Fantasy K-Pop Collab: G-Dragon + Janelle Monae

For any K-Pop fan, when someone says "one of a kind" there is only one artist who pops in mind: G-Dragon. Easily the most unique individual in the Korean pop music industry, the Big Bang leader whose real name is Kwon Ji-yong, stands out from the rest of the herd for his wild fashion, uninhibited performances, and ever-changing musical styles.

A respected composer and lyricist, G-Dragon has written not only the majority of Big Bang's songs, but has created successful hits for many of his YG Entertainment label-mates as well.

When he is not recording and performing with Big Bang, the multi-talented rapper-singer-songwriter is adding to his constantly evolving solo repertoire.

His music pulls from a variety of genres and influences and G-Dragon's musical genius shows through his blending of different styles and no-holds exploration of mixing, sampling, and new sound creation.

Now, with the recent announcement that following his solo One of a Kind World Tour, G-Dragon will be back in the studio to record a new album, many fans are curious what kind of new sounds and songs to expect from the prolific 24-year-old. But for someone who is so unapologetically original, it is sure to be a funky, fresh release.

G-Dragon is rumored to have locked down some very high-profile collaborations for his upcoming album, and has admitted he will be exploring new genres of music for the new releases - and obviously this has a lot of us pondering what could be in store.

There is one genre that G-Dragon has teetered on the edge of, but has yet to dive fully into - soul. And there is one very talented artist who has a similar reputation for being as quirky and individual as GD, Bad Boy Records wildcard, Janelle Monae.

Monae is hard to describe with just one word. A strong vocalist, she can easily change speeds from smooth R&B to funky soul belts to quick-delivered raps. Her musical influences are almost as varied as her music itself, citing everyone from James Brown to Judy Garland to Jimi Hendrix.

Aside from the music, Janelle Monae is, like G-Dragon, recognized for her fashion sense. Unlike G-Dragon (and much more similarly to fellow YG Family member Pst, she only wears tuxedos. Her androgyny is part of her appeal and charm, something that has also been said of her potential collaborator.

With two artists who have wildly different styles and backgrounds, why would G-Dragon and Janelle Monae be a good match for collaboration?

Both artists are not afraid to venture into uncharted territory with their music or image and they always seem to be keeping their fans on their toes.

G-Dragon enjoys exploring new sounds with each passing release, and for the last several years, critics have had an incredibly hard time pin-pointing exactly what genre Monae sings. Her music has been described as everything from Afrofuturism or psychedelic soul to conceptual R&B. Whatever it is, there is one thing for sure - it is all her own.

Mashing together their sounds, a collaboration with G-Dragon and Janelle Monae would not only be something completely one-of-a-kind, but a nice step forward for both artists who enjoy exploring new genres with each new release.

It would be a song that blends their cultural differences while creating a never-before-heard sound - a new genre unique to only them - and be so bizarre that Lady Gaga would be green with envy.

The video would have to incorporate tuxedos, free-for-all choreography, and fun, energetic scenes.

A bit different from who would normally be considered a good match for G-Dragon's genius (he always seems to be matched up with hip-hop artists), exploring new territory with a Janelle Monae collab might just be a great step forward for the ever-changing K-Pop living legend.

Tags
G-Dragon
Big Bang
YG Entertainment
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