On ‘AH AH,’ the bouncy lead single from his latest EP APGU Essential, South Korean rapper NOWIMYOUNG carves out his space in the new wave of hyper-stylized Hip Hop. Featuring none other than respected OG Sik-K, the track is a full-fledged sensory overload in the best possible way.

Built on Hyperpop production that glows with pixelated textures, jittery synths, and high-octane bounce, ‘AH AH’ feels like a fever dream. NOWIMYOUNG oscillates between melodic hooks and nimble raps with precision. Sik-K enters with an electric verse of his own, adding swagger and weight to the otherwise buoyant beat. The chemistry is effortless as both artists are locked in.

The song nods to the maximalist energy of 2010s Korean Pop-Rap classics like BIGBANG and 2NE1’s ‘Lollipop’ or GD & T.O.P’s ‘HIGH HIGH.’ But instead of pure imitation, NOWIMYOUNG updates the palette by injecting modern Hyperpop sensibilities and his Apgujeong brand into the sound.

As the centerpiece of APGU Essential, ‘AH AH’ captures the album’s youthful ambition perfectly. With NOWIMYOUNG not only writing and performing but also directing the visuals highly influenced by early 2000s iPod advertising under the alias “O-MI-₩ON,” it’s clear he’s not just building songs, but he is a force to be reckoned with.

Check out the music video for NOWIMYOUNG and Sik-K’s ‘AH AH’ below.