Saturday 12 May 2012 photo 7/7
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Saturday 12 May 2012 photo 7/7
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Having debuted only in mid-2009, no one expected 2NE1 to focus on foreign markets for at least several promotion cycles (especially since they had only released one mini-album). However, before they hit the one year mark, rumors started to float around that they had caught the eye of a rather significant American musician: Will.i.am of the Black Eyed Peas.
The small hints from the girls via me2day (such as Dara’s mitu upadate about being in LA) that they were traveling overseas only fueled the speculations. And when will.i.am released a video virtually gushing about 2NE1, it really made the rumors seem that much more likely. It was about a month later when YGE offiically confirmed that there would indeed be a collaboration between the two. Though a confirm date wasn’t given, the girls & YGE stressed that they were more concerned with the quality of the album versus when it would release, so there wasn’t a specific timing for the official debut.
In 2011, the biggest glimpses we got of 2NE1′s ability to reach out internationally was through the explosive response to the song “I Am the Best". Although Korean, the song connected perfectly to the International music community. From the instant addiction to the hook of the song“naega jeil jal naga", to hundreds of Dance covers done by fans, IATB, was definitely the dance anthem of the year. Not only this, but 2NE1 gained much critical acclaim due to the song, from countless magazine mentions (including Spin and Rolling Stone magazines) regarding how fantastically catchy the song was, as well as how edgy and stylish the MV was.
Another notable step towards their international goals in 2011 was the recognition 2NE1 gained from their MTV Iggy Nomination. When it was announced that 2NE1 was nominated for MTV Iggy, "Best New Band", Blackjacks went into a frenzy! We knew how important this was for 2NE1 and for their future plans, and millions of votes later, they were crowned the winners! Much to the delight of international Blackjacks, this win opened up the chance for 2NE1 to visit New York, to receive their award and perform in front of thousands of fans!
Finally… as we fly past 2012, although 2NE1 seemed to be focusing on Japan during the first half of the year, the 2nd half of this year is set to bring us many surprises. Just this past week, 2NE1 began an worldwide promotion with Intel Korea called “Make Thumb Noise", reaching out to international fans 2NE1 are set to release as song produced by hit YGE producer Teddy, based on voters’ choices. Not only this, but also as part of an Intel Project, they are going to be releasing their first official collaboration with will.i.am next month. Check out its preview here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=y7qoOcUJAVQ
With YGE opening offices in America and Hong Kong this summer, it looks like 2NE1′s international promotions will be heating up later this year!
So Blackjacks, while we wait ever “patiently" for the long awaited US debut album, we wanted to get your thoughts on the below: