Throwback Thursday: 13 Years with 2NE1
May 6 marks the thirteenth debut anniversary of 2NE1. YG Entertainment’s girl group’s name stands for “New Evolution of the 21st Century,” and can be pronounced as either “twenty-one” or “to anyone.” After their debut in 2009, 2NE1 took the K-Pop industry by storm with their cool charm and unique performances. Although they disbanded in 2017 with their final track “Goodbye”, 2NE1 remains unforgettable and even made a reunion this year at Coachella. For this week’s Throwback Thursday, we are going to take a look at just a few of their many iconic songs and looks.
“FIRE”
“FIRE” is 2NE1’s official debut song and a perfect introduction to their cool style. The song commands your attention with its siren sounds, chanting intro, and fast-paced electro beat. Their personality and swagger really get a chance to shine in the two different performance videos. There is a street version, which includes flashy streetwear and punk hairstyles, and a space version, which gives us a futuristic swag look full of bright lights and colorful stages.
”CAN’T NOBODY”
“CAN’T NOBODY” gives us that edgy and powerful sound we love to hear from this group. It is quite an addictive track with catchy lyrics, especially Minzy’s line, “Cause I’m so bad, bad but I’m so good, good” as well as Bom and Dara’s chorus line, “Can’t nobody, can’t nobody hold us down.” The music video shows awesome sets and looks that are so cool and over the top, you can really feel the fun and upbeat energy that the members have in their style.
“UGLY”
“UGLY” is a slightly slower song than we typically heard from 2NE1, but it really encapsulates 2NE1 and the way they perceive themselves. The group was often called ugly due to their unconventional style and edgy looks compared to the cute and sexy concepts that are often seen from girl groups. However, 2NE1 embraces this “ugliness” in their lyrics and makes the sadness one might feel about being ugly and not fitting ideal beauty standards a feeling of empowerment instead. The music video reflects this with the members rebelling and still loving themselves anyways.
“I AM THE BEST”
“I AM THE BEST '' is by far 2NE1’s most popular song, as it perfectly encapsulates the classy and edgy style that the member’s exude. This song will hype you up, and is so bold and confident, you can’t help but to feel powerful while listening to this song. The music video has a black, white, and silver theme, accentuating that elegance with a touch of swag.
“Crush”
Composed by their leader CL, “Crush” gives us a mix of hip-hop and EDM. It is a fierce song that brings attitude and will make you want to dance along. The lyrics, “They love me ‘cause I’m hot, they love me ‘cause I’m cold, they love me ‘cause I’m real, they love me ‘cause I kill,” are addictive and will stay on repeat in your head.
2NE1’s music is so authentic to the members’ personalities and really encourages the message of empowerment and accepting who you are to their audience, marking them as a K-Pop group that will be remembered and loved for years to come.
Edited by Omani