Seven days into the 12 months and now we have our first notable debut of 2025 (KickFlip’s tune earlier this week was a pre-release). Three of the 4 XLOV members have been contestants on 2023’s Boys Planet, guaranteeing a sure degree of notoriety even earlier than the discharge of I’mma Be. The group additionally has a “genderless” idea, which feels fairly new for a Korean idol act. With all this promise, it’s unlucky that the music itself comes throughout as a bunch of recycled tropes stitched collectively.

XLOV are intriguing for the whole lot however this tune. I’mma Be acts as a good showcase for his or her ability, however as an precise piece of music it leaves a lot to be desired. The manufacturing is slinky and measured, tiptoeing when it might supply a extra commanding stomp. Through the first verse, this works nicely sufficient, however as quickly as we hit the refrain my curiosity has flatlined. An irritating spoken-word hook unfolds because the instrumental takes an unsightly flip towards extra abrasive tones that really feel borrowed from too many different boy group tracks.

From right here, I’mma Be merely spins its wheels, delivering fragments of melody that fail to forge into one thing bigger. I get the sense that the observe’s message and execution have been prioritized over the underlying songwriting. That’s a disgrace, as a result of there’s clearly expertise on this group. The vocals in the course of the bridge are very assured and ear-catching and deserve a lot stronger materials.

Grade: D+