Collaborative Chemistry

There’s nothing better than seeing two of your favorite artists joining forces to make magic in the studio. This week, I’m sharing some of my favorite B-side collaborations that highlight individual strengths while also boasting rare creative chemistry.

“SUGA’s Interlude” - Halsey (feat. SUGA)

Halsey and SUGA initially collaborated in 2019 when the American singer-songwriter featured on “Boy With Luv” for BTS’s sixth EP, MAP OF THE SOUL : PERSONA. Their friendship, however, dates all the way back to 2017 when the pair met for the first time at the Billboard Music Awards.

When asked about the decision to choose SUGA as a featuring artist on her third studio album, Halsey shared, “I was looking up lyric translations and I was blown away. I was like, 'This stuff is so introspective.' The content is about mental health and his inner turmoil, and he's a really quiet guy in real life, and I was just moved.”

The resulting track, “SUGA’s Interlude,” doesn’t shy away from difficult topics. It’s exactly what you’d expect from both artists: honest and heartbreaking with a touch of hope. Halsey’s naturally raspy vocals and SUGA’s soft-spoken rap blend to create an introspective track about the struggle to hold onto your dreams. They question what it would mean to fall out of love with music and what could possibly come next when it’s all they’ve ever known.

The ballad is centered around a sorrowful piano and dreamlike synths, adding to the track’s overall mood and creating a safe space for the pair to show off their inspiring artistry and shared understanding.

“Blockbuster (액션 영화처럼)” - ENHYPEN (feat. Yeonjun)

Just a few weeks shy of their one-year anniversary, ENHYPEN released their first full-length album DIMENSION : DILEMMA. The seventh track, “Blockbuster (액션 영화처럼),” also marked the group’s first and only official feature thus far. Yeonjun of TXT (Tomorrow X Together) joins the seven members for a fun pop-rock track about wanting to live like the main character in an action movie. It’s truly a collaborative piece with Yeonjun making major contributions as he raps the intro and both verses. It adds a welcomed edge to ENHYPEN’s smooth vocals that perfectly fits the genre.

When asked about the opportunity to work with a senior artist, Heeseung stated, “We thought the song, with its fierce energy, should include rap verses, and thankfully Yeonjun’s featuring really upped the vibe. It was exciting to work with an artist from outside the group for the first time, and that being a senior member from Hybe Labels was a big honor for us.”

Although TXT debuted over a year before ENHYPEN, both groups are members of K-Pop’s fourth generation. Heeseung, the eldest member of ENHYPEN, even trained alongside TXT for the three years he spent at Big Hit Entertainment before participating in I-LAND: the survival show that led to his debut.

“Crazy Like You” - Chungha (feat. BIBI)

Chungha was a member of I.O.I before making her solo debut in 2017 and eventually joining 88rising in 2020. She quickly became one of K-Pop’s most revered soloists, experimenting with a multitude of genres and languages in an effort to surpass barriers and connect with different cultures through music.

Fellow 88rising artist, BIBI, was discovered on SoundCloud before participating in an SBS competition show and making her official debut in 2019. She is deeply loved by fans of R&B and hip-hop for her honest lyrics and unique style.

The two soloists joined forces for the fourth track from Chungha’s second full-length album, Bare&Rare, Pt.1. “Crazy Like You” is a seductive R&B track about being driven to the point of insanity and feeling like you have nothing left to lose. It shows a bolder, darker side of Chungha while highlighting her powerful vocals and letting BIBI shine with soft intensity during the second verse.

During a press event for her sophomore album, Chungha shared, “I was just a performer who sang things that were made over by others. I thought it was time to step forward bravely.” She also teased that Bare&Rare’s second installment would be coming soon. Fans can surely expect more honest lyrics and stellar collaborations from Chungha in the future.