What Makes "Stamp On It" GOT the Beat's Most Powerful Release Yet?

South Korean supergroup GOT the Beat made a commanding statement with their first extended play "Stamp on It," which debuted at number three on South Korea's Circle Album Chart in January 2023. Released by SM Entertainment on January 16, 2023, the EP quickly garnered attention, eventually accumulating 164,433 sales in South Korea alone.

Furthermore, "Stamp on It" showcased the group's versatility, with reviews noting how the album expertly harnesses the combined strengths of its members. The title track particularly stands out for its mesmerizing refrain and remarkable ability to switch genres at "warp speed". Despite being a collection of artists with "unlimited potential", some critics suggest the group could still explore more ambitious material. Notably, the EP also made waves internationally, debuting at number 27 on Japan's Oricon Albums Chart. With its strong sonics and confident delivery, "Stamp on It GOT the Beat" album has established itself as potentially the group's most powerful release to date.

The Road to 'Stamp on It': How the Release Came Together

The journey of GOT the Beat's "Stamp on It" began in late 2022, marking a significant milestone as the supergroup's first mini-album following their debut single.

Initial announcement and teaser rollout

The buzz around "Stamp on It" initially sparked on December 23, 2022, when SM Entertainment confirmed that GOT the Beat would return with new music in January 2023. Subsequently, on December 29, the company revealed the group would release their first extended play titled "Stamp on It" with a lead single of the same name scheduled for January 16, 2023.

Following the announcement, SM Entertainment released a comprehensive promotional schedule on January 2, 2023, detailing when photos and videos would be unveiled. The teaser campaign followed a systematic approach with member-specific content. Starting January 4, teaser images featured Taeyeon and Karina, followed by Winter and BoA on January 5, then Hyoyeon, Seulgi, and Wendy on January 6. The campaign continued with another round beginning January 10 with Taeyeon, Wendy, and Winter, followed by Karina and Hyoyeon on January 11, and concluding with Seulgi and BoA on January 12. This methodical rollout built anticipation before the music video teaser was released on January 15.

Pre-release performances and promotions

Prior to the official release, GOT the Beat offered fans a preview of "Stamp on It" at the "SMTOWN LIVE 2023: SMCU Palace@Kwangya" concert on January 1, 2023. During this performance, the septet showcased the high-octane single with synchronized choreography, giving audiences their first glimpse of the track. This strategy mirrored their approach with their debut single "Step Back," which was similarly previewed at SM's previous New Year concert.

After the official release, the group continued promotions with performances on Mnet's "M Countdown" on January 19 and at the 32nd Seoul Music Awards.

Official release date and formats

"Stamp on It" officially arrived on January 16, 2023, at 6 PM KST. The mini-album contained six dance tracks in total, including the title song "Stamp on It," plus B-sides "Goddess Level," "Alter Ego," "Rose," "Outlaw," and "MALA".

The release was made available in multiple formats, including digital download and streaming through SM Entertainment and Dreamus. For physical collection enthusiasts, the album came in two distinct versions: "Stamp" and "Beat". These physical editions allowed fans to experience the group's first mini-album in tangible form, complementing the digital release strategy.

Breaking Down the Sound: Composition and Genre Fusion

GOT the Beat's "Stamp on It" EP stands as a vibrant sonic tapestry, weaving together multiple musical traditions into a cohesive yet adventurous collection. The mini-album seamlessly blends established dance formulas with experimental production choices, creating a distinct sound identity for the supergroup.

Dance, R&B, and hip-hop influences

At its core, "Stamp on It" embodies a fusion of R&B and hip-hop elements built on a foundation of dynamic dance music. The title track, composed in the key of F minor with a tempo of 143 beats per minute, exemplifies this blend through its distinctive "piano and bass rhythm" structure. This combination creates an energetic backdrop for the powerful vocals that drive the song forward.

Beyond the title track, the EP explores various dance music subcategories. "Goddess Level" incorporates heavy trap beats with rhythmic brass sounds, while "Alter Ego" features varied bass riffs that complement its break beat foundation. Even when the album shifts toward R&B territories in "Rose," it maintains its hip-hop sensibilities through minimal beats and vocal chop techniques.

Signature production by Yoo Young-jin and Dem Jointz

The sonic architecture of "Stamp on It" bears the unmistakable fingerprints of veteran producers Yoo Young-jin and Dem Jointz, with additional composition contributions from American hitmaker Tayla Parx. This production team crafted what Rolling Stone India described as "an audacious blend of R&B, hip-hop and dance".

Their production approach embraces bold contrasts and unexpected elements—such as the meditative frequency break in the title track's bridge. Dem Jointz, in particular, brings his trademark textural expertise to the project, creating what one reviewer noted as "gritty yet knife-sharp instrumental layers".

Track-by-track genre highlights

Each track on the EP presents a distinct sonic personality:

"Stamp on It" delivers a brisk, assertive hybrid of hip-hop and dance-pop that switches genres at "warp speed", reminiscent of Girls' Generation's "I Got A Boy."

"Goddess Level" merges trap with brass instrumentation, creating what one reviewer called "the musical equivalent of an arrogant smirk".

"Alter Ego" offers the most conventional approach on the album with its dance foundation and environmental message.

"Rose" explores luxurious R&B territories with "vocal chop and minimal beat", alternating between "low-pitched rapping and sweet, deadly harmonies".

"Outlaw" presents dynamic bass rhythms layered with synthesizer elements, featuring both low and explosive high-pitched vocals.

"Mala" concludes the EP with a "hybrid pop" approach that unusually combines flute sounds with 808 bass, creating what reviewers called a "heady concoction".

This sonic diversity demonstrates GOT the Beat's versatility while establishing a distinctive musical identity that separates "Stamp on It" from their debut single "Step Back".

Why the Vocals Stand Out in This Album

Vocal excellence sits at the heart of GOT the Beat's artistic identity, with "Stamp on It" showcasing an extraordinary convergence of talent that spans across K-pop's history.

Powerhouse vocalists from multiple generations

The supergroup boasts an unprecedented assembly of vocal firepower, comprising idols from all four existing generations in K-pop. This multi-generational collaboration brings together BoA's seasoned expertise, Girls' Generation's Taeyeon and Hyoyeon's refined techniques, Red Velvet's Wendy and Seulgi's distinctive tones, and aespa's Karina and Winter's fresh approaches. Indeed, except for BoA, all members serve as either the main vocalist or main dancer in their original groups, creating what Taeyeon described as "amazing synergy" where "each member contributed their talent, experiences and strength".

Notable vocal moments in 'Stamp on It'

Unlike their debut single, the vocals in "Stamp on It" have "more space to breathe", allowing individual personalities to shine through without being overwhelmed by production. Yoo Young-jin's meticulous vocal direction is evident throughout, particularly in the title track's chorus where the members sing: "I want it all with elegance, smack down / A vicious shakedown, Mona Lisa smile". Across the mini-album, BoA's impressive high note in "Outlaw" stands as a highlight, while Winter and Wendy's soaring vocals in the bridge of "Stamp on It" showcase their technical prowess.

Harmonies and vocal layering across tracks

The album effectively demonstrates the power of strategic vocal layering, with harmonies that transform simple melodies into captivating sonic experiences. In "Rose," the members deliver both "soaring vocals" and "more alluring and darker rapping" as the track progresses. Meanwhile, "MALA" contrasts "delicate notes" with impactful rap sections from Karina and BoA. As one critic noted, these women "can honestly sell a song written over the backtrack of a cheese grater at work", a testament to how their vocal chemistry elevates even the most experimental production choices.

Visuals, Choreography, and the 'Stamp on It' Music Video

The visual elements of "Stamp on It" elevate the release through a cohesive aesthetic that matches the music's confident energy, primarily anchored in luxurious imagery and powerful performance.

Heist-inspired concept and luxury visuals

The music video for "Stamp on It" embraces a sophisticated heist concept reminiscent of "Ocean's 8," featuring the members as stylish jewel thieves plotting schemes in a museum setting surrounded by diamonds and expensive art. Throughout the video, the septet navigates a lavish environment that complements the track's assertive tone. The museum backdrop serves as the perfect canvas for their confident performances, with carefully selected props enhancing the narrative. First appearing as meticulous planners, then as accomplished thieves selecting getaway cars, the members create what one reviewer called "poetic cinema". Though some critics found the music video concept lacking depth, describing it as "just the same dance performance spliced with some closeup glamor shots", the overall execution delivers a visually striking experience.

Signature choreography and performance style

Four renowned choreographers collaborated on "Stamp on It" – La Chica, Kyle Hanagami, Kiel Tutin, and ReiNa. The choreography's most distinctive element is the signature "stamping" move created by dance crew La Chica. In contrast to expectations, several reviewers noted the choreography felt surprisingly "soft around the edges," which created an interesting mismatch with the song's harsher, heavy synths. Instead of the expected sharp movements, the routine employs diverse dance formations, gestures, and facial expressions to convey power and confidence. This performance approach becomes especially evident in the dance practice video released on January 21, 2023.

Styling and fashion choices

Each member received unique styling that accentuated their personal characteristics while creating a cohesive group aesthetic. The fashion concept throughout "Stamp On It" channeled early 2000s pop-punk princess vibes. Key elements included knee-high boots and designer clothing that skillfully balanced elegance with a touch of grunge. The standout visual moment, according to one reviewer, occurs at the 2:30 mark when Seulgi brushes her hair backward in a captivating gesture. This attention to individual styling details helped each member shine while maintaining the luxurious overall concept.

Commercial Performance and Fan Reception

The commercial impact of "Stamp on It" proved significant, although reception revealed a division between chart success and critical response.

Chart positions in Korea and Japan

Upon release, "Stamp on It" debuted at number three on South Korea's Circle Album Chart in January 2023, later reaching number 16 on the monthly chart. In Japan, the mini-album made a modest entrance at number 27 on the Oricon Albums Chart, simultaneously landing at number 10 on the Oricon Digital Albums Chart and number 35 on the Combined Albums chart. Moreover, the EP topped iTunes album charts in 18 countries including Australia, Brazil, Canada, and the United States.

Sales figures and digital downloads

The mini-album accumulated impressive sales figures, reaching 164,433 units in South Korea plus an additional 30,471 digital sales across Chinese platforms including QQ, NetEase, Kugou, Kuwo, and Migu. Remarkably, physical album sales in Japan reached 2,583 units, contributing to the global total.

Mixed fan and critic reviews

Fan reception proved polarized. Enthusiasts praised "Stamp on It" as a "super fun song" with "lots of hooks, powerful vocals, great visuals". Conversely, detractors considered it outdated, with one critic commenting, "SM has been stuck in this era for too long... I can imagine someone is hitting me in the head with a hammer". Others called the project a "blatant cash grab", yet many acknowledged that "those women can SING!" regardless of composition quality.