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AS a fervent second-generation K-pop listener, I have been a follower of YG Entertainment since stumbling upon Haru Haru by Big Bang; soon becoming a part of the Blackjacks (the fandom name for former girl group 2NE1) as well as a VIP (the fandom name for Big Bang).
I watched as YG signed talented and unique talents like solo artist Lee Hi and sibling duo AKMU, and even resurrecting first-generation K-pop boy group Sechskies.
Till this day, I still remember the glum day when 2NE1 announced their disbanding and their final Goodbye and especially being in denial when news circulated that Blackpink was to be the rising new 2NE1; I mean, these newbies had huge shoes to fill if they were to be YG’s upcoming Gizibe (Baddest Female).
And unfortunately, Blackpink’s debut song Whistle – although catchy – fell short of YG’s typically strong and overbearing vibe and energy; instead, they came into the K-pop scene just like any other third-generation K-pop group. (For reference, think TT by TWICE)
They were not the upcoming unnie’s (the Korean term for elder sisters used by girls) and noona’s (the Korean term for elder sisters used by boys) that the other groups needed to look out for, despite YG’s efforts in posting really – for the lack of a better term – badass trainee clips of them.
For years, Blackpink continued to build their fanbase and reach global markets, yet never really being able to step out of their senior’s powerful shadows; I mean, when you think of CL (leader of 2NE1) and of G-Dragon (leader of Big Bang), you are more often than not engulfed in their strong overpowering aura, which Blackpink doesn't exactly carry with them.
It was as though Blackpink was in the area, but easily overlooked or forgotten.
However, six years after their debut, Blackpink is FINALLY in the area!
Their latest singles Pink Venom and Shut Down, from their latest studio album Born Pink, are here to bring the roof down.
Stepping out of their muted ‘bad girls’ vibe, these new releases brings back memories of the typical YG energy – strong, powerful, confident with that hint of tyranny.
Right off the bat in Pink Venom, our first image is of Ji Soo playing the Geomungo (a traditional Korean plucked zither) in a dark room surrounded by people in black robes, and then in comes a monster truck with Jennie dressed in her unusually peculiar outfit.
Sounds like a familiar scene? Well, that’s because big cars and peculiar costume designs seem to be a typical YG trope.
Bandanas as masks and more cars, a new concept or a modern Covid-19 trope? Neither. In fact, this is a common scene and costume choice by many of YG’s artist’s music videos.
Speaking of costume changes, Blackpink went from being pretty girls next door in black and pink, to street savvy girl bosses in their latest releases too! All which echoes YG’s typical hip-hop street style which many of it's second generation of artists embodied.
On top of that, Blackpink’s music video concept went from cool yet preppy to another common trend in many of YG’s music videos, futuristic-dystopian; most prominent being 2NE1’s Come Back Home and Big Bang’s Fantastic Baby.
Black, street and almost military looking, none of which gives you the sweet girl-next-door vibes, which Blackpink looks to have dropped from their latest releases.
Now, these costume and music video concept changes would mean absolutely nothing if the members of Blackpink didn’t also carry the we’re-better-than-you vibe that their seniors brought.
I am ecstatic to share with you that Pink Venom and Shut Down (and the rest of their album for that matter of fact), definitely brings the boss vibes.
With their latest single quoting, “You don’t wanna be on my bad side that’s right I’m slidin’ through. Bunch of wannabes that wanna be me, me three if I was you.” (Blackpink Shut Down) It without a doubt brings, “From my head to my toes, there’s a visual shock” (Big Bang Fantastic Baby), and “Whoever looks at me can see I'm kind of fabulous. Even if you were me, you'd be envious of this body,” (2NE1 I Am The Best) boss vibes.
Six years in the making, and this is the first time in a long since I've been excited to see where Blackpink goes next.
A little bonus fun fact in case you haven't noticed, Blackpink’s ra-ta-ta moment in Pink Venom (in my opinion) is such an ode to their 2NE1 unnie’s ra-ta-ta moment in I Am The Best. – The Vibes, September 25, 2022
