'Hip-pop Princess' has previewed an unprecedented new-song mission worked on with Korean and Japanese producers.
Through episode 3, Mnet's Unpretty Rapstar: Hip-pop Princess (hereafter 'Hip-pop Princess') enters its second track competition, the 'producer new-song mission.' If the first track competition was played out as a Korea-Japan match, this mission will see Korean and Japanese contestants pair up as teams to showcase synergy that crosses cultural boundaries. In particular, expectations are high because each team will complete their stage with the main producer's new song.
For this mission, the main producers of 'Hip-pop Princess' have come together. Soyeon of (G)I-DLE, Gaeko, Riehata, Iwata Takanori and other top Korean and Japanese producers will participate to lead the new-song mission. All four producers reportedly directed and coached the contestants in person, raising the stages' completeness with wholehearted support.
Interest is growing in the new songs that will be born with the producers' steadfast support. ▲ CROWN (Prod. GAN) is a song with a powerful energy and striking beat that combines J-POP and hip-hop, symbolically expressing the contestants' challenges and passion. ▲ DAISY (Prod. Gaeko) is a track that metaphorically compares various life experiences to 'dirt, rain, wind, sunlight,' ▲ Diss papa (Prod. Soyeon((G)I-DLE)) is a diss track with a witty boom-bap beat aimed at adults who try to control 'me,' featuring an addictive hook. ▲ Hoodie Girls (Prod. Padi, RIEHATA) depicts a girl whose confidence and overflowing charm cannot be hidden even with a hood pulled down low.
The main producers' impressions add to the anticipation. Iwata Takanori said, "I symbolically expressed the contestants' challenges and passion in the audition. Please look forward to what lyrics, choreography and performances the contestants created within the limited time," and Gaeko commented, "The team's cohesion is perfect enough to debut as a group, and there is not a single thing lacking—from consistent rap design and skill to performance."
Soyeon, the program's MC and a main producer, hinted, "I only participated in the track, and all of my friends made it. I think it's amazing," adding, "Because it's a stage my friends made themselves, it will feel very fresh," heightening expectations for the performances. Riehata also said, "I'm glad to have participated in creating a danceable and fun track. It seems to have become an opportunity for the contestants to show their bright personalities and dance skills," showing her strong anticipation for the contestants' stages.
The contestants' self-producing is also a key point of this mission. They lead the writing of rap lyrics and choreography-making themselves to complete performances that contain their own voices. Soyeon mentioned, "They produce so well that it makes me jealous," indicating that the contestants' outstanding producing abilities have shone. With each producer's color meeting the contestants' potential, expectations are growing about what kind of stages will emerge.
The new songs from this mission will be released as digital tracks after the broadcast, amplifying the unique tension and appeal of the track competition. With global fans' support and interest, the second round of voting is also nearing its end. The second vote runs until the 6th (Thursday) at 12 p.m. KST, and participation is possible via Mnet Plus in Korea and global regions, and via U-NEXT in Japan.
Hip-pop Princess airs every Thursday at 9:50 p.m. KST on Mnet and is available in Japan through U-NEXT.
[Photo] Provided by Mnet
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