BLACKPINK | PINK VENOM | 2022 ♡
Unpacking BLACKPINK's Latest Hit: Pink Venom Review
K-pop sensation BLACKPINK has taken the music world by storm with their latest hit "Pink Venom." Released as the lead single from their highly anticipated album "Born Pink," the track has quickly become a global phenomenon. With its infectious blend of hip-hop, EDM, and pop elements, "Pink Venom" showcases the group's signature style while pushing the boundaries of their musical repertoire.
The song's impact has been nothing short of extraordinary, shattering records across multiple platforms. It has racked up millions of YouTube views, dominated iTunes charts worldwide, and made a significant splash on Billboard charts. BLACKPINK members Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa have once again proven their star power, delivering powerful vocals and captivating performances that have left fans and critics alike in awe.
"Pink Venom"
Artist
BLACKPINK
Released
August 19, 2022
Format(s)
Download, streaming
Recorded
2022
Genre
Hip-hop
Length
3:06
Label(s)
YG Entertainment
Distributor(s)
YG PLUS
Interscope Records (International)
Writer(s)
Teddy, Danny Chung
Composer(s)
Teddy, 24, R.Tee, IDO
Arranger(s)
24, R.Tee, IDO
Breaking Down the Song Structure
"Pink Venom" showcases BLACKPINK's signature style while incorporating new elements to create a unique sonic experience. The song's structure combines traditional Korean instruments with modern hip-hop and EDM influences, resulting in a variegated and satisfying sound.
Intro and Verses
The track opens with traditional Korean instrumentation, setting a distinctive tone that carries through much of the song. This blend of traditional and futuristic styles represents a departure from BLACKPINK's usual mix of hip-hop and R&B. Jennie's vocals kick off the song, followed by powerful performances from the other members.
Pre-Chorus Build
As the song progresses, it builds towards the chorus with a mix of vocal performances and rap sections. Lisa and Jennie's rap adds a crucial component, weaving in a vibrant yet classic hip-hop feel. They even incorporate references to renowned artists like the Notorious B.I.G. and 50 Cent, paying homage to hip-hop's roots.
Drop-Style Chorus
The chorus of "Pink Venom" features an anti-drop style with lyrics, a departure from BLACKPINK's typical big beat drops. This change in structure has led to mixed reactions, with some fans appreciating the new approach while others finding it less climactic than previous releases. The chorus is punctuated by the repetitive "BLACKPINK" chant, which adds a unique, albeit somewhat controversial, element to the track.
Analyzing the Production Elements
Traditional Korean Instruments
"Pink Venom" showcases a unique blend of traditional Korean instruments with modern pop elements. The song opens with the distinctive sound of the geomungo, a traditional Korean stringed zither. This instrument, along with the gayageum, another traditional Korean zither, adds a rich cultural depth to the track. The incorporation of these traditional sounds creates a variegated and satisfying sonic experience.
The use of the geomungo is particularly noteworthy in the music video. Jisoo is featured playing this instrument on a grand pedestal surrounded by pink lights and lasers, creating a hypnotic aura that sets the tone for the entire production.
Hip-Hop Influences
BLACKPINK's "Pink Venom" draws heavily from 90s hip-hop, seamlessly blending it with their signature style. The rap sections, performed by Lisa and Jennie, add a crucial component to the song, infusing it with a vibrant yet classic hip-hop feel. Their verses even include references to renowned artists like the Notorious B.I.G. and 50 Cent, paying homage to hip-hop's roots.
The group's approach to hip-hop is unique and multifaceted. As Lisa explains, "I don't think hip-hop is just about rapping. Look at Rihanna — she could make anything hip-hop. Hip-hop means something different to everyone. To me, it's the spirit of cool — vibes, swag, whatever words you can use. I think BLACKPINK's hip-hop is something the world hasn't seen before".
EDM Drops
The song incorporates elements of EDM, particularly in its use of drops. However, "Pink Venom" takes a unique approach with an anti-drop style chorus, diverging from BLACKPINK's typical big beat drops. This innovative structure combines with the traditional Korean instruments and hip-hop influences to create a maximalist homage to classic hip-hop and pop.
Examining the Lyrics and Themes
Duality Concept
BLACKPINK's "Pink Venom" embodies the group's signature duality, blending contradictory elements to create a unique identity. The song's title itself represents this concept, with "pink" symbolizing softness and cuteness, while "venom" suggests danger and deadliness. Jennie explained during a press conference that this contradiction is reminiscent of the group's essence, describing it as "a lovely poison" that best expresses their identity.
The lyrics further reinforce this duality. Rosé and Jisoo's verses portray them as "venomous flowers," juxtaposing beauty with danger. This imagery suggests that BLACKPINK can seamlessly switch between being sweet and dangerous, or embody both qualities simultaneously.
Fashion and Luxury References
"Pink Venom" showcases BLACKPINK's strong connection to the fashion world through clever lyrical references. Lisa's rap mentions Celine, alluding to her role as a global ambassador for the brand. Similarly, Jennie references her association with Chanel in the line "I talk that talk, runways I walk, walk".
These fashion references extend beyond the lyrics to the music video's visual elements. Each member sports outfits from their respective luxury brand partnerships: Lisa in Celine, Jennie in Chanel, Jisoo in Dior, and Rosé in Saint Laurent. This integration of high fashion into their music and image further solidifies BLACKPINK's status as style icons in the K-pop industry.
Empowerment Messages
The lyrics of "Pink Venom" are infused with empowering messages that exude confidence and defiance. Lines such as "Provoke us if you want, you can't handle it" and "Come and give me all the smoke" demonstrate the group's assertive attitude. These lyrics convey a sense of strength and self-assurance, encouraging listeners to embrace their own power.
Evaluating the Music Video
The music video for "Pink Venom" has captivated audiences with its stunning visuals, intricate choreography, and rich symbolism. It has garnered significant attention, with the choreography video alone surpassing 100 million views on YouTube in just 52 days after its release.
Visual Aesthetics
The video showcases a vibrant color palette, blending traditional Korean elements with modern pop aesthetics. Jisoo's opening scene features her playing a traditional Korean instrument, the geomungo, on a grand pedestal surrounded by pink lights and lasers. This striking visual sets the tone for the entire production, creating a hypnotic aura that draws viewers in.
Each member's outfit reflects their partnership with luxury brands, further enhancing the visual appeal. Lisa sports Celine, Jennie wears Chanel, Jisoo dons Dior, and Rosé represents Saint Laurent. This integration of high fashion elevates the overall aesthetic of the video.
Choreography Highlights
BLACKPINK's choreography in "Pink Venom" demonstrates their signature style and precision. The dance routine complements the song's hip-hop influences and EDM elements, showcasing the group's versatility and skill. The explosive number of views on the choreography video underscores the global fans' keen interest in BLACKPINK's performances.
Symbolic Imagery
The music video is rich in symbolism, with each scene contributing to a larger narrative. Jisoo's opening sequence, for instance, depicts her surrounded by people wearing VR headsets, suggesting a commentary on the power of music and celebrity influence.
Another notable symbol is the cuckoo bird, which appears throughout the video. This imagery alludes to themes of deception and parasitism in nature, potentially symbolizing the complex relationship between artists and their fans.
The video also incorporates biblical references, such as the Tree of Knowledge from the Garden of Eden. Rosé is seen interacting with this tree, picking a fruit that appears to be filled with venom, adding layers of meaning to the song's title and themes.
Comparing to Previous BLACKPINK Releases
Sonic Evolution
"Pink Venom" showcases BLACKPINK's sonic evolution, blending traditional Korean instruments with modern pop elements. The song opens with the distinctive sound of the geomungo, a traditional Korean stringed zither, adding a rich cultural depth to the track. This incorporation of traditional sounds creates a variegated and satisfying sonic experience, marking a departure from their previous releases.
The track also draws heavily from 90s hip-hop, seamlessly blending it with their signature style. The rap sections, performed by Lisa and Jennie, infuse the song with a vibrant yet classic hip-hop feel, even including references to renowned artists like the Notorious B.I.G. and 50 Cent.
Concept Progression
BLACKPINK's concept has progressed to embody a more pronounced duality. The song's title, "Pink Venom," represents this concept, with "pink" symbolizing softness and cuteness, while "venom" suggests danger and deadliness. This contradiction is reminiscent of the group's essence, described as "a lovely poison" that best expresses their identity.
The music video further emphasizes this concept progression, showcasing a vibrant color palette that blends traditional Korean elements with modern pop aesthetics. Each member's outfit reflects their partnership with luxury brands, elevating the overall aesthetic and reinforcing BLACKPINK's status as style icons in the K-pop industry.
Member Roles
In "Pink Venom," each member's role has evolved, showcasing their individual growth and strengths. Jisoo's vocals have noticeably improved, demonstrating the group's vocal development since their debut. Lisa and Jennie's rap sections highlight their refined skills, with Jennie's delivery described as flawless and refined to a new level.
Rosé's unique vocal color adds warmth and sweetness to the track, while Jisoo's strong and open vocals bring depth and soul to their parts. The song allows each member to shine in their respective roles, showcasing their individual talents while maintaining the group's cohesive sound.
BLACKPINK - ‘Pink Venom’ M/V
BLACKPINK - Pink Venom (Romanized) Lyrics
[Intro: All]
BLACKPINK, BLACKPINK
BLACKPINK, BLACKPINK
[Verse 1: Jennie, Lisa]
Kick in the door, waving the coco
Papkonina chaenggyeo kkyeodeul saenggak malgo
I talk that talk, runways I walk, walk
Nun gamgo pop, pop an bwado cheok
One by one, then two by two
Nae sonkkeut tuk hanae da muneojineun jung
Gajja syo chigon hwaryeohaetji
Makes no sense, you couldn't get a dollar outta me
[Pre-Chorus: Rosé, Jisoo]
Ja oneul bamiya
Nan dogeul pumeun kkot
Ne honeul ppaeaseun daeum
Look what you made us do
Cheoncheonhi neol jamjaeul fire (Fire)
Janinhal mankeum areumdawo
I bring the pain like
[Chorus: Jennie, Lisa]
This that pink vеnom
This that pink venom
This that pink venom
Get 'еm, get 'em, get 'em
Straight to ya dome like
Woah, woah, woah
Straight to ya dome like
Ah, ah, ah
Taste that pink venom
Taste that pink venom
Taste that pink venom
Get 'em, get 'em, get 'em
Straight to ya dome like
Woah, woah, woah
Straight to ya dome like
Ah, ah, ah
See upcoming pop shows
Get tickets for your favorite artists
[Verse 2: Lisa, Jennie]
Black paint and ammo, got bodies like Rambo
Rest in peace, please light up a candle
This the life of a vandal, masked up and I'm still in CELINE
Designer crimes or it wouldn't be me, ooh
Diamonds shining, drive in silence, I don't mind it, I'm riding
Flying private side by side with the pilot up in the sky
And I'm wilding, styling on them and there's no chance
'Cause we got bodies on bodies like this a slow dance
[Pre-Chorus: Jisoo, Rosé]
Ja oneul bamiya
Nan dogeul pumeun kkot
Ne honeul ppaeaseun daeum
Look what you made us do
Cheoncheonhi neol jamjaeul fire (Fire)
Janinhal mankeum areumdawo
I bring the pain like
[Chorus: Lisa, Jennie]
This that pink venom
This that pink venom
This that pink venom
Get 'em, get 'em, get 'em
Straight to ya dome like
Woah, woah, woah
Straight to ya dome like
Ah, ah, ah
Taste that pink venom
Taste that pink venom
Taste that pink venom
Get 'em, get 'em, get 'em
Straight to ya dome like
Woah, woah, woah
Straight to ya dome like
Ah, ah, ah
[Bridge: Rosé, Jisoo, Rosé & Jisoo, Lisa]
Wonhandamyeon provoke us
Gamdang mothae and you know this
Imi peojyeobeorin shot that potion
Ne nunapeun pingkeubit ocean
Come and give me all the smoke
Do animyeon mo like I'm so rock and roll
Come and give me all the smoke
Da jul sewo bwa ja stop, drop
I bring the pain like
[Outro: Jennie, Lisa, All]
Brra-ta-ta-ta, trra-ta-ta-ta
Brra-ta-ta-ta, trra-ta-ta-ta
Brra-ta-ta-ta, trra-ta-ta-ta
Straight to ya, straight to ya, straight to ya dome like
Brra-ta-ta-ta, trra-ta-ta-ta (BLACKPINK)
Brra-ta-ta-ta, trra-ta-ta-ta (BLACKPINK)
Brra-ta-ta-ta, trra-ta-ta-ta (BLACKPINK)
I bring the pain like
Conclusion
BLACKPINK's "Pink Venom" has a significant impact on the K-pop scene, showcasing the group's growth and versatility. The song's blend of traditional Korean instruments, hip-hop influences, and EDM elements creates a unique sonic experience that sets it apart from their previous releases. Its empowering lyrics and visually stunning music video further cement BLACKPINK's status as global icons, pushing the boundaries of their musical repertoire.
The success of "Pink Venom" paves the way for future innovations in K-pop, encouraging artists to explore diverse musical styles and cultural elements. Its record-breaking performance across various platforms highlights the global appeal of BLACKPINK's music and the growing influence of K-pop in the international music industry. As BLACKPINK continues to evolve, "Pink Venom" serves as a testament to their artistic vision and their ability to captivate audiences worldwide.
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