The moment NCTzens have been waiting for has arrived! NCT‘s Mark has officially embarked on his solo journey, dropping his first solo album ‘The Firstfruit‘ and the music video for its title track ‘1999‘ today, April 7th, 2025, at 6 p.m. KST across various music streaming platforms.
This debut isn’t just a collection of songs; ‘The Firstfruit‘ is a deeply personal, 13-track musical autobiography. Mark themes the album around four cities pivotal to his life story: his birthplace Toronto, his early migration point New York, his school-day setting Vancouver, and the city where he chases his artistic dreams, Seoul. Listeners are invited on an immersive journey, following Mark’s path from his birth year, 1999, right up to this solo debut. The label notes that listening to the tracklist in order offers a unique experience, “as if walking alongside Mark’s life,” showcasing a beautiful blend of music and personal narrative.
The title track, ‘1999‘, perfectly encapsulates the celebratory energy of this new chapter. It’s a lively pop song driven by a grand orchestration, infectious funky guitar riffs, a dynamic brass session, a catchy whistle hook, and a rich tapestry of instrumental sounds. Mark showcases his signature tight rap skills while also revealing a “fresh charm” by effortlessly navigating falsetto vocals – a range previously less explored in his group activities.
The lyrics directly reflect the significance of this moment, portraying the joy of releasing his first solo ‘fruit’ with the same excitement as celebrating the year he was born. They also convey his ambition, born in the final year of the century, to become an artist who defines an era. As Mark puts it in the track:
“The sun I raised for 10 years / Can’t be modest / Got a call / From my Maker / Told me wake up, I said okay / Today, the Taeyang / Looks young, I feel reborn / Used to think but now I know baby / 1-9-9-9 / 1999, I feel it again (uh huh huh) / Today I feel so new, feels like ’99 (World, listen to me) / ’99, yeah, ’99 / ’99, yeah, ’99 (yeah) / ’99, yeah, ’99 yeah / 1-9-9-9”
Complementing the song is a music video. The narrative depicts Mark traveling from 2025 back to a chaotic 1999, where he transforms into a superstar figure, saving citizens misled by false information. The MV promises a fun, musical-like experience, featuring a cheerful performance from Mark as he embodies various characters.
Mark’s solo journey has officially begun! What do you think of the album? Let us know in the comment section below!
