"Young & Free" is a single recorded by South Korean singer Xiumin and Canadian rapper Mark, members of K-pop groups EXO and NCT respectively. It was released by S.M. Entertainment and distributed by Genie Music on July 7, 2017 through their digital music project SM Station.[1]
"Young & Free" is an upbeat and lively song that harmonizes Xiumin's vocals with Mark's rap. Xiumin and Mark advised young people to go wherever they desire. They encouraged them to set out with a light heart and leave behind endless worries. The song felt like a cheer for the youth who have lost their way, urging them to stay strong.[2]
On June 28, S.M. Entertainment announced that Xiumin and Mark will collaborate for an SM Station track "Young & Free" set to be released on July 7.[3] The agency also released a video clip of the two introducing their track "Young & Free" on their official Twitter page.[4] On June 30, S.M. stated that the duo would be performing the song live during the SMTOWN concert that is set to take place on July 8.[5] On the same day, teaser photos of the duo were released through S.M.'s official Twitter page.[6] One July 5, an interview video of the duo talking about their collaboration and their friendship was released.[7] A teaser of the music video was released on July 6.[8] On July 7, the song along with the official music video were released.
Produced by Willie Weeks, "Young & Free" is described as a 90's vibe song featuring retro piano tunes and future-bass sounds, "Young & Free" is altogether a lively tune that features Xiumin's singing and Mark's rapping. The song's lyrics talk about how to live in the moment.[9]
Released on July 7, the music video of "Young & Free" features Xiumin and Mark at what appears as a photographic studio playing around and dancing "freely". At the end of the music video the duo end up in a real forest.
