Stray Kids is set to close out 2024 with a bold expansion of their musical repertoire. The group announced via social media on November 15 that they will release a new album titled SKZHOP HIPTAPE - 合 (HOP) on December 13, bringing their signature sound into uncharted territory. The title combines "SKZ" (Stray Kids) with "HIP-HOP," signaling an innovative fusion that redefines their approach to the genre.
SKZHOP HIPTAPE isn’t just another hip-hop album—it’s a fresh musical creation that blends hip-hop elements with Stray Kids' unique style, pushing genre boundaries. The album title, 合 (HOP), carries layered meanings. It represents the "合" or “unity” of all eight members coming together, while the English "HOP" from hip-hop hints at the group’s leap into a new musical direction. This album promises a sound that is both unexpected and quintessentially Stray Kids.
Set to release on December 13 at 2 PM KST (midnight EST), SKZHOP HIPTAPE - 合 (HOP) will serve as a high-energy finale to an already prolific year for the group. As fans eagerly await the drop, Stray Kids’ release date ensures the album will resonate across multiple time zones, broadening their reach to an international audience.
In tandem with the album release, Stray Kids is in the midst of their expansive world tour, dominATE. The tour has already captivated fans worldwide, with a recent performance at Tokyo Dome on November 14, followed by additional dates in Tokyo until November 19. From there, the group will continue to Manila on November 23, Macau on November 29-30, Osaka on December 5 and December 7-8, Bangkok on December 14, Jakarta on December 21, and finally, Hong Kong on January 18-19, 2025.
With this tour, Stray Kids has taken their high-energy performances and intense stage presence to some of the largest venues across Asia. The dominATE tour further cements their status as global superstars, showcasing not only their musical evolution but also their dedication to connecting with fans on an international scale.
Stray Kids’ SKZHOP HIPTAPE - 合 (HOP) promises to be more than a genre experiment; it is a creative statement that reflects the group’s commitment to innovation and breaking musical conventions. As the year draws to a close, the album offers fans a new side of Stray Kids while reinforcing their reputation as fearless artists unafraid to redefine the limits of K-pop. The group's combination of a dynamic album release and extensive world tour ensures that 2024 will be remembered as a landmark year in Stray Kids' ever-expanding career.
Sayart / ReaA JUNG, queen7203@gmail.com
