K-pop sensation Rosé of BLACKPINK and Grammy-winning artist Bruno Mars have joined forces to release a surprise collaboration titled “APT.” The track, which dropped on October 18, 2024, has already taken the music world by storm, especially among young K-pop enthusiasts.

A Playful Fusion of Talents

“APT.” showcases a perfect blend of Rosé’s ethereal vocals and Bruno Mars’ signature funk-pop style. The song, inspired by a popular Korean drinking game called the “apartment game,” features a catchy chorus and an undeniable hook that’s bound to get stuck in listeners’ heads.

The music video, co-directed by Bruno Mars himself, adds a visual treat to the auditory experience. Shot with a retro filter and featuring peephole shots and double-speed effects, the video shows Rosé and Bruno jamming in a studio, dressed in matching leather jackets and white t-shirts.

Rosé (BLACKPINK) & Bruno Mars – APT.
byu/CronoDroid inkpop

Behind the Collaboration

The collaboration came about in an unexpected way. Rosé reportedly taught Bruno and her crew the Korean drinking game during a night in the studio. The game’s simplicity and fun nature inspired them to create a song around it.

Bruno Mars shared a humorous anecdote about the night on Instagram, playfully suggesting that Rosé tried to kiss him after getting “saucy” from the drinking game. Rosé, in turn, responded with mock outrage, threatening not to release the song.

A Milestone for Rosé

For BLACKPINK fans, this collaboration marks a significant milestone in Rosé’s career. “APT.” serves as the first single from her highly anticipated debut solo album, “rosie,” set to release on December 6, 2024. The 12-track album is described as Rosé’s “most personal and candid release to date,” with the artist holding writing credits on every song.

Impact on the K-pop Scene

This collaboration between a K-pop idol and a Western pop star further solidifies the growing influence of K-pop in the global music industry. It follows in the footsteps of other BLACKPINK members who have worked with non-K-pop artists, such as Jennie’s feature on The Weeknd’s “One Of The Girls” and Lisa’s collaboration with DJ Snake and Rosalía.

Fan Reactions

Young K-pop fans have expressed their excitement on social media platforms, praising the unexpected pairing and the catchy nature of the song. Many have already started learning the lyrics and attempting to recreate the “apartment game” featured in the music video.

The song not only showcases Rosé’s growth as a solo artist but also demonstrates the continuing evolution and global appeal of K-pop.As the music industry eagerly awaits Rosé’s full album release, “APT.” serves as a tantalizing preview of what’s to come from this talented BLACKPINK member.

The collaboration between Rosé and Bruno Mars is a testament to the power of cross-cultural musical partnerships and the universal language of catchy pop tunes.

What inspired Rosé and Bruno Mars to collaborate?

The collaboration between Rosé of BLACKPINK and Bruno Mars on the song “APT” was inspired by a popular Korean drinking game called the “Apartment Game.” Here are the key details about the inspiration behind the song:

  1. Rosé introduced Bruno Mars and her studio crew to the Korean “Apartment Game” one night while they were working together.
  2. Rosé described the game as “simple, fun, and perfect for lightening the mood.” She explained that after teaching everyone how to play, they all enjoyed it together.
  3. The fun and engaging nature of the game sparked the idea to create a song around it. Rosé said, “After explaining how the game works, everyone enjoyed it together. That’s when the song’s creation began.”.
  4. The title “APT” is short for “apartment,” referencing the drinking game that inspired the track.
  5. Rosé stated: “It’s so simple, puts a smile on your face, and breaks the ice at any party. One night in the studio, I taught my crew how to play the game. Everyone was fascinated, especially when I started the chant, so we played around with it and I said we should make a song out of it.”
  6. Bruno Mars joined the project after the initial idea was formed, with Rosé noting, “After Bruno joined the track, the rest became history!”

The playful origins of the song are reflected in its upbeat sound and the fun, retro-styled music video featuring Rosé and Bruno Mars jamming together in a studio setting.

What are some fan reactions to the “APT” music video?

Fans have reacted enthusiastically to the release of the music video for “APT,” the collaboration between BLACKPINK’s Rosé and Bruno Mars. Here are some highlights from their responses:

  1. Positive First Impressions: Many fans expressed surprise at how much they enjoyed the collaboration. One Reddit user, who identified as not being a BLACKPINK fan before, noted that Rosé’s charm in the video changed their perspective, calling it “genuine, enjoyable, and heartwarming”. This sentiment was echoed by others who felt that the partnership between Rosé and Bruno Mars was one of the most exciting in recent K-pop history.
  2. Catchy and Fun Vibes: The song’s upbeat nature resonated with listeners, who described it as “fun and interesting.” Comments highlighted how the music video captures a playful atmosphere, with fans appreciating the chemistry between the two artists as they jam together in a studio setting. One fan remarked that it felt like a genuine celebration of music, stating they were on a “music high” after listening to it.
  3. Comparisons to Other Artists: Some fans drew comparisons between Rosé’s style in “APT” and other pop icons. For instance, one commenter mentioned that the song gave them vibes reminiscent of Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off,” while another noted elements that reminded them of Avril Lavigne. This indicates that fans see Rosé exploring new genres and styles, which they find refreshing.
  4. Excitement for Future Releases: The collaboration has generated considerable anticipation for Rosé’s upcoming solo album, titled rosie, set to release in December 2024. Fans expressed eagerness to hear more from her following this successful single. One user mentioned that this collaboration has made them more interested in her solo work than ever before.
  5. Visual Appeal: The music video itself has been praised for its aesthetic choices, including retro filters and playful visuals. Fans loved the vibrant pink backdrop and the fun interactions between Rosé and Bruno Mars, which contributed to an overall lighthearted vibe.

In summary, fan reactions to “APT” have been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the song’s catchy nature, the chemistry between Rosé and Bruno Mars, and excitement for what’s next in Rosé’s solo career. This collaboration not only showcases her talent but also broadens her appeal beyond traditional K-pop audiences.

What’s Next?

As Rosé prepares for the release of her debut album, Bruno Mars is gearing up for the final leg of his Las Vegas residency. “APT.” marks Bruno’s second high-profile collaboration of 2024, following his single “Die With a Smile” with Lady Gaga. With its infectious beat and the star power of both Rosé and Bruno Mars, “APT.” is poised to dominate charts and playlists in the coming weeks.

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