Joohoney is famous for delivering bars in Monsta X. Every time he raps in a Monsta X song I'm sent to another realm. He's insane in his flow and speed add layers to any Monsta X song. His last mixtape, DWTD, was a gift once I discovered it. It was full of insane bops and his raps were impeccable. So needless to say I was excited to see what he would bring to this table for this mixtape. DWTD was released 2 years ago so he was still growing as an artist at the time. Now, not only has he grown as a rapper and producer, but also as a vocalist. Psyche showcases his talent in all these realms.
Title track, Smoky, really showcases his vocal talent the best here. It's an emotional song about mental turmoil that hits hard. His vocals have this gravelly tone that give the same feeling as an aged rock singer. They're hard hitting and painful. The chorus of King also showcases these intense vocals. This is a song that is all about being the best and winning despite hardships. His vocals have this tone that moves me in a way I've never felt moved before.
Joohoney's raps are certainly not overlooked on this EP either. The opener, Intro (Ambition), goes through four separate beat changes and he's flowing between them so smoothly. His raps change pace and somehow he makes it sound cohesive. Psyche is also a song that sends you into a mind boggling state. The beat is crazy but he raps so well on top of it. Then, there's this beat change that feels like a separate song but he raps so smoothly between the transitions that I found myself going insane in the best way.
Another thing I appreciate about this mixtape is how well this tracklist flows. You hit in the beginning with these hard hitting raps, (Ambition, Dia) that get more lowkey. In the middle you're hit with these emotional songs (Smoky, Dark and Cloudy) that lift up by the end (Wing Suit). You're taken on a journey through Joohoney's mind and suffering but you feel victorious in the end. No song feels out of place and it really feels like a story.
I had high expectations since DTWD is one of my favorite mixtapes ever and Joohoney certainly didn't disappoint. Joohoney showcases his skills as not only the best K-pop rapper but as an insane vocalist. You're taken on an emotional journey that really makes you feel. This mixtape is actually insane and I'm reminded why Joohoney is my favorite K-Pop rapper.
Favorite Track(s): Intro (Ambition), King
The intro to this album is actually insane. This is a song full of four different songs that flow seamlessly together. Joohoney showcases his different rap skills and vocal skills in under 3 minutes. It feels a little insane but it works. King also showcases his skills as a great rapper and vocalist. The chorus in particular really showcases these emotional vocals. They feel so intense and I am just in love with this track.
Other Recommendations: Smoky, Dia, Psyche
Dia and Psyche are both these lowkey rap tracks where he goes absolutely insane on. Dia especially showcases the speed he has. Rapping over a lowkey instrumental track really gives him a chance to really shine. And he does. Psyche's instrumental is all over the place but it's cohesive once he starts rapping. The beat change really throws you in for a loop here but it's so good!
Smoky is unlike any track on this Mixtape. This track is almost completely sung and his vocals are intensely emotional. It's a song that could make anyone cry because you really feel his pain. To be honest, it's hard to listen to. But that's what I love about it. Who doesn't love a good cry song? Plus, he's showcasing a different side to him. So not only is he my favorite rapper but he's also my favorite vocalist now.
Check out the music video for Smoky below and check out MIXTAPE [ PSYCHE ] on your preferred streaming service!
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