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 realized 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.
‘1999’ Music Video
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.
It was also announced the launch of on your MARK radio, a new series airing exclusively on Apple Music’s global live-streaming radio station, Apple Music 1. The four-episode exclusive series offers fans and listeners a rare behind-the-scenes look at MARK’s daily life, songwriting passion, and creative process for his debut solo album, The Firstfruit.
"I’m incredibly excited to host my very first radio show, on your MARK, on Apple Music,” says MARK. "It’s such a special opportunity to discuss my first solo album in depth. The show consists of four episodes, just like the four sections of my album. It’s a perfect way for listeners to really understand my album and even my future aspirations. I hope my fans enjoy hearing about both the album and my personal life story. It was so much fun sharing memories and reflecting on how they influenced the creation of The Firstfruit. Throughout the episodes, you’ll not only hear the tracks from my album but also songs that have shaped my childhood and life. I hope you enjoy the experience!"
