Throwback Thursday: Iconic Solo Collabs

Photo: SM Entertainment

It’s always a treat to hear from our favorite soloists. When they release an album, it's fun for all of us, and it's impressive to see all their hard work pay off. Sometimes on these albums, there is another featured artist on a song. It’s like a bonus, and it’s always mesmerizing to hear the different tones, ad-libs, and talent of the two artists who come together to create a hit. So, today we’re going to take it back and talk about some solo collaborations that had us all hooked. 

DEAN - “Pour Up (feat. ZICO)” 

On March 25, 2016, iconic K-R&B artist DEAN dropped his fantastic album 130 Mood: TRBL. With seven straight hits, it was hard to pick one song on this album as a favorite. One song that stood out to many is the groovy second track on the album “Pour Up (feat. ZICO).” The song features an arrangement of instruments. Throughout the track, you can hear the drums, bass guitar, and keyboard. There is a synth beat in the background as well, which makes you sway your hips to the rhythm. This track features another prominent artist in the K-R&B/K-hip-hop scene, namely CEO, Block B member, and soloist ZICO. Throughout the song, we are captivated by DEAN’s smooth vocals, and then during the bridge of the song, ZICO comes in with his striking rapping. The way his flow matches the more sensual sound of the track pulls you in, and you can’t help but rewind it and listen to it again. It’s a great song that will forever be a favorite for many. 

TAEMIN - “Black Rose (feat. Kid Milli)”

On September 7, 2020, SHINee member and soloist TAEMIN dropped his album Never Gonna Dance Again: Act 1 - The 3rd Album. The striking album features that signature sensual, groovy, and addictive TAEMIN sound. With a title track like “Criminal,” you, as the listener, are fascinated and excited to see what else this album could offer, and he did not disappoint. The next track on the album is “Black Rose (feat. Kid Milli).” With a more eerie sound, the song starts with Kid Milli and his lower-registered voice catching your attention. Kid Milli is a fantastic rapper, and in this song, he starts with a bang, and his flow is fast but steady. By the time TAEMIN comes in, you are already hooked. TAEMIN’s voice in this song is siren-like. It grabs your attention and has you in a trance. TAEMIN is doing runs, belts, and harmonies in this song, and you can’t help but want more. It’s a duet we didn’t know we needed until we got it, and now that it’s here, we can’t stop listening to it. 

BoA - “YOUR SONG (feat. Junoflo)”

On February 20, 2018, K-Pop legend BoA released her EP ONE SHOT, TWO SHOT - The 1st Mini Album. With a new sound, this album is hit after hit, proving once again how BoA can do anything. One song on the mini-album that stood out to many is her track, “YOUR SONG (feat. Junoflo).” With a catchy trap beat, hand claps, and addictive lyrics, you can’t help but dance to this song. “It’s my jam, it’s my song” will be stuck in your head after one listen. BoA’s smooth vocals are mixed with a trap beat. It’s a new sound for her, and she did amazingly. This track features rapper Junoflo. A name known amongst the K-hip-hop scene, his rap is perfect for this track. That trap beat suits his flow, and the way he maintains a steady flow in both Korean and English is impressive. It’s an unforgettable song, and will always be a favorite.

Edited by Bryn Claybourne