2NE1 releases tracklist for upcoming mini-album + MVs release dates

Ten months after releasing their last mini-album, a date has been set for 2NE1 to released their next mini-album on July 28th. YG Entertainment released the group's tracklist on July 15th through their blog, YG Life.

According to the tracklist they released, there will be two new songs included in addition to the already released tracks "Lonely," "Don't Cry," and "I Am The Best." The mini-album will also include the bonus track "Don't Stop The Music," which was used as the theme song of Yamaha 'Fiore' last year.

The two additional songs that will be included on the mini-album are "Ugly" and "Hate You." "Ugly" was written, composed, and arranged by Teddy of 1TYM and will act as the title song of the album. "Hate You" has been tagged as the sub-title song of the album and was also written, composed, and arranged by Teddy.

According to YG Entertainment's blog, 2NE1 will first release the sub-title song "Hate You." The song was originally suppose to be released on 2NE1's first studio album last year, in fact. "Hate You" was originally titled "Fuck You." However, due to its derogatory title and lyrics because of 2NE1's young fanbase and Minzy being underage, the song did not make the final cut for 2NE1's 1st studio album. The blog post continues to say that 2NE1 had liked the song and wanted to change the title to the track and it was decided that "Hate You" would be included in their new mini-album.

The music video for "Hate You" will be an animation video which was produced by graphic artist Marie Kim. The teasers for "Hate You" will be released starting on July 18th at midnight and the music video is set to be released for July 21st at midnight.

The post continues to talk about their main title song "Ugly," a song that features a powerful guitar rift with a mix of rock and electronic sounds. The lyrics speaks of one's outward appearance and to be honest with ourselves despite how "Ugly" we may seem. CL is known for her talent for knowing multiple languages such as French and English, and the chorus for "Ugly" has been sung entirely in English by CL herself for international Kpop fans. "Ugly" has a very summery chorus that is refreshing for the season.

The music video for "Ugly" is set for release on July 28th at midnight. Production costs, according to YG Entertainment, has been the most ever spent on a music video thus far. "Ugly" was directed by Han Samin.

YG continues to talk about their special collaboration with Marie Kim, who they had contacted after admiring her art for so long. After being contacted, Marie Kim had personally offered to not only direct the music video for "Hate You" but also take care of 2NE1's album jackets.

Marie Kim has worked with Andrew Warhola for his album "Velvet Underground," Julian Opie’s 10 year anniversary album "Blur," Kanye West's album "Graduation," and even collaborated with Louis Vuitton for the accessory line "Murakami."

They have also hinted that 2NE1's promotions this year will not end with their latest mini-album and to anticipate more.

2NE1 will also be preparing for their upcoming solo concerts on August 27th and 28th titled "NOLZA."

Tracklist:
1. I Am The Best (Lyrics, Composed, Arranged: Teddy)
2. Ugly (Lyrics, Composed, Arranged: Teddy) TITLE
3. Lonely (작사: Teddy / 작곡: Teddy, e. knock / Arranged: Teddy)
4. Hate You (Lyrics, Composed, Arranged: Teddy) SUB TITLE
5. Don’t Cry (Lyrics, Composed: Teddy, Lydia Paek / Arranged: Teddy)
-Bonus Track-
6. Don’t Stop the Music (Lyrics, Composed: e. knock / Arranged: 최필강)

Source: YG-life and Newsen

[NEWS] 2NE1, f(x), & miss A are the most anticipated girl groups for Japan

Japan Nikkan Sports recently predicted which Korean girl groups would be most anticipated for as part of the ‘2nd generation of idol rookie groups’.

The three top groups they listed were 2NE1, f(x) and miss A. “Being in the same agency as Big Bang’sYG Entertainment, 2NE1 is currently leading the younger generation in Korea,” stated Nikkan Sports.

f(x) recently signed a new contract with Japanese agency, AVEX, alongside their company sunbaesBoA and TVXQ. They’re scheduled to fully begin promotions overseas next year.

Meanwhile, miss A is becoming more popular in the overall Asian market as a multinational dance group, and have been receiving great interest from fans for their upcoming Japanese promotions.

Nikkan Sports also mentioned other Korean girl groups including T-ara, After School, SISTAR andRainbow.

Source: Star News via Nate

Cr : allkpop

[NEWS] 2NE1, Kim Bum Soo, and Superkid declared as harmful for youth?

The songs from 2NE1, Kim Bum Soo, Super Kid, and many other popular artists have collectively been judged to be ‘harmful media’ for youths because of their songs.

According to the electronic gazette of the Ministry of Public Administration and Security, theCommission on Youth Protection made a judgment on November 29th that 2NE1’s ‘Can’t Nobody(English Version)’ and ‘I’m Busy‘ were disruptive for youths.

What was the reason behind this harsh decision? Apparently, it was the use of profanity in the tracks. Kim Bum Soo’s ‘Smoking or Drinking‘ from his ‘Solista Part 1‘ was also judged as inappropriate due to the drug references. Super Kid’s ‘Have a Drink‘ and trot singer Kim Hye Yeon’s ‘I’ll Pay‘ were also criticized for the same reasons.

The works of hip hop artists also got slammed, as being harmful to youths. Hip hop duo DOZ, which recently signed with Japan’s Avex, had 5 of their songs deemed as injurious to youth.

In view of these judgements, measures have been taken to put a declarative mark on albums containing songs that may be corruptive to youth; albums with those marks cannot be sold to individuals under the age of 19. If these regulations are not followed, the producers, distributors, and vendors may have to pay penalties. Also, these so-called inappropriate songs cannot be broadcasted before 10PM.

This decision went into effect on December 6th.

How do you feel about Korea’s measures to regulate content in music? Do you feel that it’s too harsh or perhaps too conservative? Or do you agree with the cautionary stance? Tell us your thoughts below!

Source: Money Today Star News

Cr : allkpop