How You Like That – BLACKPINK
BLACKPINK, one of the most influential K-pop groups in recent years, continued to solidify their global impact with the release of their single “How You Like That” in June 2020. The song, released under YG Entertainment, is a high-energy track that combines powerful vocals, dynamic beats, and striking visuals. The official music video for “How You Like That” quickly became a cultural phenomenon, amassing millions of views and capturing the attention of audiences worldwide. This article delves into the song’s background, lyrical content, musical style, and the elaborate visual presentation of its music video.
Background and Release
“How You Like That” was released as a pre-release single for BLACKPINK’s highly anticipated debut studio album, The Album. The song marks the group’s return after a nearly two-year hiatus, during which they focused on solo projects and endorsements. The track was produced by Teddy Park, who has been a key collaborator in BLACKPINK’s previous successes, and co-written by Teddy Park, R.Tee, and 24. The release of “How You Like That” was strategically timed to reignite the group’s presence in the music industry and set the stage for their full album release.
The single’s anticipation was palpable among fans and the general public alike, as BLACKPINK had consistently maintained a strong presence in the global music scene. “How You Like That” was accompanied by a visually stunning music video that amplified its impact and showcased BLACKPINK’s trademark style.
Lyrical Content
The lyrics of “How You Like That” convey themes of self-empowerment, resilience, and confidence. The song opens with a dramatic, attention-grabbing line:
“Blackpink in your area
Blackpink in your area.”
This opening line establishes the song’s confident tone and sets the stage for the themes of power and self-assurance that are explored throughout. The chorus, with its bold and assertive delivery, further emphasizes these themes:
“How you like that?
How you like that?
How you like that?
How you like that?”
The lyrics highlight BLACKPINK’s ability to overcome challenges and emerge victorious. They express a sense of triumph and resilience, encapsulated in lines like:
“Look at you now, look at me.
Look at you now, look at me.”
These lyrics reflect the group’s journey and their determination to rise above obstacles, resonating with listeners who face their own challenges.
Musical Style
“How You Like That” is a dynamic blend of various musical styles, including pop, hip-hop, and EDM. The song features a pulsating beat, dramatic instrumental elements, and a mix of both powerful rap verses and melodic vocals. The production incorporates a blend of traditional K-pop elements with contemporary sounds, creating a track that is both catchy and innovative.
The song’s structure includes a dramatic build-up, a powerful drop, and a high-energy chorus that ensures it remains memorable and engaging. The combination of strong beats and anthemic melodies makes “How You Like That” a perfect anthem for both personal empowerment and large-scale performances.
The Official Music Video
The music video for “How You Like That,” directed by Seo Hyun-seung, is a visual masterpiece that complements the song’s powerful and energetic vibe. The video is known for its vibrant colors, elaborate set designs, and striking choreography, making it a feast for the eyes.
Visual Themes and Storytelling
The video opens with a dramatic scene in a desolate, dark setting, which quickly transitions to a burst of color and energy as the song’s beat kicks in. The use of contrasting visuals, from dark and moody to bright and dynamic, mirrors the song’s themes of overcoming adversity and emerging victorious.
One of the most notable aspects of the video is its use of elaborate costumes and set designs. BLACKPINK members Jennie, Jisoo, Lisa, and Rosé are seen in a variety of outfits that range from edgy and glamorous to elegant and traditional. These costumes enhance the visual storytelling and reflect the song’s diverse influences.
The choreography in the video is a standout element, with intricate and synchronized dance routines that highlight the group’s exceptional performance skills. The dance sequences are energetic and visually striking, featuring sharp movements and powerful formations that complement the song’s rhythm and intensity.
The video also features several symbolic and fantastical elements, including scenes with fireworks, flowing water, and ethereal backgrounds. These visuals add a layer of fantasy and drama to the video, enhancing its overall impact and making it memorable for viewers.
Artistic Direction and Aesthetics
The artistic direction of the “How You Like That” music video is marked by its creativity and attention to detail. The use of bold colors, dynamic camera angles, and innovative set designs creates a visually stunning experience. The video’s color palette is vibrant and varied, with each scene carefully crafted to reflect the song’s energetic and empowering message.
The cinematography plays a crucial role in enhancing the video’s visual appeal. The use of dynamic camera movements and creative visual effects adds to the overall excitement and engagement. The integration of traditional and modern elements in the set design and costumes reflects BLACKPINK’s ability to blend different influences while maintaining their distinctive style.
Reception and Impact
“How You Like That” has been widely praised for its powerful sound, visually stunning music video, and impactful message. The song quickly gained popularity, topping charts worldwide and receiving millions of views on YouTube. The music video’s elaborate visuals and high-energy choreography have been celebrated for their creativity and innovation, solidifying BLACKPINK’s status as a leading force in the K-pop industry.
The song and its video have also been noted for their influence on global music trends, with many fans and critics highlighting BLACKPINK’s ability to push boundaries and set new standards in the industry. The track’s success has contributed to the growing recognition of K-pop as a global phenomenon and has further established BLACKPINK as one of the genre’s most influential acts.
Conclusion
BLACKPINK’s “How You Like That” is a testament to the group’s artistic vision and their ability to blend powerful music with visually stunning presentations. The song’s dynamic sound, empowering lyrics, and innovative music video make it a standout track in BLACKPINK’s discography. The official music video enhances the song’s impact with its vibrant visuals, elaborate costumes, and energetic choreography. “How You Like That” showcases BLACKPINK’s continued evolution as artists and their commitment to creating music that resonates with a global audience.
BLACKPINK in your area
보란 듯이 무너졌어
바닥을 뚫고 저 지하까지
옷 끝자락 잡겠다고
저 높이 두 손을 뻗어 봐도
다시 캄캄한 이곳에 light up the sky
네 두 눈을 보며, I’ll kiss you goodbye
실컷 비웃어라 꼴 좋으니까
이제 너희, 하나, 둘, 셋
Ha, how you like that?
You gon’ like that, that-that-that-that, that-that-that-that
How you like that? (Bada-bing, bada-boom-boom-boom)
How you like that, that-that-that-that, that-that-that-that?
Now look at you, now look at me, look at you, now look at me
Look at you, now look at me, how you like that?
Now look at you, now look at me, look at you, now look at me
Look at you, now look at me, how you like that?
Your girl need it all and that’s a hunnid
백 개 중에 백, 내 몫을 원해
Karma come and get some
딱하지만 어쩔 수 없잖아
What’s up? I’m right back (right back)
방아쇠를 cock back (cock back)
Plain Jane get hijacked, don’t like me?
Then tell me how you like that, like that
더 캄캄한 이곳에 shine like the stars
그 미소를 띠며, I’ll kiss you goodbye
실컷 비웃어라 꼴 좋으니까
이제 너희, 하나, 둘, 셋
Ha, how you like that?
You gon’ like that, that-that-that-that, that-that-that-that
How you like that? (Bada-bing, bada-boom-boom-boom)
How you like that, that-that-that-that, that-that-that-that?
Now look at you, now look at me, look at you, now look at me
Look at you, now look at me, how you like that?
Now look at you, now look at me, look at you, now look at me
Look at you, now look at me, how you like that?
날개 잃은 채로 추락했던 날
어두운 나날 속에 갇혀 있던 날
그때쯤에 넌 날 끝내야 했어
Look up in the sky, it’s a bird, it’s a plane
Yeah-eh-eh-eh
Bring out your boss, bitch
Yeah-eh-eh-eh
BLACKPINK!
뚜뚜뚜뚜두두, 뚜뚜뚜뚜두두 (how you like that?)
뚜뚜뚜뚜두두, 뚜뚜뚜뚜두두두 (you gon’ like that)
뚜뚜뚜뚜두두, 뚜뚜뚜뚜두두 (how you like that?)
뚜뚜뚜뚜두두, 뚜뚜뚜뚜두두두