SEVENTEEN’s new subunit CxM, made up of charismatic leader S.COUPS and member MINGYU, follows in the footsteps of other official units such as BSS (DK, Hoshi and Seungkwan), JxW (Jeonghan and Wonwoo) and HxW (Hoshi and Woozi). With the announcement of ‘HYPE VIBES’, their debut as a duo left no doubt about the expectations. As two of SEVENTEEN’s rappers and central figures of the hip-hop unit, it seemed only natural for their sound to spotlight that world.
On Sept. 29, CxM officially debuted with the release of their first mini album ‘HYPE VIBES’. The project signals their first steps as a duo beyond SEVENTEEN’s main discography, radiating connection, honesty and sheer vitality into their own distinct sound.
With ‘HYPE VIBES’, S.COUPS and MINGYU immerse themselves in the present moment, inviting listeners to join their rhythm. Just like a high-five that creates a bond, the album transmits their free-spirited energy while expressing a desire to connect with people everywhere.
Leading the release is the single “5, 4, 3 (Pretty woman) (feat. Lay Bankz),” a refreshing take on Roy Orbison’s timeless hit “Oh, Pretty Woman.” The disco-infused track captures the rush of attraction with candid emotion, blending a classic melody with new flair. Rising Gen Z artist Lay Bankz joins the duo, further expanding the song’s reach and adding a dynamic global touch.
The music video takes viewers through the vibrant streets of Los Angeles, following S.COUPS and MINGYU as they encounter women radiating beauty in all its forms. Told from the perspectives of the women, the playful narrative unfolds with charm, while Lay Bankz makes a striking appearance that ties the story together.
Aside from the title track, the album explores a wide spectrum of genres, proving CxM’s versatility. The mini album features hip-hop tracks “Fiesta” and “Worth it,” pop track “For you,” rock-inspired “Young again” and EDM-driven “Earth.” Both S.COUPS and MINGYU took part in songwriting and composing all six tracks, making this release a true reflection of their artistry and vision.
Global Anticipation for CxM
The excitement for ‘HYPE VIBES’ was already soaring ahead of release. Their pre-release challenge video garnered more than 180 million views, while the duo recently graced the cover of Hypebeast Magazine Issue 36: The Platinum Issue, a milestone celebrating the publication’s 20th anniversary. By its fourth day (Oct. 2), the album had already surpassed 820,000 copies in cumulative sales. This sets a new record for the highest first-week sales of any K-pop subunit album. In fact, this achievement broke the previous record of 787,046 copies held by their fellow SEVENTEEN members Jeonghan x Wonwoo.
S.COUPS and MINGYU double the undeniable force of SEVENTEEN. The subunit delivers an album that embodies hype, honesty and over a decade of shared growth. ‘HYPE VIBES’ opens a fresh new chapter, extending CxM’s high energy to CARATs everywhere.
What’s your favorite track from ‘HYPE VIBES’? Let us know on Instagram and X/Twitter!
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Featured Image Credit: Courtesy of PLEDIS Entertainment
