Red Velvet unleashes bold new sound with hip-hop infused bad-boy
By Sarah Yoon
An Evolution in Sound and Style
As one of the most influential K-pop girl groups, Red Velvet has consistently pushed the boundaries of sound and style. Their latest single, “Bad Boy,” is a testament to this evolution, showcasing a bold new direction that blends trap beats with R&B sensibilities.
The Making of “Bad Boy”
Produced by the Stereotypes, Maxx Song, Whitney Philips, and Yoo Young-jin, “Bad Boy” is an unapologetic hip-hop based R&B song with a synth melody and a heavy bass sound. In contrast to their earlier work, the song’s composition, which was composed in the key of D major with a tempo of 150 beat-per-minute, marks a new chapter in Red Velvet’s discography.
A Group on the Move
According to various sources, including Reddit user comments on the song’s making process [1], the producers were inspired by Wendy’s voice and aimed to create a track that showcased the group’s unique sound. This sentiment is echoed in the article from Genius [2] where they analyze how Red Velvet has consistently explored different sounds and styles.
Music Video Reflections
The song’s music video, which features the group performing intricate choreography and showcasing their signature “velvet” style [3], further highlights the group’s commitment to their unique aesthetic. With its bold fashion choices and unapologetic attitude, the video is a reflection of Red Velvet’s confidence and creativity.
A New Direction for Red Velvet
With its bold fashion choices and unapologetic attitude, “Bad Boy” is a significant addition to Red Velvet’s discography, marking a new direction that blends hip-hop and R&B with their signature pop sensibilities. As one of the most influential K-pop groups today, Red Velvet continues to push boundaries and inspire fans around the world.
References
[1] https://www.reddit.com/r/kpop/comments/8pcsgm/the_making_of_red_velvets_bad_boy_with_the/ [2] https://genius.com/a/the-making-of-red-velvet-s-bad-boy-with-the-stereotypes [3] https://www.teenvogue.com/story/k-pop-red-velvet-style-evolution-music-video [4] https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/bts-kpop-albums-bands-global-takeover-707139/