Spot!
"Spot!" | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | ||||
Single by Zico featuring Jennie | ||||
Released | April 26, 2024 (2024-04-26) | |||
Genre | Hip hop | |||
Length | 2:47 | |||
Label | KOZ | |||
Songwriter(s) |
| |||
Producer(s) |
| |||
Zico singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
Jennie singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
Music video | ||||
"Spot!" on YouTube | ||||
"Spot!" is a song by South Korean rapper Zico featuring South Korean singer Jennie. It was released as a digital single on April 26, 2024, through KOZ Entertainment. "Spot!" is a hip-hop song written and produced by Zico, Eun Hee-young and No Identity, with lyrics about a casual encounter between two friends at a late-night party.
"Spot!" received critical acclaim from music critics for its catchy hook and the combination of Zico and Jennie's unique styles. It was a commercial success in South Korea, where it peaked at number one on the Circle Digital Chart and Billboard's South Korea Songs chart for three weeks. Globally, the song debuted at number eight on the Billboard Global Excl. U.S., marking Zico's first ever entry and Jennie's third top-ten hit on the chart. It became Zico's first and Jennie's second number-one song on the US Billboard World Digital Songs chart, and entered the top ten in Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, and Taiwan.
An accompanying music video was uploaded to YouTube simultaneously with the single's release. Directed by Yongseok Choi and Ran Ro, the video features Zico and Jennie on a late-night drive, with Zico rapping in various urban settings, and ends with a lively group dance. Zico promoted the song with performances on his show The Seasons: Zico's Artist and at various festivals. "Spot!" won the Melon Popularity Award and two first-place trophies on the music program Inkigayo.
Background
After completing his military conscription in May 2022, Zico made his return to music with the release of his fourth extended play Grown Ass Kid on July 27, which contained the pre-release single "Seoul Drift" and title track "Freak".[1] The EP was moderately successful and peaked at number 11 on the Circle Album Chart with 16,085 copies sold in its first week.[2]
In December 2023, YG Entertainment confirmed that Jennie of South Korean girl group Blackpink did not renew her contract with the label for individual activities.[3] The singer announced the formation of her own music label for solo activities in November named Odd Atelier.[4] Since establishing her independent label, Jennie released the single "Slow Motion" on March 8, 2024, a collaboration with former Brockhampton member Matt Champion for his debut studio album, Mika's Laundry (2024).[5] She also made appearances on various South Korean broadcast programs such as The Seasons: Lee Hyo-ri's Red Carpet and Apartment 404.[6]
A representative from Zico's agency, KOZ Entertainment, confirmed on April 2, 2024, that the rapper was preparing a new song to be released at the end of the month, celebrating the tenth anniversary of his solo debut.[7] Local news outlet TenAsia reported on April 4 that Jennie would feature on the song and appear in its music video.[8] In response to the reports, KOZ Entertainment confirmed Zico's comeback but not Jennie's involvement, stating that "it is difficult to confirm other matters."[9]
Recording and composition
"Spot!" is a hip-hop song that opens with Jennie singing the hook.[10] Its lyrics revolve around the special moment between two friends who happen to meet at a party late at night.[11] In a press release, Zico expressed that the "charm of this single lies in its simple arrangement that evokes listeners' excitement and desire to have fun."[12] On Jennie's contribution, he elaborated that she "poured her heart and soul into the recording process. She demonstrated professionalism by suggesting editing even when I complimented the sound. Jennie played a significant role in perfecting this track. The enjoyable collaboration has seen positive results."[13]
Release and promotion
On April 18, Zico posted a 20-second video on social media of him and Jennie in a recording studio singing and dancing along to a snippet of their upcoming single featuring her vocals.[14] Shortly afterwards, he posted another photo teaser captioned "Come vibe with us" of the two artists looking at Polaroid pictures of themselves.[15] Zico then officially revealed the new collaboration titled "Spot!" and its release date of April 26, alongside a schedule of teaser photos and videos from April 19 to 25.[16] On the 19th, he uploaded a behind the scenes video of the song's recording in the studio with Jennie.[17] A 19-second music video teaser was released on April 25.[18] "Spot!" was made available for digital download and streaming on April 26 as a digital single through KOZ Entertainment.[19]
To promote the song, Zico and Jennie filmed a short-form dance challenge video together that was released on their social media platforms.[20] On April 26, Zico made his debut televised performance of "Spot!", which was pre-recorded before the single's release as a part of his first episode hosting the South Korean late-night music talk show The Seasons: Zico's Artist.[21] He performed the song at various South Korean university festivals throughout May, including the Soonchunhyang University festival "2024 Phoenixia" on the 8th and "Akarakareul Onnuri with Alumni" hosted by the Yonsei University Alumni Association and Cheerleading Squad on May 26.[22] He also performed at the Hip Hop Playa Festival 2024 at Nanji Hangang Park on May 4, Waterbomb Seoul 2024 on July 5, and the 2024 Beer Rock Music Festival in Kaohsiung, Taiwan on July 7.[23]
Critical reception
"Spot!" was met with acclaim from music critics and was listed by several publications as one of the best K-pop songs of the year. Writing for Billboard, Jeff Benjamin named it the 20th best K-pop song of 2024 and one of the most "dynamic collaborations" of the year, managing to blend Zico and Jennie's "distinctive styles". He further praised the song's "catchy hooks and clever lyrics", which he felt could only be pulled off by the "charismatic" duo.[24] Similarly, Daniel Anderson included "Spot!" on NME's list of the 15 best K-pop songs of 2024, describing it as a "supremely groovy bop" and a "summertime jam to blast on repeat." In particular, he praised Jennie for her performance on the infectious hook, in which she shows off "a delicious trill that reminds everyone of her powerhouse vocal versatility."[25]
Commercial performance
"Spot!" debuted at number 24 on the Billboard Global 200 with 47 million streams and 5,000 downloads worldwide.[26] It also debuted at number eight on the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. with 44.5 million streams and 4,000 sold outside the U.S. The song marked Zico's first-ever entry on the chart, and Jennie's third top-ten hit as a soloist, after "You & Me" topped the chart in October 2023 and "One of the Girls" reached number five in February 2024.[27] In the United States, "Spot!" sold 1,000 copies and registered 2.5 million streams during its initial tracking week. The song debuted at number one on the Billboard World Digital Song Sales chart, marking Zico's first-ever number-one on any U.S. sales chart. It was Jennie's second time topping the chart, after her debut single "Solo" in 2018.[26]
In South Korea, "Spot!" debuted at number 22 on the Circle Digital Chart for the week of April 27 with only two days of tracking.[28] The following week dated May 4, it ascended to number two on the overall chart and number one on the component streaming chart.[29][30] "Spot!" remained atop the streaming chart for three consecutive weeks.[31][32] In its fourth week, the song rose to its peak at number one on the Circle Digital Chart, becoming Zico's seventh and Jennie's second chart-topper.[33] It also ranked as the number-one song on the monthly Circle Digital Chart for May.[34] On Billboard's South Korea Songs, "Spot!" debuted at number one and remained atop the chart for three consecutive weeks, earning Zico his first and Jennie her second number-one single on the chart.[35][36]
Music video
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/9/9f/Zico_-_Spot%21_%28music_video_screenshot%29.png/220px-Zico_-_Spot%21_%28music_video_screenshot%29.png)
The music video for "Spot!" was directed by Yongseok Choi and Ran Ro of the video production company Lumpens.[37] It was uploaded to Hybe Labels' official YouTube channel on April 26 at 6 PM Korean time.[38] Upon release, the video topped the worldwide trending list on YouTube and exceeded five million views in five hours.[20]
In the music video, Zico and Jennie aim to create a hip atmosphere without relying on flashy effects. Zico sings while locking eyes with Jennie, and together, they take viewers on a late-night drive, exuding their "true vibe." Throughout the video, Zico showcases his dynamic performance, rapping passionately in various settings such as studios, soccer fields, parking lots, and urban streets. The video concludes with an enticing group dance featuring numerous dancers.[39]
Accolades
"Spot!" won the Melon Popularity Award on May 6, 2024.[40] On August 22, Zico was awarded the Best Song Award at the 2024 K-World Dream Awards for "Spot!".[41]
Program | Date | Ref. |
---|---|---|
Inkigayo | May 12, 2024 | [42] |
May 19, 2024 | [43] |
Credits and personnel
- Zico – vocals, background vocals, songwriter, producer
- Jennie – vocals, background vocals
- Eun Hee-young – background vocals, songwriter, producer, recording engineer
- No Identity – songwriter, producer
- Kim Joon-sang – recording engineer
- Staytuned – mixing engineer
- Park Nam-joon – assistant mixing engineer
- Nam‐woo Kwon – mastering engineer
Charts
Weekly charts
| Monthly charts
|
Release history
Region | Date | Format | Label | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|
Various | April 26, 2024 | KOZ | [59] |
See also
- List of Circle Digital Chart number ones of 2024
- List of Inkigayo Chart winners (2024)
- List of K-pop songs on the Billboard charts
References
- ^ "지코, 27일 'Grown Ass Kid' 발매..軍 복무 후 첫 앨범". Herald POP (in Korean). July 13, 2022. Retrieved July 13, 2022.
- ^ "Circle Album Chart: 2022 Week 32". Circle Chart. Korea Music Content Industry Association. Retrieved August 11, 2022.
- ^ "블랙핑크, 팀 활동만 YG서...지수·제니·리사·로제 개별 계약 않기로(종합)". Newsis (in Korean). December 29, 2023. Archived from the original on December 29, 2023. Retrieved December 29, 2023 – via Naver.
- ^ Hwang, Hye-jin (December 24, 2023). "블랙핑크 제니, 독립 레이블 '오드 아틀리에' 설립...YG와 따로 또 같이". Newsen (in Korean). Archived from the original on December 24, 2023. Retrieved December 24, 2023.
- ^ Hwang, Hye-jin (March 7, 2024). "YG 떠난 블랙핑크 제니, 홀로서기 후 첫 신곡은 'Slow Motion'". Newsen (in Korean). Archived from the original on March 8, 2024. Retrieved March 7, 2024.
- ^ Myung, Hee-sook (April 4, 2024). "'컴백' 지코, 제니 피처링 출격하나 "확인 어려워" [공식입장]" ['Comeback' Zico will feature Jenny, but "it's difficult to confirm" [Official statement]]. Xsports News (in Korean). Retrieved April 4, 2024 – via Naver.
- ^ Jeong, Yu-jin (April 2, 2024). "'솔로 데뷔 10주년' 지코, 이달 말 신곡 컴백" ['10th Anniversary of Solo Debut' Zico, comeback with new song at the end of this month]. News1 (in Korean). Retrieved April 2, 2024 – via Naver.
- ^ Choi, Ji-ye (April 4, 2024). "[단독] 블랙핑크 제니, 지코 10주년 컴백 지원사격 "피처링·뮤비 촬영 완료"" [[Exclusive] Blackpink Jennie, supporting Zico's 10th anniversary comeback "Complete filming of featuring and music video"]. TenAsia (in Korean). Retrieved April 4, 2024 – via Naver.
- ^ Shin, Min-hee (April 4, 2024). "Blackpink's Jennie to collaborate with Zico on a new song". Korea JoongAng Daily. Retrieved April 4, 2024.
- ^ Angan, Kara (April 26, 2024). "BLACKPINK Jennie And ZICO's Collaboration 'SPOT!' Is Out Now — Listen". Billboard Philippines. Retrieved April 26, 2024.
- ^ Hicap, Jonathan (April 26, 2024). "Korean rapper Zico drops single featuring BLACKPINK's Jennie". The Manila Bulletin. Retrieved April 26, 2024.
- ^ Ziwei, Puah (April 26, 2024). "Zico and BLACKPINK's Jennie drop new collaboration, 'Spot!'". NME. Retrieved April 26, 2024.
- ^ Pyo, Kyung-min (April 21, 2024). "Rapper Zico to return with new single featuring BLACKPINK's Jennie". The Korea Times. Retrieved April 21, 2024.
- ^ Yoon, So-yeon (April 18, 2024). "Rapper Zico and Blackpink's Jennie to release 'SPOT!' on April 26". Korea JoongAng Daily. Retrieved April 18, 2024.
- ^ Hwang, You-mee (April 18, 2024). "[Today's K-pop] Zico drops snippet of collaboration with Jennie". Korea Herald. Retrieved April 18, 2024.
- ^ Ziwei, Puah (April 18, 2024). "Zico and BLACKPINK's Jennie tease new collaboration, 'Spot!'". NME. Retrieved April 18, 2024.
- ^ Kim, Min-ji (April 24, 2024). "지코, 1년 9개월 만에 신곡 '스팟!'으로 컴백...제니 지원사격" [Zico returns with new song 'Spot!' after 1 year and 9 months... Jenny support fire]. News1 (in Korean). Retrieved April 24, 2024 – via Naver.
- ^ Younghyun, Woo (April 25, 2024). "지코와 입맞춘 그녀들은 누구?" [Who Are The Girls Who Kissed Zico?]. W Korea (in Korean). Retrieved April 25, 2024.
- ^ Bernardo, Jaehwa (April 26, 2024). "WATCH: Zico, Blackpink's Jennie team up for 'Spot!'". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved April 26, 2024.
- ^ a b Kim, Yujin (April 27, 2024). "지코X제니 'SPOT!', 국내외 차트 정상 싹쓸이...MV는 5시간 만에 500만 뷰 돌파" [Zico The MV exceeded 5 million views in 5 hours]. Xsports News. Retrieved April 27, 2024 – via Naver.
- ^ Yeon, Hwi-seon (April 27, 2024). ""지코가 지코했다" 제니 피처링 신곡 차트 1위, '더 시즌즈' MC 데뷔도 성공" ["Zico did Zico" Jennie's featured new song tops the charts, 'The Seasons' MC debut also successful]. Osen. Retrieved April 27, 2024 – via Naver.
- ^ Han, Hae-seon (May 6, 2024). "지코 'SPOT!', 국내 주요 음원 차트 주간 1위 싹쓸이→유튜브 글로벌 차트 점령" [Zico's 'SPOT!' Sweeps Weekly No. 1 on Major Domestic Music Charts → Takes Over YouTube Global Charts]. Star News. Retrieved May 6, 2024 – via Naver.
- ^ Hwang, Hye-jin (May 3, 2024). "'트렌드세터' 지코, 음원차트 1위 올킬→페스티벌·대학축제 출격" ['Trendsetter' Zico, #1 on music charts → Festival and college festival appearances]. Newsen. Retrieved May 3, 2024 – via Naver.
- ^ Benjamin, Jeff (July 5, 2024). "The 20 Best K-Pop Songs of 2024 (So Far): Critic's Picks". Billboard. Archived from the original on July 6, 2024. Retrieved July 8, 2024.
- ^ Anderson, Daniel (June 26, 2024). "The 15 best K-pop songs of 2024 – so far". NME. Archived from the original on June 26, 2024. Retrieved June 26, 2024.
- ^ a b Benjamin, Jeff (May 13, 2024). "ZICO Reacts to Earning His First Billboard No. 1 With 'Spot!' Featuring BLACKPINK's Jennie". Billboard. Retrieved May 13, 2024.
- ^ Trust, Gary (May 6, 2024). "Taylor Swift & Post Malone's 'Fortnight' Adds Second Week at No. 1 on Billboard Global Charts". Billboard. Retrieved May 6, 2024.
- ^ "Digital Chart – Week 17 of 2024". Circle Chart (in Korean). Retrieved May 2, 2024.
- ^ "Digital Chart – Week 18 of 2024". Circle Chart (in Korean). Retrieved May 9, 2024.
- ^ "Streaming Chart – Week 18 of 2024". Circle Chart (in Korean). Retrieved May 9, 2024.
- ^ "Streaming Chart – Week 19 of 2024". Circle Chart (in Korean). Retrieved May 16, 2024.
- ^ "Streaming Chart – Week 20 of 2024". Circle Chart (in Korean). Retrieved May 23, 2024.
- ^ a b "Digital Chart – Week 20 of 2024". Circle Chart (in Korean). Retrieved May 23, 2024.
- ^ a b "Digital Chart – May 2024". Circle Chart (in Korean). Retrieved June 6, 2024.
- ^ "Zico Chart History (South Korea Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved May 7, 2024.
- ^ "Jennie Chart History (South Korea Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved May 7, 2024.
- ^ ZICO (지코) 'SPOT! (feat. JENNIE)' Official MV (Music video). Hybe Labels. April 26, 2024. Archived from the original on April 26, 2024. Retrieved April 26, 2024 – via YouTube.
- ^ Ahn, Yun-ji (April 26, 2024). "지코x제니, 'SPOT!' MV 공개..제대로 '찐친' 바이브" [Zico x Jenny, 'SPOT!' MV released...proper 'Jjinchin' vibe]. Money Today (in Korean). Retrieved April 26, 2024 – via Naver.
- ^ Park, Jaehwan (April 27, 2024). "뉴스 : 네이버 TV연예" [Zico (feat. JENNIE)' music video]. KBS Entertainment. Retrieved April 27, 2024 – via Naver.
- ^ "Melon Music Awards" 멜론 주간 인기상 투표시작 [Melon Weekly Popularity Award voting begins] (in Korean). Melon. Archived from the original on May 6, 2024. Retrieved May 6, 2024.
- ^ Saxena, Saumya (August 22, 2024). "2024 K-World Dream Awards Winners List: SEVENTEEN, aespa, TXT, BIBI, and more take prestigious trophies home". Pinkvilla. Archived from the original on August 23, 2024. Retrieved August 23, 2024.
- ^ Lee, Eun-jung (May 12, 2024). 지코 'SPOT!', 세븐틴·아이브 꺾고 '인기가요' 1위 [Zico's 'SPOT!' defeats Seventeen and Ive to take first place on 'Inkigayo'] (in Korean). E Daily. Archived from the original on May 18, 2024. Retrieved May 13, 2024 – via Naver.
- ^ Lee, Seung-hun (May 19, 2024). '인기가요' 지코X제니, 출연無 불구 2주 연속 1위 [종합] ['Inkigayo' Zico X Jennie takes first place for 2 weeks in a row despite not appearing [Comprehensive]] (in Korean). Star News. Retrieved May 19, 2024 – via Naver.
- ^ a b "The ARIA Report: Week Commencing 6 May 2024". The ARIA Report. No. 1783. Australian Recording Industry Association. May 6, 2024. pp. 9, 25.
- ^ "韩语榜 – 2024年第8期" [Korean Chart – Issue 8, 2024]. Tencent Music. Retrieved June 7, 2024.
- ^ "Zico Chart History (Global 200)". Billboard. Retrieved May 7, 2024.
- ^ "Zico Chart History (Hong Kong Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved May 7, 2024.
- ^ "Zico Chart History (Indonesia Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved May 21, 2024.
- ^ "Zico Chart History (Japan Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved May 11, 2024.
- ^ "Billboard Japan Heatseekers Songs – Week of May 15, 2024". Billboard Japan (in Japanese). Retrieved May 15, 2023.
- ^ "Zico Chart History (Malaysia Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved May 7, 2024.
- ^ "TOP 20 Most Streamed International Singles In Malaysia Week 18 (26/04/2024-02/05/2024)". RIM. May 11, 2024. Retrieved May 11, 2024 – via Facebook.
- ^ "NZ Hot Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. May 6, 2024. Retrieved May 3, 2024.
- ^ "RIAS Top Charts Week 19 (3 - May 9, 2024)". RIAS. Archived from the original on May 14, 2024. Retrieved May 14, 2024.
- ^ "Zico Chart History (Taiwan Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved May 7, 2024.
- ^ "Official Singles Downloads Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved May 3, 2024.
- ^ "Official Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved May 3, 2024.
- ^ "Zico Chart History (World Digital Song Sales)". Billboard. Retrieved May 7, 2024.
- ^ "SPOT! (feat. JENNIE) - Single". KOZ Entertainment. April 26, 2024. Retrieved April 26, 2024 – via Apple Music.