In 2018, Lucas debuted as a member of South Korean boy band NCT,[1] before joining the band's Chinese sub-unit WayV and debuting with the single albumThe Vision in 2019.[2][3] Later in 2019, Lucas also joined K-pop supergroupSuperM.[4] In August 2021, Lucas halted promotions amid controversies relating to his personal life,[5] and in May 2023 Lucas's agency, SM Entertainment, announced that he would be departing NCT and WayV to persue solo indeavours.[6] In early 2024, Lucas addressed his controversies in a two-part documentary series entitled Freeze, and opened new social media accounts in preparation for upcoming solo activities.[7]
On March 8, 2024, JTBC News reported that Lucas would be making his solo debut in April, with SM Entertainment confirming as such later that day.[8] Three days later, SM officially announced that Renegade, a single album containing three English songs including the lead single of the same name, would be released on April 1.[9]Renegade was released on April 1, 2024 along with the lead single of the same name, and its two music videos: "Plan A", which depicted the rapper performing the song at a press conference before transforming into a mouse, and "Plan B", a more choreography-focused clip showing Lucas performing the song on an airport runway.[10][11]
Composition
Renegade contains three tracks. The single album's title track is a rock and hip hop influenced song with lyrics about making "a change for the better and an ambition to walk his way without hesitation".[12]
"Dip It Low" is a hip hop track with deep bass and breathy vocals. The final track, "Crushing on You", is reggae-inspired.[13]
Commercial performance
Renegade peaked at number thirteen on South Korea's Circle Album Chart for the week ending April 6, 2024, selling 25,897 copies in its first week.[14] On the monthly chart, Renegade peaked at number 31. As of May 2024, Renegade has sold 31,961 copies in South Korea.[15]
Track listing
Track listing and credits adapted from the single album's liner notes.[16]
^"SM "中신인 웨이션브이, 2019년 1월 데뷔확정"...NCT 대거 합류 [공식입장]" [SM "Chinese and new people, Wation V, debut confirmed in January 2019"... NCT joins a large number [official position]]. Osen (in Korean). 31 December 2018. Archived from the original on 11 April 2019. Retrieved 15 March 2019.
