If you’re new to the Stray Kids universe—or just dipping your toes into K-pop—there’s no better time to jump in. On March 21, 2025, the eight-member powerhouse dropped Mixtape: dominATE, a five-track digital single album that’s got everyone buzzing. True to their style, this release came with minimal promotion—no big fanfare, just pure music for their fans, STAY. But what’s a “mixtape” in Stray Kids’ world, and why does this release matter? Grab your lightstick, new STAYs, because we’re breaking it down for you!
Photos Credit - JYP Entertainment
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| Photos Credit - JYP Entertainment |
Who Are Stray Kids?
The Mixtape Project: A Fan-Favorite Tradition
That 2018 Mixtape wasn’t a one-off—it sparked a whole tradition. The Mixtape Project is Stray Kids’ way of dropping special, often experimental tracks outside their main albums, like little gifts for STAY. It’s a creative playground where the members flex their songwriting and production skills, exploring sounds that might not fit their big releases. Before dominATE, they gave us four Mixtape singles:
- “Gone Days” (2019) – Playful vibes before their first album, Go Live.
- “On Track” (2020) – A cinematic friendship tale.
- “OH” (2021) – A hit celebrating Hyunjin’s return from a break.
- “Time Out” (2022) – A chill anniversary track for STAY.
These usually sneak out with little hype, making them feel extra personal—like Stray Kids just wanted to share something cool with their fans.
Enter Mixtape: dominATE – Low-Key, High Impact
Fast forward to March 21, 2025, when Mixtape: dominATE landed at 1 p.m. KST (midnight EST). Unlike their flashy comebacks, this one kept it low-key—minimal promotion, maximum vibes. It’s not just one song this time, though—it’s five tracks! The title track, “Giant (Korean Ver.),” reworks a song from their Japanese album Giant (November 2024) with that fierce Stray Kids edge. Then there’s a twist: four subunit tracks pairing the members—Changbin and I.N on “Burnin’ Tires,”
Bba ra ba bam👬🚘
— Stray Kids (@Stray_Kids) March 21, 2025
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Listen to "Mixtape : dominATE" now🦷https://t.co/A1xpAX7kg8 #StrayKids #스트레이키즈 #창빈 #Changbin #아이엔 #I_N #Mixtape_dominATE #BurninTires #YouMakeStrayKidsStay pic.twitter.com/5vCAJb2GhE
Ride a 🚗, raise my 🙌, salute 🖤
— Stray Kids (@Stray_Kids) March 21, 2025
💎 https://t.co/H20dxg412S
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Listen to "Mixtape : dominATE" now🦷https://t.co/A1xpAX7kg8 #StrayKids #스트레이키즈 #한 #HAN #필릭스 #Felix #Mixtape_dominATE #Truman… pic.twitter.com/4VLOoVFbky
Escape now🔦👀
— Stray Kids (@Stray_Kids) March 21, 2025
⛓️💥 https://t.co/g8hxMXfYKw
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Listen to "Mixtape : dominATE" now🦷https://t.co/A1xpAX7kg8 #StrayKids #스트레이키즈 #방찬 #BangChan #현진 #Hyunjin #Mixtape_dominATE #ESCAPE… pic.twitter.com/Wz5utMqfaL
It’s their first Mixtape with subunits, giving you a taste of each member’s flair.(L🎧R) This is our CINEMA🎵
— Stray Kids (@Stray_Kids) March 21, 2025
🎥 https://t.co/iQPN8FMfvL
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Listen to "Mixtape : dominATE" now🦷https://t.co/A1xpAX7kg8 #StrayKids #스트레이키즈 #리노 #LeeKnow #승민 #Seungmin #Mixtape_dominATE #CINEMA… pic.twitter.com/LNv7zCA8Ch
They teased it starting March 10 with a poster, followed by a timetable, track videos, and some behind-the-scenes pics through March 20. That’s more buildup than usual for a Mixtape, but don’t get it twisted—it’s still a understated drop compared to their full-on album rollouts. It’s Stray Kids saying, “Hey, STAY, here’s something special—no big fuss needed.”
Why “dominATE”?
The name dominATE ties into their 2024-2025 world tour, which kicked off in Seoul last August and hits Latin America starting March 27 in Chile—perfect timing with the release. It’s all about Stray Kids owning their space in K-pop. After a huge 2024 with their mini-album ATE and December’s Hop mixtape (solo tracks galore!), dominATE doubles down on their bold, unstoppable energy.
Why It’s Perfect for New Fans
New to the fandom? Mixtape: dominATE is your ideal starting point. It’s got their signature sound—think intense beats and heartfelt lyrics—plus those subunit tracks to help you vibe with each member. It’s also a peek into their journey: from a pre-debut crew with a dream to K-pop kings headlining Lollapalooza and scoring six straight Billboard 200 number-ones. This release is a love letter to STAY, but it’s also an open door for newcomers—no prior knowledge required!
What’s Next?
With the dominATE tour running through July and whispers of a bigger comeback later in 2025, Stray Kids are just getting started. For now, stream Mixtape: dominATE, pick your fave subunit jam, and join the STAY family—there’s so much more to explore!
Let us know what is your favorite track?