SINGAPORE - Fresh takes and collaborations loom large in K-pop this month while talented newcomers stand out on the J-pop scene. The Straits Times highlights 10 new releases to check out.

1. HIP-HOP

D-2

Agust D

Hear it on: Spotify, Apple Music and other music streaming platforms

Hit boy band BTS' rapper Suga, who goes by the stage name Agust D for his solo work, released his second mixtape D-2 last month. He fully leans into his love of hip-hop and high-speed raps and touches on his experiences of going from underdog to superstar.

Lead song Daechwita's music video has cameos from other BTS members, while fellow rapper and BTS leader RM collaborates with Agust D on Strange.

2. POP

FANTASIA X

Monsta X

Hear it on: Spotify, Apple Music and other music streaming platforms

The group's first album as a six member outfit following the departure of Wonho leads with a powerful and energetic dance track Fantasia, which comes with a music video rendered in a black and gold theme. Other songs like Zone embrace the electronic dance music (EDM) trend of recent years.