NCT’s MARK story tells with his first album “The Firstfruit”

NCT’s MARK gets personal on debut solo album:
“The Firstfruit”

The Canadian-Korean artist flexes his storytelling prowess across 13 sonically diverse tracks 

LISTEN HERE
WATCH THE MUSIC VIDEO FOR ‘1999’ HERE

Photo Credit: SM Entertainment

“One of the best rappers the K-pop industry has to offer” – DORK

NCT’s MARK pulls back the curtains and takes us on a personal journey with: “The Firstfruit – The 1st Album”, his highly-anticipated debut solo album – out today via SM Entertainment. Listen HERE.

Having debuted nearly a decade ago, MARK has lived half his life in the spotlight. His powerful on-stage charisma and unbeatable rap skills has seen him rise to become one of the most admired K-pop stars of his generation, regularly shining as part of globe-trotting NCT teams like NCT 127 and NCT DREAM.

However, with “The Firstfruit”, this is the first time fans are getting a real glimpse into MARK’s rich inner world.

The album is inspired by the four cities that formed the foundation of the Canadian-born rapper’s life – his hometown Toronto; the first international city he immigrated to, New York City; the city of his school days, Vancouver; and Seoul, where he realised his dreams of becoming an artist. The 13-track album is accordingly split into four sections, each exploring vulnerable emotions and memories tied to their corresponding city.

Lead single ‘1999’ is a vibrant, upbeat pop anthem that blends grand orchestral arrangements with funky guitar riffs and bold brass. Co-written and co-produced by MARK, he effortlessly transitions between sharp, rhythmic rap and airy falsetto, showcasing his artistic growth and versatility. Lyrically, it’s both a celebration of his birth year and a declaration of his ambition to be an artist with a lasting legacy. Watch the video for ‘1999’ HERE.

“The Firstfruit” fittingly opens with the Toronto chapter, starting with ‘Toronto’s Window’, a lo-fi track that sees MARK reflecting on his journey over a delicate guitar melody. Code Kunst, the renowned South Korean producer behind the record, shared: “As a child, I loved opening the window and looking outside. At dusk, I’d sometimes catch glimpses of my younger, more innocent self reflected in the fading light. When I watch MARK perform and listen to his music, I see that same purity shining through. This song feels like a reflection of that very essence.”

There’s a fleeting interlude with ‘Flight to NYC’ – a skit track that sonically recreates the moment MARK first left Toronto for New York, with ambient airplane sounds and dreamy, layered beats – before exploding into ‘Righteous’, a powerful hip-hop track that uses thundering kicks, pulsating bass, and sharp hi-hats to encapsulate the relentless pace of his career, balancing global commitments across multiple superstar groups.

The intensity continues with ‘Fraktsiya’, a UK drill-inspired single that MARK dropped for fans in December as a preview of the album. House-inspired chord progressions, booming 808s, and a hypnotic synth set the tone for this dynamic collaboration between MARK and one of South Korea’s leading rappers, Lee Young Ji.

Shifting gears, ‘Raincouver’ opens the album’s Vancouver chapter with a nostalgic mid-tempo pop sound. Blending soft birdsong with intricate piano melodies, it explores MARK’s longing to reconnect with his past self, mirroring the gentle yet persistent rainfall that characterises the Canadian city.

He strips things back in the minimalistic yet emotional ‘Loser’, allowing his tender vocals weave through a melancholic chorus laid over vintage guitars, capturing the vulnerability of love and loss. The Vancouver section closes with ‘Watching TV’, an homage to soulful ‘90s R&B. He takes on the role of a screenwriter, weaving a vivid narrative with his rhythmic flow and lyrics. The emotive harmonies from Crush, one of South Korea’s hottest singer-rappers, enhances the cinematic quality of the record.

The Seoul section opens with ‘+82 Pressin’’, another pre-release single that dropped last month. The addictive hip-hop track was produced by acclaimed American producer Tommy Brown, who has worked with Ariana Grande on some of her biggest hits (‘thank u, next’, ‘7 Rings’), plus The Weeknd, Reneé Rapp, and Normani. The lyrics, written by MARK himself, weaves his and fellow NCT member HAECHAN’s quick-fire vocals over an irresistible bassline to paint a vivid image of the pair’s deep-rooted connection to their current city of Seoul.

Blending elements of rock and UK DnB, ‘200’ is a high-energy song featuring early noughties-inspired electric guitars and a quick, melodic chorus. The lyrics tell the story of a fateful encounter – an unexpected love that develops into a perfect, harmonious bond. Things grow even more personal with ‘Journey Mercies’, a ballad with lo-fi synths and warm guitars that work as a backdrop for MARK’s soulful vocals as he reflects on the end of a long journey, filled with countless people and places to which he bids a heartfelt farewell.

One of the album’s most intimate moments is ‘Mom’s Interlude’, offering a rare glimpse into MARK’s world beyond the stage. Featuring a delicate piano melody played by his own mother, the track captures an authentic conversation – not as NCT’s MARK, but as Lee Minhyung speaking candidly with his mother. The tender exchange reflects the personal significance of the album, not only to MARK himself but to those who love and support him.

Closing the album is ‘Too Much’, a heartfelt finale that captures MARK’s faith and sincerity. The song moves between soft piano chords and vocals to impassioned rap verses, before soaring into an emotional climax. The lyrics convey a deep gratitude for love that feels overwhelming yet grounding, tying the album’s themes of reflection, growth, and devotion together in a powerful conclusion.

In June, MARK returns to the UK to perform at SMTOWN Live in London at Allianz Twickenham Stadium on 28 June as part of both NCT 127 and NCT DREAM. The epic stadium concert, in celebration of SM Entertainment’s 30th anniversary, will be the first gathering of all NCT units in Europe, including WayV and NCT WISH. Tickets are now on sale at Ticketmaster, AXS and MYTICKET.

“The Firstfruit – The 1st Album” Tracklisting

1. Toronto’s Window

2. 1999

3. Flight to NYC

4. Righteous

5. Fraktsiya (feat. Lee Young Ji)

6. Raincouver

7. Loser

8. Watching TV (feat. Crush)

9. +82 Pressin’ (feat. HAECHAN)

10. 200

11. Journey Mercies

12. Mom’s Interlude

13. Too Much

ABOUT NCT:
With 3.5M+ monthly Spotify listeners, 17.1M+ Instagram followers, and 11M+ Twitter followers, NCT is known for having a unique group concept, their dedicated fans and their irreplicable performances. NCT is the acronym for “Neo Culture Technology”. The group made its debut in April 2016 with double digital singles “The 7th Sense” and “Without You.” Since debut, NCT has achieved global success with five Top 10 Hits on Billboard’s World Digital Song Sales chart including both debut digital singles and other hits like “Boss,” “Baby Don’t Stop,” and “Coming Home.”

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