Next Level

"Next Level" is a pivotal chapter in aespa's intricate musical storyline, known as the SM Culture Universe (SMCU). The song's meaning operates on two interconnected planes: the literal narrative of their lore and a metaphorical representation of growth and overcoming challenges.

Lyrically, the song chronicles the journey of the aespa members into a virtual world called 'KWANGYA' (meaning 'wilderness' in Korean). Their mission is to find and defeat the antagonist, 'Black Mamba,' a digital serpent-like virus that is disrupting the 'SYNK' connection between the members and their virtual avatars, known as 'æ'. The lyrics are filled with specific terminology from their lore, such as 'nævis' (an AI system that guides them), 'KOSMO' (a transcendent destination), and 'P.O.S' (Port of Soul, a gateway). The narrative is one of confrontation, resilience against temptation ('hallucination quest' created by Black Mamba), and the ultimate goal of leveling up their abilities to restore order.

Metaphorically, "Next Level" represents the universal struggle of facing one's inner demons and external obstacles. The journey to KWANGYA can be seen as a journey into the unknown to confront one's fears. The 'Black Mamba' symbolizes the challenges, doubts, and temptations that threaten to break one's spirit and connections with others. The repeated chant, "I'm on the next level," serves as an anthem of self-empowerment, confidence, and the determination to evolve and become a stronger version of oneself. The song's unique structure, with its abrupt beat switch, further emphasizes this theme of transformation and stepping into a new, more evolved phase.

The narrative unfolds with a declaration of ascending to the 'Next Level,' a commitment bound by absolute rules and unwavering unity. The protagonists embark on a journey into a digital wilderness known as 'KWANGYA' to confront a menacing entity. This journey is immediately fraught with peril, symbolized by an unexpected 'Black out' and a deep, potent temptation that threatens to sever their bond. Despite this, their resolve remains unshaken; they refuse to surrender.

Their mission is clear: to open a gateway to a higher dimension and ultimately vanquish their foe. This goal is intertwined with reaching 'KOSMO,' a cosmic destination that represents the ultimate stage of their evolution. The path is challenging, requiring them to constantly 'beat it' and push forward. Along this journey, they encounter a new evolution, a 'NU EVO,' and are guided by a being named 'nævis.' This guide is instrumental, leading them as they learn to navigate their emotions and challenges. The lyrics convey a sense of transformation and empowerment, a process of evolving through adversity.

The song's structure mirrors this journey with a dramatic shift. A jazzy, more melodic bridge introduces a moment of reflection and vulnerability. It speaks of unbearable despair and painful trials, yet reinforces the core theme of resilience. Their faith and the bond they share are unbreakable. This section also introduces a call to 'nævis' to open a 'P.O.S' (Port of Soul), a gateway that connects different realms. This act is crucial for them to fight their adversary, the 'Black Mamba,' which creates 'hallucination quests' designed to sow discord and separate the members from their digital counterparts, the 'æ'.

The lyrics delve into the lore of their universe, warning against coveting things from 'KWANGYA' and emphasizing that broken promises can lead to uncontrollable chaos. A sense of urgency builds as they recognize the destabilizing signals caused by the Black Mamba's influence. The final verses are a powerful reaffirmation of their strength. They declare they are no longer the same individuals they were in the wilderness; they have become stronger, more liberated, and beast-like in their power. The song concludes with a triumphant and repeated assertion of their arrival at the 'Next Level,' ready to defeat their enemy and redefine their existence.

"Next Level" by aespa, released on May 17, 2021, is a remake of a song of the same name by Australian artist A$ton Wyld, which was featured on the soundtrack for the 2019 film Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw. SM Entertainment acquired the rights to the song and tasked their veteran producer Yoo Young-jin with reimagining it to fit aespa's unique concept and the ongoing narrative of the SM Culture Universe (SMCU). The original song's composers are Adam McInnis, Mario Marchetti, and Sophie Curtis, who were credited alongside Yoo Young-jin for the aespa version. In an interview, McInnis revealed that SM Entertainment contacted him about a potential remake and that the company handled most of the changes, sending him different versions for feedback. SM's founder, Lee Soo-man, was also directly involved in the production, helping to add a 'distinctive color to the song'. The lyrics were written by Yoo Young-jin, who integrated the complex lore of aespa's universe into the track, continuing the story from their debut single, "Black Mamba". The song was recorded at SM BoomingSystem studio in Seoul.

The lyrics of "Next Level" are rich with symbolism and metaphors that are central to aespa's lore, the SM Culture Universe (SMCU).

• KWANGYA (광야): Meaning 'wilderness' in Korean, this is a core location in the SMCU. It represents an infinite, uncontrolled digital space beyond the 'FLAT' (where the æ's reside). It symbolizes the unknown, a chaotic and dangerous realm that the members must navigate to confront their adversary. It's the primary battleground in their story.
• Black Mamba: The main antagonist of aespa's storyline. It is depicted as a giant serpent-like virus that corrupts the digital world. Symbolically, the Black Mamba represents temptation, chaos, and the forces that seek to sever the connection (SYNK) between the real members and their digital avatars (æ). It creates 'hallucination quests' to mislead and weaken them.
• nævis: An AI system or guide within the lore. In the lyrics, the members call on nævis to open the 'P.O.S' (Port of Soul). Nævis symbolizes a helpful guide or a key that unlocks new possibilities and pathways, enabling the members to progress on their journey.
• KOSMO: Mentioned as the ultimate destination the members are striving to reach. It represents a higher plane of existence, a transcendent goal beyond KWANGYA. Symbolically, it is the 'next level' of their evolution and the ultimate objective of their quest.
• The Beat Switch: The song's most famous structural element, a sudden shift from an intense hip-hop beat to a groovy, jazz-inspired R&B section, is a musical metaphor for leveling up. It represents a shift in perspective, entering a new phase of their journey, or a moment of clarity and renewed determination amidst the chaos of their battle.

The emotional landscape of "Next Level" is a dynamic journey, mirroring its unique musical structure. The predominant tone is one of fierce determination, confidence, and futuristic swagger. This is established from the very beginning through the heavy, pulsating bassline, the assertive rap delivery, and the declarative lyrics like "I'm on the next level" and "Unity is my weapon." The atmosphere is tense and combative, creating the feeling of embarking on a high-stakes mission in a sci-fi world.

However, the song intentionally disrupts this feeling with its dramatic mid-track shift. The sudden transition to a smooth, jazz-inflected R&B arrangement introduces a completely different emotional tone. This section feels more soulful, introspective, and even slightly hopeful. The powerful vocal harmonies and more melodic lines convey a sense of vulnerability and earnest resolve, particularly with lyrics that speak of overcoming 'unbearable despair' and not letting go of their bond. It provides a moment of emotional depth and reflection amidst the battle.

This emotional shift is crucial; it prevents the song from being one-dimensionally aggressive. After this melodic interlude, the return to the original hip-hop beat feels even more impactful, as if the members have emerged from their moment of reflection with renewed strength and a heightened sense of purpose. The song concludes on a triumphant and empowered note, having navigated a complex emotional and sonic terrain. One of the song's producers noted this "rollercoaster" of emotions is precisely why the song gets hooked in people's minds.

"Next Level" had a monumental cultural impact in South Korea and beyond, solidifying aespa's position as leaders of K-pop's 4th generation. Initially, its unconventional structure was met with mixed reviews, with some finding it convoluted. However, its addictive quality and unique sound led it to slowly climb the charts, eventually reaching number two on South Korea's Gaon Digital Chart and number one on Melon's 24Hits chart, a significant achievement. The song's success proved that experimental and lore-heavy music could achieve massive mainstream popularity.

The track's choreography, particularly the 'ㄷ' (the Korean letter 'digeut') arm-bending move during the chorus, became a viral dance challenge across social media, performed by countless fans and other K-pop idols. The song's addictiveness led to it being colloquially dubbed a 'banned song' for students during the national college entrance exams, a cultural phenomenon reserved for only the catchiest of hits.

Critically, "Next Level" was highly acclaimed, culminating in it winning both Best K-Pop Song and the prestigious Song of the Year at the 19th Korean Music Awards, a rare feat for an idol group. The song also performed well internationally, entering the Billboard Global 200 chart and peaking at number three on the World Digital Song Sales chart. Its success demonstrated the global appeal of aespa's metaverse concept and cemented their identity as innovators in the K-pop industry. Rolling Stone even listed it as one of the 100 Greatest Songs in the History of Korean Pop Music.

"Next Level" employs a dynamic and complex approach to rhyme and rhythm that mirrors its unconventional song structure.

Rhythm and Tempo:

• The song primarily features a driving, energetic hip-hop rhythm with a consistent, head-nodding tempo in its main sections. This is built upon a prominent, oscillating bassline that creates a sense of constant forward motion and swagger.
• The most significant rhythmic event is the dramatic mid-song transition. The tempo slows down, and the rhythm shifts entirely to a smoother, swung, jazz-inspired groove. One of the song's producers described this section as having a 'new jack swing' vibe. This abrupt change creates a feeling of disorientation and surprise, before a build-up brings the listener back to the original, aggressive tempo. This rhythmic rollercoaster is key to the song's identity and narrative effect.

Rhyme Scheme and Flow:

• The rap-heavy verses utilize a confident, measured flow. The rhyme schemes are often simple and direct, emphasizing clarity and impact over complexity. For instance, in the Korean lyrics, rhymes are used to create punchlines and memorable phrases that reinforce the confident attitude.
• The chorus, with its repeated line "I'm on the Next Level," functions more as a rhythmic chant or hook than a traditional rhyming chorus. Its power lies in its rhythmic repetition and declarative nature.
• The interplay between the lyrical rhythm and the musical rhythm is tight, with the rap cadences locking in perfectly with the underlying beat. During the bridge, the vocal melodies become more fluid and legato, matching the smoother rhythmic feel of the instrumentation. This synergy between vocals and rhythm across different sections highlights the song's deliberate and well-crafted construction.

"Next Level" is renowned for its unconventional and audacious stylistic choices, both musically and lyrically.

Musical Techniques:

• Structural Hybridity: The song's most defining feature is its dramatic mid-track shift. It begins as a powerful hip-hop and dance track with a heavy, oscillating bassline and transitions abruptly into a groovy, mid-tempo jazz and R&B-influenced bridge, before returning to the initial theme. This structure, often described as sounding like two songs in one, was initially divisive but became iconic, musically representing the theme of moving to a new dimension or level.
• Genre Blending: The track is a fusion of hip-hop, dance-pop, EDM, and new jack swing elements, particularly in the second bridge. This eclectic mix contributes to its futuristic and experimental soundscape.
• Vocal Delivery: The members employ a range of vocal styles, from a 'slinky,' measured rap flow in the verses to powerful, soulful ad-libs in the melodic bridge. This showcases their vocal versatility and adapts to the song's dynamic shifts.
• Repetitive Bass Riff: A groovy and energetic bass riff serves as the song's backbone, grounding the track even during its most experimental moments and providing a signature, instantly recognizable sound.

Literary Techniques:

• Lore-Specific Jargon: The lyrics are heavily infused with terminology from the SM Culture Universe (SMCU), such as 'KWANGYA,' 'nævis,' 'SYNK,' and 'KOSMO.' This functions as a form of in-world storytelling, immersing the listener in aespa's fictional narrative and rewarding fans who follow the lore.
• Narrative Progression: The lyrics follow a clear narrative structure, continuing the story from their debut song "Black Mamba." It presents a hero's journey: a call to adventure (entering KWANGYA), facing trials (the 'Black Mamba's' temptations), and leveling up.
• Imperative Mood: Phrases like "Beat it, beat it, beat it" and "Never look back" use the imperative mood to create a commanding and assertive tone, reinforcing the song's themes of confrontation and determination.

What is the meaning behind aespa's song 'Next Level'?

'Next Level' is a narrative-driven song within aespa's fictional universe. It describes the members' journey into a digital world called 'KWANGYA' to fight a villain named 'Black Mamba' who has disrupted their connection to their virtual avatars ('æ'). The song is a metaphor for overcoming challenges and evolving to a higher state of being.

Is aespa's 'Next Level' a remake of another song?

Yes, 'Next Level' is an official remake of a song with the same title by A$ton Wyld. The original track was featured on the soundtrack of the 2019 film 'Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw.' SM Entertainment acquired the rights and significantly reworked the song to fit aespa's concept.

Why does the beat change in the middle of 'Next Level'?

The famous beat switch in 'Next Level' is an intentional artistic choice. The song transitions from an intense hip-hop track to a smooth, jazzy R&B bridge to musically represent the theme of 'leveling up' or moving to a different dimension. This structural shift creates surprise and became the song's most iconic feature.

What does 'KWANGYA' mean in the lyrics of 'Next Level'?

'KWANGYA' (광야) is a Korean word for 'wilderness.' In aespa's lore (the SM Culture Universe), it is an infinite and lawless digital dimension beyond the 'FLAT,' where the virtual avatars live. It serves as the main setting for the group's journey and battles.

Who is 'nævis' in aespa's 'Next Level'?

In aespa's storyline, 'nævis' is an artificial intelligence system that helps the members and their virtual avatars ('æ'). In 'Next Level,' the members call upon nævis to open a portal ('P.O.S'), suggesting she is a guide or a key that helps them advance on their quest.

What awards did 'Next Level' by aespa win?

'Next Level' received significant critical acclaim, including winning the grand prize (Daesang) for Song of the Year at the 19th Korean Music Awards. It also won Best K-Pop Song at the same ceremony, marking a major achievement for the group.

What is the 'ㄷ' dance in 'Next Level'?

The 'ㄷ' dance is the key point of the 'Next Level' choreography. It involves a sharp, memorable arm movement that resembles the shape of the Korean consonant 'ㄷ' (digeut). This move became a viral trend in South Korea, widely covered by fans and other celebrities.