Kurated
QQQ’S 10 Essential Tracks For The [QtoresQ] Era
By Hasan Beyaz
To mark the release of their debut mini album [QtoresQ], KB, JISUNG and NINE have curated a playlist for KPOPWORLD, offering a glimpse into the sonic and emotional world they were moving through as this era took shape.
Spanning lo-fi soul, late-night introspection, retro-tinged production and genre-fluid energy, the selections paint a picture of three people with broad, considered taste – and a shared instinct for music that rewards close listening.
Across the picks, a clear throughline emerges: songs that balance warmth and complexity, comfort and restlessness. For JISUNG, the choices lean into atmosphere and emotional resonance – tracks that speak to growth without announcing it. NINE's selections favour music that subverts expectation through restraint, finding depth in simplicity. KB's picks move with more momentum, drawn to production that shifts and surprises while holding its shape.
Taken together, the playlist reads like a shared headspace – a snapshot of where QQQ were creatively as [QtoresQ] came into focus.
QQQ - UNCOOL
QQQ We all have moments of self-doubt. My message is simple: have the 'courage to be uncool.' Because that’s the exact moment you become truly cool. That’s the heart of ‘UNCOOL,’ and I hope it helps everyone realize how incredible they already are.
Samara cyn & Sherwyn - pop n olive
JISUNG This track is the ultimate soundtrack for your downtime. It’s a beautiful blend of lo-fi and alternative vibes, leaning subtly into soul. If you’re a fan of Hip-hop or R&B but need something 'chill and atmospheric' today, this is a perfect choice. I recommend losing yourself in Samara Joy’s vocals—it feels like she’s whispering directly into your ear.
keshi - ANGEL
JISUNG I’ve been into late-night vibes lately, and this is a track I shared with my fans. I usually listen for the melody, but the lyrics really hit home this time. It speaks to the 'growing pains' we all face. Keshi’s delicate touch makes the song so timeless—I never get bored of it.
can’t be blue (캔트비블루) - Take It nymore
JISUNG This is the song I’ve been starting every single day with lately. Honestly, I never really imagined myself being in a band, but I think my taste is evolving—I’m starting to feel like I want to give band music a shot. What I love about 'Can’t be Blue' is how it sits in that perfect, subtle sweet spot between J-pop and K-pop. The upbeat band sound just makes my day feel so much warmer and brighter.
Sydney Rose - We Hug Now (Stripped)
NINE I love how this track defies the idea that only intense music stands out. A simple change in rhythm is all it took to create something this comforting and soulful.
sombr - 12 to 12
NINE The track carries a nostalgic retro vibe, but it’s the solid, trendy mixing that really makes it stand out. The synthesizer work is brilliantly simple yet incredibly infectious, adding a sophisticated layer of texture that elevates the entire production.
Gervs - Another Day
NINE I love how the melody lingers and repeats; it feels incredibly soothing, almost like a gentle relief. Listening to it makes me feel like I’m strolling under the sun with someone I love. It’s pure comfort.
Don Toliver - E85
KB Found this through a recommendation, and the production is just top-tier. I love the dynamic shifts in genre and rhythm while keeping the overall vibe cohesive. Definitely a 'no-skip' album—you have to hear the whole thing to catch the vibe.
The Pussycat Dolls - Club Song
KB A taste of the 2000s in 2026. I absolutely love this vibe.
ALEPH(알레프) - No One Told Me Why
KB I first fell for this song after randomly hearing Jungkook of BTS sing it on his live stream. It’s my top recommendation for a drive—there’s something about listening to this behind the wheel that makes the whole world look absolutely beautiful.