Fans are all for rap parts in K-pop songs, given how many talented rappers there are in the music industry. A rap segment also allows main and lead rappers to shine!
However, preference is still a thing in K-pop, where opinions and tastes clash. While many find rap segments cool for K-pop songs, some find it "forced" or "out of place."
Here are 12 K-pop songs with 'unnecessary' rap parts!
1. 'SET ME FREE' by TWICE
As TWICE set off with their career expansion across international areas, their momentum was propelled by their 2023 title track "SET ME FREE." The song was undoubtedly successful at best and was well-received by most listeners, fans or casual.
However, the song was criticized for not displaying any drop of TWICE's musical color in its execution, melody, beat, and concept, which implied a complete 360-degree turn in their tune direction.
Forums opened online, where netizens slammed Dahyun's rap part at 2:16, saying how it was "forced" into the song and that it didn't feel in sync.
2. 'You can't sit with us' by Sunmi
Sunmi showcased more of her retro-dipped discography in "You can't sit with us." However, at its 1:14 mark, the second verse drew mixed reactions from netizens due to Sunmi's abrupt rap part and trap beat instrumental, causing genre confusion and pacing issues.
3. 'After LIKE' by IVE
IVE's "After LIKE" delighted K-pop fans with a surprising rendition of the Gloria Gaynor classic "I Will Survive." However, on the 1:51 mark, a minority of people were jarred with the randomly-placed rap.
4. 'Psycho' by Red Velvet
Red Velvet's "Psycho" ended the year 2020 with a bang and was one of the year's notable K-pop tracks that screamed peak third-gen.
Some weren't that happy with the song's rap part in its second half (1:25) since the song was rich in melody and how it still could've done well without it. However, the majority found it to be really iconic due to Irene's Original Visual line!
5. 'Weekend' by Girl's Generation Taeyeon
Some listeners online also claimed that Taeyeon's melody-rich "Weekend" would've been better off without its bubbly rap in 1:41.
6. 'TOMBOY' by (G)I-DLE
(G)I-DLE has one of the best rappers in K-pop, who is none other than Jeon Soyeon. In "TOMBOY," the song's rap part received divided reactions, with some finding the segment catchy, and the other side deeming it unnecessary due to its lengthy English lyrics.
7. 'BAAM' by MOMOLAND
MOMOLAND's "BAAM" seemingly followed the structural pattern of breakthrough song "BBoom BBoom." While some didn't mind, others felt the rap placement was shoved into the catchy song.
8. 'Tell Me What To Do' by SHINee
"Tell Me What To Do" shapes its melody from start to finish and is successful as a sentimental but upbeat track. However, some found the rap contradicting to the powerful vocals and harmonies built from the beginning. Overall, the song is still superb!
9. 'Be My Lover' by ATEEZ & Kim Jong Kook
"Be My Lover" managed to capture everyone's attention with its tune and bouncy beat, but some listeners felt the song was cut in half when the rap started in its second verse (1:18).
10. 'I' by Girls' Generation Taeyeon (feat. Verbal Jint)
Taeyeon's iconic debut "I" will always have a special place in SONEs' hearts. However, a minority felt more comfortable without Verbal Jint's rap verses, as they wanted to focus more on the track's heartfelt tune.
11. 'Queendom' by Red Velvet
The rap part of Red Velvet's "Queendom" also received mixed reviews for "slowly dragging out" the song's second half and not syncing with its quirky vibe.
12. 'Blue Flame' by LE SSERAFIM
LE SSERAFIM's B-side bop "Blue Flame" is a fan-favorite among FEARNOTs. However, some casual listeners claim the song could've been more perfect if the brief rap part at the 2:28 mark had been removed.
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