BABYMONSTER has made a fiery comeback with their new single “HOT SAUCE”, released on July 1 at 6 PM KST. The track marks their first music release in eight months and serves as a pre-release for their upcoming mini album scheduled for October. The song is a vibrant mix of 1980s hip-hop beats and playful lyrics, comparing the group’s confidence to the spicy kick of hot sauce.
The single comes as BABYMONSTER continues their “HELLO MONSTERS” world tour, which includes stops in North America and Asia. Despite their busy schedule, the group poured effort into this summer-themed track, aiming to deliver a refreshing vibe to fans.
BABYMONSTER’s “HOT SAUCE” Pays Homage to Retro Hip-Hop
“HOT SAUCE” is a nostalgic nod to 1980s hip-hop, with a modern twist. The song features witty wordplay and a bouncy rhythm, showcasing the group’s rap skills and vocal versatility. The lyrics playfully compare their bold attitude to the intensity of spicy food, creating a fun and energetic theme.
The music video amplifies the song’s vibe with colorful visuals, dynamic choreography, and fast-paced editing. The members’ performances are sharp and engaging, with moves that mimic the lyrics—like pretending to fan their mouths from the “heat” of the sauce.
“The track is a highly addictive hip-hop song reminiscent of the late 1980s, prepared as a gift to make your summer more enjoyable.”
— YG Entertainment
Choreography and Stage Presence Shine
The dance routine for “HOT SAUCE” is designed to be eye-catching and interactive. The members use exaggerated gestures, such as sprinkling imaginary hot sauce and reacting to the “spiciness,” making the performance entertaining. The choreography blends old-school hip-hop moves with BABYMONSTER’s signature sharp formations.
Fans have praised the group’s ability to switch between powerful rap verses and smooth vocal harmonies. The song’s structure keeps the energy high, making it suitable for both casual listening and live performances.
Music Video Enhances the Retro Concept
The “HOT SAUCE” music video features bold graphics, neon colors, and playful transitions that match the song’s upbeat tone. Scenes alternate between close-ups of the members’ expressive performances and group shots with dynamic camera angles.
One standout detail is the font used for the song title, which pays tribute to Seo Taiji and Boys’ 1992 debut album—a clever touch since YG’s founder, Yang Hyun Suk, was part of that legendary group.
Upcoming Releases and Tour Schedule
BABYMONSTER plans to drop a second pre-release single in September, leading up to their mini album in October. This follows their successful first album “DRIP” (2024), which featured hits like “FOREVER” and “BATTER UP.”
Meanwhile, their “HELLO MONSTERS” world tour continues with new North American dates in Toronto, Atlanta, Fort Worth, Oakland, and Seattle this September. The group has already performed in major cities like Seoul, Los Angeles, and Tokyo, receiving praise for their live vocals and stage production.
Fan Reactions and Streaming Performance
Since its release, “HOT SAUCE” has trended on social media, with fans praising its catchy hook and retro vibe. Some compared it to NCT Dream’s 2021 hit “Hot Sauce”, though BABYMONSTER’s version leans more into old-school hip-hop.
The song is expected to perform well on streaming platforms, following the group’s previous successes. Their debut track “SHEESH” broke records by hitting 100 million YouTube views in just 10 days, and their latest single “DRIP” surpassed 100 million views in 21 days.
