“APT.”: How Rosé of BLACKPINK and Bruno Mars Transformed Korean Drinking Games into a Global Pop Phenomenon in 2024

BA – In the ever-evolving landscape of global music, the unexpected collaboration between Rosé of BLACKPINK and Bruno Mars in the single “APT.” has emerged as one of the biggest musical surprises at the end of 2024. Released on October 18, 2024, this song marks the highly anticipated solo comeback of the BLACKPINK vocalist after a three-year hiatus from the solo music scene, as well as her debut under The Black Label and Atlantic Records.

The Meeting of Two Global Music Titans

Bruno Mars, renowned for his knack for producing hits like “Uptown Funk” and “24K Magic,” joined forces with Rosé—one of the strongest vocalists in the K-pop industry—resulting in an unexpected yet refreshing blend. The collaboration is particularly intriguing given the backgrounds of both artists: Rosé, with her Korean-New Zealand-American roots, meets Bruno Mars, who brings a Hawaiian-Filipino-American flair, creating a unique cultural fusion in global pop music.

From Korean Drinking Games to Global Hit

“APT.” has a unique story behind its creation. Inspired by a popular Korean drinking game called “Apartment” or “Apateu” (아파트), Rosé boldly transformed the rhythm of this social game into the foundation of a pop song. In her interview, Rosé revealed, “APT is actually my favorite Korean drinking game that I often play with friends at home. The rules are simple, it makes you smile, and it lightens the mood at any party.”

A Surprising Creative Process

The story behind this collaboration is as fascinating as the song itself. After teaching the game to her studio crew and witnessing their enthusiastic reactions, Rosé decided to turn it into a song. Although she initially hesitated—at one point even asking her team to delete the song from their phones—her courage in sending a demo to Bruno Mars opened the door to an extraordinary collaboration.

Bruno Mars, known for being selective with his collaborations, was intrigued by the song’s unique concept. When he first heard the track, he even inquired about the meaning of its title, showing his interest in the Korean cultural elements that Rosé presented. This collaboration became a perfect meeting point between global pop and Korean culture.

In-Depth Analysis of the Lyrics

Let’s examine some standout lyrics:

“Kissy face, kissy face
Sent to your phone, but
I’m tryna kiss your lips for real (Uh-huh, uh-huh)

Red hearts, red hearts
That’s what I’m on, yeah”

This opening section cleverly contrasts digital romance with the yearning for genuine connection. The use of emoji references and text messages demonstrates a deep understanding of modern communication, while the longing for physical interaction adds a relatable emotional dimension.

“Don’t you want me like I want you, baby?
Don’t you need me like I need you now?
Sleep tomorrow, but tonight, go crazy
All you gotta do is just meet me at the…”

The main chorus, co-written by a team including Bruno Mars, conveys urgency and energy reminiscent of classic pop-rock hits. The repetition of “Apateu” that follows creates a catchy and memorable hook.

“Turn this apateu into a club (Uh-huh, uh-huh)
I’m talkin’ drink, dance, smoke, freak, party all night (Come on)
Geonbae, geonbae, girl, what’s up? Oh-oh-oh”

This section showcases a perfect cultural fusion—blending the Korean term “geonbae” (건배/cheers) with universal party language. Bruno Mars’s influence is palpable here, evoking the energy of his songs like “24K Magic.”

Brilliant Production and Arrangement

At 2:49 minutes long, “APT.” delivers a tight and energetic production. The all-star production team, including Bruno Mars himself, Cirkut, Omer Fedi, and Rogét Chahayed, has crafted a soundscape that incorporates various elements:

  • Pop-punk guitar riffs reminiscent of the 2000s
  • Beats inspired by classic pop-rock
  • Clever interpolation of Toni Basil’s hit “Mickey”
  • Modern electronic touches that keep the song relevant to current music trends

Cultural and Musical Impact

“APT.” is not just an ordinary pop song; it serves as a cultural bridge connecting:

  • The tradition of Korean social games
  • The global pop sensibilities of Bruno Mars
  • The modernity of K-pop embodied by Rosé
  • Nostalgia for pop-punk and rock

This song marks a new era in Rosé’s career, demonstrating her ability to adapt to various genres while maintaining her musical identity. Her collaboration with Bruno Mars not only underscores her credibility as a global artist but also showcases her talent for creating music that transcends genre and cultural boundaries.

With “APT.,” Rosé and Bruno Mars prove that music can be a medium to unite various cultural elements into something fresh and entertaining, all while preserving each artist’s authenticity. This song not only serves as a testament to Rosé’s evolution as a solo artist but also highlights how cross-cultural collaborations can yield truly unique and impactful works.

Source : Wikipedia

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