Collaborations between artists from different genres often yield exciting and unexpected results. “3D,” the collaborative effort between South Korean superstar & BTS member Jung Kook and American rapper Jack Harlow, is a prime example of such a fusion. This dynamic track showcases the convergence of K-pop and hip-hop, delivering an electrifying and catchy anthem that leaves a lasting impression – but perhaps not an impression we’ve never heard (or seen) before.

“3D” immediately grabs your attention with its infectious beat and smooth vocals by Jung Kook. The track’s pulsating rhythm creates an energetic backdrop that keeps you hooked from the first note. The blend of stripped down electronic and hip-hop elements is seamless, resulting in a sound that feels like a fresh twist on boy-band driven pop.

Jung Kook’s vocals are nothing short of exceptional – upon the first time hearing the song, we thought Justin Timberlake had also been featured on the track. His smooth and versatile voice effortlessly transitions between singing and rapping, demonstrating his prowess as a multifaceted artist on a global scale. Jack Harlow, known for his lyrical prowess, delivers a memorable verse that complements Jung Kook’s vocal range beautifully.

In true Harlow fashion, he’s facing controversy for his verse in “3D”, with some stating his lyrics were misogynistic and even racist. Although there’s almost always controversy around rappers and their lyrics, we can’t help but feel these criticisms are a bit of a stretch – especially since Jung Kook is a South Korean superstar himself, we don’t believe he would allow Harlow to include any targeted racism toward the Asian community. Despite the drama, their contrasting styles blend surprisingly well, adding depth and dimension to to an otherwise early 2000’s boy-band sounding track.

One of the most exciting aspects of “3D” is its global appeal. It seamlessly bridges the gap between K-pop and American hip-hop, making it accessible and relatable to listeners from diverse backgrounds. “3D” was officially released September 29, 2023 and has accumulated over 15.8 million streams on Spotify and 19 million views on YouTube in just 2 days.

Accompanying the track is a visually stunning yet nostolgic music video, directed by Drew Kirsch, that adds another layer to the “3D” experience. The video’s creative use of graphics and visual effects enhances the song’s title, creating a captivating visual narrative that complements the music.

Though there is a lot that’s fresh about this track and video, we can’t help but notice how heavily influenced the sound and visuals seem to be by the iconic 1999 “I Want It That Way” music video. If we take a step back, “3D” feels like what The Backstreet Boys would have wanted for the “I Want It That Way” music video, if it were being shot in 2023.

Aside from the obvious overlapping visuals such as the airplane, mirrored floors, and the early 2000s sound, we noticed similarities down to the color palette and even the wardrobe. We don’t think this was by mistake and is a brilliant marketing choice. Jungkook and BTS have started gaining a lot of traction in Western culture amongst a younger demographic (13-21 year olds) with their hits “Butter” and “Dynamite”. However, they’ve yet to garner a dedicated fanbase amongst older listeners (25+).

We believe the use of similar visuals and sound for this track gives us “older people” a sense of comfort while simultaneously scratching that nostalgic itch. Undoubtedly, this will help both Jung Kook and Harlow grab the attention of the millennial crowd who have a deep connection to boy bands from the past such as The Backstreet Boys, *NSYNC, and the like. By bolstering Jung Kook’s “boy band” background in a fresh yet nostalgic way, “3D” is sure to bring a lot more eyes and ears to Jung Kook, Jack Harlow, and K-Pop.

“3D” by Jungkook and Jack Harlow is a testament to the power of collaboration in music. It’s a track that not only ignores genre boundaries but also showcases the immense potential of both artists. With its infectious beat, versatile vocals, and controversial lyrics, “3D” is a song that’s destined to make waves on a global scale. This dynamic collision of talent reminds us that when artists come together to create something unique, the result can be nothing short of spectacular.