Sunday, December 18, 2011

2NE1 on Kpop Cheat Sheet: The Bands To Know Before They Blow Up!

The Lowdown — Forget any thoughts of sugary tunes, frilly dresses, and cutesy looks — the girls behind 2NE1 are badasses and are proud of it. Consisting of CL, Sandara, Park Bom, and Minzy, these girls have already taken the world by storm with their hip-hop infused songs. They've even going so far as to declare "I Am The Best" in their latest hit (which has already racked up numerous awards this year). You might think they're being boastful, but it's kind of hard to disagree — their thumping beats, unique and versatile voices, ability to drop rhymes like the best of them, and their flawless style have already earned them the attention of Will.i.Am, who has produced several of their tracks. The group just won MTV Iggy's Best Band in the World contest, which has earned them their first concert in NYC. But then again, their awards shelf is not exactly empty — they've earned no less than 40 other awards and 74 nominations in the past two years since they made their debut. If any group is poised to take over the world, it's this one. 

Their Style — 2NE1's style isn't for the faint of heart. These girls prove that, no, you can't have too many layers of color, texture, and pattern in any given outfit. 2NE1 are usually decked out in leather, patterned leggings, graphic tees, and piles of jewelry — and some sky-high heels to top it all off. They're also not afraid to rock a hairstyle that's a little less than normal — whether it's bright blue, red, or sticking out at an angle we can't compute without a protractor. Designer Jeremy Scott numbers amongst the group's devoted followers, and has even collaborated with them to create a line of his iconic winged kicks. But while their image may be loud and in-your-face, these girls certainly aren't afraid of their feminine side. Every now and then, you'll see them in a sleek little LBD, but rest assured — they might just accessorize with a pointy-shouldered blazer, or a nail-studded bra. 
Jeremy Scott Skeleton Big Sweater, $1,035, available at Opening Ceremony; Topshop Black Aztec Print Leggings, $40, available at Topshop; Dries Van Noten Cacey Contrast Print Blouse, $569, available at My Theresa; Dr. Martens Izzue Stud Boots, $240, available at Dr. Martins; Style Stalker Viper Room Bustier, $125, available at Glassworks Studios.

Their Songs

I Am The Best — With a title like "I Am The Best," the subject of this song needs little introduction — let's just say the lyrics contain Kanye-level boasting. Not that we mind — 2NE1 is kind of the best, and we're totally smitten with how they manage to be both eclectic and totally glam at the same time.


Ugly — "Ugly" showcases 2NE1's refusal to sugar-coat anything. While the lyrics are downright depressing (the chorus, sung in English, pretty much says it all), we appreciate that 2NE1 uses this anthem-like song to dive head first into those feelings of hopelessness and self-loathing that we all feel at one point or another in our lives.


Follow Me — This hypnotic, techno-heavy song features some of the most fantastic fashion 2NE1 has ever done, plus their moves are pretty sweet. Even though we've already bedazzled a pumpkin for Halloween, we're thinking of following CL's lead and bedazzling our faces next year.


Source: Refinery29

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