The EP titled Hype Vibes was released on September 29, 2025 by CxM (made up of S.Coups & Mingyu), and this is the newest sub-unit of the boy band Seventeen. Both members are also part of the hip-hop unit of the group. On the same day of the release, the album sold 600,000 copies in South Korea and 106,851 in Japan.
Hype Vibes consists of six tracks, and one of them is “Fiesta”, which is the opening song of this album. This track is about living in the moment and partying, and it is very high-energy and gives off a “celebratory” feel. The lyrics talk about being in the moment and enjoying every aspect of it.
Some Carats (the members of Seventeen’s fanbase) do not like this track, because S.coups and Mingyu are known for aggressive hip-hop beats. Some fans are disappointed because the album leans on trendy, vibe-focused sounds which is very different from their usual style. Some also feel that this track is too simple and repetitive.
The next song, “5, 4, 3 (Pretty woman) (feat. Lay Bankz)”, is about the raw and magnetic feeling of being attracted to somebody. This track is infused with lots of modern disco sounds, which makes it special.
The song’s message is that everyone is beautiful in their own ways. It is one of my favorites, because CxM has collaborated with Lay Bankz, an American singer and rapper who is also recognized for her charm and talent. Overall, I love everything about this song, and I have nothing bad to say about it.
“Worth It” is the third track on the EP, and it’s about the thrill of falling in love. The lyrics portray the intense feeling of being drawn to a beautiful woman. The feeling is sometimes too overwhelming, and it makes them want to take the risk for that girl.
Fans have pointed out that this song is too “generic” and that it sounds too similar to American pop music. And they feel that this song has stripped the members of their identity because it does not sound like them. Lastly, they also said that this track was “trying too hard’’ to appeal to its foreign audience and it sounds too “westernized”.
The fourth track is “For You” and it’s about friendship and the bond that S.coups and Mingyu share with their fans. The song gives off this warm and sunny vibe, and its message revolves around the artists’ appreciation for Carats.
Mingyu once stated that this track is an “uplifting song that expresses the affection and appreciation we feel for our fans.” And while this song is one of my favorites, it all feels too lightweight and too generic, especially considering that S.coups and Mingyu are part of the hip-hop unit of Seventeen. Also, this song has too many English lyrics, and it feels like they aren’t fully embracing their Korean culture.
“Young Again” is the fifth track, and it’s about cherishing and feeling the present moment. 
The song emphasizes on the lives of young people and how every day seems to go by really fast. And as a listener, it feels like I should live in the moment and enjoy it, knowing that it won’t happen again. This song also taught me that I should live life without any regrets and just enjoy doing what I like.
Scoups also mentioned that this song was inspired by the time he debuted as a member of Seventeen and how hard it was for him back then. This track is also my favorite, because I can relate to the whole message of enjoying each moment of life.
“Earth” is the sixth and final track on this album. It focuses on feeling truly alive and escaping the pressures of everyday life. This song serves as a reminder to live and enjoy the world around you.
Mingyu said that this song was inspired by a beautiful memory of the moonlight and sunset, while the members of CxM were working on the album in Hawaii. “Earth” gives off this electric energy, and it works to share that energy with others. Even though this track is one of the most unpopular tracks on the album, it’s nice to have a song like this.
Overall, this album gave me mixed feelings, but I’m really proud that Mingyu and Scoups worked on this album together, while they were still in the US for a visit. And if you enjoy this album, I recommend you also listen to Beam (by HxW) and This Man (by JxW). They are also the other sub-units of Seventeen, and you might enjoy listening to them, too!
