16 Fantasy is the debut EP by South Korean rapper Lee Young-ji. It was released by Mainstream and distributed by Kakao Entertainment on June 21, 2024. Lee is credited as the lyricist across the six tracks featured on the EP. The EP is supported by the double title tracks "Small Girl" and "Unknown Guy" as the single of the EP, with the former released on the same day as the EP and the latter on July 5.
| 16 Fantasy | |
|---|---|
 Digital cover | |
| EP by | |
| Released | June 21, 2024 |
| Recorded | 2024 |
| Studio |
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| Genre | |
| Length | 16:18 |
| Language |
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| Label |
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| Producer |
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| Singles from 16 Fantasy | |
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The EP peaked at number 21 domestically on the Circle Album Chart.
Background
editPrior to the release of 16 Fantasy, Lee debuted in the South Korean hip-hop scene with the single "Dark Room" which was released back in 2019.[2] She quickly rose to fame after participating in and winning hip-hop audition programs, including High School Rapper 3 and Show Me the Money 11.[1]
On June 10, 2024, Lee posted a picture of her wearing a white t-shirt and holding a balloon. She revealed the name of the EP, 16 Fantasy and wrote "The album is coming out on June 21, please listen to me, I'm begging you like this."[3] The rapper also confirmed that all the songs she performed in a previous fan meeting are featured on the EP.[4] On June 14, she posted a photo of her and singer Doh Kyung-soo sitting on the back of the car and announcing that he is the singer featured on the title track, "Small Girl".[5] On June 19, Lee announced that she will hold a free "busking" concert at Ttukseom Hangang Park on June 20, so that the fans from South Korea can hear the songs live ahead of the release before she heads to Taipei. She also confirmed that the album will have a physical version.[6] On the same day, she later uploaded a photo of her getting a tattoo with the names of the tracks on the EP.[7]
On June 21, the EP was released digitally worldwide on various music streaming platforms.
Composition
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16 Fantasy featured six tracks where Lee participated in the writing process. The name of the EP was taken from the rapper's bravery when she was 16 years old, stating that "Just like when I was 16 years old, I was braver than anybody else."[8] The EP is categorized under hip hop and R&B genres.[1]
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The EP begins with "16 (Intro)" where Lee introduces herself as the "170 and 5-centimeter Peter Pan and a sixteen-year-old with a grown-up head" narrator.[1] Title track "Small Girl" narrates Lee's experience dating boyfriends who were around the same height or a little shorter than her. Heavily written in English, the song highlights her admiration and envy of shorter girls whilst discussing her inability to conform to societal standards. She wrote the song right away after being annoyed when a little girl asked her how she was doing.[9] Music critic Jung Min-jae gave the song a positive review, "This song comforts people and giving them a sense of solidarity. She did a good job of telling her story."[10]
Contrary to the upbeat nature of "Small Girl", "Unknown Guy" took a melancholic turn. Based on the real story, Lee grew up with her mother and grandmother after her father left their home. Although not explicitly explaining when her father left, it was long enough that she no longer has memories of him.[11]
Promotion
editThe first promotion of the EP began with the upload of the "Small Girl" music video teaser on June 17 on Lee's YouTube channel, showing her and Doh singing the chorus of the song.[12] The music video of "Small Girl" was released on June 21, and quickly surpassed two million views by the following day.[13] The music video received backlash from some fans as it featured a cheek kissing scene between the rapper and the singer. During an interview with Na Young-seok, Lee clarified that the scene was discussed beforehand despite some thought it was improvised. She recounted that she never met Doh previously and the director seized the opportunity to capture the "awkwardness" between the pair. Following the backlash after the release, the director of the music video stated that it was okay to scrap the scene since the rapper "wished to not be hated and meet an untimely death", although ultimately the video remained aired as it was.[14]
The music video for "Unknown Guy" was released on July 5, showing Lee in a phone booth in the middle of the night.[15]
Live performance
editLee performed "Intro", "Small Girl", and "Tell Me!" at SBS' Gayo Daejeon Summer Blue Carpet Event at Incheon on July 21.[16][17]
Tour
editShortly after the release of 16 Fantasy, Lee would embark on a world tour called All or Nothing to promote the EP.[18]
Critical reception
editMusic critic Kim Do-heon gave the EP a mixed review noting that "The rapper seems to prefer delivering her message comfortably and honestly rather than direct approach with hardcore hip-hop." Nonetheless, the critic backed the rapper to continue growing and showcase her talent.[1]
Commercial performance
edit16 Fantasy debuted at number 60 on Circle Chart's Album Chart for week 29 of 2024.[19] The EP then peaked on number 21 for week 33 with a cumulative sale over 7,000 copies.[20]
Track listing
editAll lyrics are written by Lee Young-ji, except where noted.
| No. | Title | Lyrics | Music | Arrangement | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "16 (Intro)" |
| Peejay | Peejay | 1:15 |
| 2. | "My Cat" |
|
| 2:15 | |
| 3. | "Small Girl" (featuring Doh Kyung-soo) |
| Peejay | 3:10 | |
| 4. | "ADHD" (featuring Jambino) |
|
| Peejay | 3:14 |
| 5. | "Unknown Guy" (모르는 아저씨) |
|
| 3:08 | |
| 6. | "Tell Me!" |
|
| 3:16 | |
| Total length: | 16:18 | ||||
Credits
editCredits for 16 Fantasy are adapted from the album's liner notes and Melon.[21][22]
Musicians
- Lee Young-ji – vocals, lyrics, composition (2, 3, 4, 5, 6), background vocals (6)
- Peejay – producer (3, 4), composition and arrangement (1, 3, 4), drum (1, 3, 4), bass (4), keyboard and piano (3, 4), synthesizer (1, 3)
- Monocat – producer, composition, arrangement, bass, brass, drum, guitar, keyboard, synthesizer (5)
- No2zcat – producer, composition, arrangement, bass, drum, synthesizer (6)
- Baauer – composition, arrangement (2)
- Iryo – arrangement, synth (6)
- Jambino – vocals and lyrics (4), composition (2, 4)
- Naji – lyrics (1)
- Fisherman – lyrics (1)
- Toigo – composition (2)
- Koo Young-jun – guitar (3, 4)
- Kim Nog-cha – guitar (6)
- Ikbbo – bass (3)
- Park Sung-chan – drum (6)
- Une – background vocals (6)
- Doh Kyung-soo – vocals (3)
Technical personnel
- MoZ – recording (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6), mixing (1, 2, 5, 6)
- Jung Eun-kyung – recording (3)
- Kwon Nam-woo – mastering
- Ko Hyun-jung – mixing (3, 4)
- Ji Min-woo – mixing assistant (3, 4)
- Kim Joon-young – mixing assistant (3, 4)
Studios
- VTG Studio – recording, mixing
- Kokosound Studio – mixing (3, 4)
- Ingrid Studio – recording (3)
- 821sound – mastering
Chart
editWeekly chart
edit| Chart (2024) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| South Korean Albums (Circle)[20] | 21 |
Release history
edit| Region | Date | Format | Version | Label | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Various | June 21, 2024 | Digital |
|
[22] | |
| South Korea | July 30, 2024 | Jewel |
|
[23] | |
| Photobook | [24] |
References
edit- ^ a b c d e f "Lee Young-ji makes breakthrough with 1st album in 5 years". The Korea Times. July 17, 2024. Archived from the original on September 8, 2024. Retrieved September 8, 2024.
- ^ Jeong, Han-byul (November 1, 2019). "'고등래퍼3' 이영지, 내일(2일) 첫 싱글 '암실' 발매…작사·작곡 참여" ['High School Rapper 3' Lee Young-ji will release her first single 'Darkroom' tomorrow (2nd)... Participation in writing and composing]. Hankook Ilbo (in Korean). Archived from the original on April 22, 2023. Retrieved September 8, 2024 – via Naver.
- ^ Jung, Eun-yong (June 10, 2024). ""괄쪽이는 이제 안녕"…이영지, 앨범 발매하며 '본업 복귀' 예고→깜짝 스포 보니?" ["Say goodbye to the captain"... Lee Young-ji Announces 'Return to Full-Time Job' with Album Release →Surprise Spobony?]. Top Star News (in Korean). Archived from the original on June 10, 2024. Retrieved September 8, 2024.
- ^ Kim, Ji-hye (June 11, 2024). "이영지, 드디어 본업 복귀 예고 "욕 많이 해줘, 제발 들어줘"" [Lee Young-ji finally announces her return to his main job, "Swear a lot, please listen to me"]. Herald Pop (in Korean). Archived from the original on September 8, 2024 – via Naver.
- ^ Hong, Hye-min (June 14, 2024). "이영지, 엑소 도경수 협업 깜짝 발표..."타이틀 곡 피처링"" [Lee Young-ji and EXO's Do Kyung-so Collaboration Surprise Announcement..."Featuring the Title Song"]. Hankook Ilbo (in Korean). Archived from the original on September 8, 2024. Retrieved September 8, 2024 – via Naver.
- ^ Lee, Chang-kyu (June 19, 2024). "이영지, 한강 버스킹 깜짝 예고 "3명만 와도 노래할 것"" [Lee Young-ji, Han River busking surprise announcement "If only 3 people come, we will sing"] (in Korean). Archived from the original on June 19, 2024. Retrieved September 8, 2024 – via Naver.
- ^ Lee, Seung-hoon (June 19, 2024). "이영지, 옆구리 파격 타투 인증.."신보 트랙리스트" [스타이슈]" [Lee Young-ji, side unconventional tattoo certification.." New Album Tracklist" [Star Issue]]. Star News Korea (in Korean). Archived from the original on September 8, 2024. Retrieved September 8, 2024 – via Naver.
- ^ Kang, Seok-bong (June 21, 2024). "이영지, 첫 EP '16 Fantasy' 발매 및 글로벌 투어 예고" [Lee Young-ji Releases First EP '16 Fantasy' and Announces Global Tour]. Sports Kyunghyang (in Korean). Archived from the original on September 8, 2024. Retrieved September 8, 2024 – via Naver.
- ^ Kim, Ha-na (June 22, 2024). "도경수X이영지 기습 볼뽀뽀 반응 폭발, 'Small girl' 인급동 1위→음원차트 5위" [Do Kyungsoo x Lee Young-ji's surprise cheek-kiss reaction explosion, 'Small girl' ranked No. 1 in In-sup-dong → No. 5 on the music charts]. Newsen (in Korean). Archived from the original on September 8, 2024. Retrieved September 8, 2024 – via Naver.
- ^ Lee, Tae-soo (June 25, 2024). "'MZ퀸' 이영지, 예능 넘어 음악도 통했다…첫 앨범 차트 석권" ['MZ Queen' Lee Young-ji went beyond entertainment and also made music... First album chart-topping]. Yonhap News Agency (in Korean). Seoul. Archived from the original on July 4, 2024. Retrieved September 8, 2024.
- ^ Jung, Si-nae (July 6, 2024). "이영지 "집 나간 아버지, 이젠 '모르는 아저씨'" 가정사 고백" [Lee Young-ji, "My father who left home, now I don't know" Family History Confession]. JoongAng Ilbo (in Korean). Archived from the original on July 29, 2024. Retrieved September 8, 2024.
- ^ "이영지X도경수 "Small girl" [Live ver.]". YouTube (in Korean). Lee Young-ji. June 17, 2024. Archived from the original on June 17, 2024. Retrieved September 8, 2024.
- ^ Kang, Seo-jung (June 22, 2024). "도경수, 이영지에 볼뽀뽀..'스몰걸' 200만뷰 돌파+인급동 1위 "기분 째져다"[Oh!쎈 이슈]" [Do Kyung-so, Lee Young-ji's cheek kiss..' 'Small Girl' surpassed 2 million views + No. 1 in the crowd "I'm in a good mood" [Oh!]. OSEN (in Korean). Archived from the original on September 8, 2024. Retrieved September 8, 2024 – via Naver.
- ^ Yeo, Gladys (June 26, 2024). "Lee Young-ji "seriously considered" removing kiss scene with EXO's D.O from 'Small Girl' music video after fan backlash". NME. Archived from the original on June 27, 2024. Retrieved September 8, 2024.
- ^ "[MV] Lee young ji - Unknown guy (Live ver.)". YouTube (in Korean). Lee Young-ji. July 5, 2024. Archived from the original on August 31, 2024. Retrieved September 8, 2024.
- ^ "Lee YoungJi(이영지)-16(Intro)+Small Girl (Feat. 도경수(D.O.))+Tell Me !@가요대전 썸머 GayoDaejeonSummer20240726". YouTube (in Korean). SBS x Inkigayo. July 26, 2024. Archived from the original on July 27, 2024. Retrieved September 8, 2024.
- ^ Lee, jae-ha (July 21, 2024). "Small girl 이영지 왔어요 [포토엔HD]" [Small girl Lee Young-ji is here [Photon HD]]. Newsen (in Korean). Archived from the original on September 8, 2024. Retrieved September 8, 2024 – via Naver.
- ^ Benjamin, Jeff (August 30, 2024). "Lee Youngji Wants to Spotlight Her 'Musician Mode' & Get Drunk With Fans on First U.S. Tour". Billboard. Archived from the original on September 7, 2024. Retrieved September 8, 2024.
- ^ "Week of 29". Circle Chart. July 20, 2024. Archived from the original on July 28, 2024. Retrieved September 8, 2024.
- ^ a b "Week of 33". Circle Chart. August 17, 2024. Archived from the original on August 22, 2024. Retrieved September 8, 2024.
- ^ Lee, Young-ji (2024). 16 Fantasy (photobook). South Korea: Mainstream and Kakao Entertainment. Credits.
- ^ a b "16 Fantasy". Melon (in Korean). June 21, 2024. Retrieved September 8, 2024.
- ^ "Lee Young Ji - 1st Mini Album [16 Fantasy] (Jewel Ver.)". InterAsia. July 30, 2024. Retrieved September 8, 2024.
- ^ "Lee Young Ji - 1st EP Album [16 Fantasy] (Photobook Ver.)". InterAsia. July 30, 2024. Retrieved September 8, 2024.