Rosa Gulliver of TINYGMUSIC | 30th August 2023
So, you think you've discovered all the great K-pop bands worth obsessing over? Well, think again. If, by any chance, you haven't heard of Xikers, the new boy group that debuted earlier this year, first, where have you been hiding? Secondly, take note of these guys, who are taking the world by storm.
Meet Xikers. The charismatic rookie K-pop group you need to start listening to right now. With their dynamic raps, catchy beats, electrifying choreography, and model-worthy good looks, they give the appearance of seasoned professionals despite having debuted just five months ago. Xikers are poised to become your latest musical obsession.
Who Are Xikers?
The ten-member group hails from KQ Entertainment, which is home to the world-famous K-pop powerhouse ATEEZ.
The name Xikers derives from a combination of the letter "x", symbolising coordinates, and the word "hiker", meaning traveller. The group name refers to "boys who travel through time and space in search of coordinates."
In the time that they have already travelled, they have already established themselves as a force to be reckoned with. Despite being relatively new to the music scene, Xikers has already acquired an impressive 615K+ monthly listeners on Spotify, a number that continues to grow with each passing hour.
The Members
Let’s take a look, and you will understand their appeal immediately.
Minjae
The group's leader, main rapper, main dancer, vocalist, and composer.
Junmin
The group's main dancer, lead vocalist, and visual.
Sumin
The group's main rapper.
Jinsik
The group's main vocalist and visual.
Hyunwoo
The group's main vocalist.
Junghoon
The group's lead vocalist.
Seeun
The group’s vocalist, visual, and sub-rapper.
Yujun
The group’s vocalist and visual.
Hunter
The group’s main dancer and vocalist.
Yechan
The group’s main rapper, main dancer, vocalist, and maknae.
Xikers' Debut
When Xikers officially debuted on March 30, 2023, they took the K-pop world by storm. Their debut mini album, “HOUSE OF TRICKY: Doorbell Ringing,” was an instant hit, accumulating over 10 million views on YouTube within a mere 27 hours. They raised eyebrows when Xikers entered the Billboard 200 chart in just 12 days, peaking at No. 75, solidifying their status as the hottest new group.
Subsequently, Xikers continued to chart on the Billboard, landing at No. 41 on the Billboard Artist 100 for the week of April 15. No. 4 on Billboard’s World Album Chart and ranked No. 1 on Billboard’s Emerging Artists Chart. These impressive achievements, following their debut in the U.S. alone, indicate their global appeal and growing worldwide fandom from the onset.
Carefully crafted by KQ Entertainment’s production team, EDENARY, along with ATEEZ leader and producer Hongjoong, “HOUSE OF TRICKY: Doorbell Ringing” is a seven-track release that showcases the group’s versatility in exploring various musical styles. The album as a whole exudes an energetic and exciting vibe.
Leader MinJae and main rappers Sunmin and Yechan also participated in writing the lyric writing the lyrics for their debut album, which is still relatively uncommon for rookies in the industry. This establishes the group as personally invested in their success.
Xikers, throughout the album, uses nuanced lyrics to address real-world issues and present a narrative from an impressive storyline that is built and developed throughout the album.
Xikers' Debut Double-Lead Singles
“TRICKY HOUSE” OFFICIAL MV
The music video opens with a graffitied train, where an unsuspecting businessman is handed a pair of headphones during his daily commute. Once the irresistible bassline kicks in, we are drawn into the world of Xikers, by the captivating camerawork and stylish choreography. Throughout the video, the businessman discovers the joy of letting go and immersing himself in the music. He observes the members having fun in an arcade and passionately performing, with their youthful energy emanating through the screen.
“ROCKSTAR” OFFICIAL MV
In the saturated sea of fourth-generation K-pop idol groups that debuted in the 2020s, Xikers had the good fortune to debut under KQ Entertainment. This also meant that Xikers had the task of carving out their own identity and establishing a unique and memorable style and sound. They accomplished this with great success.
Early recognition from the Grammy Awards
The beauty of K-pop is that every year, a select few artists are recognised for their potential in the industry. Xikers received this recognition less than two months after their debut by the Grammys: Recording Academy as one of the "11 K-Pop Boy Groups To Watch in 2023."
Xikers' Signature Sound and Music Style
Xikers are known for their fresh, upbeat sound and dynamic music videos. The three members, Minjae, Sumin, and Yechan, are personally involved in creating their music, and it shows.
Their songs are an energetic mix. Catchy melodies, pulsing beats, and clever lyrics will have these tunes stuck in your head for days. Music critics praise their innovative style.
The videos are highly stylised with intricate sets, fashionable outfits, and complex choreography. Each video has a story or message, with symbolism and imagery intended to evoke emotion. Watching one of their music videos is an experience in itself.
Xikers write or co-write many of their songs, especially the rap sections. Minjae and Yechan have become known for their skill as rappers, delivering rapid-fire verses with lightning speed. Sumin's sweet vocals balance out their sound. Their meaningful lyrics touch on themes of youth, relationships, and overcoming hardships.
Xikers' fresh style and heartfelt music from the heart have resonated with fans worldwide. If you're looking for a fun and forward-thinking K-pop group, Xikers should be at the top of your list. Their talent, passion, and personality shine through in everything they do.
Xikers’ First Comeback with “HOUSE OF TRICKY: HOW TO PLAY”
Just four months after their debut, Xikers made their comeback on August 2, 2023. The mini-album titled “HOUSE OF TRICKY: HOW TO PLAY” includes six tracks. This is the second installment in the “HOUSE OF TRICKY” era.
Like their debut album, this album also has two title tracks.
From the powerful “DO or DIE” to the sweeter and more lyrical “HOMEBOY.”
“DO or DIE” OFFICIAL MV
The music video took fans by surprise with its inclusion of zombies, a captivating performance, and a plethora of intriguing shots.
Xikers unveiled a unique approach to this track, incorporating a rock-based undertone and delivering a distinct vocal and rap style. The speed, tempo, and delivery of this track are fantastic.
“HOMEBOY” OFFICIAL MV
The music video captures the adventurous image of youth, which to some may appear as "acts of rebellion." For Xikers, their newfound adventure alongside their guide, TRICKY, to discover their own COORD, fashioned from their life experiences rather than predetermined by the GOOD Brother, is a journey of hope and infinite possibilities.
In this track, their lovely tones and harmonies are very audible. Xikers always infuse their personality into anything they record, and "HOMEBOY" feels that this is closely connected to the group itself.
Xikers embody versatility and offer a wide range of music for their fans.
Ahead of their comeback, the group offered their fans a performance video of “KOONG,” showcasing their incredible dance skills and strong group synergy. This track exudes pure energy and power, and the rap line truly shines.
Members Minjae, Sumin, and Yechan, who contributed to the writing of their debut album, also worked on the lyrics for all the tracks on their second EP.
Must-Watch Xikers Performances
If you still have any doubts as to how good these guys are, take a look at just two of their recent international performances. They really are must-sees.
SBS Super Concert in Madrid, July 2023
At their first European show, Xikers blew the crowd away with a high-energy set that included "ROCKSTAR," "TRICKY HOUSE," and "XIKEY." They also delivered an impressive cover of BLACKPINK's "Kill This Love." The boys proved that they were born to be on stage. The global audience and viewers watching the livestream online were dazzled by the non-stop interaction, amazing vocals, and choreography.
KCON LA, August 2023
Xikers took their boundless energy to LA and performed their songs “HOMEBOY,” “DO or DIE,” and a cover of BTS’s “FIRE.”
Poised for Global Success
On September 1, 2023, Xikers officially announced their plans for the U.S. leg of their first world tour, “TRICKY HOUSE: FIRST ENCOUNTER.”
Xikers will head stateside this autumn, kicking off their tour on October 22, 2023, in New York. The group will then perform in Chicago on October 24, Fort Worth on October 28, Houston on October 30, Los Angeles on November 1, and San Francisco on November 4.
We look forward to seeing at which other spaces, through coordinates, Xikers will perform.
With their early accomplishments and accolades, Xikers seems poised to become one of the biggest K-pop groups worldwide. As their international fan base grows, Xikers is likely to gain more mainstream success and recognition outside of Korea.
"Roady's" (their fanbase name, derived from the idea of becoming the coordinates that represent the road Xikers will walk in the future, joining them in their adventures and journey) are eagerly anticipating the release of their first full-length album. If their first mini-album is any indication, it is sure to be a masterpiece that propels Xikers to global stardom. Keep your eye on these rising K-Pop stars; Xikers is a group you'll want to closely follow in the coming year. They were named Global Super Rookies for a valid reason.
Keep up with Xikers