The Reign of CL Continues
CL has returned to the music scene with a new album, In the Name of Love. She released two new songs a week for three weeks starting December 4th with the two songs “+처음으로(REWIND)170205+” and “+DONE161201+.”
Before we go into more detail, first let’s jump back through time…
Who is CL?
CL is known for her bold and fearless attitude. She is always true to herself and will never apologize for who she is as a person. Not only is she known as a musician but also as a fashion icon and even an actress with role in the American movie, Mile 22.
CL began her debut in 2009 under the label YG Entertainment as the leader of 2NE1. 2NE1 was a girl group consisting of four members, CL, Dara, Park Bom, and Minzy. They were first seen in May of 2009 with the song “Lollipop,” a collaboration song with boy group, BIGBANG, for the brand LG. Their official debut was with the song “Fire,” which was released with a “street” and “space” version in August of 2009. One of the groups most recognizable songs is “I Am the Best” which was the eighth K-pop music video to hit over 100 million views on Youtube and has been featured in international commercials for Microsoft and Adidas Japan. After the departure of Minzy from YG Entertainment, 2NE1 disbanded shortly after and released their final single “Goodbye” in January 2017.
Solo
In 2013, CL’s solo debut song “The Baddest Female” was released. The rap-heavy lyrics allow CL to fully describe her persona as an artist. She is cool, confident, and unapologetically herself. She refuses to listen to her haters and change for others which is what makes her so special in the K-Pop industry.
CL’s next unapologetically-me single release was the song, “Hello B*tches” and a collaboration with Diplo, RIFF RAFF, and OG Maco for the song “Doctor Pepper.” A year later, CL’s first English debut single ”Lifted” was released in 2016. On October 12, 2016, “Lifted” ended up at no. 94 on the Billboard Hot 100, making CL the first female K-Pop soloist to chart. She was also given the opportunity to perform at the closing ceremony for the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang.
In early November, CL had officially departed from her label YG Entertainment. After her departure, CL made a post on Instagram opening up about her thoughts on leaving YG:
“I’d start running before even trying to walk
It’s like I didn’t even know how to walk or rest
For 13 years I’ve accomplished, felt
As well as learned a lot of things.
I was really happy to be able to share myself as CL with you
And the love you guys have given me has filled me up
Just like 13-year-old Chaerin, and just like my grandmother always says
Bravely and confidently.
I didn’t wait for anyone to choose for me
And I am now slowly preparing to return as CL
I am really excited to share the time, memories and emotions I’ve experienced
For the first time in a long time
To all the CLs in the world.
In the name of love,
CL”
Translation: @BaddestFemaleCL
CL shortly thereafter released her album In the name of Love which consists of six songs including:
“+DONE161201+
“+REWIND170205+”
“+PARADOX171115+”
“+ONE AND ONLY180228+”
“+I QUIT180327+”
“+THNX190519+”
CL keeps true to her style throughout the album. She also released unique music videos for each song, ranging from a scrapbook style to incorporating deaf interpreters as the focal point.
CL always has a distinctive voice in her music which can be seen in her lyrics and in the tune that will leave the listener wanting more.