Thread
Why couldn’t Pink Venom/Shut Down blow up in the US like Dynamite?
Blackpink songs always do well but it never does well enough to chart top 5 Billboard 100 and be their US breakthrough. Why don’t Americans take Blackpink more seriously?
OP
“Pink Venom” and “Shut Down” are rooted in hip hop. It’s extremely difficult for Asians to do hip hop in the U.S., especially today’s mainstream brand of hip hop, without being side-eyed.
Conscious rap is a different story. If you’re lyrical, you’ll get your respect, but your music won’t go mainstream or get anywhere near the charts unless you’re J. Cole, Kendrick Lamar, or Eminem.
“Dynamite” is a very family-friendly song that makes you feel good. It’s a lot more universally appealing than songs about flexing.