Here’s Why NCT 127 Have Hit a Home Run with ‘Ay-Yo’

With every new release, NCT 127 continue to exhibit a penchant for eclectic fashion statements and audacious sound, distinguishing their music in the K-pop realm. An  example of this came in the form of their 2018 single “Simon Says” where the group blended one of the best concepts of K-pop with eerie industrial hip-hop. The group’s 2020 hit “Kick It” and the polarizing 2021 release “Sticker” came next in line. Over the years, the group has heavily experimented with synth, industrial hip-hop and R&B, curating some of the most dynamic singles that have gone on to get masses from different demographics talking. 

The group’s unwavering confidence in their sound has resulted in a cohesive discography, reflective of their unique sonic style. This approach often prepares listeners for the sound and style they could expect from an NCT 127 release. However, when “Ay-Yo” hit streaming platforms on January 30th, it housed several  surprises that caught us off guard: a classic NCT 127 hallmark. 

Ay-Yo brands itself as NCT 127’s fourth repackaged album and their first release of 2023. A culmination of the 12 tracks featured on their September 2022 LP 2Baddies and three new tracks (“Ay-Yo, “Skyscraper” and “DJ”), the album was released two days after the group wrapped up their nine-city North and South America tour. 

The lead singles of NCT 127’s repackaged albums have always been notable additions to their discography; think the industrial hip-hop “Simon Says,” dizzying electro number “Punch,” the harmony-rich “Favorite” and now “Ay-Yo.” The group has always served the masses a blend of unorthodox instrumentals with prodigious vocal performances.

Contrary to their previous releases “Sticker” and “2Baddies,” “Ay-Yo” primarily boasts a muted production with rich melodies, brewing a chill hip-hop soundscape; a space where NCT 127’s vocalists thrive. With a rich bassline, occasional piano sound and the unmistakable siren blaring at the beginning of the track, “Ay-Yo” includes an interesting instrumental section that will definitely grow on listeners with time. This is further cemented by poised vocal performances and rapper Mark weaving in threads of confidence with his fierce rap flows, especially with the hook “Ballin’ big time and I say “Ay-Yo!” The track is also a heavy throwback to NCT 127’s past releases “Punch” and the fan favorite “Limitless,” traces of which can be felt in the intriguing chorus. 

“Ay-Yo” has several merits, notably the bridge that deserves to be expanded and packaged into a full-blown track! Vocalists Doyoung and Jungwoo have done an outstanding job of employing their vocals to support the rich, sultry R&B instrumental that echoes here. The progression from the bridge to the second verse is equally glorious thanks to Taeyong, Johnny and Mark’s gritty yet chill rap performances. In fact, this whole section houses everything NCT 127 stands for – an addictive mesh of genres with sublime vocal and rap potential.

Lyrically, the song highlights their ambitions and fearless attitude: “Haters, lay low/ I be enjoying/ So who gon’ beat me?/ Ay-Yo! In the end, I make my way.” It’s a theme we last saw the group explore in their 2022 single “2Baddies.” With additional lyrics such as “Just say it out loud, “Ay-Yo!” and “Ballin’ big time and I say “Ay-Yo,” it was relatively easy for the song to sound chanty. Thankfully, the songwriters and producers have done an admirable job of maintaining the pop quotient of the track without making it sound too gimmicky. 

There isn’t a strong storyline or theme binding the music video together. Yet the choreography, set elements and bold fashion statements – especially Taeyong’s nod to Second Generation idol TVXQ Changmin’s iconic gravity-defying hairstyle – effortlessly overshadow the weak thematic link. The choreography is clean and smooth, effectively embodying NCT 127’s assertive yet chill attitude. It’s a great accompanying visual, without drawing any attention away from the track.

Similar to 2Baddies, Ay-Yo too houses a B-side that could have easily passed off as the lead single –”Skyscraper.” The gritty hip-hop number sees rappers Taeyong and Mark co-compose the track along with Dem Jointz, YoungChance and Xydo. If you’re a fan of NCT 127’s rap, this is the track for you. Sparing no time, Taeyong, Johnny, Jaehyun and Mark set the mood straight with rap flows unique to their style. The track’s charm, however, is laced through the second verse that sees Taeyong and Mark take the spotlight. For years, both rappers have shared incredible chemistry and “Skyscraper” is yet another example of the finesse they bring to a track. On this song, the duo presents distinctive styles with Taeyong’s flow being gruff and punchy, and Mark’s being rapid and gritty, making the progression from Taeyong to Mark particularly fascinating.

The funk and jazz influences on “DJ” beautifully tied the repackaged album together. With “2Baddies,” we saw the group heavily explore R&B with pop and hip-hop thrown into the mix. On “Ay-Yo,” we are served a delectable dollop of hip-hop with the surprise addition of “DJ”’s seventies funk soundscape, proving once again that NCT 127’s discography is a cornucopia of genres. There’s something for everyone.

2Baddies – though a great record that highlighted the group’s vocal mastery – missed the mark on presenting a compelling lead single that effectively showed how interesting the group’s sonic identity is. With Ay-Yo, the producers and group are truly back in their ‘neo’ element, proving that NCT 127 are ahead of their time.