We typically report on new music and video releases during our weekly round-up posts, but when there is a particularly noteworthy release, we try to give it a little extra attention. CL, the self proclaimed baddest female and mega KPOP star, has been not-so-secretly working towards making her solo international debut for a couple years now. Well, it looks like the preparations are winding down and the 2NE1 front-woman is getting ready to amp things up for the official release. Part of the pre-game hype is this new free single, complete with dance video, that should give a good indication of what’s to come.
What’s the verdict? Color me impressed. YG Entertainment seems to be taking a much more calculated route than some of her predecessors (BoA, Se7en, Utada, etc), looking to properly test the waters overseas, build up hype and anticipation, make key collaborations, and not rely solely on her Eastern market star power. Plus they are utilizing the services of some great talent from all over the world, working with Teddy, Jean Baptiste, Parris Goebel, ReQuest Dance Crew, and even local favorite, Danny Chung.
https://soundcloud.com/chaelincl/hello-bitches
All things considered, I have a few lingering question marks on how she’ll be received if/when she blows up on a larger level. For instance, will she get the same criticism regarding her likely “learned” vocal inflection as did Iggy Azaelea? Will she be pigeon holed as a short-term Eastern fascination in the vein of Psy? Or will she struggle to maintain longevity with her success similar to Far East Movement? Can she step out on her own without the use of big-name, co-headlining producers like Diplo?
“Hello Bitches” ain’t perfect, but it’s got a lot of kinetic energy and hints at a lot of promise. If she and her team can play their cards right and carefully ride their momentum, CL just might cement her baddest female status on a global scale.
a-Tunes 