On March 20th, YG Entertainment unveiled the tracklist for BABYMONSTER’s first mini-album, set for official release on April 1st. The poster showcased 7 songs spanning various genres like Hip-hop and Ballad.
The lineup included the title track SHEESH alongside previously dropped tracks like Batter Up (7 ver.) and Stuck in the Middle (7 & remix ver). Additionally, the album will introduce 3 new tracks including the intro Monsters, b-side track Like That, and Dream.
Among the 7 tracks, SHEESH grabs the most attention. The song brings together producers including CHOICE37, Sonny, Lil. G, LP, TREASURE’s Choi Hyun Suk, Sandra Wikström, YG & DEE.P.
However, Choi Hyun Suk’s involvement as a producer for BABYMONSTER’s SHEESH drew mixed reactions. Some international fans questioned Choi Hyun Suk’s abilities while criticizing YG for selecting him over more renowned musicians and producers. BABYMONSTER fans also voiced concerns over why YG opted to involve TREASURE members in production.
In the wake of heated debates, Choi Hyun Suk’s fans defended him by highlighting his profound expertise in composition and production. As tensions mounted, many pointed out that Choi Hyun Suk was criticized not for his talent but for controversial past behaviors.
In a livestream back in December 2023, Hyun Suk expressed a preference for focusing on performance over behind-the-scenes content creation. His remark garnered criticism for allegedly disrespecting fans.
Nevertheless, expectations remain high for BABYMONSTER’s album post-Ahyeon’s return. With this album, BABYMONSTER plans to actively engage with Korean fans through participation in various music programs, broadcast activities, and fan signing events. The group also has scheduled fan meetings lined up in 5 Asian regions including Japan, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and Jakarta. Additionally, they are set to grace the stage at Summer Sonic 2024 – Japan’s largest music festival.
