TAEYONG and Anderson .Paak Just Dropped the Grittiest Collab of the Year: Everything You Need to Know About “Rock Solid”

NCTzens, take a breath—the leader is officially back, and he didn’t come alone. After months of anticipation following his military discharge, TAEYONG has finally returned with a track that feels less like a typical idol comeback and more like a high-stakes hip-hop takeover.

His new single, “Rock Solid (feat. Anderson .Paak)” hit the scene on April 17, and it’s already proving that TAEYONG hasn’t lost a step. If anything, he’s faster, hungrier, and more confident than ever.

The Vibe: Where Seoul Meets the West Coast

This isn’t your polished, “factory-made” pop song. Produced by Dem Jointz, “Rock Solid” leans heavily into a raw, 90s-inspired grit.

The standout feature? That infectious, looped chant of “Rock Solid” that stays buried in your head for hours. But the real magic happens in the interplay between the two artists. Anderson .Paak brings that loose, funky “live” percussion he’s famous for, which acts as the perfect playground for TAEYONG’s sharp, aggressive rap flow. It doesn’t feel like a forced label collaboration; it feels like two guys who actually respect each other’s craft just hanging out in the studio.

Reading Between the Lines

Lyrically, “Rock Solid” is a statement of intent. TAEYONG uses this track to remind everyone that his foundation is—as the title suggests—unbreakable.

After a hiatus, there’s always a question of whether an artist can reclaim their spot. TAEYONG answers that with a smirk, delivering lines about being “back in the office” and “protecting the empire.” It’s an anthem for anyone who has had to build something from the ground up and refuses to let it crumble.

“Through this project, I realized, ‘So this is another way music can be made.’ It became an opportunity for me to expand myself as an artist.” — TAEYONG

The Music Video: A Y2K Fever Dream

If you love nostalgia, this video is for you. Shot with a gritty, camcorder-style aesthetic, the visuals are a chaotic, fun homage to early 2000s MTV.

We see TAEYONG and Paak bouncing between jewelry stores and luxury yachts, rocking cheetah prints and oversized furs. It’s loud, it’s expensive, and it perfectly captures the “don’t take yourself too seriously” energy that makes both of these artists so likable.

What’s Next?

Don’t get too comfortable with just this single. “Rock Solid” is actually the lead-up to TAEYONG’s first full-length solo album, set to drop in May 2026.

While his previous work like SHALALA was experimental and “Neo” this new era feels more grounded. He’s stepping onto the global stage not just as a K-pop star, but as a legitimate force in the hip-hop and R&B world.