Other meanings of Black
Music
Black is a song by South Korean rapper and singer G-Dragon, released as a track on his second studio album One of a Kind (2012). The song features vocals by American singer Sky Ferreira and was praised for its blend of hip-hop and pop with emotional lyrics.
Black was included on G-Dragon's second studio album One of a Kind, released on September 15, 2012, by YG Entertainment. The song was produced by G-Dragon and Teddy Park, with lyrics by G-Dragon and Teddy. It features American singer Sky Ferreira, marking one of the first collaborations between a K-pop artist and an indie-pop act. The track was released as a promotional single alongside the album, but did not receive a music video. It was later included in G-Dragon's live performances and compilation albums.
The song is a mid-tempo hip-hop and pop ballad with a minimal electronic beat. Lyrically, it explores themes of heartbreak and the aftermath of a relationship, with G-Dragon singing about the pain of separation and the lingering memories. The title 'Black' symbolizes emptiness and darkness, contrasting with the bright, upbeat sound of other tracks on the album. Sky Ferreira's ethereal vocals provide a haunting counterpoint to G-Dragon's rap verses.
Black received positive reviews from music critics, who praised the emotional depth and the unexpected collaboration. Pitchfork noted the song's 'surprisingly tender' nature, while Spin highlighted Ferreira's contribution as a standout. The track was also noted for its crossover appeal, helping to introduce G-Dragon to a broader international audience. It was listed among the best K-pop songs of 2012 by several publications.
Although not released as a single with a music video, Black charted on the Gaon Digital Chart, peaking at number 2 in South Korea. It also appeared on the Billboard K-Pop Hot 100, reaching number 3. The song's digital sales exceeded 1 million downloads in South Korea, contributing to the album's overall success.
G-Dragon performed Black during his 2013 'One of a Kind' world tour, with Sky Ferreira joining him on stage at select dates, including the Los Angeles show. The song has been covered by various artists, including a notable rendition by K-pop group BTS during a radio session in 2015. It has also been used in several K-drama soundtracks, though not officially.
Black was initially offered to American singer-songwriter Sky Ferreira after G-Dragon heard her debut EP Ghost. The collaboration was arranged through mutual contacts, and Ferreira recorded her parts in Los Angeles without meeting G-Dragon in person. The song's instrumental was later reused for a remix by DJ Diplo, which was never officially released. Additionally, the track's lyrics contain a reference to the film Black Swan, which G-Dragon has cited as an inspiration. The song's B-side, 'That XX', was originally intended to be the title track, but Black was chosen for its emotional impact.
This article is about the song by G-Dragon. For other uses, see Black (disambiguation).
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