Mmmh
"Mmmh" (Korean: 음; RR: Eum) is a song recorded by South Korean singer and dancer Kai, a member of the boy band Exo, serving as the lead single from his debut extended play Kai, released on November 30, 2020, by SM Entertainment.[1] The track is a dynamic R&B pop song that emphasizes Kai's smooth vocals and choreography, with lyrics exploring themes of sensual temptation, intimacy, and an irresistible pull toward a lover, as conveyed through repetitive humming motifs like "Mmmh mmmh" that evoke a hypnotic, alluring mood.[2] Upon release, "Mmmh" achieved significant commercial success, topping the Worldwide iTunes Song Chart in 35 countries and marking the first time an SM Entertainment solo artist accomplished this feat.[3] The accompanying music video, directed by Jason Kim of Flipevil and featuring Kai in a series of stylish, dimly lit settings, garnered widespread acclaim for its artistic visuals and Kai's performance, amassing over 158 million views on YouTube as of November 2025.[4] As Kai's first solo project after years in Exo, the song highlighted his transition to a solo artist, blending R&B influences with K-pop's polished production, and it contributed to the EP Kai debuting at number one on the Gaon Album Chart.[1] The track's production was handled by Alawn and Keelah Jacobsen, with songwriting contributions that underscore its seductive tone, making "Mmmh" a standout in Kai's discography and a pivotal release in the landscape of modern K-pop solo debuts.[2] Its enduring popularity is evidenced by sustained streaming milestones, including surpassing 209 million streams on Spotify as of November 2025, reflecting its appeal both domestically in South Korea and internationally among global fans.[3]Literature
Books
No books directly analyzing or featuring the song "Mmmh" by Kai have been prominently published as of November 2025. Discussions of the song's lyrics and themes appear in broader K-pop music criticism, such as in K-Pop: The International Rise of the Korean Music Industry (Routledge, 2020 update), but are not dedicated works.[5]Other written works
Critical essays on "Mmmh" are limited to music journalism, including reviews in Billboard and The Guardian highlighting its sensual themes and choreography influence on solo K-pop debuts, covered under the article's music sections to avoid duplication. No standalone literary analyses in short-form works (e.g., academic papers or magazine features) solely on the song were identified beyond general Exo/Kai discography overviews as of November 16, 2025.[6]Music
Songs
"Mmmh" is a song by South Korean singer Kai of the group EXO, released on November 30, 2020, as the lead single from his debut extended play Kai. The track blends R&B and pop elements, showcasing Kai's smooth vocals in a dynamic production that creates a sensual atmosphere through its lyrics and melody.[7] It depicts themes of romantic invitation and desire, with key lines such as "Mmmh mmmh, 숨을 내쉬고 뱉어 like mmmh mmmh" emphasizing breathy intimacy and possession.[2] The song achieved commercial success, peaking at number 26 on the Gaon Digital Chart in South Korea.[8] Its music video, directed by Jason Kim of Flipevil, highlights Kai's signature choreography and visual artistry, contributing to the track's viral appeal.[9] "Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm" is a song by Canadian band Crash Test Dummies, released on October 1, 1993, as the lead single from their album God Shuffled His Feet.[10] Classified as alternative rock with folk influences, the track features Brad Roberts' distinctive deep baritone vocals narrating quirky childhood anecdotes, such as a boy refusing to cut his hair and another embarrassed by a birthmark.[11] These stories explore themes of nonconformity and self-consciousness in a whimsical, storytelling style.[12] It peaked at number 1 on the US Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart, marking the band's breakthrough hit and earning a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.[13] "Mmm Yeah" is a collaboration between American singer Austin Mahone and rapper Pitbull, released on January 26, 2014, as the second single from Mahone's debut EP The Secret.[14] The song falls into the pop genre with dance-oriented production, incorporating upbeat rhythms and electronic elements inspired by 1990s dance tracks.[15] Lyrically, it revolves around themes of instant attraction and flirtation, with lines like "Mmm yeah, yeah" capturing playful seduction during a night out.[16] It reached number 30 on the Billboard Hot 100, bolstered by its energetic video and radio play.[17] "Mmhmm" is a single by American rapper BigXthaPlug, released on October 6, 2023.[18] Rooted in hip-hop and trap styles, the track features booming bass, Southern flows, and auto-tuned delivery typical of Dallas rap scenes.[19] Its lyrics focus on street life, indulgence, and success, boasting about luxury purchases like diamond watches and international trips amid a backdrop of hustle and bravado, as in "I just went bought a watch wit' a whole lotta diamonds to show all these niggas it's my time."[20] The song gained significant traction on TikTok through user-generated content and challenges, propelling it to debut at number 93 and peak at number 63 on the Billboard Hot 100.[21] It has been certified 3× Platinum by the RIAA for 3 million units as of September 2025.[22]Albums and EPs
Kai (EP)The eponymous debut extended play by South Korean singer Kai, a member of the group EXO, was released on November 30, 2020, by SM Entertainment.[23] The EP consists of six tracks: "Mmmh" (the lead single), "Nothing On Me," "Amnesia," "Reason," "Ride or Die," and "Hello Stranger."[24] Production on the EP involved SM Entertainment's in-house team, with the title track "Mmmh" specifically produced by Alawn and Keelah Jacobsen.[25] Kai debuted at number one on the Gaon Album Chart (now known as the Circle Album Chart) upon release and has since sold over 462,000 copies in South Korea, earning a platinum certification from the Korea Music Content Association for exceeding 250,000 units.[26][27] Mmhmm
American pop-punk band Relient K released their fourth studio album, Mmhmm, on November 2, 2004, through Gotee Records in partnership with Capitol Records.[28] The album features 14 tracks, including standout singles "Be My Escape" and "High of 75," blending witty, introspective lyrics with energetic pop-punk instrumentation that marked a maturation in the band's sound.[29] Critics praised its clever songwriting and production, with IGN noting its "sonic variance and accomplishment" as a high point in Relient K's discography.[29] Mmhmm achieved commercial success, certified gold by the RIAA in 2005 for sales exceeding 500,000 units in the United States, and has sold over 800,000 copies to date.[30] Mmm, Mmm, Mmm
Las Vegas-based soul and funk band Home Cookin' issued their debut album Mmm, Mmm, Mmm in 1997 on Fly Records.[31] The record comprises 14 tracks, such as "Soul Space Express," drawing on local funk influences from the Las Vegas music scene, including connections to the UNLV Jazz Ensemble and artists like Clint Holmes.[32] The album's groovy, soulful style gained niche recognition, with "Soul Space Express" featured on the soundtrack for the video game Road Rash: Jailbreak, contributing to its media exposure and airplay.[32]