Music / Idols
20111209_seoulbeats_2ne1

What 2NE1′s Visit to NYC Represents

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Written by On December 11, 2011

2NE1 recently touched down in New York and American Blackjacks are going crazy, but for good reason. 2NE1 will be performing in NYC on Dec.12th for the first time in order to celebrate their win as MTV Iggy’s “Best New Band in the World”. Now American Blackjacks and YG Family enthusiasts alike are voicing that they want a YG Family world tour, and they want it now.

I’m not even going to lie. When I first saw 2NE1, I thought they were a bit… poser-ish, but I couldn’t help but love their music. It was fun, energetic, and their style was so off the wall. As time passed, their style eventually changed to cater more to them. Also I wasn’t so strung up about the fact that they sort of fetishized hip-hop because EVERY country has popular artists that portray images that are not true to their personality, or is not really representative of them in real life. They, like many artists, represent the feeling or image people wish to portray to the outside world. Which in their case is a confident, no nonsense chick that goes through heart break from time to time, but also takes crap from no one. I mean which girl doesn’t pretend to be in a music video portraying the images these girls do?

YG is using this factor along with their NYC event as a stepping stone to build buzz for 2NE1’s advancement next year. People say they will flop, but I honestly don’t think so. They may not get Britney Spears big, but I think they will be successful none the less. Praise over 2NE1 has been pouring in left and right from the U.S. audience. Their album topped the U.S. iTunes Hip Hop charts when it was first released and they also have a legit following which contains big names in the business. This includes Nina Dobrev and Kat Graham from the Vampire Diaries, Jeremy Scott, Perez Hilton, Flo Rida, Far East Movement, Ludacris, Dr. Dre (who I heard gave them the custom made beats in their “Fire” MV) and Snoop Dogg. And they’ve definitely got Will-power, aka Will.i.am (see what I did there).

Say what you will about Will.i.am, but there’s no denying that he has major influence. I feel like his popularity has declined a little over the years, but that’s mostly because of his group’s recent hiatus. I mean the man and his group have a video game (The Black Eyed Peas Experience) out for goodness sake, and people don’t get video games unless they’re BIG. Plus, people have already taken a liking to the little bit of one of the songs he produced for 2NE1, Love Lasts Forever, that we saw being recorded in Season 2 of 2NE1TV. Also, whether you’ve realized it or not, the American hip-hop community (which includes Will.i.am) has really taken big steps to get more Asian artists exposed in America. Tyga (featured on Chris Brown’s “Dueces”) has a new rap protégé by the name of Honey Cocaine (Yes, that’s really her stage name). Teddy Riley is taking steps to advance SNSD in America. Taeyang is working with the Underdogs to produce his album. JQT is also working with Melvin Brown. Se7en worked with Darkchild, while BoA worked with Sean Garrett. Rain was supported by P. Diddy and Usher during his concert performances and Akon featured on Wilber Pan’s song “Be With You.” Rolling Out Magazine named Tiger JK one of the “10 Hot International Hip-Hop Artists You Need to Know” and JYJ also worked with Darkchild and Kanye West to produce their international album. So, if 2NE1 can get enough buzz going around them, they will certainly have a chance of being successful.

Another thing working for 2NE1 is the fact that their fan base is more diverse than any other group in K-pop. I have seen people from all walks of life enjoying their music. YG Family images have popped up in the most unexpected places in the U.S. which include wrestling arenas, conventions, and a TV commercial.   There is even a house light show in Austin, Texas playing to their music. If Blackjacks’ love and devotion is any indication, then 2NE1 is headed on the road to success.

As long as they don’t go the “I’m so hood” route they’ll be good. Because when Minzy sang “I’m so hood, hood” in “Can’t Nobody” I laughed a little. Minzy, baby girl, the neighbor-“hood” doesn’t count. So at the end of the day we will see if their leader can fruitfully say:

I go by the name of CL of 2NE1
It’s been a long time coming, but we’re here now
And we about to set the roof on fire baby
You better get yours cause I’m gettin’ mine

Are any of you going to see them perform? Let us know.

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  • Gazza

    I read the entire article in silence, but just couldn’t help going “eh eh!” at the end.

    • http://twitter.com/nowheregirl1993 Fatouma

      Yeah, the rest of Fire came up in my head :D

  • Anarchaic

    They must be really good performers then if they can portray the fierce and tough image well in their songs, MVs and onstage. Afterall, a manufactured image can only go as far as how good the performer is. These girls must really have had gone through rough times to get where they are now to be this good in their supposed “image.” But my respect to them for living their dreams because not everyone does.

  • Tralala

    i haven’t even begun to understand ellie’s disgust of dara of 2ne1. and now seoulbeats is eating its own crap and joining the 2ne1 bandwagon. wtg, sb!

    • Renie

      I accidentally liked your comment when I was trying to reply.  We need to
      change that so the reply and like buttons are on opposite ends. N E Way…

      I am not Ellie and she is not me. You can’t possibly expect us all to share
      the exact same opinions. Every article is the opinion of its author solely.
      Yes we at Seoulbeats might agree on some things but not everything.  
      I understand why she feels that way because honestly Dara is not the
      most talented, but in MY opinion I understand her placement because
      I think she is necessary.You’d be surprised at how diverse our writers
      and our opinions are. So before you claim that we are “eating our own
      crap,” please remember Seoulbeats is not one writer but a collection
      of many.

      • Tralala

        i accidentally liked your comment too instead of hitting the reply link. well, touche to me i guess.

        shouldn’t your statement read, “sb is not one writer but a collection of
        a pretentious many”? and that’s my opinion which also applies to my
        previous comment. not happy about it? bite me!

        • Johnny

          Well why would they need to state the obvious of course there’s more than one writer your just too blind too notice. Sensitive much? I think you may need to go back to allkpop its obvious you are butthurt over Dara unnie

        • Kpopboi

          oh boo hoo.

          where are the violins ?

        • http://twitter.com/nowheregirl1993 Fatouma

          Well then, you have to face facts that Dara, although amusing and pretty, lacks musical talent in comparision to the other members of 2NE1. To quote your crass words: “not happy about it, bite me!”

      • saylor

        i think you can unlike his comment if you want….i accidentally liked theres and clicked again and it was unliked….wierd. 

        • Renie

          It’s giving me the option to like again (maybe cuz I’m on a different computer) so I don’t want to mess with it. LOL!

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/ほしの-あゆみ/100002113624094 ほしの あゆみ

    It seems like this article is just here to placate rabid 2NE1 fans, it’s a whole lot of ifs.  Their success or failure is not so cut and dry.  As for the diverse fanbase, there are very few groups that are pigeonholed into one demographic.  As for the Will I Am videogame don’t make me laugh, there is a thing known as shovelware which means an idea slapped together to make money.  They have celebrity fans but Perez Hilton I mean come on, that guy loves everything that comes out of K-pop and he’s not anything close to a celebrity.  You brought up Se7en as an example of Asians advancing in Hip Hop, the song no one heard and no one liked?  If this was better written it could have been a good piece but it just seems like self indulgent writing that completely oversells 2NE1′s chances for success. 

    • Renie

      I don’t know how you came up with those conclusions from my article, but ok. I’m not here to placate 2NE1 fans as you said. I’m a fan of 2NE1 myself. I’ve always said that either them or Taeyang have the best chances of making a splash in the U.S.(mainly 2NE1). And of course when something hasn’t happened yet, ifs is all there can be. Until we see the results it will always be speculation. “Cut and dry?” I said that they have a possibility and chances to be successful, I never said straight up they would or would not.
      “As for the diverse fanbase, there are very few groups that are pigeonholed into one demographic.” I understand that, but I said they have the MOST diverse fanbase. And for the video you can laugh, no ones stopping you, but it’s true that you don’t get a nationally publicized video game unless you’re big. No game company makes a game on random Joe Blow off the street. Companies are there to make money and big people sale. And I’m not a fan of Perez Hilton but he has done a lot to promote K-pop and has a VERY large following himself.

      “You brought up Se7en as an example of Asians advancing in Hip Hop, the song no one heard and no one liked?” I don’t remember saying that o.0  I did say that “the American hip-hop community has really taken big steps to get more Asian artists exposed in America” though. Which includes him working with Darkchild. I think advancing is too strong a word by itself. Maybe taking steps to advance would be better?

      “If this was better written it could have been a good piece but it just seems like self indulgent writing that completely oversells 2NE1′s chances for success.”
      Ok, i respect your opinion, but on the overselling part… maybe, but we’ll never know until the results come in.  My article is just an opinion, not the word of law.

      • Anonymous

        umm…dunno
        for me, out of all the kpop artists currently active, there is just one of then who can actually make it in a non-asian market, and it’s name is TABLO

        • LC

          I love Tablo. His last album was amazing. I wish he would release more solo songs in English. Dear TV was not enough. But I feel like a lot of his solo work is dependent on the vocalist he features, they really set the tone for the songs (Airbag, Home, Tomorrow). However, I do agree that as a producer and lyricist he is brilliant. A rare gem in the often over saturated and overproduced kpop market. I would love to see him expand into a non-asian market.

  • yowza

    O.O those christmas lights are craaaaaazy! lol that is some deep fan love there~

  • jaydork24

    Just a quick comment on the examples you gave. Good article overall, but VNT broke up months ago…are you sure you weren’t meaning JQT <– they're the group trying to advance in the US. And the biggest name in terms of US advancement was left out too, WonderGirls (unless you purposely meant to do this).

    • Renie

      Thank for that. I always get them mixed up. It is now corrected! And I only left out Wonder Girls becasue I was focusing on hip hop and their producers are more pop music than hip hop.

  • Guest

    am not sure i understand the point of the article. this is a done-to-death topic and this article offers nothing new. it, like all similar articles, is just speculation based on minimal evidence. 

    all the love and devotion of the blackjacks hasn’t managed to get 2ne1 on the main itunes chart (which only 2 artists have done). several kpop artists have been on or at the top of the individual charts like the hip-hop charts, the most recent being tablo. the list of their celeb fans is meaningless as is the list of american hip-hoppers who’ve worked with kpoppers. so few of those collabs have had any measure of success. the only one that has some standing is the one you haven’t mentioned. diplo’s collab with gd&top. he’s consistently promoted them on his blog, even if it’s just a mention in spin magazine. they’ve collabed on a track for his next album and he has come back to korea to work with them again.

    and this sentence “Another thing working for 2NE1 is the fact that their fan base is more diverse than any other group in K-pop. I have seen people from all walks of life enjoying their music” – is laughable. really? what is this based on? your scientific observation of 50 people in one american suburb? haven’t other kpop acts shown up in the oddest places in other parts of the us – a taeyang mv playing at a mcdonald’s in times square, kpop mash-ups used by high-school dance teams, seungri’s mv on a widely-read tech blog, bigbang and 2ne1′s lollipop mv inspiring an australian fashion designer etc etc.

    taeyang is working with the underdogs, has had his mv shown in an unusual place, has repeatedly been on top of individual itunes charts, has some celeb fans and appeals to a wide population. i guess yg should plan his us debut next?

    • Anonymous

      You won’t give 2NE1 any credit at all?

      1. Will.I.Am flew to Korea and sent his producers to Korea to work with 2NE1 on their American album as well, and by the looks of what was shown on 2NE1tv S2, he’s also collaborated on a track with them. So why is it that Diplo’s collaboration with GD&TOP holds more merit than 2NE1′s venture with Will.I.Am when Will.I.Am clearly has more starpower and influence than Diplo, and a far wider fanbase, and has taken a more active role in producing and marketing them? And as a side note, Diplo also heavily promoted 2NE1 in his interview for Best New Band for MTV Iggy.

      2. Their list of celebrity fans means nothing? I don’t think so. The first step into breaking into the market is having connections – and 2NE1 is leagues ahead of any other kpop act. Their ‘useless’ list of celebrity fans is actually pretty sizeable and impressive. They have legitimate hip hop artists taking a liking and interest in them. With connections, come opportunities for collaborations and promotions. Point is, at least they have people interested in them. People who have the power to get them somewhere in the industry.

      You’re belittling what 2NE1 has acheived far too much. They won international attention through MTV Iggy, have impressive connections in the music and fashion industry, and have stable plans of crossing over with people of influence.

      I love Taeyang and all and as much as I would love to have him promoting in America, he can’t speak English fluently and the people he’s worked with are not at the same caliber of 2NE1′s. So equating Taeyang’s efforts with 2NE1′s is just laughable.

      I mean, I understand if you don’t think 2NE1 will make it, but don’t belittle them so much as to say they’re at the same level of international standing as every other kpop group – they’re not.

      • Anonymous

        I agree with u

      • Guest

        no, i don’t give 2ne1 any credit because they haven’t done anything special. none of their “achievements” are specific to them or ground-breaking.

        1. because diplo’s work with gd&top has actually produced a song that was released and promoted. and it has also produced a track that will show up on diplo’s album. it was a chance collab that has become more because they enjoy working together. we have no idea what will.i.am can and will do for 2ne1. until then, everything is pure speculation.

        2. yes because dr. dre saying 2ne1 on a random red carpet in singapore is worthy of the world’s attention. none of these celeb fans mean anything if it doesn’t result in something positive for the group. until it results in something positive, it will remain a random remark on a random red carpet in a random asian city.

        and you’re overstating their achievements. their mtv iggy award was won via fan voting and while it is publicity, it’s useless if yg does not do anything with it. and their connections are not exclusive to them. they’re yg’s connections. he can easily use them for taeyang if he wants to. btw i was not suggesting taeyang debut in the us. far from it. but taeyang is not even trying to debut in the us and he has achieved everything that 2ne1 has in terms of actual achievements.

        as for belittling them, far from it. they have a chance, but not for the reasons mentioned in this article and the ones you’ve laid out. and your last sentence is exactly why 2ne1 may fail hard. the sheer overconfidence of their fans. i like 2ne1 but they’re not superior internationally to any kpop group. in terms of actual sales on itunes, bigbang has them beat and they have no plans of coming to the us. in terms of actual us exposure, snsd has them beat and their us efforts have been rubbish. in terms of sticking it out and trying different things,  wg has them beat and we all know how their us efforts are going. in terms of mvs going viral, hyuna has them beat. so really, what does 2ne1 have other than yg’s connections and jeremy scott?  

        • LC

          I understand your view point and agree that the level of fanaticism in kpop is often intolerable. However, you seem to confuse the successes of other kpop groups as a negation of 2NE1′s. 

          Yes, other kpop groups have worked with international producers (GDTOP, SNSD, Jay Park, Taeyang.) Yes, other kpop
          groups have charted on Itunes (Big Bang, Tablo). Yes, other kpop artist have received millions of mv views on youtube (SNSD, Super Junior, Hyuna). Yes, other kpop groups have had US exposure (WonderGirls).  And yes, Dre, Snoop, & Katy Perry have merely mentioned 2ne1 in interviews.

          However, I fail to see how any of these factors negate 2ne1′s own international potential. It is not because 2ne1 possesses any single one factor above  that creates a greater likelihood of international appeal but because they possess all of them. It is the combination of these factors (along with the support of Jeremy Scott, Will i am, MtvIggy, their more western sound, and their English fluency) that tip the scales, EVER SO SLIGHTLY in their favor (in comparison to other kpop groups). 

          But it is, as you have noted,  all mere speculation and no amount of “scientific observation” will accurately predict 2ne1′s (or any other artists’) success in the American market. 

          However, 2ne1 does seem to appeal to the western palate in a way that other kpop artists do not. 

          Does this mean we should crown 2ne1 the first kpop artists to successfully make it in the US? Of course not. That’s ridiculous. But to consider these factors valueless is as illogical as considering them conclusive.

          • Guest

            I never said it negated 2ne1′s chances of success, I merely said it doesn’t amount to much as of yet and blackjacks need to stop thinking that 2ne1 will be successful based only on these things.

            And they also need to stop thinking that 2ne1 is the only one that possesses these attributes. Let’s face it, the only reason yg is pushing 2ne1′s us debut is because boybands don’t have a snowball’s chance in hell in the us and because of 2ne1′s relative fluency in english. if boybands were still popular in the us, bigbang would be learning english and preparing to debut. And let me ask again, if other groups who have no plans for a us debut have achieved as much as or more than 2ne1, then why should 2ne1 be regarded as anything special or more likely to succeed.

            Statements like 2ne1 alone appeal to a western palate is completely untrue and overly confident. The number of replies in this thread that echo that sentiment is ridiculous quite frankly.

          • LC

            Perhaps you should read my comment again.

            I never stated that 2ne1 would be successful based on  these factors. Quite the opposite.  I said it was ALL mere speculation and any conclusive statements were illogical. 

            I merely stated that it tips the scales “EVER SO SLIGHTLY in their favor.” 

            I fail to see how this is overly confident or completely untrue.

            I also fail to see how imagining some alternate universe where boybands are still relevant in the US someone affects 2ne1′s chances of success. 

            And so what if YG is pushing 2ne1 because of their english fluency? What does that matter? Doesn’t that make sense? America=English speaking country.

            And yes, other kpop artists have achieved success overseas. (I believe I even made a list in my last comment). I still fail to see how that negatively affect’s 2ne1′s chances. Indeed, the success of any kpop group overseas in a boon for all groups trying to break into the market.

            I stand by my last statment: 
            “Does this mean we should crown 2ne1 the first kpop artists to successfully make it in the US? Of course not. That’s ridiculous. But to consider these factors valueless is as illogical as considering them conclusive.”

          • Guest

            and maybe you should read mine. nowhere have i said that 2ne1 does not have the tools it takes to maybe make a mark. however, they are not the only ones who have these tools, they are not the only ones who can try and they’re not the only ones who may succeed.

            the factors that you mentioned are consistently overvalued by blackjacks and not enough credit is given to other kpop groups who have some or all or different things that might make them successful in the us. that doesn’t mean the other groups should debut there asap, it just means that there’s nothing so different about 2ne1 that will help them make a mark in the us. they have certain pluses, but these are not unique to them.

            i’ve been accused of belittling 2ne1 but when blackjacks make statements like “taeyang’s achievements are not on par with 2ne1′s” or that they’re the only group that can appeal to the west, blackjacks are belittling the achievements of others who have achieved more than them in the west without leaving korea.

          • LC

            “they are not the only ones who have these tools, they are not the only ones who can try and they’re not the only ones who may succeed.”
            Well, DUH.

            Of coure that’s true. I don’t think anyone’s arguing that 2ne1 are the ONLY ONES that can try or succeed. 

            Where did I say that?

            Again, for the third time, I said the scale tips ever so slightly in their favor.

            How is that belittling of other artists?
            If this was an article on BigBang or any other artist we would be discussing the merits of their potential crossover. However,  this article is about speculations regarding a possible 2ne1 crossover. I fail to see how your brand of speculation is anymore justified than any other’s. 

          • Guest

            so if what i was saying is a “duh” moment, why are we debating it? that’s what i’ve been saying throughout the thread.

            and the belittling was referring to the thread in general, not your comment specifically. but stuff like this – However, 2ne1 does seem to appeal to the western palate in a way that other kpop artists do not. – is based on what exactly? again, your “scientific observation”?

            and i’m not speculating anything. all i’m saying is that the reasons laid out in this thread and the article are not specific to 2ne1 and that means that 2ne1 is not uniquely placed to have a successful us debut. that is all. i don’t see how that’s speculation. nowhere have i said that 2ne1 will have a terrible debut or other artists will do better than them.

          • LC

            “and i’m not speculating anything…i don’t see how that’s speculation.”

            Perhaps you should look up what speculation means: 

            “a guess: a message expressing an opinion based on incomplete evidence.”

            Until 2ne1 actually debuts it’s all speculation. 

            Congrats to 2ne1 for an awesome performance at MTVIggy’s Best New Band Concert!

        • Anonymous

          Hm, wow. You REALLY won’t give them any credit at all.

          1. Why compare GDTOP&Diplo and 2NE1&Will.I.Am when, like you said, we haven’t even seen what 2ne1 and Will.i.am have planned. They have a collaboration under way and it’s only a matter of time before it’s released. It’s unfair to say that GDTOP-Diplo was a more fruitful and meaningful collaboration when 2NE1&Will.I.Am haven’t even released anything. I don’t get why you keep driving that point in. They haven’t released anything yet so you can’t compare it with things that HAVE been released. And you can’t say their collaboration hasn’t produced anything of merit because, well, they haven’t released it yet. I’m just a little confused by your point. This is all speculation of what 2NE1′s venture MIGHT be like, so why compare it to something that has already shown results? We’re not talking about merit of projects that have already happened. We’re speculating based on the projects they have in the works right now.

          2. Yes but, again, this post is all about speculation so I don’t really get your point? I’m saying that the contacts they have now have great potential. I’m not saying they’ve done wonders for them. I said their celebrity fans/celebrities that have expressed interest in them may be able to open doors for them. Because, again, this is article is all about speculating 2NE1′s potential success in America. I agree that until these remarks turn into something positive for the group, it’s all just expressed interest. My point wasn’t that it’s done loads for the group. My point was that it CAN do a lot for them.

          And how am I overstating their acheivements? All I said was that they gained international attention. You’re right, it’s all publicity, and couldn’t this publicity be used for their own good? Well, yes, you said it yourself. What they’ve gained from the MTV Iggy award may do 2NE1 plenty of good if used in the right way by YG.

          By the way, the contestants of the MTV Iggy contest were put through the shredder by legitimate music critics before they were chosen to be on the list. So I don’t know why people keep depicting this win as if it holds no merit. It’s not as if these contestants were picked out of a hat and just thrown on the site. They were hand selected by music critics that weighed in everything from style, evolution, and ingenuity. Yes, 2NE1 won through fan votes, but that was the entire point of the contest. They wanted to see which band held the most interest world wide and if millions of votes from over 100 countries doesn’t show that, then I don’t know what does. Fine, say it’s just fanatical Blackjacks, but the sheer number of dedicated Blackjacks all over the world displays the appeal 2NE1 has. And I know they’re not the only kpop act to have fans all around the world. We’re not talking about other kpop acts, are we? (I have a feeling you’re going to skew this into something negative like if SNSD got on the list, then they would have surely won too. Well, maybe. But they didn’t make it on the list, did they? The fact that 2NE1 was placed into a contest like this also deserves a little respect. But, of course, I doubt you agree.)

          And, okay, you can equate Taeyang’s achievements to 2NE1′s. But I wasn’t talking about his achievements. I was talking about actual efforts into breaking into the American market. Like you said, he isn’t even trying. 2NE1 is and they’ve done a hell of a lot more than he has in actually TRYING to gain some footing to get their name out there in America. And I don’t think saying Taeyang’s MV getting shown in random places is equal to 2NE1 getting their name out there in the way that they have. Saying Taeyang working with the underdogs on a Korean album is the same as 2NE1 working with Will.I.Am on American album is fair? I don’t get it. And yes, they’ve both topped iTunes charts, have celebrity fans, and appeal to a wider fanbase. That just shows that they do have international appeal. The difference between Taeyang and 2NE1? 2NE1 has taken proactive steps into laying some foundation and are actually preparing a debut in America and their efforts, so far, are commendable. You can’t compare the two.

          And you can deny it all you want, but I still think you belittle their achievments.
          - Sales on iTunes? Commendable. May not be the best in your eyes, but it still means they have a steady ground and good chances.
          - US exposure? I don’t see how SNSD has them beat.
          - Sticking it out? WG was actively promoting in America for three years, so why are you saying they’ve got 2NE1 beat when 2NE1 hasn’t even released definite plans of their debut? That’s laughable, really. 2NE1 hasn’t even started, so of course WG is going to have them “beat” in “sticking it out”. How are you suppose to “stick it out” in America when you haven’t even started promoting?
          - Hyuna? Wow. How does music going viral have anything to do with prospects of succeding in America? Hyuna had one song go viral because she was flashing her goods. A couple million views on a video is not equal to the amount of dedicated fans that are actually willing to support an artist in a crossover. If we’re talking about THAT, then 2NE1 trumps Hyuna. Yeah, Hyuna can have the title of Viral Queen for BubblePop. I’d rather not have 2NE1 recognized for the same reasons she is.

          What else does 2NE1 have other than YG’s connections and Jeremy Scott? Well, what else do they need? In terms of success in a US debut, they’ll do 2NE1 a lot of good.

          Well, like you said, at the end of the day it’s all speculation until
          2NE1 actually starts their venture into the American market. That’s the entire point of the article and the entire point of my reply to your original post. So what exactly are you arguing? That 2NE1 hasn’t achieved much in terms of actual success IN America? Well we’re not talking about that, are we? We’re talking about the things they’ve accomplished now that may aid them in their US debut.

          And in that regard, yes, I still believe the way you belittle them is slightly ridiculous. Am I overconfident in them? Maybe, but how the hell does that mean 2NE1 is going to fail hard in America? Blackjacks may be overconfident, but they’re still as committed as any other kpop fandom and the fandom itself is pretty huge, internationall speaking. And in the end, wouldn’t that just benefit 2NE1 in America? Yes, we’re confident about them, but that doesn’t mean we’re not going to buy their albums, go to their concerts, or support ther debut whole-heartedly. If anything, the confidence Blackjacks have in 2NE1 will propel them to support a US debut with extreme fervor. How is that bad for 2NE1?

          Wow, this is long. Really, really long.

          • Guest

            and your post just drives home my point. it’s all speculation. and until anything 2ne1 does anything concrete in the us, there’s nothing to say that they will be successful. it’s all hope and speculation. i’m honestly not going to address each and every one of your points because i think we’re going around in circles. but i think you’ve completely missed what i’m trying to say. you believe 2ne1 will be successful in the us based on certain achievements. i think these achievements are overrated and have been accomplished by other kpop groups, most notably bigbang who’ve achieved more than 2ne1 without even trying. hence, 2ne1′s success is not guaranteed, nor are they the only group that appeals to the west and nor are they more likely to succeed than other kpop groups.

            and i think blackjacks need a reality check. the way you belittle other kpop group’s “achievements” is also ridiculous.

            i also think blackjacks vastly overestimate their numbers. if they cannot get a 2ne1 album on the itunes main chart, then what is there to suggest that they have the kind of numbers or buying power to consistently support them in the us. 2ne1′s sales on itunes put them on par with taeyang, tablo and few other kpop groups and under bigbang and snsd. so, commendable but not earth-shattering. and the same goes for all their other “achievements”. commendable but not earth-shattering.

          • Anonymous

            Okay, I knew we wouldn’t get anywhere the moment you replied to my reply.

            I see what you’re trying to say and, of course, I disagree. So we’ll just agree to disagree and leave it at that. It doesn’t seem worth it to keep arguing about this when neither of us will change our minds.

    • Renie

      Why do you feel it’s done-to-death? This is a different perspective because its not posing the idea of K-pop crossing over to the U.S. generally. It’s specifically geared toward 2NE1 and something that is planning to happen. And yes we may pose similar questions a lot, but K-pop has never tried to cross over into the States as much as it has recently. So I see the idea of bringing it up no different than reviewing numerous K-pop artists albums in Japan. The albums are not the same so of course they will have different reviews. So why should every artist crossing into the States be treated and looked at in the same way when they bring different things to the table. 

      “the list of their celeb fans is meaningless as is the list of american hip-hoppers who’ve worked with kpoppers. so few of those collabs have had any measure of success.”
      Don’t underestimate the power of celeb fans. That’s why Odd Future has been getting so much bigger in the States lately. Yes they had a decent following but do you really think having the likes of Jay-Z, Kanye, and P. Diddy fighting to sign them onto their labels didn’t tremendously help their exposure. That’s the reason why this relatively unknown group won a VMA, because of the power of those celeb fans.

      “and this sentence “Another thing working for 2NE1 is the fact that their fan base is more diverse than any other group in K-pop. I have seen people from all walks of life enjoying their music” – is laughable. really? what is this based on? your scientific observation of 50 people in one american suburb?” 
      Yes, it is on scientific observation… *awkward silence* I kid! All jokes aside, it’s been on the thousands(not even playing) of  K-pop forums, threads, and website pages I have scoured. I have yet to see any other fanbase with as many diverse fans in K-pop. And that’s from male, female, black, white, Asian, hispanic, and other. Again my opinion is not word of law.

      “haven’t other kpop acts shown up in the oddest places in other parts of the us… taeyang is working with the underdogs, has had his mv shown in an unusual place, has repeatedly been on top of individual itunes charts, has some celeb fans and appeals to a wide population. i guess yg should plan his us debut next?” 
      LOL, nice touch of sarcasm : ) …. You know, maybe he should. I wouldn’t mind. I don’t think he’s ready yet though.
      (Hopefully I’m understanding this right) But what made you think that I believe 2NE1 should debut in the U.S. because of placement in random places? That was more like a fun fact that their image is in random places. And yes I added a GD commercial, but that was to put emphasis on YG images everywhere. Adding all the examples you proposed would have been overkill don’t you think? I know that other groups/artists have had random placements here and there, but this article was 2NE1 focused and their very apparent plans to promote in the States. All of those examples aren’t necessary especially when they don’t deal with the U.S. in this case.

      Man this is long. I hope all of that made sense.

      • Guest

        i think it’s done to death because there has been buzz and discussion about 2ne1′s debut for the last 2 years and this article offers no new reasons to corroborate why they should debut. i understand as a blackjack you may be excited at the prospect, but the same things you mentioned for 2ne1 can cover a handful of other kpop groups. and it remains a very simplistic take on a very complicated subject. just because 2ne1′s music shows up at a christmas tree lighting ceremony doesn’t mean they’ll be on the next plane to sing at a xmas concert at rockefeller centre. a decent attempt at cracking the us market requires more than the things you mentioned. it requires spending an extended amount of time in the us, it requires extensive radio play, it requires the ability to either appeal to a wide demographic or to appeal to a rabid one, it requires a 100 other things that we have no clue about and we don’t know if yg is prepared to do all of it.

        2ne1 has some things going for them. most importantly their english language skills and will.i.am but sm managed to get interscope involved and snsd has still made a haphazard and poorly planned crack at the market. yg already bungled se7en’s us debut, there’s no guarantee it won’t happen again.

        • Guest

          ps from scientific observation of an american suburb, bigbang has a very diverse fanbase. but then again, my word is not law.

        • saylor

          yeah I agree with you about what it takes to get a decent crack at the us market. but i think yg is prepared.  as much as i can’t stand will.i.am it’s smart that yg partnered with him because he at least has someone whose had success with the us market and understands how it works, plus he’s got a similar style to 2NE1′s music.  i just hope will i am stresses to 2NE1 how hard it’s going to be, i don’t doubt that these girls will work hard…especially dara who probably doesn’t disagree with the comments regarding her talents. It took the BEPs something like 5-6 years before they gained mainstream success, so i really hope they don’t get arrogant…because that’s when failed dreams hurt the most :(  

          as for the dr dre thing, i also agree. once he produces a song for 2NE1 or promotes them somewhere other than Asia, then i can say he actually loves them or thinks they have talent. otherwise, he’s just getting really good publicity for himself and his headphones in Asia.  Same for snoop dog. sorry. it’s one thing to say it and another to actually do something with your influence.  he can talk till he’s blue in the face about how much he likes kpop but in the end he’s trying to give good face to a market to sell his upcoming album and his headphones.  

          i highly doubt some of the best producers in america are unaware of the success of kpop.  as ignorant as we all think americans are, im pretty sure people like that keep track of different markets and would do what it takes to make a good impression. case in point snoop dog was featured in a song for a bollywood movie…if it benefits them they will do it. this was a point i was trying to make somewhere else, but i didn’t make it well. 

  • Shante Payne

    I WILL B WATCHING IT STREAMING LIVE @ MTVIGGY.COM 4PM EASTERN TIME 2MORROW

  • Caramel Candy

    don’t forget to include wonder girls in that list! they were the opening performance for the JBs , justin beiber and jonas brother lol

    • Johnny

      That dont mean squat lol they have no chance to make it here. We love solo artists not groups. Hip Hop and R&B are loved so Jay Park and Tae has the best chance

  • Anonymous

    i really do think they can be successful here too.

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  • saylor

    I am on 2NE1 overload. I love these girls and they are really great performers.  But I’m a little tired of the over zealousness of Blackjacks.  I had never noticed it before, until now.  Blackjacks on youtube = F****ING CRAZY, no different from beliebers (but what’s fascinating is that beliebers are like pre teen girls so their irrationality is a little bit excused, but bjs are older and have a much more diverse fan base so their zealous adoration of 2NE1 worries me…….. i really worry about this world).  It’s amazing how much blackjacks defend these girls against any kind of criticism.  In my opinion it’s no different from freaking crazy sones that say Taeyeon’s a better singer than Mariah Carey or Beyonce (freakin delusional).    

    I think 2NE1 definitely has the ability to make an impact.  Will they be huge?  I don’t know, only time will tell.  But they are going to make some sort of wave that’s for sure.  To me they are exactly like Nicki Minaj with a Far East Movement twang.  More Nicki than FM…alot more Nicki.  I think that’s what’s going to work for them.  I also like how YG is taking his time.  He announced that they would crossover like two years ago, so he’s being careful.  But even then I feel like he thinks they will be an overnight success…I really hope he doesn’t actually believe that.  They are going to have to work a while in the US to gain the kind of success that they really want, not the “ooo we won an mtv music award for newcomer or we got the number one song on itunes”. please crap like “money can’t buy you class” was the number one song on itunes at one point in history.  If they want that coveted billboard success, it’s going to take years and alot of perseverance, blood, sweat, and tears from them especially. 

    Look at FM, people know and love Like a G6, but they don’t know who the people in FM are individually and very few of their other songs have actually made it on the billboard.  These guys have a ton of celebrity fans and a ton of fans around the world. They are talented writers and released a solid album last year.  really it was a very good album.  Their strides have been huge but THEY still have a long way to go.    

    Also I personally think CL should just go solo.  She’s really the most noted performer of the group and the most charismatic on stage and her voice stands out the most in every song.  

    Additionally, in Dara’s defense, I like her in the group.  She makes them seem less manufactured, she gives them the most character because while the other 3 are vibrant on stage and sing well, they seem too shy and really don’t show another side to 2NE1 like Dara does.  She adds dimension and character that I personally don’t see with the other 3. 

    my comments are always too long.  well school’s done so I have a lot to say. sorry guys. 

    • Anonymous

      I can’t agree with you more. They’ve accomplished a lot, but still have a long way to go. To think they’re going to catapult to stardom overnight is giving them a little too much credit. Don’t get me wrong; I love my girls! But making it big in the American market takes lots and lots and lots of work and lots and lots and lots of time.

      And I love what you said about Dara and I completely agree, but she’s the one that I’m most worried about. We all know she’s the weakest member in the group in terms of talent and I always wonder if that’s going to hinder 2NE1 in America. She can speak English and everything, but I feel like her hate will increase tenfold. Some people will have a hard time just opening their minds up to a group like 2NE1 and I feel like Dara may take away some of their credibility, sad to say. Sigh. I absolutely love her, but it just makes me wonder.

      • angel29

        Weird in a way but I am excited for Dara because I want to see how the Americans will butcher her first then love her next. Apparently, the story of Dara has been a recurring one.  She gets hated a lot and then gets accepted much later when people see how genuine she is.  For someone who could easily be slaughtered by vile and hate, she’s fairly unscathed.  There is such a thing as charisma after all.

        And 2NE1 can survive such a nuisance if that is the only nuisance they face.  That’s not true of course.

        *can’t log in to my yahoo-disqus id. :((

        • saylor

          twitter will be her best friend.  although i doubt people will find her antics as cute as they do in Korea, they’ll still find her somewhat charming. 

          and this whole group is going to get butchered.  Butchered for their respective ages, music, image, concept, and English.  It’s the truth.  they are going to face criticism left and right.  they better be able to handle that.  American critics and media has this sense of viciousness that I don’t see in Korean media which just goes over the top in how much they complement their artists about every little thing.   You could say American media is really harsh, but I for one am thankful for their harsh critiques because after being in kpop I can’t stand kpop fawning. no one is just going to get accepted like that without getting butchered first, especially if these girls don’t have a hand in making their music as a lot of pop artists here do.  I mean even Beyonce lies about concepts and music being all hers.  It’s part of her “image.”  girlfriend doesn’t have a creative bone in her body.  i don’t know why that’s such a big deal here, but it really is. I think the only person to get so much love is Adele.  People really respect her because she writes her music and it’s from the soul.  She’s not hiding behind an image or anything (lol if she doesn’t find a boyfriend soon and breaks up with him she’s not going to have material for another album).  But she’s the anomaly, the exception to the rule.  She’s brought something unique and different to the table…I’m not sure if 2NE1 can.  In Korea 2NE1 is unique.  There are no girl groups like them and the image they project for girls isn’t a traditionally accepted image.  But in America, I don’t know.  It’s all speculation.  I honestly wish these girls the best.  I hope though that they don’t become as hated for their fans as Justin Bieber is for his.  

          • Anonymous

            Just wanted to say I really love this thread of comments. Heh.

    • greenpanda

       i totally agree with the dare comment.

    • greenpanda

      and oh yeah, I am happy that YG is smart not rushing into the West’s Music Market, I think he learned a lot from the mistakes with Seven. And to be honesty people, we all know why Wondergirls had a hard time over here. For someone like me who lives in the States, it seems like they had a “identity issue”—and “culture shock” –they came from a place that suppresses individualism. I am Asian and when you are Asian you know what I am talking about. “Can I get a Amen from the Asians here!”  What can I say –this is what happen when you have centuries collective thinking and  Asian parents yelling at their children about being a doctor instead of a writer, singer or artist.

      Anyway, they came here and we highly value individualism. Then I saw them with the Jonas and then later at tons of fashion shows. I don’t know if JYP got lost in which age demographics they wanted to reach but the JYP’s PR dept needed to be fire. Plus NObody was a great song but I wish they would of came with a stronger song. It was a very big thing when they open for Jonas’ and I felt like they missed that once in the lifetime chance to have a breakout song like how FarEastMovement’s had with  “like a G-6″ or Katie Perry with “I kissed a girl”  of Kayne’s “gold digger” etc.

      And we all know that the US’s Music Market is super hard to break into. It took FM awhile, and seriously i was surprised when I Google them and found out that they were Asian. It is true they still have a long way to go. There is so much good talent on Youtube, underground, even artist who are actually signed with big labels etc. The market is so diverse  that you really have to have what Oprah would say, “the ‘IT’ factor”, something that really sets you apart or you will be just another good singer. Hey just look at the American Idol winners. Just because you win doesn’t mean you’re going to be rich and famous.

      I am not a hater, just listening the facts, 2NE1 really does have a better chance than WG or Girls Gen because there music is more appealing to a international audience. And yes, I can hear the America influence in the new WG album but I still feel like something is missing from the album.

      okay I am really for the fan hate mails now. (deep sigh….)_

      • saylor

        dude me too.  shaking in my boots over the skewering i fear getting from bjs……………………………………uh yeah i’m not using that as the short term for blackjacks anymore…wow that’s really unfortunate.  

        Anyways, great comment. 

  • chelle

    Its gonna take time for an asian act to break into the american music market. It won’t happen now or 5 years for now in all honesty. Hopefully I am wrong. And for the people who keep saying WG suck and they failed and so I agree to some extent but I admire their tenacity. Japan would be an easier market but they went into the biggest music industry in the world. They lost fans, people label them as duds in America yet they still stayed in the US for 3 years. They picked up the language and are slowly changing their sound. I don’t think WG, 2ne1, Boa, Hikaru Utada or any other asian artists will reach super stardom in America any time soon but there are some positives experiences to be had. It doesn’t matter what the outcome, the point is these artists tried or will try. It is about taking a chance and learning from it even if success isn’t the end result.

  • angel29

    Reality check.  2NE1 is in NY not to debut or be an overnight celebrity sensation but to be a guest in MTV Iggy’s BNB special where they won an award.

    The debut won’t happen until they release their English Language album.  Unless they pull a surprise on us, I don’t think it will be tonight.  All these speculations will have to remain speculations until then.

    But 2NE1 fans like myself are excited about this NY exposure.  Shouldn’t we be?

  • greenpanda

    i agree with the “if they don’t go to i am too hood” thing or what I like to say ” the slutty route”…they should be fine…YG! we like them just the way they are. .

  • happyslip

    I’m just really really excited for their IGGY gig in NY, because it’s a good opportunity and in a way, a good chance for them to test the waters IF yge would really let them debut in America soon.

    As for their actual US plans, I won’t even give it some serious thinking until yge releases actual music. From all the time I’ve spent following most of their acts, I’ve learned not to hold on too much on whatever he announces until I see the final product lol. 

    I guess what I’m saying is, fans and critics alike should relax. :)

  • thunderandsmoke

    I’m really interested to see how 2NE1 will fair in the states because:
    1.) There is something interesting and new about them in a sense. I think their music will definitely fit into the present pop scene (their sound is very party ready), but I don’t feel as if their image will. Also, right now its really all about the solo artist. The biggest names in pop right now are all solo divas (Beyonce, Katy Perry, Rihanna, Nicki), and I feel like groups don’t really fair that well anymore. BEP and Pussycat Dolls were really the last of a dying breed.2.) its unfortunate to say, but Asian artist don’t really do all that well in American media. There aren’t many of them music or television wise, but the lack of may work to 2NE1′s advantage. I mean, Far East Movement was really popular with G6 and Rocketeer but they are one group in how many that were successful mainstream.3.) Nothing about 2NE1 really screams “sexy”, and a lot of female pop artist definitely have this appeal to them. It might not be their entire image, but its definitely a very marketable aspect. Also, they have charisma (some more than others), but I’d say their stage performances need to be more “loose”. I’m not sure if the term I want to use is “freestyled” but they need to work the stage more, and as much I love Bom, she and Dara are horrible at that. But that last point is just something small and nit-picky so maybe it won’t be much of an issue. Also, I really hope Dara acts her age or she is gonna get chewed up and spit out even more than she will for being the least talented of the bunch.With all that being said, I do still hope 2NE1 does relatively well. I really do enjoy them as a group and I enjoy their music. And though they do have their foot in the door more than most other kpop groups, I hope YG and the girls are realistic in their expectations and cater more to their niche audience here.

    • thunderandsmoke

      I forgot to mention Lady Gaga in my first point…how I managed to do that still confounds even me.

    • chelle

      Honestly America’s fascination with groups is very little. Compared to the UK and Europe groups in America are non-existant. PCD worked because it was only one girl singing with other girls that were used as background. I am telling you guys right now PCD is not a group, they had catchy song, sometimes great songs but the only voice you heard was Nicole and sometimes Melody. Once Nicole tried to fly solo the audience was not down with that, she hasn’t had one hit song since PCD.

      For anyone who watches xfactor all the groups got cut so early in the game and in the UK Xfactor you have JLS, Take that, Girls Aloud, etc. maybe kpop should break the UK music scene instead then aim for the US?

  • http://twitter.com/jashogbon Janet

    I JUST FINISHED WATCHING THEM PERFORM ON IGGY THEY WERE AWESOME THE CROWD LOVED THEM

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  • Anonymous

    i went to the mtv iggy best new band show. it. was. UH-MAY-ZING! the line to get in to the theater literally wrapped around an entire block… in new york city. i’m positive that at least 89% of the people there were there for 2ne1. they minute they took the stage the theater was overwhelmed with cheering. those ladies have stage presence that very few performers have. as soon as they show let out everyone was talking about how cool/pretty/awesome they were to see in real person. i have long suspected that 2ne1 could make it in the U.S., but tonight confirmed it.   

    • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_LL4QDJLVFDT2RDIZYBALSE75JE angel29

      Wow, lucky you!

      Of course I was not as lucky but I streamed it real time.  (Huhu. Not the same, I know.)  The place was charged!  It seemed they were able to pull off a club scene ambiance successfully.  Everyone was jumping and dancing. You’re right about stage presence.  2NE1 owned that stage and it seemed they were having fun while they were at it.

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  • Anonymous

    Can anyone tell me the site for their official international fanpage? I never bothered to join the group, but I’d like to now. There so many ‘official’ sites that I don’t even know which one really is the one. :P

  • Anonymous

    The only thing I’m going to comment on is the celebrity connections thing. Honestly, all 2NE1 needs is a push–take, a collab with someone big right now like Nicki Minaj, who has a somewhat similar concept. Yeesh, if only Will.i.am could make that happen. Although Nicki’s stuff has been weird lately, so it’d have to be a REALLY GOOD song. Eh, it’s probably never going to happen and if it did there’s still a chance it could be a complete flop…
    But hey, a Blackjack can dream, right?

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  • http://profile.yahoo.com/2GDX5JQPCQN26RJNOZ7IA2KKZA mayilow

    COLLAB with FAR EAST MOVEMENT… although ive never heard the FEM was associated to them one time other that same performance day on MAMA singapore 2011? Enlighten me?