A Look Into 2016: Kpop of February!
/We've already seen a change from just January alone in the Kpop scene, but it seems it's constantly changing no matter what. Debuts of old groups, new groups, solo hits and albums, and so much more means that the faces of Kpop constantly change from one group or person to another. Let's see what February brings up this month!
4Minute (포미닛) with "Hate" (싫어) (Collab with Skrillex)
I've never honestly heard much of 4Minute, but when I heard about their song "Hate" released on the album Act.7 I was intrigued. So I gave it a listen, and it's easily become one of my favorite songs of 2016 in Kpop. I'm not even really a big fan of Skrillex, and I'd never guess that he played a part in the music in the background, since the vocals are so powerful in the first place. And then the refrain hits, and you're like, "this is not at all what I expected!". It gives me a somewhat Big Bang-esque vibe from it honestly, and whether that's a good thing is up to you. I enjoy it. Act.7 with "Hate" and others was released February 1st, 2016.
Reddy (레디) with "Think" (생각해) Featuring Jay Park (박재범)
Again, another artist I had never heard too much of, but I can say I definitely enjoy "Think" from Reddy's Think single that was released February 3rd, 2016. It has emotion in the rapping from both Reddy and Jay Park, and the words show just how much the man telling the story prides himself, while exhibiting so much affection for his woman. He even goes to comparing themselves to "Bonny and Clyde". It's a beautiful song that deserves a listen!
Grace (그레이스) with "I'm Fine" (아임 파인)
I have to say, I find Grace to be hilarious with this video. But I have to say "I'm Fine" by Grace is catchy beyond all doubt. It not only has a 80's vibe to the style that she wears, but the dancing is really good as well. She's not only good at singing in Korean, but she seems very stable in English, and has no real accent (so I'm going to guess she may be American Korean-born or something). I can't find much information about her since this is her debut, but you can find other videos of her covers of popular songs and I suggest you give them a listen! "I'm Fine" came out in a single on February 4th, 2016.
Microdot (Micro.) with "Celebrate" Featuring The Quiett, Babylon, and Sanchez
Microdot was somewhat featured in January with doing work with Ravi from VIXX in his new album, but he released his own album, "Celebrate" with a really catchy song by the same name. By both being in English and Korean, listeners from all around the world can enjoy this song! It's also a bit of a thanks to God for being blessed with such a good position in life. I find it enjoyable no matter what, and is kind of a nice change of pace!
Nu'est (뉴이스트) with "Overcome" (여왕의 기사)
I can easily say without a doubt, this was the album I was waiting for in February. As a lover of Nu'est, I was not at all disappointed with the Q is. album, especially with the song "Overcome". Not only a drastic change of appearance for some of them (I mean Ren with long hair? Yes please!) but also I feel their talent is growing more and more, and the song proves this as well as the dancing. The song is about going to the ends of the earth for a girl basically, but when is Kpop songs not about getting the girl? Still, despite the typical trope, it is not at all something that would disappoint!
Taemin (이태민) with "Press Your Number"
Again, another one I was waiting for with the released of the Press It album. While I was disappointed with "Drip Drop" (I didn't get per say a "Taemin" feel to it personally), I enjoy the feeling "Press Your Number" gives. All about remembering a girl that left him, though I don't get the relevance of the video to the lyrics other than he's a bad boy in the first place. Again, remarkable dancing from Taemin and his backups, along with a great song. Definitely a good track on the Press It album!
