January 17 is a legendary date for STAYs. Exactly nine years ago, three ambitious trainees under JYP Entertainment united to form a production team that changed everything. They didn’t just want to be idols; they wanted to be creators. Today, fans are flooding social media with #9YearsWith3RACHA to celebrate a journey that went from underground SoundCloud rappers to global stadium headliners.
Meet Bang Chan (CB97), Changbin (SPEARB), and Han (J.ONE). Together, they are 3RACHA. What started as a “homemade” project is now the creative engine behind Stray Kids’ massive discography. Their chemistry turned a small trainee unit into a global phenomenon that is still dominating the industry in 2026.
From SoundCloud to Stardom: The 2017 Origins
Before the sold-out stadiums, the trio spent their nights uploading raw, self-produced tracks to SoundCloud. On January 18, 2017, they dropped their first mixtape, J:/2017/mixtape. It was honest. It was gritty. And it was unlike anything else in the K-pop trainee system at the time. They started as a hip-hop crew, writing music to vent about their frustrations and hopes.
Ever wonder about the name? It’s a play on sriracha hot sauce. They wanted their music to have that same “searing heat” and “piquant tang.” Nearly a decade later, they’ve definitely kept that promise. They even used to post tracks on niche hip-hop forums just to get feedback before the world knew them as Stray Kids.
Architects of the “Stray Kids Genre”
As the primary producers for Stray Kids, 3RACHA crafted the group’s signature sound. Bang Chan usually handles the arrangements and beats, while Changbin and Han focus on sharp lyrics and complex melodies. Critics once labeled their style “noise music.” But 3RACHA didn’t back down. Instead, they reclaimed the term and turned it into a global brand.
“We didn’t just want to make music; we wanted to tell our own stories. 3RACHA is the heart of everything we do as Stray Kids.” — Bang Chan
Timeline of Innovation: Iconic Produced Tracks
- 2017: J:/2017/mixtape and 3Days — The foundation of their SoundCloud identity.
- 2021-2022: The release of “3Racha.” The trio explored the drill genre and earned massive critical acclaim.
- 2022: SKZ-Replay dropped, featuring unit tracks like “Zone” and various solo masterpieces.
- 2023-2026: Mainstream success with stadium anthems that blend heavy hip-hop with global K-pop appeal.
3RACHA Fast Facts
- Formation Date: January 17, 2017 (Mixtape released Jan 18)
- Members: Bang Chan (Leader), Changbin (Main Rapper), Han (Main Rapper)
- Industry Status: All three are full members of the Korea Music Copyright Association (KOMCA).
- Global Impact: They’ve evolved from trainee showcases to headlining multiple stadium world tours by 2026.
The Legacy Continues in 2026
The 3RACHA influence isn’t slowing down. Rumors of new unit releases and production credits for other artists have kept the STAY fandom on high alert. Their journey from niche SoundCloud uploads to the top of the K-pop world remains one of the most inspiring stories in music.
Fans love them for their transparency. Their lyrics provide comfort and motivation for millions. As they enter their tenth year together, the trio remains the gold standard for the next generation of self-producing idols. Still spicy, still raw, and still 3RACHA.
What is your favorite 3RACHA-produced track from the last 9 years? Let us know in the comments!
