Vernon's Collaboration with Charli XCX and Rina Sawayama Left Us Begging for More
The ‘Beg For You’ remix notably features additional production from London-based producer A.G. Cook, who is also known as a pioneer of the hyperpop genre.
The eagerly-awaited music collaboration that all started from the delightful online interactions on Twitter between British pop star Charli XCX and Vernon of SEVENTEEN (through the group’s account) finally dropped on February 25.
A little over a week after the official release of her single “Beg For You” featuring London-based Japanese singer Rina Sawayama, Charli XCX took to Twitter to ask fans for their opinion on who they would like to see her collaborate with for a remix.
Ask and you shall be answered! SEVENTEEN fandom CARATs weren’t shy at suggesting member Vernon under the replies, out of knowledge that the rapper is a self-proclaimed Charli fan himself. In an interview with W Magazine in Spring 2021, Vernon shared that he sings Charli XCX’s songs in the shower.
It didn’t take Charli long to notice the enthusiasm of CARATs, as the “Good Ones” singer tweeted out asking how she could get in touch with the collaboration prospect and would later directly tag SEVENTEEN’s official Twitter account in a follow-up tweet.
Vernon replied a few hours later to the tweet with a definite and capital Y-E-S. With both sides in mutual agreement to initiate the project, the two exploding head emojis from the rapper’s reply pretty much summed up how everyone was feeling about the possibility of this too-good-to-be-true collaboration happening. To quote Charli XCX – OMG.
On February 23, Charli XCX teased the collaboration on Twitter with a 30-second video in which you could hear Vernon’s voice, confirming that the two did indeed reach out and work on the remix after the unforgettable online exchange.
Shortly after the teaser that built up even more excitement from both fandoms, the remix was released at midnight on February 25 for each respective region.
The new remix of “Beg For You” is a more electronic dance-pop approach compared to the original version. Vernon’s part comes in right after the first chorus as he croons the line, “I don’t think I’ll ever feel this type of way again,” and continues his effortless yet impactful verse delivery.
With A.G. Cook working his magic on the song’s production, elements of his wheelhouse genre hyperpop can be heard in the reprised “Beg For You." Vernon is no stranger to the hyperpop genre as well. Through the individually-curated playlists shared by members of SEVENTEEN on Spotify as well as on his personal Instagram stories, Vernon’s music rotation includes well-known hyperpop artists like Kim Petras, 100 Gecs, SOPHIE, A.G. Cook, and Charli XCX herself. On their eighth mini-album Your Choice in 2021, SEVENTEEN’s hip-hop unit experimented with the hyperpop sound through the song “GAM3 BO1,” written and composed by none other than the avid enjoyer of the genre himself. The rapper was also seen singing to Rina Sawayama’s “Comme des Garçons (Like the Boys)" on V LIVE once. In a beautiful way, the collaboration between Vernon and the three British acts featured on the remix was fated and a dream come true for him.
Vernon continues to showcase his musicality and versatility with this collaboration. 2022 has already marked a year with ample opportunities for the idol as he was able to fulfill any music fan’s biggest wish: working alongside those who inspire them. Often described by his fellow SEVENTEEN members as someone who is passionate and serious about his music, there’s no doubt that he’s an individual who puts extra effort in his craft and the final work pays off.
Listen to the A.G. Cook and Vernon remix of Charli XCX and Rina Sawayama's “Beg For You” on Spotify.