At that time this song was soooooo different from other groups. Not only because of the style and storyline but for the LYRICS. 2012 was full of song telling "I'm your girl, your my boy" "Girl, I love you, you're so pretty" and thing like that. And then EXO debuted with a reflective song about HOW HUMANS ARE DESTROYING THE EARTH, HOW THE PLANET IS SUFFERING THE CONSEQUENCES OF HUMAN SELFISHNESS. It was unexpected, a fresh concept for the time. Just like NU'EST with their debut song talking about school bullying at that same time. So sad that Pledis didn't know how to manage the group well.
Nu'est is my first kpop group i still remember when i was 11yo one of my friend came and showed me i fell for them quickly(especially JR my boi~) . Pledis really did dirty to them and couldnt manage the group.
Yeeeesss Nu'est.. that time i was expecting them being grow big. But sad Pledis can't make them big. Well, the big 3 still dominated the whole KPop at that time. I like their Sleeptalking, MV, so cute 🤭
I realize this is an old comment but I was wondering if you know... is "mama" used in the English form, slang for mother or the Korean form used for royalty? You seem knowledgeable so I'm asking only because I'm not really sure how to research it.
@@leadlacedinkeater6539from what I know it’s a honorific for your majesty, I suppose akin to “-sama” in Japanese. I think it’s a nice play on words when you consider the lyrics
Oh yes, 100% this was their debut. That's why you have that crazy spoken word intro. They have this really sci-fi backstory with powers specific to each member? I'm not an EXO-L so I don't know details but it was a huge deal when they showed up.
And they kept it until this date. Many MVs and basicly all of their concert VCRs, even in the solo concerts, are tied to their original concept and i really love this.
@@bella11110 lately it seems to be treated more loosely. With the shift SMs strategy has been going through and all that talk about their Marvel copy joined universe trying to twist all their groups into a new concept... It seems unlikely they will continue EXOs storyline as it was supposed to be?
i think the first to have a very detailed one. b.a.p debuted a few months before them and they also had an aliens from another planet concept. i was there for the fanwars lol. i loved both groups, but i remember the concept stuff being a huge topic amongst those fanwars.
@@joohoneybun b.a.ps was there for the sake of it, it wasn’t really fleshed out well and they didn’t really push it much - but the exo teasers were out from before b.a.p debuted and came before their debut teaser anyway so therefore exo are still the first to have a lore/storyline.
EXO really threw down the gauntlet with this debut. They absolutely declared that they were not going to be run of the mill, that they were experimental and ready to lead, that they had the most amazing vocals and mesmerising performance skills. It was brave and suits them so much. The lyrics are brilliant too.
Exo started the storyline concept in kpop exo trend setters along with alot of fashion trend like crop top and water stages the did it before everyone true legends
This mv dropped and they had the audacity to call Exo a flop group. Viewers and company alike thought they would not rise in popularity like their senior band members. In the beginning they were even payed with rice for putting on a small concert. Now look at them! And still humble as can be🥰
well most of the SM artist are trendsetters they do the things which other people have not done before or never thought of doing. so people think they are flop at first but little do they know They are UNIQUE. thats what make them garner people's interest and then become addicted to it. SuJu- debuting with so many members+foreign members EXO- their concept and songs NCT- so many members+ Diff units+ Music type Aespa- Their Ae concept and songs.
This is not their first song though, EXO was the talk of the town before their debut , korean people were looking at SM as they are gonna introduce a almost non-human level talented group, even the trainees who were trained with exo members but didn't get the chance to debut were very famous that time , SM introduced exo in several ways,In other SM artists MVs etc. One of the ways to introduce EXO to the public eyes was ,Pre-Debut releases , EXO have two pre-debut song to showcase their talent,1. What is love ( only 4 main vocal sang that song)2. History ( all the members showcase their dancing,singing and rapping talent)
Yes exactly!!! EXO was highly anticipated and there was so much hype for them. Too many people have no clue nowadays even EXOL tell stories that sound like EXO was poor Cinderella and not the next big thing from the leading kpop entertainment company
This was so epic! It was a different time back then. Exo debuted at the end of the 2nd generation kpop groups to the beginning of the 3rd generation. It's so epic and good! The live performance is amazing!
This was their debut song from 2012. They put out 2 pre-debut songs in Dec. 2011, the mvs "What Is Love" and "History" as an introduction to this new boy group, Exo. "What Is Love" was an intro to 2 of the lead vocalists Baekhyun and D.O., and "History" was a small introduction of this new group. Both are good songs, and had an impact on the public, being their vocals. Their vocals are what kept trending at the time because no one saw that kind of vocal ability in any other boy group, and they were so young, being able to sing like that. Their vocals are what garnered their massive worldwide fandom shortly after official debut, and has been the key element for Exo all these years. They are not fast paced dancers or rappers, they are all singers and musicians, and love singing more than anything...that's why they love r&b, slow pop songs and ballads, and happy vibing music. They are not part of today's trends, they are Exo, a vocal group. People go to their concerts to hear them sing.💙🌺
When you said ‘why am I crying’ I was like wow. The English lyrics of this song are so deep… they actually brought tears to my eyes when I read them. The song was ahead of its time. It’s like they saw the world we’re living in now. EXO songs evoke so many emotions.
Screamo Kai never fails to get me lmfao. This isn't their _first_ song persee. But you are correct in that it is their debut. ;) They had two pre-debut releases ( _What is Love_ and _History_ , both such iconic songs tbh. History's "pants move" randomly has me in tears at 2AM to this day and _What is Love_ is just full on heavenly god tier EXO vocals.)
You should study like the theory or the story line of every exo’s music video because all of it are actually connected. Their powers and everything will surely interest you. Its like watching a movie or something and you have to wait for every album or song to know more. Their solo albums are connected to the story too😉
🤣 Yeah, that's why I fell in love with them for the first side. They're just amazing. I miss old days. Still, every member's symbolism and history were super cool. Vocals, songs, and performances were insane. I really love to listen to every song of them. Their old songs make me so happy and emotional as always. Can't believe, it's been already 10 years. It hasn't been easy these years. But, for me, their songs are just masterpieces.
I felt so old🤧 i'm just 20 for pete's sake🤦 but the best thing is that I spent almost half of my life with EXO. And i'm grateful for that. It feels nostalgic listening to EXO's debut song
Mama is certainly unusual for a debut song but I'm so proud to say it had to be this bold and unusual to capture people's attention. No rookie had ever done and will ever do this kind of song. The vocals alone from a rookie group!!! I dont think anyone has ever covered this song. And the concept is mad!!
I love Mama the gregorian choir chants, the vocals & of course the lyrics. EXO have always been original. In this song I feel like they are seeing humans from their perspective as Aliens, they see how self destructive our nature has become, how we have turned our backs on earth and other people, it’s criticism on the modern society and they were ahead of their time, look at us & our technological devices today, we have forgotten how to interact & truly be present. We have forgotten how to care. The lyrics were on point: “At some point, we have voluntarily Trapped ourselves in a smart prison We base our personalities from A digital world made of 0's and 1's There's no life, emotion or warmth But just garbage language A desolately rolling meadow Loneliness adds as the days go by We have to be humans Because we get scars” There’s no other Artist quite like EXO.
In order to really see the full story you actually have to also watch the EXO-M version of "Mama." The whole point of both the EXO-K and EXO-M versions of their songs and each MV is to introduce you to EXO's concept and storyline. If you only watch EXO-K, you only see half the story. "Mama" is like the first episode of EXO's drama -- it sets up everything to come in the rest of the series. And if you miss any part of the first episode you will forever be lost when it comes to the rest of EXO's story. If you watch both versions of their "Mama" MV, you might be able to understand a little more about EXO's mission and everything they have been sent to Earth to do. Because in the EXO-K version the whole story focuses on the K members, but in the M version it will show you the M members and explain their powers and each of their roles in the story. You only see small clips of the M members in the Korean version. But in the Chinese version the story continues, and the EXO-M members are the ones that are highlighted. In Korean Mama is a term they use to address a leader or king or queen. It's a term of reverence and respect. It's similar to saying "Your majesty." If you watch very many historical Korean dramas you will hear the characters call the royal family, and especially the head of the royal family or leader, "Mama." So, in this song, they are speaking to the leader or deity who sent them to Earth, essentially asking, "Now that I'm here, Your Majesty what should I do? How do I fulfill what you have sent me to do?" etc. It's very important that you pay attention to the introduction story in "Mama" because it is literally setting up EXO's storyline. The narrator is telling you EXO's whole origin story, about how EXO have been split up into two groups EXO-K and EXO-M and they are part of the same group and yet separate -- part of two worlds that come together as one, etc. And he is telling you about how the Tree of Life has been split in half to protect it from falling into the Red Forces' control -- each half of the tree representing one half of EXO (EXO-K and EXO-M) -- and EXO's mission is to find the two halves of the tree and reunite them to restore peace in the world. In the EXO-K version of "Mama" the members are using their powers to search for and meet up with the EXO-M members. That is why you see the K members traveling to find the M member. For example, you see Kai using his power of teleportation as he searches for the M members. And, because Xiumin is a member of EXO-M, you see him appear in the mirror because the K members are searching for him and he is being summoned, etc. As the story goes, when EXO arrived on Earth they did not all arrive together. Their story starts out that they were dropped on Earth in different locations all over the world -- which is explained more in their individual Pathcode teaser videos as part of their "Call Me Baby" comeback promotions -- and they have to search for each other and meet up, kind of like in a quest, before they can begin to figure out how to accomplish the tasks they have been sent to Earth to do. When you see the members all together in their "Mama" MVs they are together because they are still on Planet Exo where they are still united. But when you see them separated this is when they have all been sent to Earth.They keep flashing back and forth between present moments and recent past moments. So, how I interpret the story is that at the end they aren't back together yet, but that is a scene from when they were still on Planet Exo as they are preparing to be sent to Earth. The two worlds the narrator talks about in the introduction could possibly be different dimensions, so you often see parts of their story which could be interpreted as them being in different dimensions or time periods or different moments in history. Each of the members in EXO-K has a counterpart in EXO-M, so part of what you were seeing in this MV was them showing you which EXO-K member corresponded with which EXO-M member. For example, Suho (EXO-K) with the power of water corresponds with Xiumin (EXO-M) who has the power of frost/ice. Chanyeol (EXO-K) with the power of fire is Kris' (EXO-M) counterpart because he is the power of flight, and as you will see when you watch the EXO-M MV, Chanyeol has the power of the phoenix and Kris has the power of the dragon, which both animal spirits have fire elements and flight so they connect. D.O. (EXO-K) with the power of force is connected to Chen (EXO-M) with the power of thunder/lightning. And Sehun (EXO-K), who has the power of wind, is connected to Tao (EXO-M) who controls time. Baekhyun (K) with the power of light is connected to Lay (M) with the power of healing; and Kai (K) with teleportation is linked to Luhan (M) with the power of telekinesis, etc. That's how they maintain their bond even as members of separate groups. Also, the symbols you saw represent each of the members and it has to do with each of their powers. For instance, Kai's symbol is a pyramid and it represents teleportation, and Lay's symbol is a unicorn and it represents his power of healing, etc. (In future MVs and other things to do with EXO, when you see things like a pyramid, you know that is a reference to something to do with Kai, etc.) Even the most minute of details in EXO's content has something to do with their origin story and EXO's storyline. And, yes, during that screamo part, that was Kai. The "tattoos" on Kai's face and body say EXO and also all of the EXO members names, or at least the 6 EXO-K members names, as well as EXO's symbol and other hidden clues to EXO's origin story. Each member in EXO-K also has a partner in EXO-M that fills the same role in their respective group. For example, Baekhyun is the main vocalist in EXO-K and Chen is the main vocalist in EXO-M; D.O. is the other main vocalist in K and Luhan was the other main vocalist in M; Chanyeol is the main rapper in K and Kris was the main rapper in M; Sehun is the lead rapper in K and Xiumin is the lead rapper in M; Kai is the main dancer in K and Lay is the main dancer in M; and then it's Suho is a lead vocalist in K and Tao was a rapper/vocalist in M (I'm not sure how these two really work together because Tao is more of a rapper and Suho is a vocalist, but because they are the last two they are put together.) To understand even more of their story, you should also look up the English translation of the lyrics for "Mama." The majority of the gregorian chant is in English: "Shoot anonymous, anonymous; Heartless, mindless; No one who care about me ... Careless, careless (Mama: Mama in Korean means Your Majesty); Shoot anonymous, anonymous (Mama); Heartless, mindless (Mama); No one who care about me (Mama)" Also, if you pay attention to what the whole song is about and what they are talking about in the lyrics, it will give you even more insight into why EXO have been sent to Earth and what their mission is all about. EXO's storyline begins with them being sent to Earth to try and heal the world and to stop and prevent the Red Force from taking over and corrupting everything. And the story in the lyrics of "Mama" foreshadows what they will have to overcome and understand about humans and our world to accomplish their tasks. In this song EXO kind of takes humanity to task and asks us to explain why we would allow all this anger and hatred to cloud everything around us and why we don't love each other more? It's really a very beautiful message and the more you learn about EXO the more interesting the whole thing becomes. In the song the members, being aliens from another planet, are struggling to understand how we as humans could allow all this evil and bad things to happen all around us, such as war, hatred and the destruction of the environment, etc. and they are daunted by the fact that they are now tasked with figuring out how to fix it all and prevent more evil from taking place. That's why they need to find the two halves of the Tree of Life and reunite them to restore peace. EXO's story is part supernatural and Sci-Fi and part based on reality, which touches on real life events and things that are really happening in the world. And from the very beginning, even during pre-debut days, and everything since then and everything yet to come, it all is connected to that storyline. Everything EXO does and everything you see from them, including Baekhyun's and Kai's parts in SuperM, all has something to do with the concept and story that began with "Mama," and each new installment of something from the members expands a little further on EXO's story. Whether it's an MV from the group, a solo project from one of the members, a sub-unit project, a live performance, teaser videos, concert VCRs, or even a good amount of their choreography, it all has been designed to connect to EXO's storyline.
Yes, this was a lot!!! I was like you when I first listened this song. EXO's 'Mama" is the most legendary and expensive debut song in the Kpop history ever.
I enjoy watching your EXO journey. I've been listening to them for a little less than 2 years now, but I'm totally hooked on their style, vocals and personalities. Didn't know about k-pop at all before, but I watched a compilation with several different groups and top hits from the past decade. EXO caught my attention right away, and the first few songs I downloaded included Mama, Monster, Lotto, Wolf and Overdose. My usual daily playlist consists of 90 EXO songs that I really LOVE listening to, out of 115 total tracks so far from their group albums. Including sub-units and solo projects the number is closer to 200. Anyway, have fun discovering new gems, and I'm super excited to see your reaction to their live concert stages! PS: Perhaps you should update your EXO playlist? Would very much appreciate it :)
EXO were a huuuuuge deal when they had their debut. Like, as a KPOP fan from 2005 they were a breath of fresh air. Still very SM Ent with their style of music and "musical switches" but they KILLED it. Both through their concept and with actual thoughtful lyrics rather than the banal "I love you/ girl why u so cold to me/ please i want to be your boy/ im a bad boy/ look at me" EVERY boy band had as their debut song.
The fact that so many people praise mama now yet it flopped then is crazy. Also I remember that pic of chanyeol in the phoenix was everywhere in 2013-15.
MAMA is EXO's debut song and before that, EXO had pre-debut songs called 'What Is Love' and 'History'. So, you could say the first song that EXO sang was a pre-debut song. But, thank you for your reaction cuz I enjoy it❤👍🏻
EXO SUPERPOWER Xiumin - Frost Suho - Water Lay - Healing Baekhyun - Light Chen - Lighting Chanyeol - Flame Kyungsoo - Earth/Force Kai - Teleportation Sehun - Wind If u see their choreography/mv in some exo song, u can see their dance is based on their superpower. That what makes me goosebumps. And If u see EXO's Solo project, for the example KAI's mmmh u can see most of his scene is teleportation. Its fun n amazing tho. At the last of the mmmh mv, u can see there have a rock come out from the ground n suddenly becomes frost that means D.O. (earth) n Xiumin (frost) are coming back from millitary. EXO's song is not just a song. But its full with theories, story n messages. Its really2 fun.
The album xoxo that you checked out is from 2013 it's their firs full length album before that they released the ep MAMA with 6 songs mama you already checked out 2 predebut songs what is love and history plus 3 other songs on the album
Its their official debut song. But they release 2 songs before debut. What Is Love (an rnb duet from Baekhyun+DO for Korean and Chen+Luhan for Chinese) and History.
In 1976 South Korean Military responded to 12 UFOs spotted in Seoul, Lee Soo Man happened to see this and got this idea of 12 mysterious objects and connected it to debuting this legendary south korean boy band called ‘EXO’. Lee soo man planned out their Concept, Superpowers, Album stories, worldview and everything for their upcoming years. They debuted with this song ‘Mama’ almost a decade ago. Please check out the meaning of this song, I don’t think anyone debuted with such a meaningful song with such extremely powerful vocals as rookies. Keep supporting our boys, We Are One. Saranghaja!
Yes. Mama is really their debut song which was released April 7, 2012 but they have 2 pre debut song which is What is Love (January 30, 2012) and History (March 8, 2012). Well, EXO really has an interesting storyline that is connected with them having their superpowers.
EXO was hated because of this song since this is new to Korean audience. But they stick to their storyline and powers and we love it ❤️ Exo be slayin' for 10 years now.
MAMA is that song. Like you know, 10 years ago, there is no other company dare enough to produce a song and mv like this. Only EXO who dare enough to perform the song, and of course they all nailed it.
The beginning is giving you a brief concept overview. EXO's concept is that they are legendary aliens from EXO planet. This is telling you that, about the tree of life, the eclipse and Red Force. If you haven't done their pre-debuts yet, you should....What is love and History
The Korean and Mandarin MVs of MAMA revealed the super power of each EXO member has control over. EXO-K: SUHO - Water BAEKHYUN - Light D.O. - Earth/Gravity CHANYEOL - Fire KAI - Teleportation SEHUN - Wind EXO-M: XIUMIN - Frost/Ice LAY - Healing CHEN - Lightning/Electricity KRIS - Flight LUHAN - Telekinesis TAO - Time
Yup, this was their debut song. They also have 2 pre-debut songs. What is Love and History are their pre-debut songs. They really deserve the kpop's king of vocals title.
This is exactly what it meant to be in THE 3 BIG COMPANIES. Bts debut was great cuz of their talent but on concept, fashion etc. it shows how big of a difference it make having a big company to have debut. SM is craaaazy when it comes to concept, fashion, looks and cost. That's why even tho those big companies have many restrictions, all artist still want to get in so badly. I'm am army now btw but I was an exo-l from their debut and still silently supporting them till these day. I still remember how crazy it was watching their debut and comebacks back then. I just graduated from degree now but I miss my high school exo stan era where we would be late to school just to wait for their comebacks 😂 2nd generation of KPOP IS DA BEST I SWEAR 👏
You should check the lyrics hehe it will help you to understand the mv, also the scremo part and their concept, probably you should check the exo-m version too to get their concept I guess hehehe, thank you, I really enjoyed this reaction, you are so fun hehe
At that time this song was soooooo different from other groups. Not only because of the style and storyline but for the LYRICS. 2012 was full of song telling "I'm your girl, your my boy" "Girl, I love you, you're so pretty" and thing like that. And then EXO debuted with a reflective song about HOW HUMANS ARE DESTROYING THE EARTH, HOW THE PLANET IS SUFFERING THE CONSEQUENCES OF HUMAN SELFISHNESS. It was unexpected, a fresh concept for the time. Just like NU'EST with their debut song talking about school bullying at that same time. So sad that Pledis didn't know how to manage the group well.
Yeah
Nu'est is my first kpop group i still remember when i was 11yo one of my friend came and showed me i fell for them quickly(especially JR my boi~) . Pledis really did dirty to them and couldnt manage the group.
Yeeeesss Nu'est.. that time i was expecting them being grow big. But sad Pledis can't make them big. Well, the big 3 still dominated the whole KPop at that time.
I like their Sleeptalking, MV, so cute 🤭
I realize this is an old comment but I was wondering if you know... is "mama" used in the English form, slang for mother or the Korean form used for royalty? You seem knowledgeable so I'm asking only because I'm not really sure how to research it.
@@leadlacedinkeater6539from what I know it’s a honorific for your majesty, I suppose akin to “-sama” in Japanese. I think it’s a nice play on words when you consider the lyrics
so, they have 2 pre debut songs (What is love and History) , but yes this is the Official Debut of EXO
What is Love is still my JAM!
Those songs are so good. 😫✨
What is love cleanses my soul😩
Wait, history is pre debut?😮 That is one of my favourite EXO songs. Can't believe I didn't know this and I call myself an EXO-L, lol
Oh yes, 100% this was their debut. That's why you have that crazy spoken word intro. They have this really sci-fi backstory with powers specific to each member? I'm not an EXO-L so I don't know details but it was a huge deal when they showed up.
Lee Soo Man said f*** it, everyone gets a spot in the group.
@@Ray-ee8dy 😂😂😂😂
@@Ray-ee8dy 😂😂😂😂😂 omg I love Exo
Pls continue to show them lots of love
Still no one debuted like EXO
No debut is at their level
True
EXO were the first ever group to have concept/storyline
Their concept is super super detailed and very interesting
And they kept it until this date. Many MVs and basicly all of their concert VCRs, even in the solo concerts, are tied to their original concept and i really love this.
@@kemsari9969 all their mvs are tied actually hehe
@@bella11110 lately it seems to be treated more loosely. With the shift SMs strategy has been going through and all that talk about their Marvel copy joined universe trying to twist all their groups into a new concept... It seems unlikely they will continue EXOs storyline as it was supposed to be?
i think the first to have a very detailed one. b.a.p debuted a few months before them and they also had an aliens from another planet concept. i was there for the fanwars lol. i loved both groups, but i remember the concept stuff being a huge topic amongst those fanwars.
@@joohoneybun b.a.ps was there for the sake of it, it wasn’t really fleshed out well and they didn’t really push it much - but the exo teasers were out from before b.a.p debuted and came before their debut teaser anyway so therefore exo are still the first to have a lore/storyline.
Like can you imagine how confident you should be to choose this new concept and strong lyrics for your debut song?this is exo:)
That's what's great about EXO. Different concept, FIRE execution every.damn.time.
EXO really threw down the gauntlet with this debut. They absolutely declared that they were not going to be run of the mill, that they were experimental and ready to lead, that they had the most amazing vocals and mesmerising performance skills. It was brave and suits them so much. The lyrics are brilliant too.
I remember the day the mv was released i was sooo excited. I was so focused on the mv and song kai’s screamo part scared the shit out of me i screamed
Ur grand_EXOL
@@Syiemlieh99 yup and im still an exol😁
Me too 🤭😏
Exo started the storyline concept in kpop exo trend setters along with alot of fashion trend like crop top and water stages the did it before everyone true legends
They where not the first..
@@sam693691 jealous much ??
This mv dropped and they had the audacity to call Exo a flop group. Viewers and company alike thought they would not rise in popularity like their senior band members. In the beginning they were even payed with rice for putting on a small concert. Now look at them! And still humble as can be🥰
Yepp. I still remember d.o hugging the rice bags like they were the most precious things🥲
No they were not paid with rice though, it was just a gift to the members. I've read it somewhere but it's legit
Who sede😨
well most of the SM artist are trendsetters
they do the things which other people have not done before or never thought of doing.
so people think they are flop at first
but little do they know They are UNIQUE.
thats what make them garner people's interest
and then become addicted to it.
SuJu- debuting with so many members+foreign members
EXO- their concept and songs
NCT- so many members+ Diff units+ Music type
Aespa- Their Ae concept and songs.
@@aria-jt9ip if you remember it.... Then you also know EXO wasn't paid in rice.... What a nonsense 🙄 who makes up these silly stories
I will never get over the fact that this is their debut
EXO’s debut was so unique and diff from the rest
Also the lyrics are super relevant
i love this song so much its so different from other groups and every time i listen to it its like a breath of fresh air
This is not their first song though, EXO was the talk of the town before their debut , korean people were looking at SM as they are gonna introduce a almost non-human level talented group, even the trainees who were trained with exo members but didn't get the chance to debut were very famous that time , SM introduced exo in several ways,In other SM artists MVs etc. One of the ways to introduce EXO to the public eyes was ,Pre-Debut releases , EXO have two pre-debut song to showcase their talent,1. What is love ( only 4 main vocal sang that song)2. History ( all the members showcase their dancing,singing and rapping talent)
Thank you for this 😊
Yes exactly!!! EXO was highly anticipated and there was so much hype for them. Too many people have no clue nowadays even EXOL tell stories that sound like EXO was poor Cinderella and not the next big thing from the leading kpop entertainment company
@@exomake_mehorololo I mean they were also anticipated because people thought they would be SM's first flop
They were legends from the beginning
They always be the best
This was so epic! It was a different time back then. Exo debuted at the end of the 2nd generation kpop groups to the beginning of the 3rd generation. It's so epic and good! The live performance is amazing!
They practiced 100 time for MAMA mv
EXO is legend
This was their debut song from 2012. They put out 2 pre-debut songs in Dec. 2011, the mvs "What Is Love" and "History" as an introduction to this new boy group, Exo. "What Is Love" was an intro to 2 of the lead vocalists Baekhyun and D.O., and "History" was a small introduction of this new group. Both are good songs, and had an impact on the public, being their vocals. Their vocals are what kept trending at the time because no one saw that kind of vocal ability in any other boy group, and they were so young, being able to sing like that. Their vocals are what garnered their massive worldwide fandom shortly after official debut, and has been the key element for Exo all these years. They are not fast paced dancers or rappers, they are all singers and musicians, and love singing more than anything...that's why they love r&b, slow pop songs and ballads, and happy vibing music. They are not part of today's trends, they are Exo, a vocal group. People go to their concerts to hear them sing.💙🌺
They're literally vocal kings from the start. EXO are very talented since day 1 ✨
EXO are the vocalists KING
When you said ‘why am I crying’ I was like wow. The English lyrics of this song are so deep… they actually brought tears to my eyes when I read them. The song was ahead of its time. It’s like they saw the world we’re living in now.
EXO songs evoke so many emotions.
This is one of my favourite debuts of all time
what is love by exo-k was a pre released track its from 2012 aswell and well and still one of their best songs!
Screamo Kai never fails to get me lmfao.
This isn't their _first_ song persee. But you are correct in that it is their debut. ;) They had two pre-debut releases ( _What is Love_ and _History_ , both such iconic songs tbh. History's "pants move" randomly has me in tears at 2AM to this day and _What is Love_ is just full on heavenly god tier EXO vocals.)
Still my favorite EXO song not even sorry 🥰
You should study like the theory or the story line of every exo’s music video because all of it are actually connected. Their powers and everything will surely interest you. Its like watching a movie or something and you have to wait for every album or song to know more. Their solo albums are connected to the story too😉
THE FIRST SONG WAS ACTUALLY WHAT IS LOVE AND YOULL ONLY HEAR BAEKHYUN AND KYUNGSOO PLS REACT TO IT
Yes please!
Up!
Loouudeerrrr 🔥
Yesssss
🤣 Yeah, that's why I fell in love with them for the first side. They're just amazing. I miss old days. Still, every member's symbolism and history were super cool. Vocals, songs, and performances were insane. I really love to listen to every song of them. Their old songs make me so happy and emotional as always. Can't believe, it's been already 10 years. It hasn't been easy these years. But, for me, their songs are just masterpieces.
I felt so old🤧 i'm just 20 for pete's sake🤦 but the best thing is that I spent almost half of my life with EXO. And i'm grateful for that. It feels nostalgic listening to EXO's debut song
Exo has 2 predebut songs what is love and history they came before Mama which is their official debut song
They were exceptional ever since! Such a strong debut
Mama is certainly unusual for a debut song but I'm so proud to say it had to be this bold and unusual to capture people's attention. No rookie had ever done and will ever do this kind of song. The vocals alone from a rookie group!!! I dont think anyone has ever covered this song.
And the concept is mad!!
Pre-debut was History and What is Love, but yes, this was their first Official MV. All 3 came out in early 2012
Anyone can easily understand why exo continued to be great I mean.. The best group till now for me personally
And they have 2 incredible Pre-debut songs from 2011 😎
History + What is Love
Yessss. MAMA is their debut song. They also released What Is Love and History as their predebut song. Hope you’ll react to it also soon♥️
I love Mama the gregorian choir chants, the vocals & of course the lyrics. EXO have always been original. In this song I feel like they are seeing humans from their perspective as Aliens, they see how self destructive our nature has become, how we have turned our backs on earth and other people, it’s criticism on the modern society and they were ahead of their time, look at us & our technological devices today, we have forgotten how to interact & truly be present. We have forgotten how to care.
The lyrics were on point:
“At some point, we have voluntarily
Trapped ourselves in a smart prison
We base our personalities from
A digital world made of 0's and 1's
There's no life, emotion or warmth
But just garbage language
A desolately rolling meadow
Loneliness adds as the days go by
We have to be humans
Because we get scars”
There’s no other Artist quite like EXO.
Nooo, they FIRST SONG is "What is Love" (pre-debut).
And yoooouuuuu must to listen it
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
In order to really see the full story you actually have to also watch the EXO-M version of "Mama." The whole point of both the EXO-K and EXO-M versions of their songs and each MV is to introduce you to EXO's concept and storyline. If you only watch EXO-K, you only see half the story. "Mama" is like the first episode of EXO's drama -- it sets up everything to come in the rest of the series. And if you miss any part of the first episode you will forever be lost when it comes to the rest of EXO's story.
If you watch both versions of their "Mama" MV, you might be able to understand a little more about EXO's mission and everything they have been sent to Earth to do. Because in the EXO-K version the whole story focuses on the K members, but in the M version it will show you the M members and explain their powers and each of their roles in the story. You only see small clips of the M members in the Korean version. But in the Chinese version the story continues, and the EXO-M members are the ones that are highlighted.
In Korean Mama is a term they use to address a leader or king or queen. It's a term of reverence and respect. It's similar to saying "Your majesty." If you watch very many historical Korean dramas you will hear the characters call the royal family, and especially the head of the royal family or leader, "Mama." So, in this song, they are speaking to the leader or deity who sent them to Earth, essentially asking, "Now that I'm here, Your Majesty what should I do? How do I fulfill what you have sent me to do?" etc.
It's very important that you pay attention to the introduction story in "Mama" because it is literally setting up EXO's storyline. The narrator is telling you EXO's whole origin story, about how EXO have been split up into two groups EXO-K and EXO-M and they are part of the same group and yet separate -- part of two worlds that come together as one, etc. And he is telling you about how the Tree of Life has been split in half to protect it from falling into the Red Forces' control -- each half of the tree representing one half of EXO (EXO-K and EXO-M) -- and EXO's mission is to find the two halves of the tree and reunite them to restore peace in the world.
In the EXO-K version of "Mama" the members are using their powers to search for and meet up with the EXO-M members. That is why you see the K members traveling to find the M member. For example, you see Kai using his power of teleportation as he searches for the M members. And, because Xiumin is a member of EXO-M, you see him appear in the mirror because the K members are searching for him and he is being summoned, etc. As the story goes, when EXO arrived on Earth they did not all arrive together. Their story starts out that they were dropped on Earth in different locations all over the world -- which is explained more in their individual Pathcode teaser videos as part of their "Call Me Baby" comeback promotions -- and they have to search for each other and meet up, kind of like in a quest, before they can begin to figure out how to accomplish the tasks they have been sent to Earth to do.
When you see the members all together in their "Mama" MVs they are together because they are still on Planet Exo where they are still united. But when you see them separated this is when they have all been sent to Earth.They keep flashing back and forth between present moments and recent past moments. So, how I interpret the story is that at the end they aren't back together yet, but that is a scene from when they were still on Planet Exo as they are preparing to be sent to Earth.
The two worlds the narrator talks about in the introduction could possibly be different dimensions, so you often see parts of their story which could be interpreted as them being in different dimensions or time periods or different moments in history.
Each of the members in EXO-K has a counterpart in EXO-M, so part of what you were seeing in this MV was them showing you which EXO-K member corresponded with which EXO-M member. For example, Suho (EXO-K) with the power of water corresponds with Xiumin (EXO-M) who has the power of frost/ice. Chanyeol (EXO-K) with the power of fire is Kris' (EXO-M) counterpart because he is the power of flight, and as you will see when you watch the EXO-M MV, Chanyeol has the power of the phoenix and Kris has the power of the dragon, which both animal spirits have fire elements and flight so they connect. D.O. (EXO-K) with the power of force is connected to Chen (EXO-M) with the power of thunder/lightning. And Sehun (EXO-K), who has the power of wind, is connected to Tao (EXO-M) who controls time. Baekhyun (K) with the power of light is connected to Lay (M) with the power of healing; and Kai (K) with teleportation is linked to Luhan (M) with the power of telekinesis, etc. That's how they maintain their bond even as members of separate groups.
Also, the symbols you saw represent each of the members and it has to do with each of their powers. For instance, Kai's symbol is a pyramid and it represents teleportation, and Lay's symbol is a unicorn and it represents his power of healing, etc. (In future MVs and other things to do with EXO, when you see things like a pyramid, you know that is a reference to something to do with Kai, etc.) Even the most minute of details in EXO's content has something to do with their origin story and EXO's storyline.
And, yes, during that screamo part, that was Kai. The "tattoos" on Kai's face and body say EXO and also all of the EXO members names, or at least the 6 EXO-K members names, as well as EXO's symbol and other hidden clues to EXO's origin story.
Each member in EXO-K also has a partner in EXO-M that fills the same role in their respective group. For example, Baekhyun is the main vocalist in EXO-K and Chen is the main vocalist in EXO-M; D.O. is the other main vocalist in K and Luhan was the other main vocalist in M; Chanyeol is the main rapper in K and Kris was the main rapper in M; Sehun is the lead rapper in K and Xiumin is the lead rapper in M; Kai is the main dancer in K and Lay is the main dancer in M; and then it's Suho is a lead vocalist in K and Tao was a rapper/vocalist in M (I'm not sure how these two really work together because Tao is more of a rapper and Suho is a vocalist, but because they are the last two they are put together.)
To understand even more of their story, you should also look up the English translation of the lyrics for "Mama." The majority of the gregorian chant is in English: "Shoot anonymous, anonymous; Heartless, mindless; No one who care about me ... Careless, careless (Mama: Mama in Korean means Your Majesty); Shoot anonymous, anonymous (Mama); Heartless, mindless (Mama); No one who care about me (Mama)" Also, if you pay attention to what the whole song is about and what they are talking about in the lyrics, it will give you even more insight into why EXO have been sent to Earth and what their mission is all about.
EXO's storyline begins with them being sent to Earth to try and heal the world and to stop and prevent the Red Force from taking over and corrupting everything. And the story in the lyrics of "Mama" foreshadows what they will have to overcome and understand about humans and our world to accomplish their tasks. In this song EXO kind of takes humanity to task and asks us to explain why we would allow all this anger and hatred to cloud everything around us and why we don't love each other more? It's really a very beautiful message and the more you learn about EXO the more interesting the whole thing becomes.
In the song the members, being aliens from another planet, are struggling to understand how we as humans could allow all this evil and bad things to happen all around us, such as war, hatred and the destruction of the environment, etc. and they are daunted by the fact that they are now tasked with figuring out how to fix it all and prevent more evil from taking place. That's why they need to find the two halves of the Tree of Life and reunite them to restore peace.
EXO's story is part supernatural and Sci-Fi and part based on reality, which touches on real life events and things that are really happening in the world. And from the very beginning, even during pre-debut days, and everything since then and everything yet to come, it all is connected to that storyline.
Everything EXO does and everything you see from them, including Baekhyun's and Kai's parts in SuperM, all has something to do with the concept and story that began with "Mama," and each new installment of something from the members expands a little further on EXO's story. Whether it's an MV from the group, a solo project from one of the members, a sub-unit project, a live performance, teaser videos, concert VCRs, or even a good amount of their choreography, it all has been designed to connect to EXO's storyline.
they came in STRONG
Little did seb know that every group under sm share the same storyline 😂😂😂 cant wait for ur reaction to more exo and sm groups
Yes, this was a lot!!! I was like you when I first listened this song.
EXO's 'Mama" is the most legendary and expensive debut song in the Kpop history ever.
I enjoy watching your EXO journey. I've been listening to them for a little less than 2 years now, but I'm totally hooked on their style, vocals and personalities. Didn't know about k-pop at all before, but I watched a compilation with several different groups and top hits from the past decade. EXO caught my attention right away, and the first few songs I downloaded included Mama, Monster, Lotto, Wolf and Overdose. My usual daily playlist consists of 90 EXO songs that I really LOVE listening to, out of 115 total tracks so far from their group albums. Including sub-units and solo projects the number is closer to 200. Anyway, have fun discovering new gems, and I'm super excited to see your reaction to their live concert stages!
PS: Perhaps you should update your EXO playlist? Would very much appreciate it :)
Exo is unique babe 😎
MAMA IS ELITE
EXO were a huuuuuge deal when they had their debut. Like, as a KPOP fan from 2005 they were a breath of fresh air. Still very SM Ent with their style of music and "musical switches" but they KILLED it. Both through their concept and with actual thoughtful lyrics rather than the banal "I love you/ girl why u so cold to me/ please i want to be your boy/ im a bad boy/ look at me" EVERY boy band had as their debut song.
“MAMA” = Your highness
There is Mandarin version too with EXO-M (EXO used to debuted with unit EXO-K & EXO-M)
I know EXO in december 2021 at my age 47 and I in love with all their song...the best entertainer kpop I ever know❤️
That's why EXO is one of the TOP. Their debut is the IT of all kpop songs and vocals.
Everyone be laughin' at EXO's concept and now everyone in this industry went to it. How funny
their lore is so interesting, the fact that they made that intro in their DEBUT!? theyre def smth else😭😭💀
Damn I love your reactions to EXO and the other groups. Thank you so much ♥️
I like this song a lot, if you check the lyrics you'll like it even more.
The fact that so many people praise mama now yet it flopped then is crazy. Also I remember that pic of chanyeol in the phoenix was everywhere in 2013-15.
MAMA is EXO's debut song and before that, EXO had pre-debut songs called 'What Is Love' and 'History'. So, you could say the first song that EXO sang was a pre-debut song.
But, thank you for your reaction cuz I enjoy it❤👍🏻
EXO SUPERPOWER
Xiumin - Frost
Suho - Water
Lay - Healing
Baekhyun - Light
Chen - Lighting
Chanyeol - Flame
Kyungsoo - Earth/Force
Kai - Teleportation
Sehun - Wind
If u see their choreography/mv in some exo song, u can see their dance is based on their superpower. That what makes me goosebumps.
And If u see EXO's Solo project, for the example KAI's mmmh u can see most of his scene is teleportation. Its fun n amazing tho.
At the last of the mmmh mv, u can see there have a rock come out from the ground n suddenly becomes frost that means D.O. (earth) n Xiumin (frost) are coming back from millitary.
EXO's song is not just a song. But its full with theories, story n messages. Its really2 fun.
The album xoxo that you checked out is from 2013 it's their firs full length album before that they released the ep MAMA with 6 songs mama you already checked out 2 predebut songs what is love and history plus 3 other songs on the album
Every Exo song have a storyline behind that,,,and of you follow form the start you can understand what Exo was 😌,,,
They also have 2 pre debut songs History and What is love
Yeah they were unexpected eversince
They already flex there vocals and moves from the very beginning..
The beginning reminds me of the Jackson Five - Can you Feel it.
they have two pre-debut songs. History & What is love by Baekhyun & D.O.
Its their official debut song. But they release 2 songs before debut. What Is Love (an rnb duet from Baekhyun+DO for Korean and Chen+Luhan for Chinese) and History.
this still is and will always be my favourite debut
so anyone else want him to react to the teasers? 🖐🏾🙋🏾♀️
They have predebut songs too. What is love is one of them it's so good beautiful rnb vocals.
In 1976 South Korean Military responded to 12 UFOs spotted in Seoul, Lee Soo Man happened to see this and got this idea of 12 mysterious objects and connected it to debuting this legendary south korean boy band called ‘EXO’. Lee soo man planned out their Concept, Superpowers, Album stories, worldview and everything for their upcoming years. They debuted with this song ‘Mama’ almost a decade ago. Please check out the meaning of this song, I don’t think anyone debuted with such a meaningful song with such extremely powerful vocals as rookies. Keep supporting our boys, We Are One. Saranghaja!
Yes. Mama is really their debut song which was released April 7, 2012 but they have 2 pre debut song which is What is Love (January 30, 2012) and History (March 8, 2012). Well, EXO really has an interesting storyline that is connected with them having their superpowers.
OMG HAHAHA I WAS WAITING FOR YOU TO REACT TO MAMA 🤣
EXO was hated because of this song since this is new to Korean audience.
But they stick to their storyline and powers and we love it ❤️
Exo be slayin' for 10 years now.
This song always give me goosebumps 🙉 love their voice so much,indeed a legend🥰🤍
D.O is my bias actually, from debut until now❤️
MAMA is that song.
Like you know, 10 years ago, there is no other company dare enough to produce a song and mv like this.
Only EXO who dare enough to perform the song, and of course they all nailed it.
screamo kai was a moment i'll never forget lmaooo
The beginning is giving you a brief concept overview. EXO's concept is that they are legendary aliens from EXO planet. This is telling you that, about the tree of life, the eclipse and Red Force. If you haven't done their pre-debuts yet, you should....What is love and History
You should see their live e.g Wolf,Drop that,What is love, miracle in december, ......
Mama is an iconic drama queen, she's one of a kind. only EXO deserves that sort of queen 😌
There EXO weareoneexo
this was their debut but NOT their first song their first song is What is love AND IT IS ON A WHOLE ANOTHER LEVEL
They had two PREDEBUT song.
What is love and history. You really should react to them
Yup, vocals from the start!
The first kpop song i had ever heard i was 7 having no fucking what was happening but had that shit on repeat for months this and wolf
Their very first song (a pre debut song) is WHAT IS LOVE you should check it!!! 🤍🙊
This is their debut song.. but they released their pre-debut song, which is 'What Is Love'.
Still the best debut ever for me.
You should check out exo- history+what is love because both of them are pre debut songs they had
Their predebut songs and mv are insane too
This brings back my childhood i used to love this song so much including history and more , my folder was used to be full of them 🥺❤️
Seb going ‘HELLOO??’ in reactions is one of my favourite things ever 😂
The Korean and Mandarin MVs of MAMA revealed the super power of each EXO member has control over.
EXO-K:
SUHO - Water
BAEKHYUN - Light
D.O. - Earth/Gravity
CHANYEOL - Fire
KAI - Teleportation
SEHUN - Wind
EXO-M:
XIUMIN - Frost/Ice
LAY - Healing
CHEN - Lightning/Electricity
KRIS - Flight
LUHAN - Telekinesis
TAO - Time
Please check what is love mv of exo.it’s for 2012 too
This song brings back so many memories 🤧💜
Each EXO member has their own super power
U must check exo pre debute songs 'History’ 🤩🤩🤩
Yup, this was their debut song. They also have 2 pre-debut songs. What is Love and History are their pre-debut songs. They really deserve the kpop's king of vocals title.
I WAS WAITING FOR UR REACTION ON KAI'S PART U GOT ME LMAOING
EXO DEBUT SONG IS AHEAD OF ITS TIME
They came in hard since the beginning 🔥
This is exactly what it meant to be in THE 3 BIG COMPANIES. Bts debut was great cuz of their talent but on concept, fashion etc. it shows how big of a difference it make having a big company to have debut. SM is craaaazy when it comes to concept, fashion, looks and cost. That's why even tho those big companies have many restrictions, all artist still want to get in so badly.
I'm am army now btw but I was an exo-l from their debut and still silently supporting them till these day. I still remember how crazy it was watching their debut and comebacks back then. I just graduated from degree now but I miss my high school exo stan era where we would be late to school just to wait for their comebacks 😂
2nd generation of KPOP IS DA BEST I SWEAR 👏
You should check the lyrics hehe it will help you to understand the mv, also the scremo part and their concept, probably you should check the exo-m version too to get their concept I guess hehehe, thank you, I really enjoyed this reaction, you are so fun hehe