BABYMONSTER 'LIKE THAT' (2024)

What is BABYMONSTER Like That?

BABYMONSTER Like That is a track from YG Entertainment's rookie girl group BABYMONSTER, featured on their first mini album BABYMONS7ER released on April 1, 2024. The song was written and gifted to the group by global artist Charlie Puth, with a runtime of 2:48. Musically, the track adopts a 2000's R&B-leaning approach, distinguishing itself from the group's hip-hop-oriented repertoire through smooth vocal delivery and groovy melodic structures.

The track showcases the members' vocal capabilities and rapping skills over a sensory sound bed, providing what has been characterized as a thrilling auditory experience. Specifically, the song incorporates layered harmonies, ad-libs performed by multiple voices, and rap sections that contribute to its nostalgic R&B aesthetic. The addictive point choreography features groovy dance lines that complement the musical arrangement.

BABYMONSTER first introduced the stage performance for the track during their Tokyo fan meeting titled 'BABYMONSTER PRESENTS: SEE YOU THERE' on May 11 and 12. Following positive reception from global fans, YG Entertainment's Executive Producer Yang Hyun Suk decided to produce an exclusive performance video as a way to give back to the international fanbase. The performance video was unveiled on May 31, 2024, featuring the seven members in sleek black suit styling against a simple white background with bold red typography.

BABYMONSTER Like That lyrics and meaning

Main theme and storyline

The song was written by Charlie Puth and Jacob Kasher Hindlin, exploring the fluttering feelings of love through a narrative centered on attraction and confidence. The lyrical storyline depicts a protagonist who recognizes mutual attraction ("I see that look upon your face / Something my mind cannot erase") and possesses certainty about understanding their love interest better than others. The recurring question "baby would you like that" frames the push-pull dynamic of a developing relationship, where the speaker expresses willingness to pursue closeness while seeking reciprocation.

The thematic structure revolves around three interconnected elements: desire and attraction ("If I come close, baby, would you like that? / If I give some, would you give it right back?"), understanding and connection ("'Cause all those girls (they don't) know what you need (they don't) / But I know, I know the way"), and love and intimacy ("Say you want love, boy, I know what that means / In my arms, in my arms (that's where you need to be)"). The narrative expresses the ultimate desire to be with the other person.

Key lyrics breakdown

BABYMONSTER's rendition incorporates rap sections not present in Charlie Puth's original version, adding a nostalgic 2000s R&B aesthetic. The rap verse "Yo it's like that, like that / How you run it right back know you on the right track / Queen ace blackjack" contributes swagger and confidence to the romantic narrative. The vocal arrangement features extensive layering and adlibs performed by multiple members, creating harmonic depth throughout phrases like "Baby would you like that" where different vocal tones overlap. Certain lyric content, particularly "If I give you some would you give it right back," generated discussion regarding appropriateness for members under 18 years old.

BABYMONSTER Like That performance video

The group released both a dance performance video and an exclusive performance video showcasing the choreography and stage presence. The production featured minimal background sets with white spaces and bold red typography, allowing the members' movements and expressions to remain the focal point. Styling consisted of two distinct looks: sleek black suits and white ensembles, with the black outfits receiving particular attention for their sophisticated aesthetic.

The choreography incorporated several memorable moments, including a synchronized foot tap during the "they don't" lyric, a formation where Chiquita weaves through members arranged in a line, a domino flower pattern with Rora positioned at center, and a breaking formation where Chiquita moves between Ahyeon and Rami during their vocal parts. Member performances drew specific recognition, with Asa's vocal tone quality noted alongside her rapping delivery, while Rora and Pharita captured attention through their stage execution. Chiquita demonstrated notable stage presence through facial expressions, and Rami's performance style drew comparisons to established artists with added intensity.

The video's production quality was filmed in a cinematic style resembling a music video rather than a standard dance practice format. This approach aligned with YG Entertainment's established pattern of elevating performance content to concert-level production standards.

Chart performance and reception

Commercial success

The mini album BABYMONS7ER containing the track sold over 400,000 copies, establishing a record for highest first-week album sales by a K-pop girl group debut album. The exclusive performance video released on May 31, 2024, surpassed 200 million views on YouTube approximately one year and two months after its release. This performance video achievement contributed to BABYMONSTER's collection of 12 videos exceeding 100 million views on the platform.

Critical reviews

NME described the track as a "hidden gem" that demonstrated the group's potential beyond their agency's established formulas. The publication characterized it as "feel-good, flirty and upbeat," noting how the track "takes its 2000s R&B influence head on and knocks it out of the park". Fan responses on discussion platforms highlighted the vocal execution and harmonic elements, with listeners expressing preference for this track over the group's title releases.

Line distribution

The track features participation from all seven members across vocal and rap sections. Specific quantitative line distribution data by individual members has not been documented in official releases or analytical breakdowns.