Top 8 K-Pop and Western Music Collaborations: Featuring IVE and Saweetie, Rose and Bruno Mars, and More

Collaborations between K-pop and Western artists have been on the rise, although this trend has historical roots. Back in 2010, Kanye West collaborated with JYJ, creating a fusion of hard-hitting rap and Korean pop melodies. In more recent events, BLACKPINK’s Rosé partnered with Bruno Mars on the hit track “APT,”which has garnered millions of views and enhanced visibility for both musicians.

Moreover, just a few months ago, another BLACKPINK member, Lisa, joined forces with Spanish singer Rosalia, resulting in the highly successful song “New Woman,”which has dominated the charts this year.

Unique Western Collaborations by K-pop Artists with Stars like Rosalia and Megan Thee Stallion

Here are some remarkable collaborations:

• Rosé x Bruno Mars
• IVE and Saweetie
• Lisa and Rosalia
• Jennie and The Weeknd
• Jungkook and Latto
• JYJ and Kanye West
• BTS and Megan Thee Stallion
• BLACKPINK and Dua Lipa

1) Rosé x Bruno Mars

The partnership of BLACKPINK’s Rosé with Bruno Mars birthed the song “APT,”released on October 18, 2024. The track draws inspiration from a well-known Korean drinking game known as “APARTMENT.”The music video features Rosé singing, while Bruno showcases his drumming skills. Initially, Rosé was hesitant to share the song, worried it might highlight Korea’s drinking culture after she had introduced the game to her team. However, public reception eased her concerns, as the video rapidly accumulated over 98 million views on YouTube within just five days.

2) IVE and Saweetie

IVE, the six-member girl group, enjoyed a significant collaboration with rapper Saweetie on their song “All Night.”This track launched on January 9, 2024, and was subsequently released later that month. It is a refreshing remake of the song originally by Icona Pop, which debuted in 2013. “All Night”marked a pivotal moment during their world tour called “Show What I Have,”being their first complete song in English.

3) Lisa and Rosalia

BLACKPINK’s Lisa collaborated with Spanish singer Rosalia for the track “New Woman,”which was released on LLOUD’s YouTube channel in August 2024. This song features a captivating blend of Spanish rap and K-pop influences.

4) Jennie and The Weeknd

BLACKPINK’s Jennie made her mark with the solo single “One of the Girls,”collaborating with The Weeknd and Lily-Rose Depp as part of HBO’s drama series “The Idol.”This sultry R&B track showcases the stylings of The Weeknd combined with Jennie’s smooth vocals. Additionally, Jennie stepped into the acting arena by portraying a backup dancer in the series.

5) Jungkook and Latto

Jungkook, the renowned golden maknae of BTS, teamed up with Latto for a compelling crossover on his solo album “SEVEN,”released in July 2023. The song expresses a boy’s yearning to spend precious time with his partner. The accompanying music video features South Korean actress Han So Hee, adding a humorous yet affectionate element to the experience.

6) JYJ and Kanye West

The collaboration between JYJ and Kanye West is a classic example of K-pop and Western music merging. In 2010, JYJ collaborated with Kanye West on the track “Ayy Girl”from their first album “The Beginning.”The music video showcased unique dance moves set against a dramatic backdrop, emphasizing an apocalyptic theme while encapsulating Western musical influences throughout the piece.

7) RM and Megan Thee Stallion

Megan Thee Stallion is becoming a well-known figure in BTS’s collaborations, having worked with the group on “Butter”back in 2021. In September 2024, BTS’s RM teamed up with Megan for the solo track “Neva Play,”which serves as the theme for WWE Smackdown. Created by an array of talented artists, including LilJuMadeDaBeat and RM himself, this track synergizes RM’s rap and Megan’s powerful vocals, resulting in a dynamic blend. The music video features an animated incarnation of RM, marking its entry onto the US Billboard chart at number 66.

8) BLACKPINK and Dua Lipa

In 2018, BLACKPINK collaborated with Dua Lipa on “Kiss and Make Up,”their inaugural Western partnership. This vibrant dance anthem radiates an “IT girl”vibe and is included in the reissue of Dua Lipa’s self-titled album, which features 25 individual tracks. Embracing themes of empowerment and femininity, the track topped various charts, including iTunes and the US Billboard, delivering a powerful message about love and confidence.

In addition to these collaborations with Western artists, K-pop stars and groups such as BTS, SEVENTEEN, and Chanyeol have also worked alongside international talents such as Steve Aoki, Far East Movement, and Anne Marie.

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