BIG BANG"S Seungri released his 2nd mini album, 'Let's Talk About Love'. It has already climbed to the top and near the top of various countries music charts and Billboard charts. It has even made it into the top 20 on iTunes in the US. Way to go Seungri.
Even though the title track full MV hasn't been release, YG did release the MV to 'Gotta Talk To U'.
LET'S TALK ABOUT LOVE (TRACKLIST)
1. Let's Talk About Love (ft. G-Dragon & Taeyang of BIG BANG)
2. Gotta Talk To U
3. GG Be (ft. Jennie Kim - YG new artist)
4. Come To My
5. You Hoooo!!!
6. Love Box
For those of you who didn't know, August is a special month for BIG BANG and its members. Not only did they celebrate G-Dragon's birthday, but August 19th is also the groups 7th Anniversary this year!!!
NU'EST will have a live showcase for their 'Sleep Talking' comeback August 22nd at 8PM (KTS). Their new album releases that day also. Let the countdown begin!
Teen Top will be celebrating their 3rd Anniversary along with a comeback on August 29th with 'No Joke'. I am curious to see what concept they will have this time around.
Do you remember Rain? Please tell me you have seen 'Ninja Assassin'!?! LOL
Rain will have his first performance since being discharge from the military in Thailand at the 'Sonic Bang 2013' festival along with other artist including Far East Movement and Jason Mraz. Even though he will be performing again his entertainment company will not guarantee any rumors that he will be making an actual comeback. (Are you kidding me?!)
KCON '13 is quickly approaching. There is so much information to post about the event that I really need to get on the ball about it. I was hoping to actually be able to make it to the event this year, but unfortunately won't be able to. There is always next year.
But first, let's wish G-Dragon, of Big Bang, a HAPPY (26th) BIRTHDAY!!! You know what that means?! New music is on the way ^_^
He is slated to release his 2nd solo album soon. YG just released this teaser...
So take that you people who criticized him for his intagram pic. You should have known better than to make comments about 'racism' and such when you probably don't even follow Kpop or know what is going on.
GRRRRrrr....
Sorry, but some people just can't keep their mouth shut and have to jump to conclusions. What ever happened to not judging a book by its cover.... or understanding that you just don't know EVERYTHING. (end rant)
Now, back to talkin' about love... hehe.
Another member of Big Bang, Seungri, will be coming out with his 2nd mini album August 19th. Suengri, you tease!!! What a sexy teaser for a MV?! WARNING: EXPLICIT (19+ for extreme sexiness, omo) x_x
NU'EST's 3rd mini album will be out August 22nd. SPOILER!!!
String Pop group, Odd Eye, made an English version of their song, 'Catch Me If You Can', although many YouTubers are complaining that even though the song is in English... they can't really tell that it is. Regardless I enjoyed the Pop Art style video.
I will be back soon with more music and updates, but in the meantime... enjoy the stage performances for the comeback of B.A.P
and Tasty
and let's not forget the awesome comedic power of helium abuse!!!!!
Okay, I am starting to get a bit more adventurous with Korean music. One of my fellow artist (as in visual arts) suggested a pop punk group, Never Mind.
Never Mind actually debuted back on January 17th with their single 'Shooting Star'. I have a fondness for actual bands, so these guys will be on my radar.
Friday, August 9, 2013
7 member rookie group, WASSUP, recently debuted with their 1st single titled 'Wa$$up'. It isn't looking very good for them though... could the controversial twerking of Miley Cyrus wreaked havoc for all genres of music? Well, you can't blame WASSUP for giving it a go themselves. With almost twice as many dislikes as there are likes to their MV, I present 'Wa$$up'!
Did someone say pool party? How about random dancing and pillow fights? 2NE1 has released a fun loving, self camera video for 'Do You Love Me?'. It is great to just see the girls hanging, having a great time, singing and dancing with each other and friends. Word has it that they scrapped the big production video because of their tight schedule. I think it was a wise choice, because who doesn't love seeing these 4 gals jump around acting crazy with each other? XD
During an interview with JJANG! (a YouTube show that keeps its viewers up to date on all things Hallyu from news, entertainment to fashion and culture), SM Artist, Henry let the cat out of the bag that there was indeed an English version of his solo debut song, 'Trap'. He wouldn't give any information as to its release. How dare you keep up waiting SM!!!!
August 22nd marks the date for a comeback for rookie group NU'EST with their album 'Sleep Talking'. Bring on the teasers!!!!!!
Last, but definitely not least... the delicious twins are back. Tasty released the MV for 'MAMAMA'. I can't even begin, just watch it! ;)
This vocal bombshell has become quite popular with her YouTube covers. Meet Jeni aka Jenny Suk. This gorgeous lady has actually taken part in a reality TV show called KPOPSTAR, where contestants compete in auditions for a chance to become the next potential talents for three of the largest entertainment companies in South Korea.
YG Entertainment's newest act, SuperstarK contestant Kang Seung Yoon, has released 'Wild and Young' after debuting a few weeks ago with his rock ballad, 'It Rains'. Even though it isn't exactly something new, it is quite refreshing to have rock in the mix of the kpop world.
Earlier this week, MIB gave us a glimpse at their upcoming MV with this teaser.
Turns out, that the teaser was more like an intro to the actual MV for their some Men In Black.
The concept of covering various movies as themes for MVs started recently with Brown Eyed Girls' 'Kill Bill' and now with MIB. I can't help but wonder what is next.
EXOs 'Growl' MV was revealed today. Don't get me wrong... but I liked EXO when they debuted. I thought they
were lacking a bit because there was so much hype for them before they
actually did debut though. I think they did well waiting so long for their
comeback. If this is any sign of the future of EXO, then they are just
going to climb up my favorite list.
I absolutely love the MV and this song! (I have it on repeat right now) XD
I came home to check out what I have missed out on the web today and so stoked to find out that the Tasty will be having their comeback soon. I may have fangirled just a bit. Hehe. I'm sorry, but its an awesome duo... they can sing... and dance... they are shmmmmexy.... and TWINS!!!
LMAO! Ok, I'm done. (For now :P )
Brown Eyed Girls' 'Kill Bill' music video was released...
and it is AH-MAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
If you liked the movie by Quentin Tarantino... and kpop... or either of the two, check it out below.
Definitely worth the viewing. I am a bit of a sucker to long MV with a good story to it.
2NE1's next song will be revealed August 7th.
Psy will release a new album this fall and he tweeted today that he has 3 songs completed.
Led Apple released their MV for 'LOVE (Gimme Kimi Love)'. I love the swing feel to this song. It reminds me a bit of their song 'Run To You'. Its just so perky and gives a warm, fun, happy feeling!
EXO has released both Chinese and Korean version teasers for their new single, 'Growl'... coming soon!
If I had to narrow down to a group with great choreographed and performed dance moves, then Infinite would be tops, for sure. Recently they released 'Destiny'.
Another group that would make that list would have to be Beast, who released 'Shadow'. I was a bit surprised by the dark MV from them, honestly.
Super Junior's Japanese single 'Hero'!!! 'Nuff said. I don't care that it is in Japanese! Its freaking SUPER JUNIOR!!!!! XD
VIXX
just released a teaser. I can't tell much from it though. Its in
reverse... They have had a Jekyl and Hyde theme going... from the video,
I expect this song & MV to be a nice one. When I say 'nice', I
mean... without the dark and dangerous feeling like the last one.
Kim Hyun Joong is 'Unbreakable'... This jam features Jay Park and if you are into hip-hop will keep your head rockin' to the beat.
BTS proves that they are 'Bulletproof'. This track puts even more bump in your trunk. I'm excited to come across a new kpop... erm... hip-hop/rap group.
M.I.B. will make a comeback soon, as well as B.A.P, who released their single, 'Hurricane' earlier this month.
Rumor has it that the song was given to Ke$ha but was never officially released, it was leaked. SNSD/Girls Generation released it. Check out both versions here and feel free to post your comments.
Melon Premiere LIVE SHOWCASE XIA INCREDIBLE was aired.
It is great to see Junsu's performances to be aired live for all to see. There were almost 20,000 viewers via Leon's YouTube channel alone. The stage lights up as Tallentellegra is the opening song.
That performance was followed by a photo slideshow with behind the scenes of the new album concept's photoshoot and of the 11am music video.
A live performance of 11am followed. Such a beautiful song... starting out in acapella joined by the piano. The performance of the song is very emotional and moving.
Junsu took a break to speak to the audience about the fun and exciting concept for his new album. It has been about a year since his last one. He mentioned that people were watching from overseas and showed how thankful he was by saying thank you in various languages, from Chinese to German.
The audience seemed on the edge of their seat as he talked about the kissing scene in the music video for 'Incredible'. Haha. He said that if was just business and he only pretended to kiss. The video was filmed as a party concept with American dancers.
Next was the performance of Sorry... or Apology (as it is listed in the iTunes tracklisting).
The music video for Incredible was played followed by a live performance of the song. Junsu wore the fun red suit jacket from the video. It looks like he is having so much fun performing for everyone. The fans joined him in singing the 'Ohhhhhhhh...' part of the song while waving their hands in the air.
The showcase was 30 minutes long... which was actually quite shorter than I had expected, but understandable. This was the debut performance for his new album and you want to keep everything fresh and exciting during promotions for it. The live showcase was not disappointing.
If you would like to see the replay of the showcase, it will be made available both on melon.com and Leon's YouTube channel. I will post the replay once it is made available. ^^
How many people reading this watched the showcase? Feel free to comment on it and also on the mv and fun concept for his new album!!!
Just released his MV for 'Incredible' featuring P.Diddy's stepson, Quincy, and OMO!!!! It is incredible.This is the title track for Xia's 2nd solo album which includes 12 songs.
Here is the tracklist:
1. No Reason
2. Rainy Eyes
3. Apology
4. Chocolate Girl
5. Incredible (ft. Quincy)
6. Confusion (ft. GilMe)
7. Don't Leave
8. Turn It Up (ft. Dok2)
9. Fantasy
10. Funny Song (w/ BOOM)
11. I'm In Love
12. 11am
I will include the link to the Live Showcase which will air in less than just over 5 hours from now.
Yes, I will be waking up early to be able to watch the showcase.
I may or may not have fangirled when the video was released as I was online. :P
(Don't judge me)
Here is a brief rundown of some recent and upcoming haps in Kpop.
2NE1 released Falling In Love, July 8th. I watched the MV right after its release and I must say I absolutely love it.
FYI, those of you who aren't all that familiar with Kpop but have listened to will.i.am's #willpower... Have you listened to 'Gettin' Dumb'? That song features CL of 2NE1... who also came out with a solo, 'Baddest Female'. CL can go hard!
Check out 2NE1's MV for 'Falling In Love'
Teen Top celebrated their 3rd anniversary with CLAP ENCORE! Including a reaction video of them watching their MV. I seriously think this is one of the most hyper groups. They are fun to watch.
Jay Park released his mini album, I Like 2 Party, July 10th. The title track was featured in the Korean release of the Will and Jaden Smith movie, After Earth.
CN Blue plans their comeback July 31st.
August 18 is G-Dragon's birthday... and did someone say new album?! Of course! What a great way to celebrate.
KCON '13 is coming up next month. I will post details about it soon.
Members of Super Junior are in Hawaii. Siwon has posted photos via Twitter and Sungmin is seen with him on the beach both holding surf boards. I am so glad that these guys are enjoying their time.
Donghae made a short video and was posted on SM Entertainment's YouTube
channel. A few other videos had been posted to the channel leading some
to think Donghae has hacked SM's account to post his clips. Haha :P If
that is the case, let's hope that it continues.
Its been a while since I have done a long update of what is going on in k-pop. So here it goes. Ready?!
SM Entertainment's 12 member group, EXO, which debuted.... um, well it was a long time ago, so we won't go there. All I can say is the build up for their debut (with about 24 teaser clips)drove kpoppers crazy... many pre-fans were impatient to see these guys. I am hoping that SM has learned from that dreadful experience since they just did the 1 teaser and then MV release this time around for EXO's 1st full Album titled 'XOXO' (Hugs&Kisses).
The MV for their single, 'Wolf', was released May 30th. If you happen to
come across some people running around pronouncing 'wolf' as 'oolf'
then you probably just ran across an EXO fan. :P
If you read my post from June 23rd, then you should know that I love and support Led Apple. I think they are an amazing group full of talented guys. Yesterday was their 1000th day since their debut!!!! YAY!!! They are also halfway through their Music Note series on their Youtube channel.
Recently the 4 members of SISTAR released their 2nd full album, Give It To Me.Shortly after the MV for SISTAR's title song was released (shown above), After School came out with their single and MV for 'First Love'. If you want to see some talented pole dancing in a music video (yes, I said pole dancing) get down, get funky and go watch. Hehe.
BTS, a 7 member hip hop group, just debuted last month with their song '2 Cool 4 Skool'. Check out their MV for No More Dream. Super Junior- M member, Henry recently debuted as a solo artist with his album, Trap.
No Min Woo originally debuted as the drummer for TRAX as Rose. He left the group after 2 years and has gone solo with his 1st single album 'ICONIC OH DISCO ROCKSTAR'. The album is self produced from the music, fashion and the design. I am happy to see him again. I am a big fan of TRAX and its members. I think his MV is fun and catchy... and colorful. It reminds me of the 80s, haha.
B.A.P released 'Coffee Shop', a ballad, on July 2nd. These guys are so versatile in their music. I, I can't even... I'm speechless after listening...
Xia, Kim Junsu of JYJ, released his 1st single from his 2nd solo album 11am. Xia sings to the sounds of nature in the MV. The actual release song on iTunes isn't that way (yes, I downloaded it already ^.^ ).
Look for more info to come for the month of July on upcoming haps in the k-pop world!!!
These are two great kpop groups who are actually bands. Here is a little background on LED Apple's Music Note project. The group is doing 50 episodes through their youtube channel of covers of popular music as not only a way to showcase their talents, but 'the profits that are made from the advertisements that appear when
playing Music Note are donated to the international organization that
protect Children's Rights, "Save The Children".' Its a great cause, so please take the time to check out (and share) other of their Music Note episodes through their channel.
Don't forget to check out the other videos by LUNAFLY too (I especially love their cover of.
One of the awesome things about Youtube (other than flash mob versions of dances and such) is the great covers of already amazing songs that are out there. Yes, there is good and bad... but there are some really great ones out there... I recently came across Chad Future.
He has done some English remix versions of some of my favorite k-pop songs. Not only are his covers good, but the videos for them are as well. It isn't just some person with a webcam, plinking on a piano and voice cracking out a tune. These are worth checking out. I am going to provide the originals to songs followed by the cover for it by Chad Future. But before I do that, here is what I have discovered about him.
Chad Future, whose real name is David Lehre from Detroit, trained in rapping and music production for 10 years. He has already had success as an award winning Director, even directed music videos for some of the biggest stars of Asia, plus has done work with Jason Derulo and other various groups/organizations. Chad Future seems to be quite creative, blending Korean and English for his own music... the first AK-Pop (American K-pop) artist... bring the style of k-pop, both of music and video, in his own way to the US.
I hope that you enjoy his work. Check out the videos below.
(Just hearing Minho's 'SHINee's back' whisper has me stoked)
Okay, so I'm not talking about a specific girl or anything here, sorry to disappoint the guys. I am excited to announce SHINee's comeback with their song Dream Girl and MV's!
So I am not going to waste any time in inserting the video for your viewing pleasure.
I must admit that I am really impressed with the style and imagery, usage of various camera angles, the mic stand dancing, the various black and white patterns, the pop art style usage, and the trampoline! There is so much awesomeness to this video.
My favorite thing here, the very beginning... no not actually the 'Shinee's back' whisper by Minho, but...
Taemin is the first to sing. Often in the past, (I may be wrong, but I'm just pointing out my own take on it) I don't remember Taemin singing so much solo during a song. I absolutely loved his song for the To the Beautiful You OST (for those who don't know, OST=Original Sound Track). It's nice to hear more of Taemin, rather than just seeing his moves. :P
I am glad to see that the teaser images wasn't quite so misguiding to the comeback like they were for Sherlock. Truly don't have a clue what SM was trying to do with that... well, I guess maybe swoon the youngens with the SHINee nakedness (toplessness, rather).
With this, I think the term Korean boy band should morph into something new... These are now men. So shouldn't we have a different term to describe them? Is there already a term, but I am just unaware? Even K-pop band doesn't seem fitting... they aren't playing instruments. Ah, ok, I'm thinking too much, so I will stop there. LOL
Last but not least, here is the dance version of the MV.
Well, so far I haven't maintained a weekly update with this, but I will try to do it more often. I truly need to remember to schedule my postings when I am too busy to do them timely, haha.
Martin VS SHINee
Today, I introduce Martin. Martin (Martin Hoberg Hedegaard) was the very first winner of the Danish series of the show, X Factor. He is also credited as the youngest winner of the competition. Honestly, I stumbled upon this by looking for English subtitled music videos. I am glad that I have. His debut studio album, Show the World, was released by Sony BMG in 2008 and went 3x platinum.
SHINee is a South Korean boy band (well, they were... they have of course grown up a bit) who did a cover of Show the World, called Love Like Oxygen, on their album The Shinee World soon after the release of Martin's single. Although it is a cover, the lyrics and the message is different.
I felt it would be appropriate to include SHINee in today's music battle since they have a comeback on the horizon. Soon they will release their new single, Dream Girl. I will post more about it in an upcoming update!
Busy?! Heck it just seems to fly regardless anymore. It has been a while since I have posted an update with the latest happenings and upcoming events, so I think I owe a long overdue post. Haha. So here goes...
Big Bang wraps up the Big Bang Alive Tour sponsored by Samsung. The group is continuously thanking fans throughout and after the tour, both by their tweets, facebook updates, and their youtube channel. Seungri must love his phone. He has taken a lot of great videos to share with his fans. My personal opinion is that he should have just documented the whole tour for us. LOL. Here is a sample of his crazy, fun footage:
I missed posting about it at the time, but CNBLUE released a new album. Unfortunately I have only heard two songs so far, I'm Sorry and Coffee Shop, but I really like them
NU'EST is scheduled for their comeback February 13th and have began releasing teaser photos. All I ask it that they PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE don't try to make Ren look super feminine. He is gorgeous, but I don't like when he has his hair down and cut in a feminine way. I like it pulled back or up. I really want to see a full length album from them soon.
NU'EST
Speaking of full length albums, there is another I am waiting for one to be released from...
What is going on with B.A.P? Member, Bang Yong Guk tweets a link to
an audio clip via Tumblr. Is this part of the new project? Only time
will tell. Its sounds a little creepy, but I like it. And yes fans, he
really does have a Tumblr. Haha. Check it out here:
The beautiful and talented BoA released her MV for Disturbance, a choose your ending MV. I won't ruin it for you. I will just provide the link so that you can see for yourself. ^^ Although, I can't help but say that I love that Shinee's Taemin was chosen to do the MV with her. OMO
Super Junior-M released Korean version of Breakdown now available on iTunes. Anyone who knows me knows I am all over that, LOL
Jaejoong
Who needs iTunes to prove your popularity when you can sell completely out of your physical albums? Jaejoong's solo album has sold all of its initial copys (120,000 units) as fans show interest in his solo project. 20,000 more united are to be produced. Congrats to Jaejoong! After everything JYJ has been through, I am happy to see they are feeling the benefits of having a loyal fan base to support them in their careers. I still find myself watching the MV to Mine. It rocks!
Tasty
Other slated combacks: Tasty's comeback has been postponed by their label. The twins tweeted to fans to let them know not to worry. In March, U-KISS will have a comeback. No details for it yet. Se7en will release another single (Japanese) before enlistment in the military (Nooo DON'T GO!!! sorry, I had to).
In other news, The Grammys are coming up quickly. The Aziatix received an invite to a party before the awards. Psy looks to make his commercial during the Super Bowl the best of them by asking fans for their vote on Sunday.
We all know that there are many songs throughout time that share the same melody, beat, or even the same song all together. In my search for such music, I wanted to share these songs with you! I hope to make this a weekly or biweekly feature ^^ (I am slightly aware that I could run out of songs quickly, haha)
Duffy VS Girls Generation
Duffy's Mercy, released in 2008 from her album Rockferry. Her song was even performed on Glee.
I even get to hear this song played almost daily at work. Don't get me wrong, I really like the song, so I am not complaining.
Although it has been a major hit, the song wasn't bought by only one record company....
Girls Generation released their album, I Got A Boy, January 1st of this year (2013, in case you are like me and still writing the wrong year a month into it). Dancing Queen... n,o not any relation to ABBA song whatsoever... is one of the tracks. While I find the song pretty fun and catchy, the music video just doesn't do much for me. These girls, er.. um... women, are in thier 20's now. Is so much aegyo (acting cute/playful) really necessary?! What happened to 'Girls bring the boys out'? I absolutely love Girls Generation, but they can't stay 'girls' forever.
Let me know what you think of the songs, and um... the music video. :P
When most people think of K-pop, they probably wouldn't think of 'Mine' by Kim Jaejoong of JYJ. The song has more of a J-Rock feel to it... not to mention the music video is quite dark. It reminded me of the move 'The Crow", which by the way I LOVED!!! I am really diggin' this MV. Everything from beginning to the end is absolutely amazing. This is from Jaejoong's first solo album.
I can't help but wonder if this video represents JYJ's freedom from their previously ongoing battle with SM Entertainment after cancelling their contract way back when. It seems as if he is breaking free from the past and being born again with a dark side. I must say, a sexy vampiresque one at that. :P
I seriously can't write anymore about this one, because, well... I just can't. I have a strong... and I mean strong
fondness for the members of JYJ. So just watch the video now, will ya!!!
“Mine”
[English Translation]
You are terrible
It’s like you are diseased Poison that runs wild in the screams
Poison that I am already used to
Why does it scream so loudly (okay)
I will wake up from the dream why is it so futile?
Don’t come here This is my ocean
I am too busy fighting things that I could not have imagined
It is my ocean This is ocean
Don’t try to block the sun that shines on me
Sweet…
Sweet pleasure is so sweet
that it devours me up in whole
Why does it make so much noise (okay)
I will say it out loud so it resonates
Don’t come here this is my ocean
I am afraid that this place will be tainted as well
It is my ocean This is my ocean
Don’t try to block the sun that shines on me
Don’t…
This is my ocean
Don’t try to block the sun that shines on me
With the holidays and all the happenings at the end of the year, I haven't been able to keep up with my blog. Good news is, I'm back and ready to catch up on all the various things that have happened in the K-pop world. Believe me, there is a lot for me to fill you in on, if you haven't discovered it yourself already.
To start this off, YG Entertainment has released that G-Dragon, of Big Bang, will be having a solo world tour this year. OMG! If it is anything like the Big Bang Alive Tour, I would die to go!!! I watched one of the full concert videos and wanted to make it to one of their US stops sooooo freakin' bad, its ridiculous! Haha. Now GD is going on tour. There are only select places listed for the tour with future cities for the tour to be announced.
B.A.P is preparing for another comeback. I'm not complaining one bit. After a rivalry between the fans of B.A.P and EXO for the award for Rookie of the Year, um... well... EXO fans, B.A.P has come out with how many mini albums in one year alone?? And EXO? One right? Well two if you count both the Korean and Mandarin versions, but that is cheating. LOL. I don't want to get on anyone's bad side, but I love B.A.P. They have shown their diversity in their music... the only thing I have to say is.... I WANT A FULL ALBUM!!!! Please B.A.P, hear your fans' plea! If not a full album soon, at least a special collector edition of the mini albums combined as a full album with, maybe, a special track or something.
I know that isn't much catching up, but I will post again soon. Thanks to everyone who has checked out my blog recently and to those who have stuck with me through my hiatus. :P
