Over the last few years, mixtapes have become an increasingly bigger focus in the development of idol groups. Most of the time, the rapper position in these groups is limited by the needs of a title track. There’s not a whole lot of opportunity to get personal or specific, which explains the generic, swaggy nature that permeates so much of idol group hip-hop. Mixtapes offer the opportunity for something new — a showcase for an artists skills and ideas.

Not being a huge fan of rap myself, I can’t say that I’m the perfect person to write at length about the topic. I’ve also stated many times that my least favorite part of any Monsta X track is usually the rap. I just find it so needlessly blustering, though I understand that that’s the group’s general concept and style. Horizon — taken from low-toned rapper I.M’s new mixtape — is a departure from the usual Monsta X bombast. Unfortunately, its murky vibe falls right into a current trend I like even less.

At the risk of becoming repetitive, it’s worth noting that this release was probably never going to be for me. Like I said, I’m much more pleased by a good melody than an artfully delivered flow. Those already enthralled by I.M will likely find much to love. Horizon even gives him the rare chance to sing, though his vocals are held captive by an overuse of autotune. But when it comes down to it, the track’s languid pace and formless, placeholder melody is pretty much everything I hate about what modern pop music has become. I.M pulls it off as well as anyone. I just can’t get remotely excited about a song like this.

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