The duo officially marks their debut as a unit today with the release of their first EP, BOTH SIDES. Out now via SM Entertainment, the six-track collection arrives alongside a sleek music video for the titular lead single.
A Decade of Synergy
While NCT JNJM is a fresh brand, the chemistry between Jeno and Jaemin spans over a decade. The pair have climbed the ranks together from their early trainee days to becoming global leaders within NCT and NCT DREAM. BOTH SIDES serves as a sonic manifesto of that shared history, capturing the dynamic tension between their individual charms and the seamless synergy that has made them fan favorites on the world stage.
Breaking Down the Tracklist
The title track, “BOTH SIDES,” is a high-gloss hip-hop dance number that anchors the project. Built on fluid drum beats and witty vocal delivery, the song finds the duo flexing their charismatic duality. When asked which side is their best, the answer is a confident declaration: “Both sides!” It’s a mission statement for a pair that refuses to be boxed into a single lane.
The EP moves into high-energy territory with “I.D.O.L.,” an uptempo pop track rooted in heavy 808 kicks and Miami bass. The lyrics explore the confident, free-spirited attitude of an idol commanding a global audience while maintaining a personal connection that goes beyond the surface-level glitz.
On the R&B-leaning “What It Is,” Jaemin steps in as a lyricist to help craft a more sensory experience. The track uses subtle stimuli like shared glances and lingering scents to portray a deepening attraction, further enriched by the contrasting vocal tones of the two performers.
Genre-Bending and Growth
NCT JNJM dives into late-2000s Southern hip-hop flows on “HASHTAG,” where low-register raps meet smooth melodic lines. The song acts as a response to the digital noise surrounding them, asserting their determination to prove their limitless charm despite the labels and tags directed their way.
The energy shifts again with “WIND UP,” an empowering, horn-heavy track that utilizes baseball metaphors to drive home its bouncy hip-hop rhythm. The collection closes with the hyperpop-adjacent “sexier,” featuring bright synths and an addictive, rhythmic chorus that captures the escalating tension and boldness of a magnetic connection.
A Singular Vision
Across these six tracks, NCT JNJM delivers a cohesive vision of their potential as a duo. By blending hip-hop, R&B, and dance-pop, Jeno and Jaemin showcase multiple facets of their performance strengths and personality. BOTH SIDES isn’t just a side project; it’s a sophisticated showcase of two artists who have mastered the art of the stage and are now ready to lead their own era.
