Rosé x Bruno Mars: Collaboration or Desperation?
Published February 22, 2025
The conversation about K-pop artists collaborating with Western musicians is nothing new. But when Rosé of BLACKPINK teamed up with Bruno Mars, the internet buzzed with debates: Was this an artistic match or just another strategic move for global reach?
Business vs. Art: The Two Sides of Success
When we talk about success in music, we have to acknowledge two key components: the business side and the artistic side. Some songs become massive hits because they have strong marketing behind them, while others succeed due to sheer musical brilliance. And in today’s industry, these two aspects must work hand in hand.
It’s easy to criticize artists for focusing on commercial success, but the reality is that without financial backing, creative freedom is limited. Every artist, their management, and their label have to think about the bottom line. After all, even the most passionate musicians need to pay the bills.
Asian Artists Collaborating with Western Stars: Nothing New
K-pop’s increasing global popularity has made these East-West collaborations more visible, but they have been happening for years.
Despite these collaborations, not all songs make an impact in Western markets. The success of a song still depends on two things: a strong track and a solid marketing push. Simply featuring a big-name Western artist isn’t enough to guarantee a global hit.
What Makes a Song “Good”?
While opinions on Rosé’s song with Bruno Mars vary, it’s clear that different factors determine a song’s reception:
- Artistic Quality: Is the song pushing boundaries? Does it bring something fresh to the industry?
- Commercial Appeal: Does it chart well? Is it supported by strong promotion?
- Personal Taste: Music is subjective. Just because one person doesn’t like a song doesn’t mean it’s bad.
Take BTS’s RM and Erykah Badu’s “Yun” as an example—it wasn’t a Billboard hit, but critics praised its artistic depth.
On the other hand, a fun, catchy song like Rosé’s collaboration with Bruno Mars might not be groundbreaking, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t enjoyable.
The BTS Factor: Why They’re on a Different Level
Discussions about collaborations often lead to comparisons with BTS. However, BTS’s journey is unique. Most of their earlier collaborations were with non-A-listers, such as Steve Aoki and Halsey, both of whom were respected but not at the peak of Western charts when they worked together.
Even when BTS teamed up with Coldplay, it was after they had already solidified their own global reputation.
Unlike some artists who rely on collaborations to break into new markets, BTS was already making waves on their own. Their chart-topping success came from their dedicated fanbase and their ability to evolve musically, rather than riding on the coattails of Western stars.
The Rosé Factor: A Different Artistic Path
Within BLACKPINK, Rosé has always stood out musically.
Her solo work carries a distinct artistic identity compared to the group’s signature sound. Many fans feel she was underutilized in BLACKPINK’s group songs, often restricted to singing choruses. Now that she has the opportunity to carve her own path, it’s refreshing to see her explore her artistry more freely.
Instead of questioning whether her collaboration with Bruno Mars was a calculated move or a desperate attempt for Western validation, maybe we should celebrate the fact that she’s finally getting the chance to shine on her own terms.
At the end of the day, music success isn’t just about collaborations, charts, or awards. It’s about the impact a song has on listeners. Instead of pitting artists against each other, let’s appreciate their individual journeys. Rosé and Bruno Mars created something fun—does it need to be more than that?
Whether a collaboration is a strategic move or a genuine artistic exchange, one thing is certain: music is meant to be enjoyed, not just analyzed.
related video
FRESH POSTS
