The significance of BLACKPINK's successive second solo projects lies in the fact that these are works created with a sense of autonomy, not by the label's involvement. Jennie, who opened the group’s solo activities with Solo, has created Ruby, a project that reflects a deep sense of "I" and "we," with a first-person perspective throughout. After the 2023 song "You & Me," where she played with melodies created by Teddy, Jennie took a more active role in songwriting and storytelling, participating in most of the tracks post-independence. By removing the YG logo from her price tag, Jennie reigns as an entity whose worth cannot be measured.
In her album the names are prominently featured at the beginning of the title, representing a deep exploration of her inner self. With "Like Jennie," she expresses her anger at the gossip that had long bound her, offering a superb performance of her signature rap style. Produced by Diplo, the track emerges victorious in the fight ring of beats. "With the IE (way up)" samples the 1975 song "Hijack" by Enoch Light, skillfully reinterpreting rhythms from past musicians, and wraps her persona in old-school hip hop. The shout of "Ya-ya-ya" embodies a sense of pleasure, bringing forth a cathartic release.
The culmination of Jennie's personal exploration and the highlight of the album is undoubtedly "Zen." Drawing inspiration from Buddhism and Zen teachings, it presents a supremacist aesthetic that resonates through her work. Placed in the middle of the tracklist, it elevates the essential values as if purging the intense passion displayed in "Like Jennie" through contemplation. The music video features costumes inspired by Queen Seondeok, the first queen in Korean history, blending women's solidarity and religious philosophy in a multi-faceted perspective that naturally extends the message from her previous single Mantra. The album’s story, inspired by Shakespeare’s As You Like It, awakens the listener's sense of free will. Jennie's ability to imbue the music with a sense of consciousness without being overly heavy is evident in these two singles.
The theme of consistent growth continues with "ExtraL," where the J-shaped orbit turns into L, symbolizing the cultivation of independence. The fast beats reaching up to 140 BPM, paired with Doechii, who recently won a Grammy for Best Rap Album, bring a confident, hip-hop vibe to the track. Alongside the collaboration with Dua Lipa on Handlebars and other international names, Jennie proves her talent on a global scale, never overshadowed and seamlessly blending in like a team.
The third act of the album, following the connections made with Childish Gambino and Kali Uchis in "Damn Right," takes on a calmer, more introspective tone, akin to singing behind a ruby-red curtain. Produced by Mike Will Made-It, known for hits like Beyoncé’s Formation and Kendrick Lamar’s Humble., the latter half of the album efficiently highlights Jennie’s intimate monologues. The standout moments of this section are “Starlight,” which shares her vulnerability, and “Twin,” a heartfelt letter to a broken friendship. This part, while a quiet ending often seen in albums, gains more emotional resonance through its universal theme, drawing deeper empathy from the listener.
“The many men in the world are actually cowards, but they pretend to be brave in order to rule the world.”
This line from Shakespeare’s play serves as a reflection of Jennie’s influence, which she transforms into courage for her audience. She sends a signal that even those who dream of becoming the next Jennie can turn their small bravado into grand power, offering encouragement with the message: "What can't you do?" Jennie, with her immense influence, refuses to settle for mere commercial success, instead choosing the harder path to achieve greater fulfillment. Even when the distinct appeal of each song is considered, the album remains radiant. This is a shining artistic creation born from a star who has shed the label of K-pop’s commercialism and emerged as an active, dynamic artist.
