A scene from BIGBANG member G-Dragon’s solo music video “Energy,” depicting his every day life being broadcast as TV information. Courtesy of Galaxy Company
By KTimes
In Ok-pop star G-Dragon’s newest solo launch, “Energy,” dropped on Oct. 31, he seems to take direct goal on the media frenzy surrounding him. The music video opens with a mock information alert titled, “A Day within the Lifetime of GD,” highlighting the obsessive consideration his each transfer attracts.
G-Dragon, whose actual identify is Kwon Ji-yong, raps with biting sarcasm about “pressured criticism spreading round,” aiming his harsh verses at sensationalist media retailers that unfold rumors about his alleged drug use primarily based on out-of-context footage.
The singer-rapper of boy group BIGBANG lately expressed feeling “backed right into a nook, with all the things closing in,” as he shared his reduction at being cleared of drug fees.
On the finish of the “Energy” music video, G-Dragon exits a studio set with blue skies within the background, a nod to Jim Carrey’s iconic exit within the 1998 movie “The Truman Present.”
Having began as a trainee at simply six and debuting as a member of BIGBANG at 18, G-Dragon has lived most of his life underneath the general public eye, very like Carrey’s character.
His leap outdoors the studio set within the video displays his eager for freedom, symbolized by the daring “88” behind him — a reference to his beginning yr and a brand new creative starting. This single marks his first launch in 88 months since his 2017 album “Kwon Ji Yong.”
G-Dragon seems on the police station for questioning on drug use allegations final November. He was later cleared of all fees. Yonhap
Recent begin after leaving YG
True to the lyrics “88 soars,” “Energy” climbed to the highest of YouTube’s music video charts inside a day of launch and stays standard on home streaming platforms. As of Nov. 4, the monitor ranks second on Melon, following Rose’s “APT.” with Bruno Mars.
Critics reward the music’s catchy beat, witty lyrics and G-Dragon’s distinctive rap supply.
“’Energy’ captures the playful, rebellious picture that involves thoughts with G-Dragon, mixing it with relatable themes to interrupt his lengthy silence and reconnect with followers,” stated music critic Kim Do-heon. “The music additionally cleverly pays homage to iconic hip-hop lyrics from hits like Dr. Dre’s ‘Nuthin’ however a G Thang’ and Beyoncé’s ‘Run the World,’ making it much more pleasurable to hearken to.”
“Energy” is G-Dragon’s first launch since leaving YG Leisure and signing a contract with Galaxy Company, an organization specializing in AI-related ventures.
Based on a supply from his new company, he’s at the moment engaged on an album that includes “Energy.” Not like YG, his new label isn’t identified for Ok-pop manufacturing.
Nonetheless, a music business insider near G-Dragon stated, “Assist for G-Dragon’s new album got here from his ‘prolonged YG’ circle, together with Teddy,” a famend Ok-pop producer and songwriter.
G-Dragon co-composed “Energy” with Theron Thomas, a global songwriter who collaborated on Rose’s “APT.” underneath The Black Label, Teddy’s manufacturing firm.
G-Dragon in a scene from the “Energy” music video / Courtesy of Galaxy Company
Stands tall in confidence
Regardless of a powerful home response, “Energy” has but to look on Spotify’s International High 50, the place songs by youthful Ok-pop idols dominate.
On Nov. 3, the chart included “APT.” (No. 1), BTS member Jimin’s “Who” (No. 4) and BLACKPINK Jennie’s “Mantra” (No. 28), reflecting the generational shift in Ok-pop’s international attain.
But, G-Dragon stays unfazed. In “Energy,” he boldly declares, “A second-generation restricted version, a masterpiece of the century,” signaling his confidence as a pioneering Ok-pop rapper who helped outline the business’s second wave.
Music critic Hwang Solar-up describes the monitor as G-Dragon’s assertion of his legacy, setting him aside from at this time’s idols.
On Nov. 23, G-Dragon will carry out on the 2024 MAMA Awards at Kyocera Dome Osaka, the place followers can count on his signature stage presence.
G-Dragon, the chief of BIGBANG / Courtesy of YG Leisure
This text from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Instances, is translated by a generative AI and edited by The Korea Instances.
