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BTS and Megan Thee Stallion
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In principle, rap and Ok-pop aren’t presupposed to work collectively. One style thrives on storytelling and bars, the opposite on choreography and sheer perfectionism. Nevertheless, in observe, crossovers between the 2 classes have produced a number of the most enjoyable, chart-dominating music in the previous few years.
The collaborations have birthed profitable remixes like BTS enlisting Megan Thee Stallion for an up to date tackle “Butter” or Stray Children hopping on Lil Durk’s Grammy Award-winning “All My Life.” And there are greater than sufficient authentic hits to select from, too, be it Jung Kook’s collaborations with Latto and Jack Harlow on “Seven” and “3D,” respectively, or the magic JENNIE and Doechii made on “ExtraL.”
That stated, the actual take a look at for just about all of those joint efforts aren’t merely gross sales or numbers, however who left a mark. Under, Rap-Up picked out 11 rap and Ok-pop crossovers that are not simply noteworthy for bringing collectively completely different cultures, however for truly delivering on the musical promise of their bold pairings.
There’s been loads of discourse round Doechii since her breakout, however one factor followers and critics each can agree on is that she will rap over something. Living proof: her visitor verse on JENNIE’s “ExtraL.” The refrain, by which the 2 chant, “Do my, do my women run this, women run this?” lets instantly it’s a women’ anthem. Paired with a video directed by Cole Bennett, the monitor finds Doechii — aka Miss Push-My-Pen, as she calls herself — cementing the message that she’s not going wherever.
2. on the road by j-hope that includes J. Cole
As one of many stronger cuts from J. Cole’s checklist of collaborations, “on the road” sees j-hope group up with the Dreamville Information founder over a comparatively easy, but completely suited lo-fi beat. To be fully trustworthy, if it weren’t for the BTS member’s preliminary verse, most listeners would possibly’ve pegged it as J. Cole’s personal document. Over what’s maybe considered one of his longest visitor appearances of 2023, the “No Position Modelz” hitmaker will get introspective about “promoting prepare of thought” and debating when to lastly “hand over the crown.” Provided that BTS spent practically a decade overtly praising J. Cole, calling the collaboration a full-circle second doesn’t even start to seize it.
3. Seven by Jung Kook that includes Latto
There’s actually no higher match for Jung Kook’s “Seven” than Latto, who actually has an album known as 777 and has been tying her title to the fortunate quantity for years. The track could also be wrapped in that shiny synth-pop typical of the Ok-pop style, however the lyrics themselves are about being there in your associate seven days per week, each emotionally and positively bodily. “Seven days per week, seven completely different sheets / Seven completely different angles, I might be your fantasy,” Latto raps in reference to her earlier hit “Massive Power.”
As with something she does, the Atlanta expertise’s character shines via so clearly that it’s not possible to not see the track precisely for what it turned: the monitor that made her the primary rapper to hit No. 1 in 2023. And sure, we had been midway via the 12 months when she broke Hip Hop’s dry spell.
4. Zero (Remix) by NewJeans that includes JID
JID’s earlier smash hit with Think about Dragons, “Enemy,” already hinted that he was made for moments like these. That’s, quietly sitting again in a pop document till it’s time to ship one thing loopy. NewJeans enlisted the Dreamville signee for a remix of “Zero,” and unsurprisingly, he matched their vitality for a really timeless piece of Ok-pop. Was it technically a Coke Studio collaboration? Certain. Does that take something away from the track? Not even somewhat.
5. Technique by TWICE that includes Megan Thee Stallion
“Do you want that? / After I smack it and also you watch it bounce proper again?” Megan Thee Stallion asks in TWICE’s “Technique.” The reply is a convincing sure. The track marked their second collaboration following “Mamushi (Remix),” and judging by the power of the Ok-pop group’s title monitor alone, their STRATEGY EP ended up being one of many Houston rapper’s a number of highlights in 2024.
6. TOO MUCH by The Child LAROI, Jung Kook and Central Cee
“TOO MUCH” is proof that some collaborations can solely exist due to the web. Australia’s The Child LAROI linked up with South Korea’s Jung Kook and London hitmaker Central Cee for a standout lower off his debut LP, THE FIRST TIME. The collaboration is actually three artists from completely different elements of the world bringing three fully distinct skills to an apparent international smash.
7. All Night time by IVE that includes Saweetie
Now we’re speaking! Folks like to joke that Saweetie makes “retail music” — that means the type of tracks you’d hear whereas purchasing on the mall — and fortunately, that’s precisely the lane the place Ok-pop shines brightest. So, when the West Coast staple joined forces with IVE for “All Night time,” the consequence was a bop tailored for purchasing sprees at Perpetually 21 or H&M.
8. Wager You Wanna by BLACKPINK that includes Cardi B
Enjoyable reality: Cardi B had a “actually exhausting” time conserving her verse clear on BLACKPINK’s “Wager You Wanna.” Finally, she gave us, “I guess you should you make me sweat, I will nonetheless be on fireplace,” which, all issues thought of, isn’t a foul compromise. The collaboration was nice for lots of causes, however largely as a result of it gave us a completely realized Cardi B linking up with JENNIE, ROSÉ, LISA and JISOO simply earlier than they ascended to solo international superstars.
9. Pivot by HEYOON that includes Armani White
Armani White, who broke out in 2022 for “BILLIE EILISH.,” doesn’t do something midway. So, when he joined HEYOON on “Pivot,” followers knew they had been in for one thing particular. The monitor additionally marked the South Korean singer’s first solo launch after departing Now United. With everybody desirous to see what she’d ship subsequent, the collab turned out to be one of many smoothest, most sensual Ok-pop and rap crossovers we’ve heard shortly.
10. FXCK UP THE WORLD by LISA that includes Future
On her solo debut, Alter Ego, LISA launched listeners to 5 characters, and should you wanted proof that Vixi was by far top-of-the-line, simply press play on “FXCK UP THE WORLD” with Future. The ATL Jacob-produced solo model was already good, particularly for Ok-pop’s requirements, however the Atlanta rapper injected some further charisma. “I secured one other bag / Skateboard LVP,” he dished out in reference to Pharrell. “Chopped the ‘Rari, chopped it to a ‘vert / I safe the Lamb’ chop first.” Plus, let’s acknowledge the sheer restraint it should’ve taken for Future to make it via with out cursing.
11. Neva Play by Megan Thee Stallion that includes RM
Megan reunited with BTS — or RM, anyway — on “Neva Play,” one of many first singles from MEGAN: ACT II. If anybody nonetheless doubted the Houston Hottie’s otaku standing, she dropped references to Road Fighter’s Hadouken and “Dragon Ball” characters Bulma and Chi-Chi. To not point out, the pair introduced in Carl Jones, the artistic pressure behind “The Boondocks” and her upcoming anime sequence, to assist carry the track’s visuals to life.