Get Groovy With HIP POP Princess’ “Do My Thang”
Photo: Mnet
Mnet’s iconic female rapper competition series, Unpretty Rapstar (2015–), has returned after a nine-year hiatus with its fourth and latest installment, Unpretty Rapstar: HIP POP Princess. Its energetic opening track, “Do My Thang – Princess Version,” was released on October 24 across major platforms, accompanied by a music video showcasing all the contestants from the renewed edition. It’s safe to say that the song successfully amped up excitement for the show.
Korea Vs Japan: Girls Rapping Their Way To Victory
This new season of the much-loved rap competition has a very distinctive flavor. It has quite a spicy twist, aiming to blend hip-hop and pop (hence the title), with 40 contestants, half from Korea, the other half from Japan. Those who will emerge at the end will debut as a hip-pop group—there’s no official information about the number of members who will make up said group.
The host, working as a judge as well, is none other than i-dle's Soyeon, who competed in this very show during its third season, in 2016. The other mentors and judges in this season will be DynamicDuo’s Gaeko, Japanese choreographer Riehata, and actor-singer Takanori Iwata.
In an article published by the Korean newspaper JoongAng Daily, Soyeon pointed out one of the main differences from the earlier version of the contest; this time, the contestants will have a very hands-on approach to every step of their creative process. The girls are expected to write their own rap verses, style themselves for the performances, and come up with the choreographies as well.
As the title of the show suggests, emphasis will be put especially on skills and musical talent, rather than looks. Soyeon said: “In other audition programs I took part in as a judge, I used to put a lot of stress on charms and star qualities, but this time, since it’s Unpretty Rapstar, I’ve been telling the contestants that their skill will be the first and most important factor.”
“Do My Thang”: The VIP stage
The opening act of Unpretty Rapstar: HIP POP Princess was a memorable stage by the main producers, who kicked things off with a powerful joint performance, introducing the audience to the first track and title song of the show, “Do My Thang.” It all began with the striking entrance of the host and lead producer, Soyeon, who was soon joined by Gaeko, Riehata, and Iwata Takanori. As their verses blended, the final moments of the performance gave way to an electrifying display, the choreography brought to life by all 40 contestants, who appeared together for the first time. It was the best way to boost energy right from the start!
The show is poised to pack a punch, it would seem. Right from the first episode, competition has been fierce and thrilling. The telecast was found to be very immersive both by Korean and Japanese fans, who praised the differentiated format, and the skill of the contestants and producers. Unpretty Rapstar: HIP POP Princess airs every Thursday at 9:50 PM (KST) on Mnet in Korea and on U-NEXT in Japan. Who knows, the next queen of HIP POP might be stepping into the spotlight right now.
Edited by Sandy Ou