K-Pop collaborations with Western artists are on the rise, easing international audiences into the world of Korean music - Find out some of my favourites below!
In accordance with American record labels rushing to sign Korean artists while the Hallyu Wave is at its peak, collaborations between Western and Eastern artists are also on the rise. I've picked out my favourites from American/UK and K-Pop acts, some of which you may have already heard, for your listening pleasure - Enjoy!
G-Dragon x Missy Elliot - Niliria
Anyone who loves K-Pop will know about the legend that is G-Dragon, frontman of influential 2nd Generation boy group Big Bang. 'Niliria' is a bouncy and hype hiphop track, featuring renowned American rapper Missy Elliot, who opens the track with addictive ever switching flows. This collaboration is one of my favourites; these two rappers's vocal tones work so well together and bring formidable energy which is bound to get you motivated.
Big Bang don't need flashy dance moves to stand out amongst the crowd, all the members have natural born stage presence which shines through in all performances. This is no different with G-Dragon's K-Con performance with Missy Elliot; I absolutely love the energy between these two, they're just having so much fun, it's infectious.
As a side note, promoters are missing a trick by not bringing K-Con over to the UK...
G-DRAGON_0829_M Countdown K-CON in LA_늴리리야 (ft. Missy Elliott)' - © YG Entertainment
DEAN x Syd - Love
I'm absolutely in LOVE with this track (excuse the pun); DEAN and Syd's gorgeous dreamy vocals complement each other so well. 'Love' surprisingly offers a contrasting chill and hype vibe, with bouncy instrumentals and soft vocal tones from the said dream team. The stripped back discordant instrumentals after the last chorus are a fun listen.
Admittedly I discovered DEAN through his infamous Instagram Live video where he falls down the stairs (sorry DEAN, that must have hurt, but it was hilarious accidental slapstick comedy), and then ventured into listening to his beautiful music. DEAN's live performance of 'Love' on popular YouTube series A COLORS SHOW has picked up quite some traction with nearly 20 million views (and rightly so, considering his live vocals are astounding).
DEAN - love ft. Syd - © Universal Music
NCT Dream x Bazzi - We Go Up
While less of a collab, and more of a creative team-up, 'We Go Up' by NCT Dream was produced by popular American singer, song-writer and producer Bazzi. This fun, catchy track expresses the youth & vibrancy of the teenage boy group, which coincides well with their similarly aged fan base. The fast paced rap verses, to the anthem-like simple chorus, is what makes this track so addictive. On top of this, the lads in Dream are sporting slick, fun choreography, while riding round in my dream car of a beautiful blue Ford Mustang.
This track holds a special place in my heart, considering at the time of release we sadly thought it was Mark's last song as an NCT Dream member. Turns out SM Entertainment completely fooled us, and he'll be returning to the group for their next comeback!
NCT DREAM 엔시티 드림 'We Go Up' MV - © SM Entertainment
BLACKPINK x Lady Gaga - Sour Candy
Talented, brilliant, incredible, amazing, show stopping, spectacular, never the same, totally unique - Yes, it's only right to quote that iconic Lady Gaga video when talking about 'Sour Candy'.
The queen of the music industry, Lady Gaga, teamed up with the most hyped girl group in the game right now, YG Entertainment's BLACKPINK. The repetitive looping beat and catchy chorus makes for a great tune for the club, or in my case, an everyday listen. I love their unique vocal tones which bring emphasis to the brutally honest and great lyrics, such as 'You want a real taste, at least I'm not a fake'.
Lady Gaga, BLACKPINK - Sour Candy (Audio) - © Universal Music
Hwasa x Dua Lipa - Physical
I've been waiting for a collaboration between these two queens ever since Dua Lipa and Hwasa's performance stage of 'New Rules' at 2019 Korean Award Show MAMA. I adore female soloists supporting each other, and it's great to see Hwasa featuring on hit song 'Physical'. Hwasa's classic sultry vocals and THAT whisper before the chorus, oh my god she totally kills this! These two's power vocals are a deadly combination, and I'm here for it.
Dua Lipa - Physical (feat. Hwa Sa) - © Warner Bros
Monsta X x French Montana - Who Do You Love?
The simplicity of this track is what gets to me every single time; the chorus's whispery vocals with that booming bass line, you can't help but nod your head along. Before listening to this track, I would have thought Monsta X would be a weird combination with French Montana, considering they usually go for the stronger, 'manlier' concepts which set them apart from other groups. However, after having this track on repeat since its release in 2019, I think this collaboration between the Epic Records artists works incredibly well. French Montana smoothly slides into that 2nd verse with a catchy rap, flowing nicely with the instrumentals.
The music video is the epitome of class, mostly due to the members looking incredibly good (I'm a monbebe if you can't tell). Joohoney's vocals are the cherry on top of the cake; it's almost shocking how the main rapper of the group can pull through with Michael Jackson-esque ad-libs and notes which pack a punch. Who do I love? Monsta X, that's for sure.
Monsta X - WHO DO U LOVE? ft. French Montana - © Starship Entertainment
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