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| MAMAMOO's Hwasa will release her first mini-album "Maria" on Monday afternoon. Courtesy of RBW |
By Dong Sun-hwa
Hwasa of K-pop girl band MAMAMOO, who is slated to release her first mini-album "Maria" on Monday afternoon (KST,) says the album is made of her sweat and tears.
"'Maria' is the 'fruit' of my sweat and tears. It is also brimming with the emotions I felt at 26," the singer said in an email Q&A, Monday. "I have never devoted so much passion to anything else than this release ― I was truly obsessed with it and achingly loved it."
Hwasa co-composed the album's namesake lead single and participated in the creative process of B-side tracks "WHY" and "LMM." "Maria" also offers "Kidding," which rapper-producer Zico and popular lyricist Kim Ea-na took part in producing and writing the lyrics, respectively. Rapper DPR Live features on "I'm bad too."
"Just like my previous song 'Twit,' 'Maria' has a touch of sadness on top of an exciting beat," Hwasa said about the lead single. "From an early age, I have always liked such songs because they seem to mirror people's actual life."
The star also touched on her favorite part.
"I love the line that reads, 'Why do you keep struggling ― you are already beautiful,'" she said. "I think this part brings comfort and energy to the listeners."
She added, "I poured a lot of effort into the album. I hope my sincerity embedded in this work can be successfully delivered to my fans."
Hwasa, whose real name is Ahn Hye-jin, debuted as a sub-vocalist and lead rapper of the four-member act MAMAMOO in 2014. She began forging a solo career in 2019 with "Twit."
