KuzzReviews: The not ice skater Yuna Kim's debut with Without You (ft MFBTY)

The visibility of the Korean music industry for a lot of international fans relies heavily on K Pop. That is the simple truth. We come in for the flash, dancing, pop inducing visual latent products, and for some we stick with just that. However, like any music industry around the world, the pop sound does not necessarily reflect the entirety of an industry. K Pop is a case where the music industry is small, there for a large portion of that scene is ran by the idol culture. 

However there are musical acts that do not fit in the idol mold, yet still make a space for themselves in it. Most often it is ballad singers, R&B, Rock (pick your poison), and a few rappers. 

One new act that falls in with that tiny majority is Yuna Kim...no not the ice skater.

Yuna Kim: Without You Now (Ft. Tasha, Drunken Tiger, and Bizzy)

Yuna Kim is a rapper/singer who got her start with some attention from the show K Pop Star (season 3). The song focuses mostly on her rapping prowess, with help from K Pop's Rap God's MFBY (Husband and wife duo Drunken Tiger and Tasha/Yoon Mirae with their tag along kid Bizzy). 

The song is very breezy, like most of Korea's rap that is made to be digestible to the masses. Think of the song I Want to be a  Billionaire 

While the songs differ heavily in content, and the beats are definitely different, the overall vibe matches up perfectly. Very breezy, not really intimidating, very safe. This is the shit you could play in front of your parents, and they would sing along with it.What I like is no pretenses. We are not getting some little girl thinking she about that life. We are getting a girl who is communicating something she can easily identify with, as well as her more than likely target audience, through a valid form of music.  

The song itself is nice. I appreciate it, I like the chorus, and even though TD is kind of heavy on the song, the feature remains a feature.

Also props to an Erykah Badu reference (can't come home, call Tyrone)...I really hope she wrote that herself. 

This song is something I could see blowing up in the states, however SK, eh. While they do give love to the non Idol artist (most of their chart is non Idols), I don't think they are ready to be receptive of a lady emcee.

However I am curious as to what she can and will do musically.

The video...eh. I like it, but it had nothing to do with the song. Unless that girl that was supposed to be "slutty" was her ex...once again...eh. It makes no sense with the actual song. It looks great, and I like the music on top of the video. But... 2+2 is not summing up to 4. Other than that..nothing else. 

Yuna Kim's Without You Now is not the strongest of debuts, but it is a nice one. If she is afforded more opportunities, I hope she can bring something that will leave a bigger impact musically. Femcee's are rare to find in any industry, and I would hate to see one fall to the wayside in K Pop. 

2ne1's Gotta Be You could have been kept

It was long ago promised by YG that four MV's would be released, and Gotta Be You was one of them. Now...it did not happen immediately.
Instead we got Come Back Home, and Happy.
It was in May, on the day of the group's fifth anniversary, did the video for Gotta Be You get released.

2ne1: Gotta Be You

Now I like the song, and said with the right video and promotional handling it could do well...Performed once on music shows, and the video was after they completed their Korean activities (now they are doing random things and touring until their next album).
Thankfully this video was released on the day of their anniversary, but unfortunately the results were just.
Meh.
That is all I can really say to describe it.
Meh.
I get where it was going, and I like some of the visual moments, but overall..meh. 2+2 is not summing up to 4 right now. It just seemed not fully put together.
Like I get that they are going through a maze to find their dude (although the only one to find him is CL). I get the obstacles. I get all of that. The song is about being with someone through it all.
This would have been a visually clever, if they had dedicated a little more time in making it work.
There isn't much to say other than...cute.
Plus there are two other versions and a supposed fourth.
I have seen the dance version, and...hm.
Gotta Be You had a lot of good things (everyone looked cute, there were some nice moments visually, it seemed to have a plot that it tried to follow through with), but they just did not add up to make a successful video.

Kris vs SM: The nonsense of it all.

I really didn't want to talk about this.
I made three post, left each in the drafts, then deleted them.
It just...this post is going to be a mess because I just don't know how to really express what is happening in my mind in regards to it.
Warning these are opinions, and scattered ones.

First off I am team shut the hell up.
In my Keyshia Cole voice pre gap removal: I just want it to be over.
At first I was interested simply because of fan reactions. Let me tell you...these Exo stans lost their damn mind like they lost their favorite cousin that was practically their sibling/twin. It was all doing way too much for me. At the time it was funny. I am not going to lie, it was funny. Y'all talking about legit tears and shit, and I am like...no chill. But that passed, and I got bored/annoyed/tired of it.
In the middle of that I tried looking at the info that was given as clearly as possible. Ultimately it didn't affect me, so me trying to really care was just not at 100%.
I give it a smooth 80%.
However looking at the case...it just seems a lot was put on Kris and Exo, and not enough on SM.
The case is not Kris vs Exo. It's Kris vs SM.
And I don't know how that seems to be escaping minds.
No wait, I do...but that is for later.
Anyway, for those who have been so fortunate to have completely missed this...Exo's Chinese unit leader, Kris has filed suit against his parent company SM.
I don't know the legit reasons, but the ones flying around: health related issues, Kris just over it, he wanted to be an actor, the stress was getting to him, idol life ain't shit.
All valid, and more than likely most of them are true. Which ones are not my place to understand and decipher. Not a possible Judge of this case.
Still that was not enough for fans of the group. The information of all of this was released barely a week before Exo's first solo concert.
This is where that fan reaction started getting REALLY tired.
Because of his actions, at this particular moment...Kris was dubbed a traitor.
"How could he do this right now, what about his group? They worked so hard! AND THE PRODUCTION CREW?"
I don't know why I didn't see that coming, but man...
I didn't even take the time to look at many fancams...but it didn't seem like much was put into it. I assumed the most that needed to be changed was finding something to replace the very likely, and undeserved solo for Kris (probably that stupid ass SM melody they did), do a little to the choreography to accomodate them, and redo the VCR's. That's it.
I just think too much stock is being put into Kris. Kris as a member of Exo, be it the whole or his unit. Kris as some evil force. Kris as some victim (although this is a thin line to tread).
Ultimately the information that was given puts Kris in both a good and bad light.
Good: Another one leaves. For people who think SM is an oppressive force, this further cements that notion. I mean...I believe it. I don't think all intentions are pure, but at the same time, SM has had several problems, two of them being only in the last five years. When there is smoke, there is sure to be a damn fire. SM is just good at making sure that smoke doesn't get out too often.
But anyway that is not my point.
My point is all of this is nonsense.
Kris wanting to leave SM is not nonsense.
The narrative that Kris vs Exo is.
SM literally has not had to do anything because the fans doing most of the work. Take the attention off of SM, and lets focus on how this affects everyone else.
I'm going to say something as a person who has not one stake in all of this, other than some peace and quiet of course...
Kris was not all that useful. As a leader that depends, but musically/performance wise...what did he have to offer?
Nothing.
Popularity...while he may be popular and all that, Luhan and Xuimin were more popular in their respective subunit, each having home field advantage (Xuimin's populairty can be up for debate, but I am pretty sure he is one of the bigger ones in that section). It wasn't like they were losing a Suzy, or a Hyorin pre-2013.
There were losing a Kris.
Too much stock is being put into him like that which makes this whole thing feel bigger than it should be.
On top of that, Exo performed as a group, and not in their units. So that's one, out of 12 members.
Exo feeling betrayed...don't doubt it. Feeling miffed he left right before a concert. Don't doubt it from some of them.
However this incredible focus on them in all of this just...what about the fact that this is about Kris not liking SM?
How is that not the real issue here?
If it turns out that the other members were partially responsible for Kris leaving, then yeah. Or that they tried to get him to stay (Which they apparently did not know)...then yeah.
But overall this case has become less about Kris leaving SM, and more so Kris deserting the OT12 shit.

I don't have much to say about it because ultimately, I am not invested outside of fascination.
The way this is playing out is expected, but still bothersome.
Basically saying: Too much focus on everything but SM and their overall relationship with Kris...and how that is slowly but surely being moved so far too the backbground in favor of Kris vs Exo...like gain some focus and look at the big picture. Regardless of who is right or wrong, SM don't want to be wrong, especially since they went through this twice already, so they are going to do the safest thing and let the innocent ones (Exo) fight this battle of words...
Tis all.

KuzzReviews: 15& deliver a pleasanstly sweet record with Sugar

You like that title?

Anyway, I am going to say it. I am a fan of 15&. Despite them being 16, and me being 22 (gay male so there is no creepy desires going on), I like them. They are talented singers, and their music is cute. Going on two years soon, the group has released three singles prior to their first album, with little impact from them. However now, they are moving forward as a group, and an album has been bestowed to us.

I would describe the overall feel of this album as it is called...Sugary. It is mild pop, R&B, with some other influences here and there. Very pleasant, and fun. I think the album was done well enough, and the girls more than delivered on their part as the communicators of the music. I do think there are some things that could have been handled better of course, but before I get to that.

15& Sugar full album

Things I liked in K Pop: Bestie and Ladies' Code

While I work on a massive post for 15&, and gather the strength to write reviews for Hyosung and Jiyeon (As well as venture into more male idols because)...I just want to remind people that these two female acts happened earlier in the year and I was thoroughly here for what they delivered.

Ladies Code: So Wonderful

I loved everything about So Wonderful. The song was dark and fun at the same time, and worked well with the slightly dimmer feel of winter. The video had a story line to it (and was almost fully understandable), and they looked amazing. The only issue I had was that the song was an obvious attempt to recreate what had happened in Pretty Pretty, their last single. I mean...the little part near middle where Sojung became relevant to the song (she was only used on the chorus at first), was...really...eh. Still a nice song, but next time don't try to do the same thing again that closely. Sadly the song did not give them the push forward, but it did keep them on their good streak of releases.

Bestie: Thank U Very Much

I like Bestie. Bestie is a fun group. Bestie has nothing dynamic to them. Unfortunately the only place they could take up is well occupied by Sistar. The issue with Bestie is that they blend in way too well, and their music is very light. Nothing that could make you go wow, but it will get you going. Their single prior to this was Love Options, and while it was a signature Brave Sound moment, it didn't get them anywhere. They then follow up with the light breezy break up song Thank U Very Much *ow!*...however it was released in the time. This song isn't by any means a big single that could have pushed them into the big leagues, however it could have been a summer single. The visual, the very relaxed ass beat...why release this now? Does not make sense. It's a nice track, just bad timing in my opinion.

And there is that. 

15& starts the train up again with Sugar.

Last month, 15& returned with their pre-release single Can't Hide It. The spring time love song did well all things considered, and the duo did do a little promo for the song.
However they have decided to take the kiddie gloves off and are on their way to releasing their first album...Sugar.
Now JYPE has actually been trying with 15&. They have been on the radio show circuit, and a few variety shows.
However they now have a full album coming out soon.
So to catch you guys up...
15& made their comeback with Sugar.

I really want to hear the studio version (got to wait until tonight for that), however this gives us a good idea of what we are dealing with. I think the staging is a good idea, but it needs to be tightened up. First off there are a lot of people on one stage. Thankfully 15& are the focal point. The staging looks a little busy, which can get distracting. Also the girls look a lil flat performance wise, and while they sounded nice (and energetic), it seemed a little all over the place (trying to show off their vocals).
I like the concept of the performance, and it seems like they will do it justice. This may just be first performance jitters, and they will get better.

It's finally happening: 15& to release an actual album and another single

I know I said they would, as it was reported in April...however things have happened.
With the unfortunate Sewol Ferry incident, the Korean entertainment industry basically stopped out of respect. This hiatus, so to speak, lasted for about two weeks, and maybe a week or so ago, K Pop has been getting back into motion.
 15& had just released their single, and I don't think even a day later, shit went down. As of now they have been promoting as much as possible, and in their last two rounds it was revealed an album was coming.
Once again, it had been reported earlier that they were indeed releasing an album in May, but things happened, and plans were more than likely changed. 2PM, a certified moneymaker of JYPE were pushed back to September for their return to K pop (however most of this is due to the fact that individual activities are taking up most of their time).
And with some sort of report having come out saying that 15& and Got7 were going to be active in June...I just assumed early June comeback. No one would blame them for pushing it back.
However come to find out...the album is coming in a week....actually like four days.
While the album title has not been dropped, the teaser for their comeback single Sugar has dropped.

The teaser does its job: it gives just enough to get an idea of what we are getting. The sound is obviously retro (however it is not a JYP production), and the video is going to play up on that. Also the song was created by the same person who did their previous singles I Dream and Somebody. These songs were not as received as they could have been, but overall positive reviews did come up.
They will be peforming Sugar on Inkygayo (May 25), and the video will drop the next day (May 26).

G.Na's returned, and should have kept it.

G.Na has returned, after how much time away...I don't know how much, but yeah she back.
My problem is that I am not very familiar with her, nor do I want to really get into her. So I am looking at this as someone just getting into her. Like this would be my gateway into G.Na...and uhmmmm....

Pretty Lingerie (G.Na's Secret)

Now where does this song go wrong? 

Well the song is called Pretty Lingerie, but we are basically getting something that Apink would do (change the lyrical content just a little). Why are you talking about your panties when you singing to your oppa? 

Grow up.

It just feels like a massive disconnect for me. The beat is something I could bop to, and the song is not terrible. It's just knowing what it is about just makes me say no. The lyrics are about a girl who wants to look cute in some sickening Victoria's Secret for her man (aka this will lead to sex). She thinks she is in love, and she is now thinking about him.

I think the song is lowkey about sex in some form. Why are you buying new linens, girl? Why would your man see it?

Why? Because she is going to give him her body. 

*Turns on Partition by Beyonce*

This song does not directly say it, but I just came to that conclusion...

Despite the possible sexual theme, the song is just so...dull. Like how do you take such a possible scandalous topic and just...bleh.

Then the video happened and I...

The video is standard in K pop, that ashy pastel colors which gives you spring time, cute dancing, people in outfits you wouldn't see on a normal day by the mass public (like a small section yes, not everyone on every corner looking this nice on any given day). 

What really just stopped me was the lingerie store scenes. When she was in the dressing room, and...

Look a guy creeping on a girl changing into panties. Not just some pants, which is still bad, but she trying on bras, and panties and shit).

I was bored by the video up until then, after that I was just uncomfortable. What's worse is that the guy did not even get punished. It was played for laughs, which is terrible because it wasn't even funny. Like people always want to take very serious topics and try to make black comedy...but fucks most of it ain't funny. 

This is one of them.

A meh song on top of a no video...

That is G.Na's comeback.

Girl...bless you.

SM releases the "long awaited" return of Exo

I put long awaited because it is like two weeks overdue, and there was a reason for that.
Anyway...Exo is back...as if they left...with their new mini album called Overdose. On said mini is their promo single, the title track Overdose...to which we get two videos (Chinese and Korean version).

Honestly the videos are meh. SM are not really invested in making decent videos now, instead they rather just give you a dance in an ugly box set. I am not opposed to box sets for dance videos, but please...try harder. All that money and tax evasion and you can't afford to make a good video?

Overdose the song is fine. It's actually a decent follow up song to Growl, and it won't do terribly. The only thing that befuddles me is that they did OT12 (pardon me for saying this stupid ass thing) for the videos (the entire group sung for the video version), but apparently the mini's are divided into Exo-K/Exo-M.

This may just be a way to make sure everyone on both sides watches the videos...I don't know or really care to that extent.

I may or may not listen to the mini...

Comments...they are nice

I see some of y'all coming and going, and that is okay, but like...if you want to...you can comment.
Pleathe...