BabyMonster debuted on November 27, 2023, with the release of the single "Batter Up" as a six-piece ensemble. Member Ahyeon, whom due to personal health issues, was unable to partake in the group's activities and was excluded from the debut line-up.[1] On December 31, YG Entertainment founder Yang Hyun-suk announced plans for the group to release their first EP in April 2024, following the release of the pre-release single "Stuck in the Middle" on February 1, 2024.[2] A follow up announcement by Yang on January 24, 2024, revealed that Ahyeon has recovered from her health issues and will be rejoining the group to promote their upcoming EP in April. The group's previously released singles were also re-recorded with Ahyeon.[3]
On February 28, YG Entertainment officially announced the release of the group's first EP titled BabyMons7er, scheduled for an April 1 release.[4][5] On March 10, YG released a trailer for the EP.[6] On March 18, Yang announced the EP's track listing.[7]
In Yang's announcement of the EP's track listing, he described the title track "Sheesh" as a hip-hop song with a powerful chorus and a darker tone compared to the group's debut single "Batter Up".[8] He further adds that the track "Like That" was written and gifted to the group by American singer-songwriter Charlie Puth, after member Ahyeon's cover of Puth's song "Dangerously" attracted the attention of many global fans, including Puth himself.[9] The track "Dream" was previously unofficially released for BabyMonster's pre-debut reality show Last Evaluation.[10]
NME's Carmen Chin gave the album two out of five stars, criticizing the group's attempt to carve their own identity amidst recycled material reminiscent of Blackpink. She found that while some tracks show potential, overall, the album falls short of establishing themselves as a unique and original act.[11]
^Kim, Se-ah (January 1, 2024). ""소속 가수보다는 딸처럼" 양현석, '베이비몬스터' 활동 계획 직접 밝혔다" ["More like a daughter than a singer in the company" Yang Hyun-suk directly revealed his 'BabyMonster' activity plans] (in Korean). Ten Asia. Archived from the original on January 1, 2024. Retrieved January 1, 2024 – via Naver.
^Kang, Seo-jeong (March 18, 2024). "베이비몬스터7인 완전체로 '진짜' 준비됐다..양현석이 직접 공표한 공식데뷔[Oh!쎈 종합]" [BabyMonster is 'really' ready as a complete 7-member lineup.. Official debut announced by Yang Hyun-suk himself [Osen Comprehensive]] (in Korean). Osen. Archived from the original on March 18, 2024. Retrieved March 18, 2024 – via Naver.
^Han, Ha-na (March 18, 2024). "양현석 "베이비몬스터7인, 공식 데뷔일은4월1일...큰 소리로 응원 부탁"" [Yang Hyun-suk "BabyMonster's 7 members' official debut date is April 1st... Please cheer loudly"] (in Korean). MBN. Archived from the original on March 18, 2024. Retrieved March 18, 2024 – via Naver.
