B-Sides: BTS Edition Part 3 - Features

Photo: BigHit Entertainment

Since making their triumphant return to the music industry last month with the incredible ARIRANG, BTS has been on the lips and on the mind of everyone, including The Kraze's B-side's column. First we looked at some of my favorite tracks from BTS as a group, second was some of my favourite solo tracks released from each member of BTS. Now it's time to continue the focus on BTS by looking at some songs that some of the members have featured on over the years, in and outside of K-music.

“Don't ever say love me” - Colde, RM

A year after collaborating with Colde on the single “Hectic” for his debut solo album, Indigo, RM featured on the second single of Colde's Love Part 2 EP, adding his smooth, laidback rapping to the song, “Don't ever say love me.” Despite touching on a message of distance and separation in the song's lyrics and music video, this collaboration between Colde and RM further cements the dynamic bond between the two artists, leaving a thirst for more songs or even an album from them both together. In “Don't ever say love me,” Colde and RM's vocals command their presence whilst remaining mellow and hypnotic, casting a cinematically chilling atmosphere into the track alongside its orchestral backdrop and lofi beat. With its chilling yet calming production, “Don't ever say love me” perfectly delivers the blunt message of its title and lyrics, pulling the listener in closer to the dramatics of the track.

”Angel Pt.1” - Kodak Black, NLE Choppa, Jimin, JVKE, Muni Long

In 2023, Jimin lent his angelic vocals to the soundtrack of Fast X, the latest installment of the Fast & Furious franchise, joining American artists Kodak Black, NLE Choppa, JVKE, and Muni Long, for the trap infused R&B single, “Angel Pt.1.” Whilst Kodak Black and NLE Choppa handle the verses, Jimin takes to the chorus singing “Angel, don't fly so close to me / I'm what you want, not what you need / You don't want to lose those wings / People like me break beautiful things.” Although a short section, Jimin's vocals leave a lasting impression in the chorus alongside a beautiful harmonisation with JVKE and Muni Long, with “Angel Pt.1” becoming one of my favorite movie soundtracks in recent years.

“Lilith (Diablo IV Anthem)” - Halsey, Suga

Halsey and SUGA are no strangers to a collaboration with one another with Halsey having featured on BTS's hit “Boy With Luv” in 2019 and Suga having brough his presence to Halsey's album Manic with “SUGA's Interlude” in 2020. Three years later, Halsey and Suga reunited for a remix of Halsey's 2021 single “Lilith,” joining forces for the haunting “Lilith (Diablo IV Anthem).” Both Halsey and Suga have distinctive vocal tones that, when joined together, make their collaboration sound more unique and memorable, with “Lilith (Diablo IV Anthem)” allowing Suga's deep singing vocals to shine alongside his intense rapping. For someone who doesn't tend to play games, listening to “Lilith (Diablo IV Anthem)” has me feeling inspired to look into the Diablo game franchise and join the world of gaming.

Edited by Cara Musashi