One of a Kind (G-Dragon song)

Last updated

"One of a Kind"
Single by G-Dragon
from the album One of a Kind
ReleasedAugust 24, 2012
Genre
Length3:26
Label YG Entertainment
Composer(s) G-Dragon, Choice37
Lyricist(s) G-Dragon
G-Dragon singles chronology
"I Need a Girl"
(2010)		"One of a Kind"
(2012)		"That XX"
(2012)
Music video
One of a Kind on YouTube

"One of a Kind" is a song by South Korean rapper G-Dragon. Released on August 24, 2012 through YG Entertainment, it served as the lead single from the extended play of the same name. Written solely by G-Dragon, the rapper also worked with long-time collaborator Choice37 to produce the music. The song was well received by music critics, that considered it one of his best work and one of the most influential Korean hip hop tracks. "One of a Kind" peaked at number nine on the Gaon Digital Chart in South Korea. [1]

Contents

Composition and reception

A hip hop and pop-rap song, the lyrics discuss "cheeky" themes such as money and fame. [2] [ unreliable source? ] [3] [ unreliable source? ] [4] David Jeffries of Allmusic deemed the track as "a bright, boastful number with a hooky chorus and plenty of exciting production tricks". [5] Billboard named "One of a Kind" the seventeenth best K-pop song of 2012, praising the "knocking hip-hop beat that today's biggest rappers would kill for" and how G-Dragon "showed off his impressive knack for flow and lyrics". [6] Web portal Daum named the single the fifth best Korean song of the year, calling it a "masterpiece" and its composition "outstanding". [7]

Korean music critic Kim Bong-hyun included "One of a Kind" in his book of most influential Korean hip hop songs from 1989 to 2016, naming it one of the 28 tracks that shaped the genre. [8] "One of a Kind" was also the only song by a solo artist to be included in The Dong-A Ilbo 's 2016 list of the best male idol songs in the past 20 years. [9] Ize magazine listed "One of a Kind" as one of the most memorable songs written by G-Dragon, commenting that it raised his status as a hip-hop musician. [10]

Commercially, the song became the fifth track from the album to peak within Gaon Digital Chart's top ten, when it rose to number nine in its second week, after a debut at number 21. [11] [12] The track earned him the Best Hip Hop / Rap Song of the Year awards from the Korean Music Awards and the Rhythmer Awards. [13]

Music video

The music video for "One of a Kind" preceded the album, being released on YouTube on August 25, 2012, marking his first solo release since Heartbreaker (2009). [14] [ unreliable source? ] Directed by Seo Hyun Seung, the video was described as "autobiographical" and "glittered with designer items." [15] G-Dragon is seen wearing outfits that he has worn in previous music videos. Fellow Big Bang member, Taeyang makes an appearance. [16] David Bevan of Spin called it "a dazzling clip" for the "undeniable pop-rap juggernaut" track. [4] Stereogum named "One of a Kind" the best music video of the week, with Tom Breihan commenting that "[I]f you don't have a baby tiger on a leash or a dancing bear cub in your video, you lost. Sometimes, it's just that simple. K-pop has discovered skate-rap, and we should all be very, very excited about that." [17] Fuse called it one of G-Dragon's "must-see videos", noting that the "Explicit Content" reinterpreted sticker is "one of his most memorable looks". [18]

Chart performance and sales

ChartPeak
position
South Korea (Gaon) [1] 9
South Korea (K-pop Hot 100) [19] 14
US World Digital Song Sales ( Billboard ) [20] 7

Sales

ChartSales
South Korea (digital)777,782 [21]

Awards

YearAward-Giving BodyCategoryResultRef.
2012HipHopPlaya AwardsMusic Video of the YearWon
2013 Korean Music Awards Song of the YearNominated [22]
Best Rap/Hip Hop SongWon
Rhythmer Awards Best Hip Hop Song of The YearWon [13]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">BigBang (South Korean band)</span> South Korean boyband

BigBang is a South Korean boy band formed by YG Entertainment. The group consists of three members: G-Dragon, Taeyang, and Daesung. Originally a five-piece band, Seungri retired from the entertainment industry in March 2019 and T.O.P left in May 2023. Dubbed the "Kings of K-pop", they helped spread the Korean Wave internationally and are considered one of the most influential acts in K-pop. They are known for their trendsetting musical experimentation, self-production, and stage presence.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">G-Dragon</span> South Korean rapper (born 1988)

Kwon Ji-yong, best known as G-Dragon (지드래곤), is a South Korean rapper, singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur, known as the "King of K-pop". Born and raised in Seoul, South Korea, G-Dragon made his debut in 2006 and rose to prominence as the leader of the South Korean boy band BigBang, which went on to become one of the best-selling boy bands in the world.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">G-Dragon discography</span>

South Korean rapper G-Dragon began his career as a member of South Korean boy band Big Bang. His discography as a solo artist began in 2009, and includes three studio albums, two extended plays, one collaboration album, four live albums and several other singles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">That XX</span> 2012 song by G-Dragon

"That XX" is a song by South Korean rapper G-Dragon, released as the first single of his second solo album One of a Kind on September 1, 2012.

"Fantastic Baby" is a song recorded by South Korean boy band Big Bang. It was released as a single for digital download and streaming by YG Entertainment on February 29, 2012, in conjunction with the release of the band's fourth extended play (EP), Alive (2012). The song was written by members T.O.P, G-Dragon and long-time group collaborator Teddy Park, whilst production and composition was handled by the latter two contributors. A boisterous, sonic and dynamic EDM track, "Fantastic Baby" incorporates a multitude of hooks and catchphrases—most notably "Wow, fantastic baby" and "boom shakalaka".

"Growl" is a song recorded by South Korean–Chinese boy band Exo, released on August 5, 2013, for the repackaged edition of their first studio album XOXO. It was released in both Korean and Chinese versions by their label SM Entertainment. The song is known as Exo's breakthrough single, with over two million downloads in South Korea.

"Niliria" is a song South Korean rapper G-Dragon, featuring American recording artist Missy Elliott from G-Dragon's second studio album, Coup d'Etat (2013). To date, it remains as one of the six songs from the album to enter the top ten on South Korea's Gaon Singles Chart. On 2 December 2013, the song ranked number 32 on Complex's The 50 Best Songs of 2013.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Good Boy (song)</span> 2014 single by GD X Taeyang

"Good Boy" is a song recorded by South Korean duo GD X Taeyang, members of the boy band Big Bang. It was released on November 21, 2014, as the second hip-hop project from YG Entertainment, the first being "Niliria" by G-Dragon featuring Missy Elliott a year prior. The single was written by G-Dragon, who also produced it along with the Fliptones and Freedo. "Good Boy" became a chart-topper on Billboard's World Digital Songs and a Top 5 hit on the Gaon Digital Chart. Additionally, a physical single was released and topped the Gaon Albums Chart.

"Blue" (Korean: 블루) is a song recorded by South Korean boy group BigBang for their fifth Korean-language extended play (EP), Alive (2012). It was made available for digital download and streaming as the EP's first single on February 22, 2012, by YG Entertainment. The song was written and composed by G-Dragon along with Teddy Park, with additional rap parts penned by T.O.P. Stylistically, the track conveys the emotions of feeling blue—akin to its title—after letting go of a romantic relationship, and showcases a more emotional and vulnerable side of BigBang while at the same time providing a comforting undertone.

"Bae Bae" is a song recorded by South Korean boy band Big Bang. It was released as a digital single on May 1, 2015, through YG Entertainment, serving as one of the eight lead singles from the band's third Korean-language studio album Made (2016); the song, along with "Loser", was initially included in the single album M. It marks the band's first release in three years, since Still Alive in June 2012. Written and produced by G-Dragon, Teddy Park and T.O.P, "Bae Bae" was noted for its sexually suggestive lyrics and music video.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Let's Not Fall in Love</span> 2015 single by Big Bang

"Let's Not Fall in Love" is a song recorded by South Korean boy band Big Bang. It was released through YG Entertainment on August 5, 2015, alongside the single "Zutter"; both tracks make up the single album E as part of the group's Made series. The recording was written and produced by long-time group collaborator Teddy Park and band member G-Dragon. Musically, the pop-rock infused dance track features a variety of vocal samplings, acoustic melodies, and hazy synths, while the lyrical content explores the subtle insecurities that come along with teenage love.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">GD & TOP</span> South Korean boy band

GD & TOP was a South Korean hip-hop/pop duo formed by G-Dragon and T.O.P, the rappers of the K-pop boy band Big Bang in 2010. The release of their first album, GD & TOP (2010) was a commercial success becoming one of the best selling albums of the year in South Korea, and spawning the top-five hits "High High", "Oh Yeah", and "Knock Out" on the Gaon Digital Chart. After a five-year hiatus, they released the single "Zutter", which peaked at number two on the Gaon Digital Chart.

GD X Taeyang is a South Korean duo from YG Entertainment, consisting of G-Dragon and Taeyang from Big Bang. After several years of appearing on each other's solo materials, the duo officially released the single "Good Boy" in 2014, which went on to top Billboard's World Digital Songs chart and sold over a million digital units in South Korea.

"Bad Boy" is a single by South Korean boy band Big Bang. It was released on February 29, 2012, by YG Entertainment, as the second single from their EP Alive. The track's R&B and hip hop sound was acclaimed by music critics, who called it one of BigBang's best songs. "Bad Boy" peaked at number two on South Korean's Gaon Digital Chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">High High</span> 2010 single by GD & TOP

"High High" is a song recorded by South Korean duo GD & TOP. It was released on December 15, 2010, by YG Entertainment, as the first single from their self-titled debut album GD & TOP (2010). It was written by the duo with Teddy, and produced by the latter.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Boombayah</span> 2016 single by Blackpink

"Boombayah" is a song by South Korean girl group Blackpink. It was released through YG Entertainment on August 8, 2016, simultaneously with "Whistle"; both tracks are on the group's debut single album titled Square One (2016).

"Tonight" is a song by South Korean boy band BigBang released on February 24, 2011, through YG Entertainment as the only single from the quintet's fourth extended play of the same name after a two-year hiatus. It was also the group's first Korean-language single since "Sunset Glow" in 2008. Written by members G-Dragon and T.O.P, the song peaked at number one on the Gaon Music Chart, and become one of the best-performing singles of 2011 in their home country.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Untitled, 2014</span> 2017 single by G-Dragon

"Untitled, 2014" is a song recorded by South Korean rapper G-Dragon, serving as the lead single for his second extended play and self-titled Kwon Ji Yong (2017). It was written by G-Dragon, who also co-produced the song with Choice37 and Sunwoo Jung-a. "Untitled, 2014" was a chart-topper in South Korea's Gaon Digital Chart, where it finished 2017 as one of the best-performing songs of the year.

"Crooked" is a song recorded by South Korean rapper G-Dragon, serving as the third single for his second studio album Coup d'Etat (2013). It was written and produced by Teddy and G-Dragon. A pop-punk song, "Crooked" peaked at number three at the Gaon Digital Chart and became one of his most successful singles.

"Crayon" is a song recorded by South Korean rapper G-Dragon, serving as the third single of his first extended play One of a Kind (2012). It was written and produced by G-Dragon and Teddy Park.

References

  1. 1 2 국내 대표 음악 차트 가온차트!. Gaon Chart . Archived from the original on June 9, 2020. Retrieved July 9, 2017.
  2. ↑ "G-Dragon Goes Solo with One Of A Kind". seoulbeats. September 24, 2012. Archived from the original on August 22, 2017. Retrieved July 9, 2017.
  3. ↑ "K-Pop Review: One of a Kind by G-Dragon". KpopStarz. October 11, 2012. Archived from the original on August 13, 2017. Retrieved July 9, 2017.
  4. 1 2 Bevan, David (January 21, 2013). "K-Pop's New Style: G-Dragon Blazes a Cray Path". Spin. Archived from the original on June 3, 2017. Retrieved July 9, 2017.
  5. ↑ Jeffries, David. "One of a Kind - G-Dragon". AllMusic. Archived from the original on November 15, 2018. Retrieved August 13, 2017.
  6. ↑ Benjamin, Jeff; Oak, Jessica (December 21, 2012). "20 Best K-Pop Songs of 2012: BIGBANG, PSY, 2NE1 & More". Billboard. Archived from the original on April 2, 2019. Retrieved July 9, 2017.
  7. ↑ "국내노래 TOP 10". Daum Music (in Korean). January 18, 2013. Archived from the original on January 8, 2015. Retrieved July 9, 2017.
  8. ↑ [책의 향기]홍서범부터 GD까지 '쇼 미 더' 한국 힙합. Dong-a News (in Korean). August 5, 2017. Archived from the original on August 13, 2017. Retrieved August 13, 2017.
  9. ↑ "반짝반짝 눈이 부셔"… 빅뱅-소녀시대 역대 최고 아이돌 원문보. The Dong-A Ilbo (in Korean). September 2016. Archived from the original on February 2, 2017. Retrieved July 9, 2017.
  10. ↑ "G-Dragon 고별展│가사로 본 지 드래곤의 인생". Ize Magazine (in Korean). June 13, 2017. Archived from the original on August 25, 2017. Retrieved August 25, 2017.
  11. ↑ 2012년 39주차 Digital Chart. Gaon Chart . Archived from the original on June 9, 2020. Retrieved July 9, 2017.
  12. ↑ 2012년 38주차 Digital Chart. Gaon Chart . Archived from the original on March 7, 2015. Retrieved July 9, 2017.
  13. 1 2 제3회 리드머 어워드(3rd RHYTHMER AWARDS) 수상결과 | 리드머 - 대한민국 대표 흑인음악 미디어. board.rhythmer.net (in Korean). Archived from the original on October 23, 2016. Retrieved July 9, 2017.
  14. ↑ "G-Dragon Unleashes MV for "One of a Kind"". Soompi . August 24, 2012. Archived from the original on August 17, 2017. Retrieved July 9, 2017.
  15. ↑ Kim, JiYeon (August 25, 2012). "KPOP NEWS - [Video] G-Dragon Releases Music Video for Autobiographical 'One of a Kind' | Mwave". Mwave. Archived from the original on August 13, 2017. Retrieved July 9, 2017.
  16. ↑ "[Video] G-Dragon's 'One of a Kind' is Filled With Hidden Treasures". MWave. Archived from the original on July 28, 2017. Retrieved March 27, 2017.
  17. ↑ Breihan, Tom (August 31, 2012). "The 5 Best Videos Of The Week". Stereogum. Archived from the original on August 13, 2017. Retrieved July 9, 2017.
  18. ↑ Benjamin, Jeff (August 8, 2014). "G-DRAGON HEADLINES KCON 2014: 5 MUST-SEE VIDEOS BEFORE HIS CONCERT". Fuse. Archived from the original on August 8, 2017. Retrieved July 9, 2017.
  19. ↑ "G-Dragon Korea K-Pop Hot 100 Chart History". Billboard . Archived from the original on September 25, 2017. Retrieved July 9, 2017.
  20. ↑ "World Digital Songs : Sep 29, 2012 | Billboard Chart Archive". Billboard. Archived from the original on May 5, 2018. Retrieved July 9, 2017.
  21. ↑ Cumulative sales for "One of a Kind":
  22. ↑ "KMA 2013 - Nominees List 1". KMA. January 29, 2013. Archived from the original on March 3, 2016. Retrieved February 3, 2013.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.