At midnight on November 27, BABYMONSTER released their debut song “BATTER UP” and its music video. “BATTER UP” is a remarkable hip-hop genre song with a strong bass that perfectly encapsulates YG’s identity as a label. The song is undeniably characterized by the distinctive “YG style” that anyone can recognize.
The title “BATTER UP” refers to the next batter’s call sign in a baseball game, symbolizing the entry of BABYMONSTER as the next expected “monster rookie of YG”. With such a title, the group’s ambition to be a “game-changer” leading the mainstream K-pop scene is also revealed.
At the same time, “BATTER UP” contrasts with the recent trend of songs being easy to listen to, which are apparent in BTS’s Jungkook’s “Seven” and NewJeans’ “Super Shy”. Instead, it presents a provocative and challenging take by embracing YG’s unique hip-hop genre, and showcasé its ambition to embrace K-pop in its own distinctive style.
Dropping like a bomb on the K-pop scene, “BATTER UP” by BABYMONSTER is not just a song; it’s a statement. This track boldly emphasizes the unique flavor of each member, with a hook that’s not just catchy but downright unforgettable. If you’re feeling a sense of déjà vu, you’re not alone – the styling echoes the iconic vibes of 2NE1, proving that BABYMONSTER is here to carry on the legacy of YG greatness. In addition, some also feel that BLACKPINK’s vibe is incorporated into it.
Despite initial whispers of an August or September debut, BABYMONSTER kept us on the edge, finally dropping the bomb in late November. It’s about a year later than the spoiler given by YG Entertainment’s CEO, Yang Hyun-suk, about BABYMONSTER’s debut in early 2023. During this time, videos depicting the members’ selection and training process have been uploaded to the official BABYMONSTER YouTube account, and this extended period seems to have brought about effective promotion. The channel has already surpassed 3.42 million subscribers, and the music video for “Batter Up” has already surpassed 8.98 million views in real-time, aiming for 10 million views. They are already boasting a ‘record-breaking’ scale as rookie idols. Despite member Ahyeon, who was at the center of popularity as the ‘second Jennie,’ being absent from debut activities due to health issues, expectations for the team itself remain high.
Currently, BIGBANG members have revealed their individual activities, WINNER has shown relative underperformance in military service for Kang Seung-yoon and Song Min-ho, Treasure has shown less stellar results than expected as a ‘YG group,’ and BLACKPINK is at a crossroads with their contract renewal. In this situation, BABYMONSTER’s debut is even more anticipated. Global K-pop fans, thirsting for YG’s unique color, are naturally drawn to BABYMONSTER’s debut activities.
Below are some comments from netizens:
- Can YG please switch up the MV production. The set and props are always the same… Everything in the “Batter Up” MV looks similar to BLACKPINK MVs. Compared to the images and concepts of other groups like NewJeans and IVE, BABYMONSTER’s probably ranks last
- The concept is a bit similar to BLACKPINK, but the music is okay!
- It’s 2023, but the MV looks like one from 2017. Some segments look as old as 2012
- I don’t quite vibe with this song except for the rap part. I don’t know why but this group sounds and looks like a combination of 2NE1 and BLACKPINK
- The beat is catchy, a bit lacking in climax but still acceptable, sounds like a YG song
- A signature YG song… but somehow lacking swag compared to 2NE1
- This is the first time a Kpop song has better rap parts than the singing part.
- I hoped for a debut song that is both cool and slaying like “Whistle,” but this sounds more similar to TREASURE music…
- Compared to the debut songs of other groups in YG, this song probably ranks at the bottom…
- It’s a good song but not too ear-catching. It just sounds a bit outdated.
