Stray Kids – PreDebut Album - Mixtape
Before their official debut, Stray Kids burst onto the scene with Mixtape (January 2018), a pre-debut EP that distilled the raw energy, self-produced sound, and unabashed honesty that would become the group’s signature.
STRAY KIDS
Discovering Stray Kids – Mixtape
Before their official debut, Stray Kids burst onto the scene with Mixtape (January 2018), a pre-debut EP that distilled the raw energy, self-produced sound, and unabashed honesty that would become the group’s signature. Crafted almost entirely by the in-house production unit 3RACHA (Bang Chan, Changbin, Han), Mixtape feels less like a polished idol release and more like an open diary from nine restless trainees determined to chart their own path.
Track list
“Hellevator” – a moody, trap-tinged anthem that ascends from despair to overdrive.
“Grrr 총량의 법칙 (Beware)” – snarling bass and feral chants show their rebellious side.
“어린 날개 (Spread My Wings)” – hopeful hip-hop/R&B about growing pains and perseverance.
“Yayaya” – playful swagger layered over skittering beats and tongue-twisting rap lines.
“Glow” – a melodic breather with airy synths and sincere vocals about finding inner light.
“School Life” – pop-punk fun that vents school stress with tongue-in-cheek humor.
“4419” – nostalgic, story-telling hip-hop paying homage to the late-night bus that carried their dreams.
Overall feel & themes
Mixtape is equal parts grit and hope. The production rides a mix of trap, boom-bap, EDM, and pop-rock, but every track circles back to the same core: nine teenagers wrestling with doubt, authority, and the pressure to succeed—while refusing to let go of youthful optimism. The album’s DIY spirit, candid lyrics, and explosive group chemistry invited listeners to join Stray Kids’ journey from the ground floor, making Mixtape not just a prelude but a statement: “We’ll make noise on our own terms.”
Check out the Album here: