Monsta X’s I.M Makes His Next Crossover Move On Elhae’s ‘Need To Know’

After I.M played a major role in Monsta X’s Top 40 crossover in America, the rapper is teaming up with trusted friend Elhae for a new collaboration that should help elevate both artists’ profiles.

“Need to Know” is a slippery, snappy R&B-synth track centered around of Elhae’s knack for crooning over trap beats. While the star broke out for his Rap&B sensibilities, this new track puts Elhae’s stacks of harmonies at the forefront for one of his smoothest joints to date.

I.M drops in on the bridge for a melodic-rap verse in English that further shows his crossover-pop potential and, once again, pairs nicely with Elhae’s overall sound and vibe. The verse acts as a nice in-between to the singing I.M showed on Monsta X’s English All About Luv album earlier this year before he returns to his rap roots on the group’s new Korean album out this month.

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Previous to “Need to Know,” I.M and Elhae had teamed up on the track “Horizon” off the former’s 2019 mixtape of the same name. Similar to “Need to Know,” the release of “Horizon” also let both artists try out exciting, new musical sides: I.M’s low-timbre sing-rap style while Elhae mixed his soulful vocals with a hypeman yelps.

Through “Horizon” and “Need to Know,” it’s exciting to see two very different artists grow together through musical experimentation and mutual respect. Increasingly, many collaborations between the Korean and U.S. industries feel hollow and too much like business deals: K-pop artists can seemingly benefit from the crossover appeal of a larger western name while English-speaking artists know the intense fandom that comes with K-pop artists. Still, few collaborations have proved to be actually viable for all involved and mostly feel awkward or unnecessary. Even with their different backgrounds, there’s no doubt a commonality and connection that’s brought Elhae and I.M together twice—and sounding better each time.

Listen to “Need to Know” below: