I'm so glad you're back and that you decided to dig into Taeyong's solo work! Thank you so much! Okay, I have a lot to say, so get ready for an essay. Lol! Shalala: Taeyong co-wrote and co-composed this song with a little team of guys, including Omega Sapien. You are correct that the song is paying tribute to a lot of early 2000's hip hop. Not only the song, but if you look at the choreography, there is also reference to various dances like the Dougie, which was even mentioned in the lyrics, and the Macarena. I recommend the behind the scenes recording for Shalala if you're interested in the creation of the song. As for the MV, there are a lot of hidden easter eggs if you look closely, and I think it's genius. The basic storyline is that Taeyong hacks the multiverse and puts different versions of himself in the wrong time. Despite this, Taeyong is still able to thrive and succeed, which corresponds to the main message of the song: no matter where (or when) we are, we can overcome adversity and shine. There are some other theories about possible symbolism as well. For example, some speculate that "God" may actually refer to SM or maybe just anything controlling you and holding you back from your full potential. If interested in another possible explanation, I'll recommend Limitless TY's video called "What is going on in Taeyong's SHALALA MV?" TAP: Taeyong wrote the lyrics and co-composed this song with long-time producer friend Royal Dive. It's definitely a catchy little song and will get stuck in your head. Again, there have multiple interpretations of what the lyrics might actually mean, including one where Taeyong sticks it to his haters by saying that even his antis can't help but tap on him (on social media). The MV is also quite clever. It was filmed in Japan and is based on a Japanese TV show; you can even see the easter egg ads at the end of the MV just like at the end of a Japanese show. Anyway, the basic premise is that Taeyong is like a kid sent out on an errand to buy Dango (that tasty treat that looks like balls on a stick lol), but along the way, he either keeps getting distracted (arcade, sauna) or they are sold out (cafe, sauna). But in the end, he finally manages to get his dango. Fun facts: Taeyong's black leather outfit and light-up white puffy coat are from his own closet, and the dark hair at the beginning is a wig, apparently his first time to wear one. I would love for you to check out the dance practices and/or Studio Chooms for both Shalala and TAP. There is also an incredible live performance of Shalala that Taeyong performed for the NCT Nation concert in Japan that I love. Well-known choreographer and friend of Taeyong Leejung created the dance for both. And both became really popular dance challenges, especially among other idols, which probably explains why you've heard the chorus of Shalala before. People are still dancing to TAP even now. As for the rest of the Shalala and TAP albums, there is a lot of variety. For many people, the songs Shalala and TAP are their LEAST favorite on the album, which just shows how good his songs are. Taeyong co-wrote/composed every song on both albums, and the cool thing about Taeyong is that he experiments with a lot of different genres, so you never know what you're going to get. There's something for everyone--rap, hip hop, R&B, rock, pop, ballad, you name it. Taeyong even said that he wanted to try Country. Lol. Despite the variety, somehow every song feels so Taeyong. He has so many sides and talents. In fact, you should see the trailer for Shalala. The whole thing is just about Taeyong being a chameleon and saying that he can be whatever he wants. It's so true! As for the cohesiveness of the albums, I feel that Shalala tells a story and TAP is like an exhilarating rollercoaster ride. I recommend watching a video called "Definition of Taeyong." It goes behind the scenes to take a look at Taeyong's inspiration for each song on the Shalala album. It's an artistic video too with animation and all. If Shalala feels like a journey, TAP feels like an art gallery. Overall, I love the story of Shalala better, but I like the individual songs of TAP better. Anyway, I better stop here. Thanks for reading this long thing. I look forward so much to your next Taeyong reaction! Take care!

His albums get quite deep, I think they’re so different compared to his title tracks. I love him

Yess Taeyong time! His albums and his souncloud songs are a must listen! His music is SO fun. He's a silly guy lol but his bsides tend to be a little heavy so prepare yourself for emotion lmao You're not reaching with the "Drop it Like Its Hot" comparison! I don't think there were any official samplings or anything, but lots of fans felt the same way and I even saw edits mashing the two when this song first came out lol 7:20 that man IS red but idk man I think he might just be white 🤣 11:30 To my memory, no one had a problem with Taeyong's mv! I think there's less people who would have a problem with that that are checking for NCT's music at all so they likely wouldn't have even known. But also I think it makes it easier? for those people to accept when its clear its not serious or intentionally disrespectful. 19:47 Unfortunately SM does kinda try to do this with Taeyong. Not so much pushing the rapping, but they very much prefer for him to have the more fun, wild title tracks like Shalala and Tap, and when you look at his bsides and soundcloud, you can see he has a lot of other ideas that he may want to do more often. Taeyong was the 1st NCT member to get a solo debut, but he's not the only one btw Ten and Doyoung both had their debuts this year! And it was announced Jaehyun's debut will likely be around August, and Mark released a single today actually, but also announced his official debut will be in February of 2025.

oh you have no idea how crazy good his bsides are, like his TT are good and cute and all that but his bsides are masterpieces. So personal and beautiful. He has probably over 100 songs in the vault, he never stops making them and theyre all amazing.

Looking forward to your reaction on both SHALALA and TAP albums like please.. Thank you!

Glad you going into tae solo. Tae is so neo I love him and he writes and composes his own music. Jaehyun have a solo mini album coming, doyoung also have already drop his solo full album and Mark just drop a solo song. Also next year mark will release his solo album. If you heard shalala before might because the tik tok challenges 😂

Can you do his albums listening 🥺

if you ever want to do more pleeease include his song “rose” (with seulgi from red velvet) that song is so good it’s crazy😭🙏

listen to their full albums or their soundcloud songs! ♡ they are beautiful, definitely very different from the main songs

I hope you check out all the bsides for these albums. For both albums, the bsides are more personal and atmospheric. Really worth checking out - his albums are an emotional journey and I love it!

Thank you so much. I'm so happy you finally checking on Taeyong's songs. I always love to watch Taeyong in your reactions and patiently waiting for this. If you have time, I would love to see you react to the full album of shalala and TAP. They are amazing. I think title tracks did not represent his whole colours as a complete artist. Taeyong also made many good songs in soundcloud and youtube earlier before his solo released. I love his songs bcoz his versatility, deep meaningful lyrics and great music production as well. I personally think he is a great artist.

The strokers comment had me dying 😂

soo excited for the album reactions he's such an amazing artist ik a lot of people have said it already but yes he writes and co-composes his music its usually written by him and co-composed with and arranged by one of his close producer friends per song the only exception so far i think was shalala more people worked on that and he met them during the making of it his b-sides are so good along with his Soundcloud and KZfaq releases its so nice to see an artist who loves doing what they do thank uu for this reaction!!

NCT was the first ever K-pop group I listened to, Teayong caught my attention right away and has been my ult since then, he is such an amazing artist and person overall, his works are usually so personal and beautiful. I hope you get the chance to listen to more songs from him. also a little feedback on the video, the music is a little bit loud compared to your audio so when you talk while the music is playing I couldn't hear you clearly (It only seems to be that way in this specific video though so it might just be me).

You should listen to APE, i think u're gonna like it🔥