Miko's Music Stats 2023

Keeping with new tradition of 2020, 2021, and 2022, I'm excited to present to you my last.fm music stats for 2023! While 2022's stats were greatly influenced by my "research" for Miko's Music Connection, last year was dominated by my thirst for Korean hip-hop as there was quite an uptick of Korean rappers touring America.


Top 10 Most Played Artists

10. The Weeknd - 96 scrobbles
9. SEVENTEEN - 97 scrobbles
8. Coogie - 102 scrobbles
7. GOT7 - 107 scrobbles
6. Stray Kids - 154 scrobbles

5. ATEEZ & ZHU - 155 scrobbles
I know, I know...I've been majorly slacking on Miko's Music Connection, but I will get back to it. I promise! Ideally, I want to recap the groups I've already covered and update my thoughts on them. Obviously, ATEEZ is one I'm looking forward to hopefully gain some favor from ATINYs. It really doesn't matter. My opinion is my opinion. Last year continued my enjoyment of this group and their THE WORLD series was probably one of my favorite collections by them. I honestly feel like their talents have really improved and shone brightly in 2023. As for ZHU, he is forever a whole vibe. I had the pleasure of seeing this talented artist and his crew give me an immersive and satisfying EDM experience live last year. Like most people after a great show, you're constantly trying to relive that concert high through recordings. If you haven't listened to the man, definitely give him a chance as he brings something different to the EDM table.

4. Dok2 - 159 scrobbles
There are so many artists I can say that I've been slacking on and Dok2 sadly is one of them. Since 2023 was my thirst for Korean hip-hop, I happily binged everything I missed and enjoyed every minute of it. The man's still got it and I hope he continues to bring it in 2024. From THE CORE TAPE series to 808 Hi Recordings Presents: Hibiscus, Vol. 1 to Filipino South Korean Rapstar Mixtape, Dok2 knows how to keep up with the trends of South Korea and America without losing his own style. Also, the collaborations on all the projects I caught up with were absolute bangers!


3. Kid Milli - 164 scrobbles
This South Korean rapper is one I mostly heard through features and last year, I finally took the deep dive into his discography. It was a lot of material to get through, but it was totally worth it. BEIGE and BEIGE 0.5 were two projects I returned to the most and was desperate to add to my small collection of khip-hop. Kid Milli was definitely a great start for me to explore other rappers that I've heard on features but not their own solo projects, despite me not needing more artists to get into. His style does stand out from who already listen to and he's easily entered my top possibly fifteen favorite Korean male rappers at the moment. Perhaps I should update my list.

2. Ravi - 177 scrobbles
As a long time Starlight, I unfortunately haven't been keeping up with individual endeavors since the unfair departure of Hongbin. I was able to listen to everything for VIXX LR, Leo's solo releases, and obviously everything from my original bias Ravi. Sure, 2023 wasn't a very good year for the former member of VIXX, but I definitely enjoyed a lot of his work as most of his albums have been added to my ever growing list of khip-hop CDs I need to buy. Much like Monsta X popping up a lot in my Spotify's Like Playlist, Ravi definitely made multiple appearances anytime I shuffled my KHip-Hop and R&B Playlist. Before his military troubles, I know some people liked to clown on his rap skills since his appearance on Show Me the Money Season 4, but I genuinely believe he possesses legitimate skills. A lot of his material is quite catchy, fun, and diverse, especially for an idol rapper. Nonetheless, I'm glad I finally delved into his discography and I hope that he can recover his reputation when his enlistment is over.


1. Sik-K - 190 scrobbles
Much like ZHU, my friend and I were very excited to see this talented Korean rapper on stage again, which contributed to me listening to a lot of his music. Whatever I missed from his discography and the longing to relive the show, I was deeply into Sik-K...and the thirst desire to listen to his music continues on this year. He released a new album with HAON, created his own label, and then did a solo album. In short, it was good year for Sik-K and his fans. Not only is he energetic on stage, but that same infectious hype can be felt through his music. So, it's very unsurprising that he is my most listened to artist in 2023.


Most Played Albums
I will be skipping over any single track entries for this category.

13. Dok2 - THE CORE TAPE. Vol. 3 & Rich Brian - 1999 - 29 scrobbles
12. MICRODOT - PROPHET - 30 scrobbles
11. CODE KUNST - Remember Archive & I.M - OVERDRIVE - 31 scrobbles
10. ATEEZ - THE WORLD EP.2: OUTLAW & Various Artists - Belle (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) - 32 scrobbles
9. Crush - wonderego - 33 scrobbles
8. SHINee - HARD - 35 scrobbles
7. Daniel Pemberton - Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (Original Score) & Sik-K - FL1P - 36 scrobbles
6. MUCC - Shin Homurauta - 37 scrobbles

5. Jung Kook - GOLDEN - 39 scrobbles
I'm gonna spare you another BTS rant for another time, but who would've thought that the Golden Maknae would be my most listened to solo project from the famous septet. Jungkook was definitely one memeber I had no idea what sound he would produce alone and, in short, I enjoyed the outcome. While some might've complained about it sounded to "Americanized", I thought each track really suited his voice. The amount of collaborations in this project were quite impressive, even in the writing credits which featured popular artists Ed Sheeran and Shawn Mendes. I also enjoyed the seemingly rare overarching story carried throughout the album about the surface level good and bad of a relationship; from lustful attraction to devastating heartbreak. Some of my favorite tracks are "Somebody", "Please Don't Change" featuring DJ Snake, and "Closer to You" featuring Major Lazer.

4. ZHU - DREAMLAND (DELUXE) - 41 scrobbles
This 2021 deluxe album release still remained a banger 2 years later. Of course, hearing some of these tracks in person was quite the experience. If you're not familiar with ZHU's music, he transcends your standard dance fair. Granted he does have tracks that are purely for the dancefloor, but there are songs that are straight up chill vibes, which makes for great nighttime driving music in my opinion. It was nice to revisit and explore his whole discography before and after seeing his live performance in Houston. It gave me a chance to appreciate his art even more. Honestly, it's a little difficult to explain how amazing ZHU's music is; it must simply be heard in the most immersive way possible. Some of my favorite traks are "Only" featuring Tinashe, "Desire", and "Came for the Low".


3. Doja Cat - Scarlet - 48 scrobbles
After the highly praised 2021 album Planet Her, everyone was anticipating the release of Doja's next project. There also was constant controversy following the artist. Whether or not it was a publicity stunt to promote the album, there is a lot of evidence in the lyrics of Scarlet. Going into the album for the first time, I thought the music was going to have a darker edge to it, which it did for a few songs, but overall, it blended what fans enjoyed throughout her musical journey...despite her trashing her most popular releases and the fans who enjoyed them. This album does have a variety of moods for whatever you may be feeling for day, whether it's the confidence boosting "Go Off", something less serious lyrically like "Wet Vagina", or a meaningful love track like "Can't Wait". Doja definitely has range in not only subject matter, but vocally. Some of my favorite tracks are "Agora Hills", "Skull and Bones", and "Balut".

2. PANTHEPACK - The Pack - 49 scrobbles
As a long time GOT7 fan and Jackson Wang stan, I had to check out his group that he put together with Karencici, ICE, and J.Sheon. I'm not familiar with any of those artists, but I'm always open to hearing new voices even though I already have an overflowing plate of other talents to check out. Hearing this album (and seeing the music videos) for the first time was absolute fire! Jackson did a fantastic job finding the perfect mixture of voices for this project. The chemistry was pure perfection and I hope they make another album together. Surprisingly, the remix album is just as enjoyable and worth checking out at least once. Some of my favorite tracks are "Transmit", "Sold Out", and "Too Many".

1. Stray Kids - 5-STAR - 50 scrobbles
Following after such a great album as ODDINARY must've been a difficult task to accomplish, but somehow they managed to keep their momentum going in 2023. Starting with a few Japanese releases, the boys were able to put together an earworm of a track with "S-Class". While I might be in the unpopular opinion, I wasn't super crazy about this song like a lot of STAYs, but I did enjoy it. Honestly, their b-sides were a lot better than their title track. The dance, song, and video are addictive and enjoyable, but once you delve deeper into this project you find the true bangers in the bunch. I was surprised to see a collaboration with the legendary Tiger JK in their song "TOPLINE", which blended old and new school sounds together to compliment everyone's vocal talent. Definitely a good head bobbing song. Some of my favorite tracks are "ITEM", "DLC", and "Collision".

Most Played Tracks

10. ASH ISLAND feat. Swings - OKAY (ISLAND), Doja Cat - Attention (Scarlet), Loopy - Take Me (ICE), Ravi feat. Polodared - MIRROR (LOVE & HOLIDAY), SHINee - Sweet Misery (HARD), & Sik-K - LOVE ACHES (FL1P)- 8 scrobbles
9. ASH ISLAND - Oh My! (More ASH), ATEEZ - BOUNCY (K-HOT CHILLI PEPPERS) (THE WORLD EP.2: OUTLAW), Epik High - BLEED (WE'VE DONE SOMETHING WONDERFUL), I.M - More (Overdrive), Jung Kook - Standing Next to You (GOLDEN), Sik-K - UNO GOTTA RUN [HEADLINER (Deluxe)] - 9 scrobbles
8. Loopy feat. JHUN - NEW TIME (NEW TIME) & Sik-K - 5882 (OPPA ASAP) (Pop A Lot) - 10 scrobbles
7. ATEEZ - Horizon (TREASURE EPILOGUE: Action to Answer), JUS2 - Focus on Me (FOCUS), & XG - LEFT RIGHT(SHOOTING STAR) - 11 scrobbles
6. CODE KUNST feat. Tabber & Jay Park - BAD BAD (Remember Archive) & Stray Kids - Super Bowl (5-STAR) - 12 scrobbles

5. Stray Kids - Hall of Fame (5-STAR) - 13 scrobbles

This amazing b-side from the 5-Star album was one that I couldn't resist last year. The song continues that braggadocious attitude that Stray Kids is so good at without being too arrogant. The song has a nice aggressive rock sound with a slight theatric tone to make the song sound more grand and in your face. I enjoy Seungmin and Lee Know's vocals in this song, especially the trade off between their voices. The tranisitions between its almost out of this world minimalistic sound and its more rock section with a small mix of hip-hop are perfectly balanced and offer a unique journey throughout its nearly 3 minute duration. I hope people continue to call out Stray Kids' name in the coming years...and also that they get a little rest.

4. Sik-K feat. Simon Dominic & The Quiett - A Lil Bit [H.A.L.F (Have.A.Little.Fun)]- 14 scrobbles

My best friend and I liked this song more than "a lil bit". I'm sorry; I had to do it. Getting hyped to see the charismatic Sik-K for a second time and then riding off that high, we couldn't get enough of this song. It's a very addicting almost trap beat with lots of quiet moments to punctuate the lyrics. Not only do we have Sik-K's energetic, autotuned voice, but it also features my husbands Simon Dominic's nonchalant flirtations and The Quiett's laid back, but confident coaxing which completely solidifies this banger of a track. I also appreciate, along with my friend, that we're not the only ones who joke about how "polite" they are in this song.

3. Jimin - Like Crazy (FACE) - 15 scrobbles

If I ever get a chance to review Jimin's FACE, one thing I can definitely say is that I was absolutely surprised how much I loved it. While "Set Me Free Pt. 2" was a song I enjoyed a lot, I agree with a lot of people that it had too much autotune for my liking. Jimin has such an airy and angelic voice and autotune really doesn't compliment or add to his vocal tone. This being the second song he decided to promote carries over the uncertain, dark moodiness of "Set Me Free Pt. 2", but keeps Jimin's voice in tact adding an almost vulnerable high to the lyrics. Sure, it follows the trend of synthpop that was very popular in 2023, and maybe a bit now, but it's more The Weeknd than Dua Lipa in its presentation, especially visually.

2. JO1 - Tiger [TROPICAL NIGHT (Special Edition)] - 16 scrobbles

What!? A Japanese pop song! Yes, indeed! In an effort to touch back into jpop, and just Japanese music in general, I decided to fully dive right into JO1's discography and keep up with them as best as I can. At the time, they were promoting "Tiger" and I was instantly hooked. Coming from a survival show linked to the Produce series in kpop, JO1 combines the trends from both Japan and South Korea's pop scene, offering a more universal appeal. While I can easily compare them to more seasoned and performance based acts like The Rampage from Exile Tribe, especially visually, they do share the same appeal of some 4th generation kpop groups as well. The music is loud, a little noisy, but has a set structure to showcase the members' voices and dance moves, if you're watching the music video. I look forward to seeing what's to come from the group and hope that it brings some public awareness how amazing jpop can be.

1. Rich Brian - DOA (1999) - 17 scrobbles

I've known about Rich Brian before the name change, but I never gave his music a chance until last year. I can't give a proper assessment of thoughts on his music as this is the only album I've listened to completely, along with a couple other songs. I do have his previous two albums in waiting on my Need to Listen playlist on Spotify, so eventually I'll have a full opinion on his music. For now, I really did enjoy his 1999 project and "DOA" was the song I constantly had on repeat. It's just an easy song to get addicted to and the lyrics give a fun confidence and subtle encouragement that brings me joy. My only complaint about this song, and another reason I've listened to it so much, is that I feel like it's a little too short. I don't know. By the end of the song as the vocals repeat and fade, I end up wanting just a little more. Nonetheless, I look forward to checking out more Rich Brian music in the near future.