Former NCT member Lucas rolls out his solo debut title track, Renegade

On April 1, Monday, Lucas, a former member of NCT, released the title track of his solo debut, Renegade. After viewing the music video and listening to the lyrics, numerous fans praised and supported Lucas for addressing his controversy from 2021 in the song.

To those who are not aware, three years ago, the idol faced accusations of gaslighting, cheating, and other misconduct from an ex-girlfriend. Other individuals also stepped forward with similar claims, which ultimately resulted in his departure from NCT.

The Meaning Behind NCT Member Lucas’ Solo Debut Track, “Renegade”

On April 1st, Lucas, a former member of NCT, finally released his highly anticipated debut solo album, Renegade. The album included two music videos, Plan A and Plan B.

The music video presents two contrasting aesthetics of the song. Plan A depicts a narrative that conveys the song’s message, while Plan B highlights the idol’s dance and choreography abilities, emphasizing the performance aspect of the track.

The idol can be observed sitting in what appears to be a courtroom, dressed in a suit, in Plan A.

In the music video, he can be seen lip-syncing the song’s lyrics, as if he is speaking directly to the media representatives in front of him. From the lyrics, it was evident to many online users that the artist was addressing the controversy he faced in 2021 and the intense backlash he received as a result.

The song references numerous situations in which the media is portrayed as mistreating the idol and appears to criticize those who aimed to portray him in a negative manner. One of the lines mentions the media’s supposed manipulation of the story.

“Just read through the columns. They taintin’ the picture but don’t ask who shot ‘em. I swerve all the gossip.”

Some of the lyrics also touch upon those who used to bother him, but no longer do.

“Never basic, let haters stay hating. No debatin’, I’m a fan favorite. “

Moreover, the pre-chorus, which is reiterated twice throughout the song, also denounces individuals who spread false information:

“They try to stop me but it’s hopeless, there’s no controlling.”

Renegade also includes a line that conveys a similar message:

“I see it in their face, I see it in their eyes they about to tell a lie.”

Moreover, there is a scene in the music video where the idol transforms into a rat-like figure, leading many netizens to speculate that it symbolizes his potential downfall in the music industry. Nevertheless, as he reverts back to his human form while fiercely battling with his lyrics, it is also believed that he is determined to make a strong comeback with his solo debut.

Plan B of the music video solely focused on displaying Lucas performing the choreography of the song, which is not only dynamic but also reminiscent of the style he had previously exhibited during his tenure with NCT.

Lucas’ Controversial Behavior in 2021

In August 2021, Lucas was under heavy scrutiny after an anonymous netizen came forward claiming to be the idol’s ex-girlfriend. The individual accused Lucas of various wrongdoings, such as gaslighting, abuse, infidelity, theft, and more. Subsequently, other netizens also stepped forward with similar allegations.

This dispute sparked widespread backlash from netizens, who launched online campaigns and protest trucks demanding the idol’s departure from NCT and SM Entertainment. As a result, the idol went on a three-year hiatus.

In May 2023, SM Entertainment announced that the idol had decided to leave NCT and WayV. However, the agency also stated that he will be pursuing a solo career under their management.

At the time of writing, there were no official statements made regarding the truthfulness of the accusations against Lucas.

Despite some negative opinions about the idol’s new track release, there has also been an equal amount of positive feedback.