I.M, best known as the maknae of Monsta X, dropped his sophomore EP ‘OVERDRIVE’ last Friday, June 23rd. This new release is his first album under his new label, Sony Music Korea. Similar to his debut release, the rapper returns with a sensual R&B and moody hip-hop sound. Here is a breakdown of what this new album has to offer.
1. “OVERDRIVE”
The first track off of this EP serves as the lead single. Combining elements of hip-hop and R&B, I.M narrates his drive and hunger to turn his dreams into reality. Even though there are times when he can get overheated and exhausted, he isn’t going to stop. In the song’s accompanying music video, I.M gets his point across when he speeds down highways and crashes through barricades in a military truck. He raps, “Deep down on my body, I feel alive / Heat my engine harder ’til I die / Speedin’ on my lane, go overdrive, yeah.” Contrary to his last lead single, “Overdrive” is more resolute and highlights I.M’s determination to stay on the grind.
2. “Blame”
A smooth progression from R&B to trap, “Blame” is about trying to forget a love that is now lost. I.M laments that his relationship has deteriorated, but he tells his lover that he still wants to make this work. He belts out in pain, “You’re my reason why I blame on your name / Do you even feel my pain what you made / Don’t leave me alone, my love / I don’t have my own and you know / You’re my all, my home but gone.” For anyone who may be going through a tough breakup, “Blame” is a great song to listen to for comfort.
3. “Dumb”
Going back to the album’s initial R&B attitude, “Dumb” talks about how people do crazy things when they’re in love. In this track, the narrator tells his lover that he would do anything for them. Later on, he realizes that this devotion can be taken advantage of, but it’s too late. I.M sings, “So, love me right, love me right, baby / I am not just a guy to deny, baby / Don’t hit me at night for somebody / Hit me at night for my body.” A word to the wise: if they’re not reciprocating the love, it’s not worth it.
4. “Habit”
Toxic love is a mistake we all encounter at some point in our romantic lives, and that’s what I.M tackles in “Habit.” The song follows the narrator as he realizes that he’s become too comfortable in his relationship. If his lover were to leave, he would feel incomplete. He sings, “Teach me how to stop this routine / But you’rе my habit to me / I cannot love myself / ‘Cause you’re my habit to me.”
5. “More”
In comparison to the subtlety in the past few tracks, “More” is the most direct and blunt. In this sultry R&B track, I.M leaves little to the imagination as he sings, “Taking off my clothes at the first / And thе thirst just comes in a rush / I won’t make you hush but tell mе if it hurts / I’m lost in our lust / And we should call this love.” He fully understands what his desires are and he wants to fulfill them, with no hidden meanings necessary.
6. “Not Sorry”
So far, this album has showcased I.M’s knack for hip-hop and R&B. However, on “Not Sorry,” he has added a new genre to the mix: retro jazz. In this concluding track, I.M has found acceptance for himself and decides to move on. He then asks his lover if they can go their separate ways. He sings, “Sick of hiding all my thoughts / Even when you cry, I don’t mind / These long nights too shall pass / Let’s not drag this on.”
What’s your favorite track off of ‘OVERDRIVE’? Let us know in the comments or on our Twitter and Instagram! And be sure to show I.M some love on Twitter and Instagram!
