We Go Up

Originally debuted as a septet in August 2016 with the digital single "Chewing Gum", NCT Dream actively promoted as a sextet instead since February 1, 2017 due to member Jaemin's medical hiatus.[5][6] Jaemin eventually rejoined the unit for their parental group's 2018 project Empathy single, titled "Go", which saw the group transitioning from their "youthful" image to a more "rebellious" and "defiant" approach in both music and image.[7] SM Entertainment eventually announced the group would release a new extended play in September 2018, later revealed to be We Go Up. The label further stated that member Mark would "graduate" from the unit following the EP's release in December 2018, due to him turning 19 by the time, thus reaching the age of adulthood in South Korea.[8][9] An accompanying music video for the eponymous lead single was released on August 30, 2018, four days prior to the extended play's release.[10][11] The EP's package came in a singular version with a CD containing all six songs, a photo booklet and several collectibles for fans.[12]

We Go Up contains five new songs recorded in Korean by the unit, while its eponymous track received a Mandarin version as the closing track. The lead single "We Go Up" is described as a "retro vibe", urban hip hop track that saw the members singing about team spirit, containing "tinny" percussion and "booming" bass line along with the group "serv[ing] up swaggering raps and harmonious vocals".[13] It was written by SM songwriter Kenzie and member Mark, whom went on to co-write three additional tracks in the album, while the former also worked with producer MZMC, singer-songwriter Bazzi, Mike Woods, and Kevin White on the song's production.[14] Along with Mark, member Jeno, Jaemin and Jisung also took part in writing the lyrics for "Dear Dream", a hip-hop and pop song that memorizes the graduation of Mark from the sub-unit.[15] The unit also worked with American production team The Stereotypes and Canadian musician August Rigo on the track "1, 2, 3", a funky R&B and dance-pop track that sings about falling for a new crush.[16]

The album entered Billboard's World Albums chart at No. 5, and Heatseekers Albums chart at No.7; which marks NCT Dream's best sales week in America to date.[17]

NCT Dream Show was NCT Dream's music variety show. It focused on NCT’s concept, which is sympathizing through dreaming and becoming one through music.[18]