As K-pop [1] is finally bringing Korean music into mainstream American music culture, many have already began worshipping BTS and its seven male members who have performed on plenty of recognisable stages like the one in Saturday Night Live's [2] Studio 8H. Another K-pop band is quickly sweeping the nation, this time composed of four women who both sing and rap. Blackpink has featured on Dua Lipa's [3] album and even became the first K-pop group of women to perform at Coachella this past April. Their popularity and rise to total stardom is evident; in September they passed One Direction as the music group with the most subscribers on YouTube. Their music is upbeat and empowering, so here are some of the hits you have to listen to if you want one of their Blinks (the name for their fans coined by band member Jennie).
"Kiss and Make Up" by Dua Lipa and Blackpink
If you're already a fan of pop star Dua Lipa, this is a great song to introduce you to Blackpink. This song is extremely catchy, echoing the same catchiness Dua Lipa brought with "New Rules," while it also introduces Blackpink's signature vocals through a killer feature.
"Kill This Love" by Blackpink
If there's a song by Blackpink that you've probably been hearing lately, it's this song that premiered in April and already has nearly 700 million YouTube views. This song has a heavy beat and showcases the diverse vocals of the girl group, between catchy rap verses to more soulful, lyrical voice. It's the kind of song that you listen to once and then can't get it out of your head, and it's a tough-feeling song that will leave you feeling empowered.
"As If It's Your Last" by Blackpink
While its music video is extravagant and elegant from the first frame, the song itself is peppy, upbeat, and bright. It's the kind of song that just sparks happiness with a quick listen, and it stands as a hit even two years after its debut.
"DDU-DU DDU-DU" by Blackpink
This is Blackpink's most-viewed video by far with a staggering 1 BILLION views. It's not hard to understand why when you listen to the song, because it is one of the most fun things you'll hear all year. This is the kind of song you'd want to hear on a night out. Jennie begins the song by saying (translated from Korean), "Relentlessly going forward, not caring what other people think/ When you say Black we say Pink, we are pretty Savage." You can tell right away how confident the group is, and they should be.
"BOOMBAYAH" by Blackpink
One of Blackpink's older songs, "BOOMBAYAH" had its music video premiere all the way back in the band's first year together, 2016. The song's quality still stands and even their first hit showcased how undeniably catchy the team of four is when put together.
"Kick It" by Blackpink
For the two singers with the softer and more airy voices, Jisoo and Rosé, this is one of those songs where they just really shine. This song has a pretty equal balance of both Korean and English lyrics so, if you're not fluent in Korean, American listeners can still appreciate the quality lyrics.
"Don't Know What to Do" by Blackpink
Honestly, this is one of their slower songs and it is just so amazing to hear Lisa sing out opposed to her usual rapping. She shows that she's equally talented at both vocal styles in this hit from their recent album.
"Forever Young" by Blackpink
In this song, Jennie absolutely crushes both beautiful singing and rap within mere verses of each other. Though Jennie shines in nearly every song as she's the one typically starting them off, this one showcased her broad range.
"Really" by Blackpink
Hands down, "Really" has one of the best raps in Blackpink's entire discography. It's quick and clever, everything you'd hope and expect from the girls.
"Stay" by Blackpink
The gentleness of this song? Unparalleled in any of their songs. This is the kind of song you kind of want to cry to, but you wouldn't want your ugly crying interrupting their angelic voices.
"PLAYING WITH FIRE" by Blackpink
Beginning with some jazzy piano and then transitioning into their more typical pop-centric beats, "PLAYING WITH FIRE" by Blackpink is both visually and muscially stunning with how many different levels it explores. You somehow get beautiful piano, ballad vocals, rap, electronic beats, and plenty of dance breaks in one song . . . which is the exact "total package" treatment that Blackpink offers their listeners.