If you were worried there wasn’t already enough Anderson .Paak in K-pop, I’ve got good news for you. He’s developed a comedy film called K-Pops! and features on the soundtrack alongside many popular Korean acts. I’m not very clued in about the specifics of the film, but it seems that it first screened two years ago. I’m not sure why we’re finally releasing a music video now, but he’s teamed up with NMIXX for the Dem Jointz-produced Caution.
This… certainly sounds like a modern K-pop song. We’ve got clanging, confrontational beats, plenty of attitude-infused sing-talk and some sound effects for good measure. It’s not the approach I prefer from NMIXX, nor is it the kind of track I feel they excel at. The production infuses many different ideas and I appreciate the various flourishes that pop up throughout. Dem Jointz’s work is rarely for me, but there’s no doubt he’s a talented creator.
Still, when it comes down to it there’s just not enough song here to tempt my ears. Everyone involved sounds good and there’s enough going on to keep listeners engaged. There’s just no one killer moment worth waiting for. Without this kind of dynamic, Caution passes by as an impressive non-event. Fans of NMIXX or .Paak might be charmed, but both artists have been attached to far more exciting projects in the past.
| Hooks | 7 |
| Production | 8 |
| Longevity | 7 |
| Bias | 7 |
| RATING | 7.25 |
Grade: C
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
I think hating on celebrities is a loser behaviour in general, but my God am I tired of seeing this Anderson Paak dude everywhere. I know he is half-Korean and k-pop companies are hungry for more and more Western success, but none of of the songs he featured on is interesting to me. I see him as a male Zendaya of the k-pop world: famous, I can see why he is famous, but incredibly bland.
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Definitely not the kind of songs that NMIXX usually known for. I also did not like this kind of approach where NMIXX did not utilize their vocals appropriately. It got so boring in the middle of the song, the only good parts is the last high note chorus.
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I have a bizarre feeling everytime I hear “INCOMINGGGG!”. It kinda gives me a sense of dread, especially if it’s a JYP release because JYP X DemJointz does NOT mix well (Look at ITZY’s Gold).
I was first very happy for a new NMIXX song because I liked their Western releases, but the sing-talk caught me off guard. The song feels muddy and the backing wee-ooh vocals did not have the same effect as the oh-oh-oh Lily chorus in TANK. It felt like… a choice. It’s edgy, girl-crush, braggadocious, all the necessary factors for the Western market, but BRING BACK THEIR VOCALS. You got a whole arsenal of vocalists, but giving them sing-talk? This should be considered a crime.
Speaking of crime, I did enjoy the crime scene concept, don’t think I’ve seen that before in Kpop.
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It is days like today with releases like today when I have to remind myself about what is the point of music like those released today? It seems to be to just put stuff out there and see if someone is buying.
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