Weekly K-pop faves: September 12-18
2016’s been quite a year for K-pop, and each week our KultScene team aims to share some of our favorite releases of the past seven days. Over the past week, we discovered songs by the queen of hip hopYoonmirae, rapper Beenzino, and the boy band 2PM. Take a listen and let us know what your favorite song of the week was!
“JamCome On Baby” by Yoonmirae (Released Sep. 12)
Aside from the fact that Yoonmirae is a true queen of Korean music due to her immense versibility and fierce nature, I really love this song because I love puns. While the song’s title is “JamCome On Baby” in English it’s“잠깐만 Baby” or “Wait A Minute Baby” but the Korean word jjamkkamnon sounds similar to “JamCome On.” So let’s also give Yoonmirae the title of “queen of the punsters.” As for the song itself, I really love the fact that it melds electronic music, Yoonmirae’s sweet ballad tone, and her hip-hop flair into one four-minute song. The song is a sleepy banger with a pounding beat and inspiring lyrics and made to be listened to again and again.
Also on Kultscene: Which “Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo” prince are you? [Quiz]
“Time Travel” by Beenzino (Released Sep. 12)
I have to come clean about something. I was largely underwhelmed by Beenzino’s newest album “12,” especially since “Up All Night” was glorious. So when his newest music video for “Time Travel,” I had to go double check if the song was in said album, cause I was definitely digging it now. This, of course, is mostly due to the aesthetically pleasing music video. The rapper takes us into an Alice in Wonderland-like trippy, artsy world. The video is colorful, neon, weird, and just overall signature Tiger Cave studio. As for the song, what I initially thought was a forgettable release, together with the music video becomes this dreamy experience that’s really soothing.
”Promise (I’ll be) by 2PM (Released Sep. 13)
The (not-so) beastly idols made their long anticipated comeback this week after more than a year with their album “Gentleman’s Game.” The songs on their album, in particular title track “Promise”, definitely reflect how much 2PM has grown as artists. Penned by resident rapper Taecyeon, this song plays to the strengths of each member and has an extremely addictive chorus, along with one of the best raps I’ve ever heard in a 2PM song. The experimentation that 2PM has been carrying out in their songs continues successfully here with the song’s interesting mix of beats and sounds. The accompanying music video, while classy and appropriate for the song, also thoroughly drives home the point for fans that the boys are all fully grown men. This release was a great way to end off on a high note (at least till they return from the military) and while it hasn’t done exceptionally well on the charts so far, here’s hoping that the boys will get some recognition for it.
What’s your favorite K-pop release of the past week? Let us know in the comment section below and be sure to subscribe to the site and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr to keep up with all of our posts.
