KiiiKiii's ‘Uncut Gem’ Review: A Weird Yet Wonderful Debut

Explore the unique sounds of KiiiKiii in their debut mini-album ‘Uncut Gem’.

Introduction to KiiiKiii

Since K-pop has burst onto the global scene, the music industry has become remarkably sonically uniform, especially among new girl groups. It seems like female acts today either channel the bold energy of the BLACKPINK school or embody the sweet charm of New Jeans. However, KiiiKiii, the latest girl group from Starship Entertainment – known for IVE and MONSTA X – manages to sidestep these clichés in their debut mini-album, “Uncut Gem,” offering listeners something fresh and captivating.

Standout Tracks

One of the standout tracks on this album is “Groundwork.” It opens with a whispered intro that transitions into a dreamy, speak-sung verse, complemented by glitchy synths. Suddenly, the instrumental drops, making way for a powerful chanted chorus that features bass so deep it distorts the group’s vocals. While the elements may seem familiar, their arrangement is delightfully unexpected.

Another noteworthy track is “There They Go.” This bass-driven R&B gem utilizes a marching snare and the sound of the group’s breath to craft an intriguing soundscape. Additionally, “Debut Song,” a polarizing blend of trap and electropop that playfully interpolates “Happy Birthday to You,” earns praise for its cheeky and campy nod to the experimental roots of K-pop.

Music Video

Check out the music video for “I Do Me” here:

Room for Growth

Despite its polished moments, KiiiKiii’s “Uncut Gem” reflects the group’s freshness, still rough around the edges. Some tracks bravely explore new territory, while others, like “I Do Me” and “One Off,” tread a more familiar path. Though sweet and inoffensive, these songs risk blending into the background, lacking a distinctive identity.

Unfortunately, the EP's focus track, “BTG,” falls a bit flat. The straight-laced rapped verses come off as hard to take seriously. With lines like,

“What’s the dealy? Ain’t no kidding, ain’t no bidness with no money / Got that ice up on it freezy, kill it, fit in, KiiiKiii winnin’,”

and a repetitive hook of

“been that girl,”

it strays into monotony.

Final Thoughts

“Uncut Gem” may not be the safest choice for any group making a debut in today’s landscape, and that's commendable. While KiiiKiii's approach needs fine-tuning, they are undeniably injecting a sense of fun and excitement back into K-pop.

Details

• Release date: March 24, 2025
• Record label: Starship Entertainment

Conclusion

KiiiKiii is bringing something truly unique to the K-pop landscape with their debut mini-album, “Uncut Gem.” Are you ready to add these fresh sounds to your playlist?

FAQs:

• What genre does KiiiKiii’s music belong to? KiiiKiii's music primarily features a blend of pop, R&B, and elements of trap and electropop.
• When was ‘Uncut Gem’ released? The album was released on March 24, 2025.
• Who are KiiiKiii signed with? KiiiKiii is signed under Starship Entertainment, known for other popular K-pop groups like IVE and MONSTA X.
• What are some standout tracks from the album? Standout tracks include “Groundwork,” “There They Go,” and “Debut Song.”
• Is KiiiKiii’s sound innovative? While they explore familiar elements, their unique arrangements and playful spirit provide a fresh take on K-pop.

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