, a unique experience that will only be possible if done by EXO-SC.

Chanyeol and Sehun decided to tackle a genre that SM doesn’t do often. Let me rephrase that, EXO-SC decided to release an album with a genre almost no SM idols have tried. I was really happy knowing that EXO-SC had the chance to work with Gaeko of Dynamic Duo, Devine Channel and AOMG producer, Gray. (I definitely wasn’t the only one, I promise you.) Why? Because for once, a SM album wouldn’t only be made by the same household SM producers. On top of that, both Chanyeol and Sehun had written the lyrics to all songs along with composing and arranging both Roller coaster and Daydreamin’. It was the start of something fresh but also it was the first hint that gave away the music genre the unit would debut with, which is Hip-Hop. When you ask the K-POP twitter community their opinion on EXO’s rap line, most feedback aren’t positive and to be honest, it is quite sad because they both are good rappers. Actually, they are great rappers.

Yes I’ve said it, Chanyeol and Sehun of K-POP group EXO are great rappers. And their debut album is a great proof to it. It’s just most are not used to their style of rap, thus think it is bad… When it’s not.

Most K-POP fans judge the idol rappers by ‘how fast they go’ or ‘how hard do their part hit’ when hip-hop and rap is not only about being the fastest or being the one with the hardest hitting lines. There’s a vast spectrum in that genre and What A Life explore one of the less known sides of hip-hop to many fans: Instead of going with songs with heavy bass and all the things that many of you are used to hearing in K-POP songs, Sehun and Chanyeol decided to venture the slower and more melodic/alternative side of hip-hop. Which is a great choice, because it represented the stories they wanted to tell to the public the best and they are the best when rapping on instrumentals that are extremely sweet and melodious. Beats that are rhythmic but still lyrical and perfect for vocals to join in.

Each song on What A Life tells a different story in the life of Chanyeol and Sehun but they all have one common message: “Live your life to the fullest”, “Seize the day”, “Don’t worry about tomorrow, just live today”, etc. Mix this with fun, happy instrumental and you get a unique hit album. You get EXO-SC’s colors and their area of expertise in one album.

It is an anthem to the youth. A colorful album perfect for this current hot weather. A fresh sound in the industry.

What A Life is so unique that even Lee Soo Man himself had to acknowledge the fact that the sound produced on that album was never done before in SM but it was a pleasant listening session.

Everyone will find its taste on it, you just need to push your bias towards these two away and only listen to the music because the album is a great opening towards the hidden side of hip-hop that many seem to not know about.

Hip-Hop doesn’t have to be fast to be good. And EXO-SC proves it brilliantly. What A Life is a must listen for any K-POP fan this summer.

All you have to do now is sit back, listen and enjoy the ride.