No Limit (EP)

No Limit
EP by Monsta X
Released	November 19, 2021
Genre	K-pop hip hop [1] EDM [1] [2] R&B [2]
Length	22:55
Language	Korean
Label	Starship Kakao
Monsta X chronology
One of a Kind (2021) No Limit (2021) The Dreaming (2021)
Singles from No Limit
"Rush Hour" Released: November 19, 2021

No Limit is the tenth extended play of the South Korean boy group Monsta X. It was released by Starship Entertainment and distributed by Kakao Entertainment on November 19, 2021.

Background and release

The EP was announced on October 24. ^[3] The tracklist was announced on November 5, with the EP having seven tracks, including the title track "Rush Hour". ^[4] Joohoney was a co-producer for "Rush Hour", as well as writing lyrics for the title track alongside I.M, ^[5] also as a co-writer and a co-producer for the tracks "Autobahn" and "Just Love", while Hyungwon was a co-writer and a co-producer for the track "Mercy". ^[6] The EP does not feature group member Shownu, due to him serving his mandatory military enlistment. ^[5]

Monsta X held a comeback showcase on Universe to introduce the EP alongside its title track on November 18. ^[7] On November 23, they appeared on Kim Young-chul's SBS Power FM . ^[8] On that same day, Monsta X showed up on MBC's Idol Radio hosted by members Hyungwon and Joohoney. ^[9] On November 25, they appeared on SBS' MMTG's Civilization Express hosted by Jaejae. ^[10] On December 1, Monsta X wrapped up their official activities for the comeback on Naver Now's Midnight Idol hosted by members Kihyun and I.M. ^[11]

The physical EP was released in four standard versions, with the addition of jewel cases version and KiT version. ^{[12] [13] [14] [15]}

Composition

No Limit contains Monsta X's determination to go straight for the world with spirit and confidence, while shining brighter in the age of infinite competition, and also proving the infinite possibilities of "limitless" in any situation. ^{[16] [17]}

"Rush Hour" is a hip hop-EDM song expressing the plethoric nature of the K-pop industry as heavy traffic, "Autobahn" is a song with club-ready electronic beat, "Ride with U" is trap beats meet the faintest trace of funk song, "Got Me in Chains" is a song with striking layers of techno and R&B, "Just Love" is a gentle meld of pop and R&B song, "Mercy" is a dark and foreboding song with gothic sonic elements, and "I Got Love" is a generic blend of trap and hip hop song. ^{[1] [2]}

Critical reception

Professional ratings

Review scores
Source	Rating
NME	[2]

Reviewing the EP for NME , Carmen Chin showed that it upholds the group's ambition "to unashamedly evolve into musicians who break barriers" and it delivers "quality music shaped by the very hands of Monsta X", with all the tracks "flaunt[ing] either writing or production credits from two or more members of the group at a time". ^[2]

Divyansha Dongre, writing for Rolling Stone India , wrote that "Rush Hour" captures the group's "vocal prowess and mastery in the hip hop-EDM sphere", adding that its confidence-inspiring lyrical arrangement "effortlessly encapsulates the group's strengths that contributed to their dynamic growth since their debut in 2015". ^[1]

Listicles

Name of critic or publication, name of listicle, name of work and rank

Critic/Publication	List	Work	Rank	Ref.
Album
South China Morning Post	25 Best K-pop Albums of 2021	No Limit	25	[18]

Commercial performance

The EP debuted at number four on the monthly Gaon Album Chart and sold more than 400,000 copies in its first month of release in South Korea. ^[19] Monsta X also received their first Hanteo Chart Silver Certification Plaque for achieving more than 280,000 copies in Initial Chodong sales with No Limit and surpassing their previous record of 197,841 copies with One of a Kind in its first week of release in South Korea. ^[20]

"Rush Hour" peaked at number 75 on the weekly Gaon Digital Chart, ^[21] while it debuted at number 142 on the monthly Gaon Digital Chart, making it the group's first entry on the monthly chart for digitals. ^[22] The track also debuted at number 11 on the weekly Billboard World Digital Song Sales chart, ^[23] and at number 69 on the weekly Billboard K-pop Hot 100. ^[24] All the other tracks on the EP did not appear on the Gaon Digital Chart, but did appear on its component, the Gaon Download Chart, with "Autobahn" peaking at 55, "Ride with U" at 59, "Just Love" at 62, "Mercy" at 64, "I Got Love" at 65, and "Got Me in Chains" at 67. ^[25] It is a career high for Monsta X for number of music program wins, achieving a total of five trophies upon the group's two weeks of promotions, two from The Show , ^{[26] [27]} two from Show Champion , ^[28] and one from Music Bank . ^{[29] [30]}

Track listing

No Limit track listing

No.	Title	Lyrics	Music	Arrangement	Length
1.	"Rush Hour"	Joohoney Ye-Yo! I.M Laser Sam Carter Brother Su	Joohoney Ye-Yo! Sam Carter Billy Carvin th!nk Brother Su Bae Ki-hyun	Joohoney Ye-Yo!	3:22
2.	"Autobahn"	I.M Yoonseok Wooki Joohoney	I.M Yoonseok Wooki	I.M Yoonseok Wooki	3:17
3.	"Ride with U"	Flying Lab Joohoney I.M	Hong Kim Jimmy Claeson	Hong Kim	3:24
4.	"Got Me in Chains"	Wkly Flying Lab Joohoney I.M	Kwon Deuk-geun PUFF Davey Nate C Minor	Kwon Deuk-geun PUFF	3:07
5.	"Just Love"	I.M Yoonseok Wooki Joohoney	I.M Yoonseok Wooki	I.M Yoonseok Wooki	3:12
6.	"Mercy"	Hyungwon Jantine Annike Heij Joohoney I.M Justin Oh	Hyungwon Justin Oh Jantine Annike Heij	Hyungwon Justin Oh Jantine Annike Heij	3:10
7.	"I Got Love"	Joohoney Ye-Yo! Laser I.M	Joohoney Ye-Yo! Laser	Joohoney Ye-Yo!	3:23
Total length:					22:55

Charts

Album

Weekly charts Chart performance for No Limit Chart (2021) Peak position Japanese Albums (Oricon) [31] 34 South Korean Albums (Gaon) [32] 1

Monthly chart Chart performance for No Limit Chart (2021) Peak position South Korean Albums (Gaon) [19] 4

Year-end chart Chart performance for No Limit Chart (2021) Position South Korean Albums (Gaon) [33] 30

Songs

Weekly charts Chart performance for "Rush Hour" Chart (2021) Peak position South Korea (Gaon) [21] 75 South Korea (K-pop Hot 100) [24] 69 US World Digital Song Sales ( Billboard ) [23] 11

Monthly chart Chart performance for "Rush Hour" Chart (2021) Peak position South Korea (Gaon) [22] 142

Certification and sales

Certification and sales for No Limit

Region	Certification	Certified units/Sales
South Korea (KMCA) [34]	Platinum	456,266 [35]
Japan	—	2,651 [36]

Accolades

Music program award for "Rush Hour"

Program	Date (5 total)	Ref.
Music Bank	November 26, 2021	[29]
Show Champion	November 24, 2021	[28]
	December 1, 2021	[30]
The Show	November 23, 2021	[26]
	November 30, 2021	[27]

Release history

Release history and formats for No Limit

Region	Date	Format	Label
South Korea	November 19, 2021	CD digital download streaming	Starship Entertainment Kakao Entertainment
Various		Digital download streaming

See also

• List of certified albums in South Korea
• List of Gaon Album Chart number ones of 2021
• List of K-pop songs on the Billboard charts
• List of K-pop songs on the World Digital Song Sales chart

References

1. Dongre, Divyansha (November 19, 2021). "Watch Monsta X Deliver A Power-Packed Performance in 'Rush Hour'". Rolling Stone India . Retrieved November 23, 2021.
2. Chin, Carmen (November 22, 2021). "MONSTA X – 'No Limit' review: the boyband unleash the fire burning within". NME . Retrieved November 22, 2021.
3. Daly, Rhian (October 24, 2021). "MONSTA X announce new mini-album 'No Limit'". NME. Retrieved November 19, 2021.
4. Lee, Jae-eun (November 5, 2021). 몬스타엑스 'No Limit' 트랙리스트 공개 [Monsta X's 'No Limit' tracklist released]. Sports Kyunghyang (in Korean). Retrieved November 5, 2021– via Naver.
5. Chin, Carmen (November 19, 2021). "MONSTA X return with fiery music video for 'Rush Hour'". NME. Retrieved November 19, 2021.
6. Kim, Ye-ji (November 17, 2021). 몬스타엑스 멤버 열정이 녹아든 '노 리밋'…자체제작돌 ['No Limit' with the passion of MONSTA X members... self-made stone]. Newsis (in Korean). Retrieved November 18, 2021– via Naver.
7. Yoo, Byung-cheol (November 12, 2021). 몬스타엑스, 18일 글로벌 컴백쇼 예고…컴백 타이틀곡 'Rush Hour' 무대 선공개 [Monsta X to announce global comeback show on the 18th... Pre-release stage for comeback title song 'Rush Hour']. Korea Economic TV (in Korean). Retrieved November 18, 2021– via Naver.
8. Lee, Yeon-sil (November 23, 2021). '철파엠'이 픽한 아이돌 몬스타엑스 "'NO LIMIT', 몬엑은 무엇이든 잘함" [Idol Monsta X picked by 'Chulpa M' "'NO LIMIT', Mon-Ek is good at anything"]. iMBC (in Korean). Retrieved November 23, 2021– via Naver.
9. Baek, Seung-hoon (November 25, 2021). '아이돌라디오2' 몬스타엑스, 재미·케미 한계 뛰어넘었다 ['Idol Radio 2' Monsta X surpasses the limits of fun and chemistry]. iMBC (in Korean). Retrieved November 25, 2021– via Naver.
10. Seo, Sang-hyun (November 27, 2021). 몬스타엑스, 역대급 웃음 갱신한 '문명특급'…K팝 걸그룹 댄스 완벽 재현 [MONSTA X's 'Civilization Express' that renewed all-time laughter... Perfect reproduction of K-pop girl group dance]. Top Daily (in Korean). Retrieved November 27, 2021.
11. Yoo, Byung-cheol (December 2, 2021). 몬스타엑스, 첫 음악방송 5관왕과 함께 '러쉬 아워(Rush Hour)' 공식 활동 마무리…'심야아이돌'서 터트린 피날레 [MONSTA X wraps up their official activities for 'Rush Hour' with 5 trophies on their first music show... The finale of 'Late Night Idol']. Korea Economic TV (in Korean). Retrieved December 2, 2021– via Naver.
12. Lee, Nam-kyung (November 10, 2021). 몬스타엑스, 'No Limit' 첫 콘셉트 포토 공개…시크 카리스마 절정 [MONSTA X releases the first concept photo for 'No Limit'... chic charisma peak]. MBN (in Korean). Retrieved November 10, 2021– via Naver.
13. Lee, Seung-hoon (November 11, 2021). "역시 '얼굴 천재'"..몬스타엑스, 눈빛으로 분위기 압도한 'No Limit' 콘셉트 포토 ["As expected, 'face genius'"..Monsta X, 'No Limit' concept photo that overwhelms the atmosphere with their eyes]. OSEN (in Korean). Retrieved November 11, 2021– via Naver.
14. Kim, Na-young (November 14, 2021). 몬스타엑스, 'No Limit' 세 번째 콘셉트 포토…짙어진 5인 5색 남성미 [MONSTA X's 'No Limit' 3rd concept photo... The darkened five-person, five-color masculine beauty]. MK Sports (in Korean). Retrieved November 14, 2021– via Naver.
15. Ji, Min-kyung (November 15, 2021). 몬스타엑스, 'No Limit'으로 출격 준비 완료..고품격 수트핏 [MONSTA X, ready for sortie with 'No Limit'..High quality suit fit]. OSEN (in Korean). Retrieved November 15, 2021– via Naver.
16. Lee, Se-ul (November 19, 2021). 몬스타엑스, 오늘(19일) '노 리밋' 발매…여유·자신감 '러쉬 아워' [MONSTA X releases 'No Limit' today (19th)... Relaxation and confidence 'Rush Hour']. Xports News (in Korean). Retrieved November 19, 2021– via Naver.
17. Kim, Na-yul (December 4, 2021). 몬스타엑스, 'No Limit' 활동 성료.."건강한 모습으로 돌아올 것"[일문일답] [Monsta X, 'No Limit' promotions completed.."I will come back with a healthy figure"[Q&A]]. K-pop Herald (in Korean). Retrieved December 4, 2021– via Naver.
18. Herman, Tamar (December 22, 2021). "25 Best K-pop Albums of 2021". SCMP . Retrieved December 22, 2021.
19. 2021년 11월 Album Chart. Gaon Music Chart (in Korean). Retrieved December 9, 2021.
20. Son, Jin-ah (December 30, 2021). '한계 없는 성장' 몬스타엑스, 첫 한터차트 실버 인증패 수상 ['Growth without limits' Monsta X wins first Hanteo Chart Silver Certification Plaque]. MK Sports (in Korean). Retrieved December 30, 2021– via Naver.
21. 2021년 48주차 Digital Chart [Week 48 of 2021 Digital Chart]. Gaon Music Chart (in Korean). Retrieved December 2, 2021.
22. 2021년 11월 Digital Chart. Gaon Music Chart (in Korean). Retrieved December 9, 2021.
23. "Monsta X Chart History: World Digital Song Sales". Billboard. Retrieved November 30, 2021.
24. "Monsta X Chart History: Billboard K-pop 100". Billboard . Retrieved November 30, 2021.
25. "Download Chart 2021 Weeks 47". Gaon Music Chart (in Korean). Retrieved October 20, 2022.
26. Lee, Seung-hoon (November 23, 2021). '더쇼' 몬스타엑스, 컴백과 동시에 1위 "사랑한다 몬베베"..원어스 컴백→빌리 데뷔[종합] ['The Show' Monsta X, 1st place at the same time as the comeback "I love you Monbebe"..Oneus comeback → Billy debut [comprehensive]]. OSEN (in Korean). Retrieved November 23, 2021.
27. Lee, Si-yeon (November 30, 2021). '더쇼' 몬스터엑스, 출연 없이 1위..박군·고스트나인 컴백[★밤TView] ['The Show' Monsta X, 1st place without appearance.. Park Goon, Ghost Nine comeback [★Night TView]]. Star Money Today (in Korean). Retrieved November 30, 2021– via Naver.
28. Kim, Jong-eun (November 24, 2021). 몬스타엑스 '쇼챔' 1위 "몬베베 너무 고맙다" [Monsta X 'Show Champion' 1st place "Monbebe thank you so much"]. TV Daily (in Korean). Retrieved November 24, 2021.
29. Kim, Soo-jung (November 26, 2021). '뮤뱅' 몬스타엑스, 트와이스 꺾고 1위 "몬베베 덕분" [종합] ['Mubang' Monsta X beats Twice to win 1st place "Thanks to Monbebe" [General]]. Xports News (in Korean). Retrieved November 26, 2021– via Naver.
30. Kim, No-eul (December 2, 2021). 몬스타엑스, 5관왕 자축→'러쉬 아워' 활동 종료 "몬베베 고마워요" [Monsta X celebrates 5 gold medals → 'Rush Hour' activities end "Thank you Monbebe"]. Xports News (in Korean). Retrieved December 2, 2021– via Naver.
31. 週間 アルバムランキング - 2021年12月06日付. Oricon News (in Japanese). Oricon . Retrieved December 1, 2021.
32. 2021년 47주차 Album Chart. Gaon Music Chart (in Korean). Retrieved November 25, 2021.
33. 2021년 Album Chart. Gaon Music Chart (in Korean). Retrieved January 7, 2022.
34. "Gaon Certification - Album". Gaon Music Chart (in Korean). Retrieved January 6, 2022.
35. Cumulative sales for No Limit (Kit + CD):
    • 2021년 Album Chart. Gaon Music Chart (in Korean). Retrieved January 7, 2022.
    • 2022년 01월 Album Chart. Gaon Music Chart (in Korean). Retrieved February 10, 2022.
36. 週間 アルバムランキング 2021年11月22日～2021年11月28日 [Weekly Album Ranking November 22, 2021 – November 28, 2021]. Oricon News (in Japanese). Oricon. Archived from the original on December 1, 2021. Retrieved December 1, 2021.