Fantasy K-Pop Collab: B2ST Yoseob + Robin Thicke

The point of Fantasy K-Pop Collab is to bridge the gap between K-Pop and mainstream music around the world to show that while there are a lot of unique elements, music of all forms and genres can easily mix together. This is especially true when you are combining artists who are not only very talented, but who have something different and intriguing to share with the world.

This week our imaginary mashup features two incredibly gifted singers from opposite sides of the world, but who share the same kind of mesmerizing performance quality and equally impressive pipes: B2ST's Yang Yoseob and Canadian-American singer-songwriter Robin Thicke.

The two singers may be a generation apart, but their unique voices and creative presentations have attracted fans around the globe.

At age 23, Yoseob is the main vocalist for K-Pop idol group B2ST and already has a lengthy list of solo singles and collaborations under his belt.

In 2010 the young idol released his first solo single "Happy Birthday" as part of the More Charming by the Day OST and also participated in a collaboration with DMTN (Dalmatian) Daniel in addition to two other singles with select members of his group B2ST.

The following year he sang two more soundtrack songs, "Cherish That Person" and "No" and was featured on B.A.P leader Yong Guk's first solo track, "I Remember."

Also that year Yoseob was added as one of the cast members for Immortal Song 2, a KBS singing variety program featuring various K-Pop singers. In the first episode, Yoseob impressed the judges and fans with his powerfully moving rendition of the song "Mother." After his win, critics, who were previously very hard on the young singer saying his vocal abilities were all hype, quickly changed their tune and since then Yoseob has been regarded as one of the best idol singers around.

In late 2012 Yoseob finally released his long-awaited solo album with the title track "Caffeine" becoming a huge hit.

Robin Thicke also got an early start in the music industry when, at age 16, he signed on with Interscope Records as a songwriter.

Thicke released his first solo album A Beautiful World in 2003 and its title single "When I Get You Alone." While the album itself did not see a tremendous amount of success, the singer-songwriter was applauded for his songwriting and producing talents.

By the time Thicke released his second album in 2006, he had really started to make a name for himself in the biz and his first single "Lost Without U" reached the number one spot on the US R&B chart.

As the Canadian-American released more albums and singles, including collaborations with everyone from Lil' Wayne, 50 Cent, and Snoop Dogg to Kenny G, Faith Evans, and Ashanti, he has gained more popularity and recognition around the world.

Critics continue to praise his unique style and ability to fuse styles in his presentation of lyrics and rhythms.

His latest release, "Blurred Lines" is sweeping the charts and social media as a major hit on YouTube.

Because Robin Thicke already has so much experience writing songs, a collaboration between him and Yoseob would have to begin there. It would be a very interesting move for the B2ST singer to have an English-language debut under the guidance of such a creative songwriting talent.

While Robin Thicke may not be the most popular singer in America, he is well-respected and his cool R&B vocals would be an excellent compliment to Yoseob's powerful ballad-singing abilities.

The collaboration could easily go one of two ways.

First, it could be a slow, melancholic tune full of sorrow and hurt that would allow both singers to not only show off their vocal talents, but appeal to fans in an emotional way (a'la "Mother").

The other option would be a quirky pop track with lyrics that are perhaps not so serious (similar to the latest singles from both).

The latter option definitely has the better opportunity for becoming an internet hit, while the former would be a more serious attempt at creating meaningful music together.

With the internet and social media dominating trends and governing the music industry's behavior lately, a playful single with a clever video is probably a much better option.

What do you think about a Yoseob-Robin Thicke collaboration?

Other Fantasy K-Pop Collabs:

  • Taeyang + Usher
  • Lee Hyori + Beyonce
  • After School Nana + Drake

Tags
b2st
Yoseob
collaboration
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