Release Date: April 17, 2017
Track Listing
- Ninano feat. Flowsik
- Superwoman
- ING
- Flashlight feat. Jay Park
- Beautiful Lie
- Ninano feat. Flowsik (English Rap ver.)
Review
In 2015 2NE1 went on a hiatus to allow the individual members to explore other ventures outside of the group. On April 5, 2016, it was announced that the group’s youngest member, Minzy, would not return after choosing not to re-sign her contract with YG Entertainment.
In May of the same year, she signed with the Music Works label and announced she was preparing for a solo album. In the wake of her departure, her former group stated they would continue as a trio but instead disbanded in November. In January 2017, they issued a final release called Goodbye, which Minzy did not participate in.
On April 17th, her debut solo mini-album Minzy Work 01: Uno was released, featuring the lead single Ninano.
For some 2NE1 fans, Minzy was a criminally underappreciated member who never got the right amount of time to shine. With the spotlight solely on her, can she deliver on the untapped potential others have seen during her time with YG Entertainment?
On this 6-track EP, you get a little taste of what she is capable of. The collaboration tracks with Flowsik (Ninano) and Jay Park (Flashlight) are similar to American R&B/Hip-hop crossovers. Flashlight, in particular, is a slick track that sounds like it fits her like a glove. ING and Superwoman are showcases for her pop side, while Beautiful Life allows Minzy to channel her inner balladeer diva.
This album is a short sample of material, but it shows that Minzy can easily hold her own as a solo artist. And perhaps it is also some solid evidence that YG dropped the ball when it came to her. The only downside of this album is that there is no strong concept or sound to tie all the songs together. But for a first outing, this is rather solid, and it points to a bright future for Minzy.
