Entwurf by NMIXX: The Hidden Details You Missed in 'Dice'

NMIXX's Entwurf stormed the K-pop scene with unprecedented success, shattering records with 250,661 copies sold on its very first day of release.

The album's title track "DICE" showcases a bold fusion of hip-hop, jazz, trap, and pop elements, creating what the group calls "MIXX POP." Beyond its innovative sound, the single album earned a 2x platinum certification after surpassing 500,000 sales on Circle Chart, cementing its place in K-pop history.

What is NMIXX's Entwurf Album?

"Entwurf," meaning "draft" or "design" in German, marks NMIXX's second single album released through JYP Entertainment. The project emerged seven months after their debut, following an intriguing promotional campaign that began with a mysterious game invitation to their fandom, NSWER.

Release Date and Background

JYP Entertainment announced the album through a promotional poster on August 22, 2022. Subsequently, the group launched their Twitter account under XXIWN, initiating an innovative teaser campaign. Between August 24 and 30, daily puzzle-themed posters built anticipation for the release. The album officially dropped on September 19, 2022, featuring four tracks including the lead single "Dice" and "Cool (Your Rainbow)" along with their instrumental versions.

Album Versions and Packaging

The physical album comes in nine distinct versions - Light, Limited, and seven member-specific jewel cases. The Limited Edition showcases premium packaging including:

80-page photo book
Pop-up box design
Lyrics card
Two random photo cards (from 14 types)
Lenticular card (1 of 7 versions)
Special polaroid (limited to first 100 copies)

Meanwhile, the Standard Edition offers a more streamlined package with an 80-page photo book, lyrics card, and one random photo card. Each version maintains official distribution status, with sales counting toward Hanteo, Circle (Gaon), and Billboard charts. The album represents the group's final release featuring member Jinni, who departed from NMIXX on December 9, 2022.

Breaking Down 'Dice' Production

"Dice" stands as a masterful blend of musical genres, composed in G major at 131 beats per minute. The track's production team, led by Armadillo and Rangga, crafted an intricate soundscape that pushes boundaries in K-pop production.

Jazz and Hip-Hop Elements

The song's foundation rests on a dynamic fusion of Latin jazz and contemporary hip-hop. Particularly notable is the track's structure, which begins with energetic Latin jazz elements before transitioning into a menacing trap beat. The production notably features a full brass section, including alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, trumpet, and trombone.

Vocal Arrangements

The vocal production, directed by multiple professionals including Dr. Jo and Charlotte Wilson, showcases NMIXX's versatile vocal capabilities. The chorus particularly highlights the members' lavish vocals, with Sullyoon's rich tone standing out against the brass sections. Furthermore, the vocal arrangement incorporates background vocals by Ejae, adding depth to the overall sound.

Sound Engineering Choices

The technical production involved multiple specialized studios, each handling specific aspects:

JYPE Studios - Recording
Chapel Swing Studios - Mixing
821 Sound Mastering - Mastering
Ingrid Studio - Vocal editing

The sound engineering team, led by Tony Maserati and David K. Younghyun, created a sophisticated mix that balances the complex instrumental arrangements with the group's powerful vocals. Additionally, the track features exquisite string instrumentation that adds a magical, dreamlike atmosphere to certain segments.

Member Performance Analysis

The vocal prowess of NMIXX shines through their intricate line distribution in "Dice." Kyujin leads with the highest share at 24.6% of total lines, while Sullyoon commands 18.3% of the track. The balanced distribution ensures each member's unique vocal color enriches the song's dynamic range.

Main Vocal Line Highlights

Lily's powerful vocals serve as the cornerstone of NMIXX's signature sound. Her remarkable ability to hit high notes, honed since her appearance on "Kpop Star" at age 12, creates breathtaking moments in the song's finale. Moreover, Sullyoon's rich tone provides a perfect contrast to the track's more intense segments, establishing a harmonious balance within the group's vocal landscape.

Dance Break Segments

The choreography features two distinct dance breaks at 2:20 and 3:03, showcasing the group's synchronized movements and technical precision. In essence, the routine maintains a relentless energy throughout its three-minute duration, though some observers note the challenging nature of performing in platform shoes affects the overall execution.

The group's dedication to live vocals while dancing has earned widespread recognition. During one notable performance, NMIXX demonstrated exceptional professionalism by continuing their choreography and vocals flawlessly when the background music cut out. This incident highlighted their superior vocal stability and dance capabilities, setting new standards for live performances in K-pop.

Impact on K-pop Industry

NMIXX pioneered a distinctive musical approach called "MIXX POP," introducing a fresh sound that blends multiple genres within single tracks. This innovative style first emerged in their debut release and reached new heights with Entwurf's title track "Dice."

Genre-Mixing Influence

The group's bold experimentation with genre fusion has sparked discussions across the K-pop landscape. Their signature style combines vastly different genres into cohesive compositions. Although initially met with mixed reactions, this approach has inspired other artists to explore more daring musical combinations.

Sales Records and Achievements

Entwurf secured remarkable commercial success, selling 250,661 copies on its first day. The album ultimately achieved Double Platinum certification from the Korean Music Contents Association after surpassing 500,000 sales. Significantly, it outperformed their debut release, with total sales reaching 562,596 copies.

Fan Reception Worldwide

The album's impact extended well beyond South Korea's borders. "Dice" ranked within the top 60 on iTunes Song charts across 10 countries. Consequently, the music video trended in 24 regions on YouTube, including Paraguay, Brazil, and Thailand. This global recognition undeniably solidified NMIXX's position in the international K-pop scene, leading to groundbreaking opportunities such as becoming the first K-pop group invited to participate in Billboard Latin Music Week.