Lisa's 'Rockstar': Fashion, Music, and Impact
LISA, the celebrated member of BLACKPINK, has recently launched her solo single "Rockstar," produced by San Homaee and Ryan Tedder of OneRepublic. This vibrant track merges early 2000s J hip-hop with modern R&B/hip-hop elements, particularly in its dynamic bridge, showcasing LISA's adeptness in both singing and rapping. Accompanied by a visually captivating music video directed by Henry Schofield and choreographed by Sean Bankhead, it was shot in Bangkok and beautifully pays tribute to LISA's Thai heritage.
Marking a significant step in her career, "Rockstar" is LISA's inaugural solo release under the partnership between her management company, LLOUD Co., and RCA Records. This release not only highlights her evolving artistry but also her growing influence beyond the music scene, as seen in her ventures into fashion and other entertainment sectors.
Earlier this year, LISA announced the establishment of her own label, LLOUD, which was met with immense support from her global fanbase. This move not only signifies her entrepreneurial spirit but also her commitment to exploring and expanding her musical and creative horizons.
Marking a significant step in her career, "Rockstar" is LISA's inaugural solo release under the partnership between her management company, LLOUD Co., and RCA Records. This release not only highlights her evolving artistry but also her growing influence beyond the music scene, as seen in her ventures into fashion and other entertainment sectors.
Earlier this year, LISA announced the establishment of her own label, LLOUD, which was met with immense support from her global fanbase. This move not only signifies her entrepreneurial spirit but also her commitment to exploring and expanding her musical and creative horizons.
Lisa's Background and Achievements
Early Life and Career
Born Pranpriya Manobal on March 27, 1997, in Buriram Province, Thailand, she later legally changed her name to Lalisa, meaning "the one being praised". Raised by her Thai mother and Swiss stepfather, she showed early talent in performing arts, enrolling in dance classes from the age of four. Her prowess led her to win the Special Team Award with her dance crew at the LG Entertainment Million Dream Sanan World competition. At just 13, Lisa was the sole applicant accepted out of 4,000 to join YG Entertainment as a trainee.Achievements with BLACKPINK
In August 2016, Lisa debuted as a member of BLACKPINK, marking her as the first non-ethnically Korean artist under YG Entertainment. The group's debut singles, "Whistle" and "Boombayah," soared to the top of the South Korean charts, setting a precedent for their meteoric rise. Their global reach expanded in 2018 when they signed with Interscope Records.Solo Career Milestones
Lisa's solo career began with her album Lalisa in September 2021, which broke records for the highest first-week sales among Korean female acts. The album's lead single, "LALISA," and its B-side "Money" both charted on Billboard's Hot 100, with "Money" becoming the first song by a female K-pop soloist to chart for multiple weeks. Her impact extended beyond music as she established her own label, LLOUD, and partnered with RCA Records, underscoring her influence in the music industry.
Composition of 'Rockstar'
Songwriters and Producers
"Rockstar" was crafted by a team of talented individuals including Lisa herself, alongside Brittany Amaradio, James Essien, Lucy Healey, Ryan Tedder, and Sam Homaee. The track was produced by Ryan Tedder and Sam Homaee, who have both contributed significantly to its unique sound.Musical Style and Influences
This track is a robust blend of hip-hop and electropop, described vividly as "cyberpunk psychedelia". It incorporates a sample from Tame Impala's "New Person, Same Old Mistakes," adding a layer of depth to its composition. The song is notably influenced by early 2000s J-hip-hop, intertwined with modern-day R&B/hip-hop elements, especially during its dynamic bridge. This fusion creates a nostalgic yet contemporary vibe that showcases Lisa's versatile musical prowess.
Release and Promotion of 'Rockstar'
Announcement and Teasers
Lisa's solo single "Rockstar" was highly anticipated, with the Tourism Authority of Thailand leveraging the release to promote tourism in Bangkok. The video, featuring iconic locations such as Chinatown's Yaowarat, has attracted global fans, prompting the authority to extend promotional efforts to nearby areas like Sampheng market and Talat Noi. In preparation for the release, Lisa shared an in-depth teaser that portrayed her as a cyberpunk queen, setting a Guinness World Record for the fastest time to reach a million followers on TikTok after posting clips of the single.Marketing Strategies
The promotional campaign for "Rockstar" was multifaceted, including targeted social media ads, influencer partnerships, and a comprehensive digital marketing strategy. These efforts were aimed at building hype and anticipation among fans worldwide. Lisa's management company, LLOUD, and RCA Records also played a significant role in the promotional activities, emphasizing her new partnership and the creative freedom it entailed.Music Video Details
Filming Locations
Lisa's "Rockstar" music video was primarily shot in Bangkok, Thailand, showcasing the vibrant and bustling streets of the Yaowarat district, known as Chinatown. This location choice not only highlights the city's dynamic nightlife but also pays tribute to Lisa's Thai heritage, which has significantly resonated with her fans. Filming took place during the early hours before dawn to minimize disruptions, and compensation was provided to local businesses for any inconvenience.Concept and Visuals
The "Rockstar" video, directed by Henry Schofield, features a rapid succession of visually striking scenes, blending the modern cyberpunk aesthetic with traditional Thai elements. The use of electrifying colors and city nightlife settings complements the track's energetic vibe, while strategic camera cuts maintain viewer engagement and emphasize Lisa's strong presence. The inclusion of iconic landmarks and cultural references enhances the video's appeal and connects it deeply with both local and international audiences.Fashion and Styling
Fashion plays a crucial role in the "Rockstar" video, with Lisa donning multiple outfits that reflect her unique style and the song's edgy tone. Notable pieces include a criss-cross bra top paired with black moto bottoms and a graphic halter top from Dion Lee's fall 2024 collection, which she combines with distressed jeans. Each ensemble is carefully chosen to complement the music video's dynamic scenes and Lisa's powerful performance, adding an extra layer of visual interest and reinforcing her status as a fashion icon.
Critical Reception and Chart Performance
Initial Reviews
Lisa's solo track "Rockstar" has been met with mixed reviews. While some appreciate the song's energetic vibe and Lisa's charismatic performance, others find the hooks flat and repetitive, lacking the distinctiveness to stand out amidst a crowded music scene.Chart Rankings
"Rockstar" debuted at No. 8 on the Rap Digital Song Sales chart, marking Lisa's second top 10 hit on this list. The track's initial charting is particularly impressive considering it was released just a few hours before the tracking period ended, suggesting potential for further ascent in upcoming chart refreshes.Comparisons with Previous Hits
Despite the critical mixed reception, "Rockstar" has performed well in comparison to Lisa's previous solo efforts. It secured 73% of the votes in a Billboard new music poll, outpacing releases from other popular artists, which highlights its popularity among fans. This performance is notable, especially when compared to her earlier track "Lalisa," which faced challenges in sustaining high positions on digital charts.
Debate: K-pop or T-pop?
The release of Lisa's "Rockstar" has ignited a vigorous debate over its classification: is it K-pop or T-pop? This discussion is fueled by the video's strong visual and cultural ties to Thailand, featuring numerous Thai creators and scenes shot in Bangkok, which has led some fans to argue that Lisa is promoting T-pop and showcasing her Thai identity. However, others maintain that despite these elements, Lisa remains a prominent K-pop figure on the global stage, as her music retains the core characteristics that define K-pop, including its business models and international appeal.Cultural Significance
The "Rockstar" music video has not only amassed significant views but also sparked a conversation about cultural representation in music. By incorporating Thai artists and cultural symbols, Lisa brings a local flavor to her performance, which some believe marks a shift towards T-pop. This blend of cultural elements has raised questions about whether such integrations transform the genre of the music itself.Opinions from Fans and Experts
Fans are divided, with some praising Lisa for embracing her roots and others asserting her status as a K-pop idol. This dichotomy is echoed by experts who also weigh in on the genre debate. Lee Gyu-tag, a cultural studies professor, argues that "Rockstar" does not meet the musical or systemic criteria to be classified as T-pop, emphasizing that K-pop's identity extends beyond the nationalities of its artists. Conversely, Kim Jin-woo from Circle Chart suggests that the track leans more towards T-pop, highlighting the strategic placement of the song in music categories and Lisa's efforts to nurture T-pop's growth.Lisa's Impact on Thai Culture
Lisa's "Rockstar" music video serves as a vibrant showcase of Thai culture, prominently featuring Bangkok's streets and integrating a host of Thai creators and cultural elements. This not only highlights her roots but also positions her as a pivotal figure in promoting Thai culture on a global stage.Influence and Representation in 'Rockstar'
The "Rockstar" video, shot in the heart of Bangkok, notably on Yaowarat street, has become a cultural emblem, portraying Lisa's deep connection to her Thai heritage. The inclusion of Thai art directors, set managers, and videographers, along with local dancers, adds an authentic Thai flavor to her performance, reinforcing her role in promoting Thai pop, or T-pop, over K-pop. This strategic cultural representation has sparked discussions on her influence in shaping a more localized yet globally appealing music genre.Tourism and Cultural Promotion
Following the release of "Rockstar," there has been a noticeable surge in the popularity of locations featured in the video, such as Yaowarat street. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has seized this opportunity to enhance tourism, creating new promotional activities and highlighting the area's rich culinary scene. This move is expected to attract both Thai and international tourists, eager to experience the culture Lisa showcased. The TAT's initiative includes a creative tourism route called 'Walking Bangkok' in the Yaowarat-Song Wat-Talat Noi area, which is also being promoted through various marketing activities.LISA - ROCKSTAR (Official Music Video)
Rockstar Lyrics
[Chorus]
Gold teeth sittin' on the dash, she a rockstar
Make your favorite singer wanna rap, baby, la, la
"Lisa, can you teach me Japanese?" I said「はい、はい」
That's my life, life, baby, I'm a rockstar
[Pre-Chorus]
Been on a mission, boy, they call me catch-and-kill
I'm stealin' diamonds, make them chase me for the thrill
Been MIA, BKK so pretty
Every city that I go is my city
[Chorus]
Gold teeth sittin' on the dash, she a rockstar
Make your favorite singer wanna rap, baby, la, la
"Lisa, can you teach me Japanese?" I said「はい、はい」
That's my life, life, baby, I'm a rockstar
[Post-Chorus]
I'm a rockstar, I'm a rockstar
It's not hype, hype, baby, make you rock-hard
[Verse]
Make a wish, babe, what you wanna do?
Dippin' outta big cities like a ponzu
It's a fast life, it's an attitude
Put it on the calеndar and tell me when to comе through
Yes, yes, I can spend it
Yes, yes, no pretendin'
Tight dress, LV sent it
Oh shit, Lisa reppin'
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[Pre-Chorus]
Been on a mission, boy, they call me catch-and-kill
I'm stealin' diamonds, make them chase me for the thrill
Been MIA, BKK so pretty
Every city that I go is my city
[Chorus]
Gold teeth sittin' on the dash, she a rockstar
Make your favorite singer wanna rap, baby, la, la
"Lisa, can you teach me Japanese?" I said「はい、はい」
That's my life, life, baby, I'm a rockstar
Gold teeth sittin' on the dash, she a rockstar
Make your favorite singer wanna rap, baby, la, la
"Lisa, can you teach me Japanese?" I said「はい、はい」
That's my life, life, baby, I'm a rockstar
[Post-Chorus]
I'm a rockstar, I'm a rockstar
It's not hype, hype, baby, make you rock-hard
I'm a rockstar, I'm a rockstar
It's not hype, hype, baby, make you rock-hard
[Outro]
Ooh, and the music goin'
Ooh, and the girls are posin'
Ooh, don't it get you in a mood?
It's not hype, hype, baby, I'm a rockstar
Conclusion
Lisa's triumphant return with "Rockstar" not only showcases her evolution as an artist but also solidifies her status as a global music icon. The track, marking her first solo project in over three years, blends early 2000s J-hip-hop with modern R&B, creating a dynamic and engaging musical experience. This release, under her self-established agency Lloud, hints at more exciting projects in the future, showcasing her as a true rockstar in the music industry.Her music video for "Rockstar," directed by Henry Schofield and shot in Bangkok, is a visual spectacle that pays homage to her Thai heritage while blending strong, rockstar-inspired makeup looks that signify her bold artistic choices. This personal and cultural expression in "Rockstar" has not only captivated fans but also sparked discussions on her influence in promoting Thai culture globally.
Lisa's journey from a backup dancer to a global superstar is a powerful narrative of individuality and success. Her story encourages fans to pursue their passions relentlessly, standing out and shining as their true selves, much like she does. This message resonates beyond the music industry, serving as a universal call to embrace one's inner "Rockstar".
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