“Step out! Hello, we are Stray Kids!”
If you’re a Stray Kids fan, you’ve likely heard this introduction before. Like many K-pop groups, this eight-member collective uses this distinctive phrase to greet their audience.
The JYP Entertainment group made their debut on March 25, 2018, with the intense and fervent ‘Hellevator’. Initially, they had nine members, but they now consist of eight: leader Bang Chan, 3RACHA rappers Han and Changbin (with Bang Chan as the third member of this subunit), vocalists Seungmin and I.N, along with Hyunjin and Felix, who exude charm.
Fast forward seven years, and Stray Kids have recently concluded their ‘domin
On August 22, Stray Kids are presenting a special treat for their fans, known as STAY: their forthcoming album ‘KARMA’. To celebrate this release, here is a reintroduction for both new and longtime fans to the origins of Stray Kids’ journey. We’ve compiled a list of eight essential deep cuts from their discography that every STAY should be familiar with.
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**Awkward Silence**
Raise your hand if you’ve ever felt personally attacked by an awkward silence…
We’ve all experienced moments—or numerous moments—where we wished we could disappear. Fortunately, Stray Kids have too! Their 2018 B-side ‘Awkward Silence’ delves into the emotions tied to those relatable instances of discomfort, while also encouraging us to wear a smile and find the positive side of each situation. Written by 3RACHA (Bang Chan, Han, and Changbin), Stray Kids sing, “No need to keep awkward silence / Be cool and move on / It’s not easy to laugh them away as expected, baby.”
As young adults, Stray Kids recognize that humor can often be the path through such situations. A crow caws at the close of the pre-chorus, and there are unexpected pauses within the production that highlight the song’s theme. Best of all, the upbeat rhythm lifts listeners' spirits, helping them to face embarrassing or challenging moments.
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**3rd Eye**
Even though ‘3rd Eye’ was included in our Best Stray Kids Songs (So Far…) article two years ago, it merits another mention—and for good reason. For a K-pop group that has built their identity around their distinct “noise” music and unabashed confidence, ‘3rd Eye’ offers a different perspective.
Taken from Stray Kids’ debut official EP, ‘I am NOT,’ this track reveals the vulnerability hiding beneath their bold exterior. “I just wish you could see me,” Bang Chan sings, tinged with desperation. Though ‘3rd Eye’ is not a ballad, it has a gentle quality interwoven within both its production and lyrics that can be challenging to balance effectively. Subtle yet impactful elements, like the fragmented voice in the background, enhance the message of struggling to reconnect with oneself and one’s instincts. Stray Kids are capable of ramping up the energy but can also unveil emotional narratives.
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**Maze of Memories**
‘Clé 1: MIROH’ marked a pivotal moment in Stray Kids’ journey as emerging K-pop stars. This 2019 EP embraced a darker sound while still maintaining the “noise” aesthetic that Stray Kids is well-known for. ‘Maze of Memories’ serves as the centerpiece of ‘Clé 1: MIROH,’ showcasing the group’s willingness to experiment. Looping piano notes clash with a rewinding sound effect, creating a dynamic tension from the very beginning. Mid-track time signature changes and sirens incorporated into the production highlight the group’s escalating feelings of uncertainty.
The rap-centric ‘Maze of Memories’ draws inspiration from earlier 3RACHA tracks that were typically shared on Soundcloud (does anyone remember ‘Matryoshka’?). “I’ma look back, I’ma look back to the future in fact / Let me examine the progress, the demons that tried to / Suffocate the road to success,” Felix delivers with a chant-like quality in the fourth verse, his deep vocals notably raw. The eight members’ determination to keep pushing forward in ‘Maze of Memories’ resonates amidst the barriers they face, symbolizing their relentless journey through an endless maze.
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**School Life**
Before the release of ‘I am NOT’ on March 25, 2018, Stray Kids shared their ‘Mixtape’ with the public. This pre-debut presentation showcased their talents as a self-producing K-pop group, especially highlighting their rap skills
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"Step out! Hi, we are Stray Kids!" If you're a fan of Stray Kids, you’ve likely heard this greeting at some point. Similar to many other K-pop idols,