NCT DREAM SETS THEIR OWN PACE IN 6TH EP 'BEAT IT UP' • POP TOKKI

NCT DREAM returns with their sixth mini album, ‘Beat It Up,’ on Nov. 17. The group once again pushes past limits as they explore the theme of the speed of time. After exploring the direction of time in their previous full album, ‘Go Back To The Future,’ they now turn toward how fast or slow they choose to grow. The seven members reflect on how they have been running toward their dreams since childhood and remain confident that they have much more to offer.

‘Beat It Up’ features six tracks that capture the energy of a team that continues evolving. NCT DREAM stays firm in their belief that they will keep moving forward with their rhythm and their pace. They have built a strong identity through albums that focus on clear storytelling, and they now open a new chapter by breaking past their own limits. Since their debut in 2016, the septet has become a leading force in K-pop with global hits, stadium tours, and million-selling records. Their bright energy and refreshing sound have made them an unrivaled presence worldwide. With this new release, all eyes are on how they will go even further.

“Beat It Up”

The title track, “Beat It Up,” is a hip-hop song driven by bold kicks and heavy bass. The track builds a fast and addictive pace with energetic beats, the repetition of “beat it up” throughout the song, and fun section changes. It begins with a whisper-like intro that quickly tightens into sharp rap parts and amps up the tension. The lyrics are filled with NCT DREAM’s signature energy and confidence as they move along their own timeline, different from everyone else. It reveals their ambition to break through whatever limits the world sets for them.

“Rush”

“Rush” follows as a pop track with energetic drums, chorus, and arpeggio synths that create a sense of urgency. The exploding chants in the hook leave a strong impact, and the song moves like a fast-paced race while combining smooth R&B elements for a polished feel. The lyrics depict the moment they push past a limit and continue forward with passion and determination.

“Cold Coffee”

“Cold Coffee” slows the pace into an emotional R&B pop ballad. It compares an unchanging love to the lingering scent of cold coffee. The members sing about someone who opens new days for them and promises a love that stays steady over time. As the melody rises and the drums build, the song captures their deep desire to run toward the person they miss in that moment.

“Butterflies”

The first unit track is “Butterflies,” sung by Renjun, Haechan, and Chenle. It is an acoustic pop ballad that pairs warm guitar sounds with clear and gentle vocals. They sing with pure hearts, wanting to keep giving each other the same fluttering feeling they had when they first met. It conveys a sincere confession, hoping that the spark of that first moment still remains.

“Tempo (0에서 100)”

While the vocal trio slows the pace with a ballad, the rap line picks things up with their own high-energy track. “Tempo (0 to 100),” performed by Mark, Jeno, Jaemin, and Jisung, brings back the fierce energy of 90s boom bap and rap battle styles. It expresses an unstoppable speed as the members dominate the stage and run forward with confidence. Their tempo moves at a speed different from others and keeps going without hesitation. Like the line “No reds, all green,” their momentum stays green and never stops.

“TRICKY”

The album closes with “TRICKY,” a hip-hop track with a heavy bass sound guiding the entire song. The unpredictable beat creates tension within the song while the melodic lines jump across vocal ranges and powerful rap. The lyrics describe a confusing and dangerous pull toward someone they want to escape from but keep falling back into. Through this track, NCT DREAM shows a more mature expression of emotion and intense energy.