Far From Just a Hobby, Thai Rapper MILLI Takes Muay Thai to the Next Level in New Album ‘HEAVYWEIGHT’
- Anderson Longenecker
- Sep 30
- 6 min read
In her new album release HEAVYWEIGHT, Thai rapper MILLI declares her title as a fighter and exhibits her musical ability through hard-hitting tracks and genre-bending flexibility. Working once more with Thai producer SpatChies, MILLI showcases her writing skills as the only songwriter credited for the majority of the album.
If you've never heard of her, MILLI debuted her first single, "Phak Kohn" in 2020. Since then, she has made history as the first Thai artist to perform on Coachella's main stage in 2022, truly a landmark achievement. She has also collaborated with various artists such as Jackson Wang on the remix of "GBAD (feat. MILLI & YOUHA)" and with F.HERO and Changbin of Stray Kids on "Mirror Mirror." Signed to YUPP! Entertainment and 88rising, MILLI forges a unique path through her dynamic sound.
Now, she's added a sophomore album to her roster with a title that isn't just symbolic. After undergoing vigorous training, MILLI made her debut as an amateur Muay Thai fighter earlier this year. In the mini-documentary series on YouTube, MILLI TO THE RING, MILLI takes viewers with her, showcasing her preparation for the fight. In the first episode, she discusses how while experiencing physical pain can serve as a distraction from emotional or mental anguish, it's not good to pursue pain as a coping mechanism. While MILLI says her psychiatrist's advice is sound, she must find other ways of dealing with stress. Since she already had an interest in sports, MILLI chose boxing as an outlet.
MILLI’s unshakable commitment to Muay Thai training not only showcases her determination but also demonstrates her dedication to crafting HEAVYWEIGHT. She doesn't just use the imagery of boxing as a far-fetched analogy; she has fully experienced the sport herself.
It's clear from her confident lyrics and her powerful sound that MILLI has fought battles throughout her life. In this album, she reveals more than ever before.
Let's review.
With 13 tracks totaling around 34 minutes, this album packs a few punches and takes fans along a musical journey. The first half of the album is characterized by drill style flows and buzzing trap beats, creating gritty, sensational anthems that showcase the strength MILLI embodies as both a boxer and a seasoned artist.
Collaborating with Japanese acts ATARASHII GAKKO! and Awich, Korean rapper BewhY, Thai vocalist and guitarist Gong H 3 F, and Roc Nation's Hugo (among others), MILLI showcases her impressive musicality as she continuously switches from trap to country rock to R&B. Much like a boxing match, the album begins with a fierce opening and ends on a softer, more vulnerable note as MILLI reflects and opens up about her struggles as an artist with a larger-than-life character who is still human all the same.
"HEAVYWEIGHT," the title track, features an old-style vocalization mixed with a balance of reverb and distant echoes to produce an alluring dissonance. Listeners may be reminded of the iconic James Bond "Skyfall" from the cinematic instrumentation as MILLI takes listeners through her journey as an artist:
"My body shows what I've been through this period."
As Tar, the project director of YUPP! Entertainment, says in episode one of MILLI TO THE RING, MILLI has not become a heavyweight. The classification of heavyweight in boxing involves a set weight limit and far more training than MILLI could do in the time allotted for her to prepare. However, she has pushed herself towards achieving heavyweight status as she continues making progress as a boxer. Whether she wins or loses in the ring, MILLI has already won the competition between her past and current self, undeniably evolving throughout this process.
"ONE PUNCH," which was released in March in collaboration with the popular first-person shooter game Valorant, is a heavy-hitting song featuring a quick-fire rap weaving seamlessly between English and Thai.
The music video takes viewers up close and personal as MILLI trains for a boxing match. The harsh shadows and rugged nature of the shots reflect the overarching theme of perseverance throughout the album, as we see MILLI both throwing and taking punches. MILLI finally rises to her final form, cloaked in a black fur jacket, as she tosses a final jab at the camera and ends the video.
Watch the music video for "ONE PUNCH" here:
The adrenaline-inducing track "ARMSTRONG" emphasizes a techno-inspired beat and a catchy, repetitive refrain. It’s perfect for dancing in the club, and it will feel right at home in your hype playlist. The boxing theme continues with a sense of urgency, melding perfectly with the mixed-genre style of ATARASHII GAKKO!. The Japanese girl group is known for their powerful, energetic performances and their hit song "Tokyo Calling." MILLI collaborated with ATARASHII GAKKO! previously on their album AG! Calling (2024) with the song "Drama (feat. MILLI)."
With an addictively pulsing yet melodic drum beat, this song will instantly become your new earworm. Featuring the iconic Japanese rapper Awich, this song draws listeners in from the very first edited sample of MILLI’s voice. With the playful refrain of “เห็นบ่ล่ะ?“ or “do you see?” and "jaa ehh," which means peekaboo in Thai (จ๊ะเอ๋), both rappers lay down a succinct reflection (and flex) on the successes of their respective careers.
“Turnin' left you see my face
Turnin' right I be like จ๊ะเอ๋”
MILLI and Awich paint a picture: they are so successful and influential in their musical careers that their haters won’t be able to escape them. With the amount of work that both artists put in, they pop up everywhere like “peekaboo.”
The trap style beat and gritty synth makes for a darker sound that drives the beat forward and propels the rhythmic clicking sound featured throughout. Here, MILLI gives a word to her fans and her haters:
"They say it's luck but it really be fate all day."
In the music video, MILLI collaborates with Japanese dance group Avantgardey, who are known for their synchronized movements, eccentric facial expressions, and school girl outfits. Together, they produce psychedelic visuals that perfectly match the mood of the song.
Watch the video for "SICK WITH IT" here:
From here, the album retains its dramatic, fighter theme but weaves in something a little different with the electric dance song: "DANCE or DEAD" featuring Knock2. Additionally, BewhY’s signature orchestral elements make a much-anticipated appearance in "HELL YES feat. BewhY."
Taking on a different sound and driven by a shimmering bassline, "BLUES BLURRY" is a country rock song showcasing MILLI's jazzy vocals. The track features a guitar solo by Gong H 3 F, a member of the Thai band H 3 F. The band originally gained traction performing covers of blues songs and has since risen in popularity within the indie scene as they write their own music.
"MENACE"
In this song, we hear more of MILLI's raw, clear tones as she laments a past lover who had a bad influence on her. The accompanying music video starkly contrasts with the previous music videos, which featured limited color and emphasized a bolder side of MILLI. With warm light, soft colors, and lacy outfits, MILLI transforms almost completely from the boxing match setting.
Despite the more sensual vibe, MILLI maintains a sharp edge in her lyrics, acknowledging that while she may be tempted or make mistakes, she has learned from those painful experiences. She refuses to give in to the same person who wronged her. From here, the album winds down into a softer, more R&B-inspired sound.
Watch the music video for "MENACE" here:
The album rounds off with emotional, slow pop ballads that show a vulnerable side to MILLI. In her song "INVISIBLE TEARS," she reveals her two sides: the public figure and who she is when the lights go down.
"And when it's over
I turn on my usual smile
It's still sincere but only here
I'll show you my invisible tears."
While the album leaves off on a contemplative note, MILLI herself isn't done. The official YUPP! Entertainment album announcement highlights the caption: "HEAVYWEIGHT ISN'T JUST A TITLE, IT'S A STORY YOU CARRY." MILLI has presented fans with a powerful piece of her story, adding on new chapters one song at a time.
Via MILLI's official Instagram account
What do you think about HEAVYWEIGHT? Let us know in the comments below or by reaching out to us on Instagram or X.
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Edited by Michelle Leung
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