Confessions on MAMA Awards 2012

Admin K

All the fuss led up to this. Almost 7 hours (according to the live stream when I started watching) of flashing lights, cheers and disappointment. To be honest, I don't think it deserves as much as people make it to be. It definitely didn't leave me completely emotionally invested like some people. The most predominant controversy being the BAP vs EXO-K drama that spanned the last few weeks of voting. In the end, neither of them won that rookie award; leaving both arguing parties disappointed and the bystanders like me, shaking their heads in shame.

This is just one of the many things I plan to rip apart in my section of this article. Probably why this will start with me and end on a happy note.

Firstly the winners list.

Best New Female Artist Ailee	Best New Male Artist Busker Busker
Best Female Artist IU	Best Male Artist G-Dragon
Best Female Group SISTAR	Best Male Group Big Bang
Best Collaboration Performance  Hyuna and Hyunseung - Trouble Maker	Best OST Seo In Guk & Jung Eun Ji - All for You (Reply 1997)
Best Music Video PSY - Gangnam Style	Best Rap Performance Epik High - Up
Best Band Performance Busker Busker - Cherry Blossom Ending	Best Dance Performance – Solo PSY - Gangnam Style
Best Dance Performance – Male Group SHINee – Sherlock	Best Dance Performance  – Female Group f(x) - Electric Shock
Best Vocal Performance – Solo K.Will - I need you	Best Vocal Performance – Group Davichi - Will Think of You
Best Global Group – Female KARA	Best Global Group – Male Super Junior
SONG OF THE YEAR PSY - Gangnam Style	ARTIST OF THE YEAR Big Bang
BEST ASIAN ARTIST Wang Leehom Philippines: Sarah Geronimo Japan: AKB48 Vietnam: My Tam Indonesia: Agnes Monica Singapore: Taufik Batisah China: Li Yuchun	ALBUM OF THE YEAR Sexy Free & Single – SUPER JUNIOR
	best new asian artist New Asian Artist Group - EXO China: TimeZ Thailand: Natthew
Mnet PD’s Choice Award B.A.P.	BEST NEW ASIAN ARTIST EXO
International/Global Favorite Artist Psy	Style in Music Ga In of Brown Eyed Girls
Guardian Angel Worldwide Performer Award Big Bang	Best Line Award Super Junior

No surprise that PSY won so many of the awards. Gangnam Style rightly deserves Song of the Year for making such a big impact on the global music market. But as I was watching it, I couldn't help but guess the winners to practically all the prizes near the end of the ceremony. Why? Well this is just a theory I had formulated from ideas I read from other people as the ceremony was airing. It seems like MNET tried to make sure everyone who attended left with an award. That would account for some of the awards that I have never heard of before being awarded. It fits together quite nicely once you look at the nominations for the awards that were voted on by fans and then look at the awards that were given that didn't have a fan voting contribution. Just a theory. No bashing. I've just always believed these awards reflected the power of established fandoms and marketing (add in a little bias from the organisers?) rather than true quality of music. Of course, there were many on this extensive list that I think deserved their awards very much.

 

On to the performances. For making me sit down for so long, the performances had to be good. To be honest, I didn't watch all of them. As I said, seven hours is a long time. EXO and SHINee's performance did give me a slight heart attack from too many feels (maybe a little biased there) but looking at it objectively, the purpose was a "time skip". It looked pretty biased to me. H.O.T, TVXQ, SHINee? It's looking more like an SM promo than nostalgia (though I am not denying that SM has been very popular in the past). Other personal favorites were the obvious epic Epik High and the explosive Big Bang (puns fully intended :P). I also thoroughly enjoyed Roy Kim's performance. I've never heard of him prior to this, but I definitely liked his vocals. Though Seo In Young's English pronunciation didn't cut it for me, K.Will's did. OMG. Just a quick comment on the Troublemaker performance (second MAMA version). Was it just me or did it just get to a new level of sexual that I thought never existed?  Conservative me coming through

 

Being the stagecraft critic that I am, I have to say that the lighting and sound in this year's ceremony was pretty good. There were times where I picked up sound that was probably from the backstage crew's communication devices but I forgive them. Camera-work was good. Not too jumpy or lagged. Angles were ok. Being a live show though, sometimes the camera did miss some things that I wanted to see through panning to the idol pit (as I called it) or simply shooting from another angle.

Anyway, I think I've ranted enough. I'll leave some for the others. Overall, liked the ceremony but it was very long and sometimes grueling to get through. I won't even go into MNET Global's live Twitter commentary. EUGHHH.... Don't get me started.

Admin S

Ok hi. My turn~

First of all, I sat and watched the entire 7 hours of the stream (screaming at my family occasionally to stop talking to me because I was busy) but I have to admit, I was actually very disappointed in MAMA this year.

Can I just say how annoyingly unprofessional and obnoxious the English MC's were?

They basically didn't know anything or anyone and proceeded to diss the entire of Troublemaker's performance and Epik High's costume.

Then they said something along the lines of:

"Oh. I really liked that one dress that was short at the front and long at the back. I think that was very nice"

"Oh, did you mean Ga In?"

"Was that her? Yeah. I think so. Ga In."


 

o.m.g.

As MC's of a very important event, you would think to at least commit names to memory and avoid being sarcastic towards the idols.

Moving on from the pretty disappointing and somewhat offensive commentary,

I pretty much tuned in at the very start (although I skipped "The History of MAMA" because gawddddd. that was boring). 
The red carpet was quite interesting and I actually enjoyed looking at the fashion and was super delighted by the surprise performances of both B.A.P and Block B (OMG. BLOCKBAP. MY FEELS).

 

 

  

 

The standouts on the red carpet (for me) were:

B.A.P

Lee Hi

f(x) (omgggg. amber *blubbering mess of incoherent noises*)

Park Shin Hye

Song Joong Ki

Ga In

Block B (so much win omg)

Seo In Young

Wooyoung

Bai Bai He (my favourite of the night)



On to the actual ceremony...

Was anyone else confused about the second award?? (Presented by Simon and PSY's first award of the night)

There was no mention of what the award was or who the nominee's were.

Judging by the look on his face, PSY was pretty darned confused too.

I'm disappointed that MNET did not provide any explanation to this...

The night went on and to be honest, the winners of the awards were quite predictable.

Except Best Female Global Group.

Wtf. How did Kara win that?? They were the least likely of all the nominees (in my opinion).

I still wonder how 2NE1, f(x) and Sistar didn't cinch that one...

[ADMIN K: Evidence to my theory up top]

But the most shocking, disappointing, annoying, unhappy and angry feels I had to an award winner was Busker Busker (not that they're not good and I don't like them. No hate, ok?)

I know that only 20% of the results come from voting but the other 80% is made up of album sales and a judging panel.

Sorry, call me biased but I really, seriously don't think that Busker Busker could've surpassed Exo or B.A.P at album sales...

It seem like MNET just gave it to them to avoid a fanwar between Exotics and Babyz (fried tofuz). I think they just made it worse though? Because both sides came away angry and annoyed and disappointed.

What got me the most though, was that they didn't bother to announce the winner on the live stream but through their Twitter instead...

As for the actual performances,they were actually... quite disappointing and not as good as last year's (in my opinion).

G-Dragon's opening rap was fabulous and amazing and I died so hard because it was perfect.

But then Ailee, Bang Yong Guk and PIA took the stage and honestly... I hated it.

I really really loved Epik High's performance and of course Big Bang's because seriously GD, how did you do that to your hair in less than 2 hours??
And T.O.P, your eyes.  

Yeah how did this...

 

Become this in 2 hours ?

 

(On a side note, since GD was shirtless under that big, red coat, it's confirmed that his tummy tattoo from Crayon is real)

And then Troublemaker was just... yeah...I'm not even sure what was going on there.

I really didn't like B.O.B and Seo In Young's performance of Airplanes (you would've thought to get someone with a high enough vocal range and who was fluent in English?)

Like Admin K said, there were quite a few awards that didn't really make sense to me (what's a Line Award? and a Guardian Angel Worldwide Performer Award??) and there were a few winners I was quite unhappy with and thought they didn't deserve it and I was quite sad that many bands didn't make the nominations stage (Nu'Est, BtoB, C-Clown etc etc etc etc etc.) but I'd like to congratulate everyone, nonetheless.

Confessions on G-Dragon's "ONE OF A KIND" First Solo Mini Album

YESSIR, I'M ONE OF A KIND~

First of all, there are 2 different versions of this album.

The gold and the bronze.

The only difference between the two are the photocards, really.

The gold album has cards of GD alone while the bronze edition has GD with models.

The photocards are the same size as the album (which is the size of a standard book) and the cards are very very thick.

I had no idea which one to buy at first so I ended up buying a bronze version (because it's prettier) and my friend bought a gold and we just swapped photocards. Yep.

It's a bit pricey for a mini but it's absolutely worth it because

a. the quality of it is phenomenal and

b. it contains a bonus track that you're not gonna get from buying off iTunes

TRACKLIST

1. One Of A Kind 

2. Crayon [TITLE]

3. Without You (ft. ? from New YG Girl Group)

4. That XX

5. Missing You (ft. Kim Yuna)

6. Today (ft. Kim Jong Wan)

7. Light It Up (ft. Tablo & Dok2) [BONUS TRACK]

One Of A Kind

CAN I JUST SAY HOW OMFG.

 THE SEXY IN THIS VIDEO.

One Of A Kind nurses a heavy drum beat and fast rapping. It's the type of song that pretty much makes you want to flail about and dance in your seat. There are a lot of surprising instrumentals ranging from cat calls to video game machine sounds and castanets. 

This song is Ji pretty much bragging about how rich, famous and awesome he is. Personally, I think that this song would have been better as a title track than Crayon but I'm really not gonna complain. It's fantabulous and wonderful and I LOVE IT!

Taeyang bro, you alright?

Crayon

Crayon is just an all out crazyyyyyyy song. Which is why it's called Crayon = Crazy On.
The MV is full of crazy puns like Jiyongchy (Givenchy) and it's just absolutely hilarious.
This song is like the Fantastic Baby of the One Of The Kind Album. The first live stage nearly had me in an epileptic fit. I mean, really, why do you need THAT many flashing lights?
And the MV in general made me feel like I was on drugs..

Do you see what I mean?....

Without You ft. ? of New YG Girl Group

A change from the crazy, hectic start of the album, Without You features an unknown singer from YG's New Girl Group. If her power vocals and range are anything to go by, she 's definitely a singer you should keep and eye on and anticipate. The vocals are sweet and GD demonstrates his amazing falsetto skills once again.

That XX

That XX is an unexpected track full of acoustic guitar. After One Of A Kind and Crayon, I was totally expecting another crazy MV and was pleasantly blown away by the soft introduction and guitar strums.
Basically the song and music video is about GD cheating on his girlfriend with another girl. He beings to reflect on his actions and feels guilty and apologetic, singing that he is unworthy of her.
You're not gonna be able to pick all this up just by listening to the song. The ingenious MV hints and contributes to the story as well.  

The thing that really gets me though is OMFG. STOP. STOP THE BEEPS. LIKE I KNOW YOU BEEPED IT FOR A REASON OTHERWISE YOU'D GET BANNED BUT OMG.
*song is uncensored in the album though *

The MV also features Jennie Kim, a 16 year old trainee from New Zealand.

Excuse me, but, what do you think you're doing looking through a keyhole?? 

Can I also just say how fineeeeee he looks here?? ♥

Missing You ft. Kim Yuna

This has got to be one of my favourites from the entire album. It's just so beautiful and Kim Yuna sounds absolutely unique and amazingggg. The whistling and guitar in the intro absolutely got me. 

This song actually reminds me a lot of Epik High's "UMBRELLA".
It's calming and soothing and just so beautiful.

YG producer and Quest Crew Dancer, Lydia Paek also performed this song live on Naver during "GD and Friends".
Personally, I like this version better because of Lydia's strong vocals. 

Today ft. Kim Jong Wan

This song is full of amazing and perfectly executed falsettos. Not one of my favourites on the album, but it does reminds me a lot of Daesung's "WINGS" in Alive.
The chorus has got a really "united" feel. Like something that you'd play at a protest or rally or something and everyone would sings along and go crazy to it.
Great song, but not really my style.

Light It Up ft. Tablo & Dok2

OHMYGOD MY FEELS.

TABLO. TABLO. DOK2. OMFG. THIS IS PERFECTION. IT'S ABSOLUTELY AMAZING. JUST. 

WORDS CAN'T EVEN EXPLAIN OK? JUST SEARCH IT UP 

*explodes*

Ok ok. Sorry. I'm calm.
The entire song is so badass omfg. It instantly wants to make you dance. The "diu-diu-diu-diu-diu" instrumentals in the background make you want to go mental because this so so so good.
Tablo is perfect like always.
Dok2 sounds unique and amazing as always and I'm always gonna be able to tell his voice anywhere.
GD swears. HE SWEARS IN THIS SONG. AHAHHAHAH.

ok. words have failed me. I'm done here.

Go. Just go listen to it and let your ovaries (or whatever guys have as an equivalent to that) explode.

Much love.

Admin S

xx.

Listening to: For The Kids - Tablo & MYK

Confessions on Epik High's "IT'S COLD" Single

It's Admin S' first post here!

Hehe hi everyone ^^

SO EPIK HIGH'S LATEST SONG, IT'S COLD CAME OUT ON THE 9TH OF OCTOBER AND OMG. ALL MY FEELSSSSSSSS.

I am actually so relieved and happy and amazingly glad that the Golden Trio, the Holy Trinity the- whatever you want to call them really... oppas or ahjusshis are back!

(ok I'll start being serious now)

The song can be listened to here but please do try and buy it when it's released on iTunes in your country.

Epik High (YG's new adopted children from Woolim) recently released a new single featuring Lee Ha Yi, one of the finalists of K-Pop Star.

The song begins with a hauntingly beautiful and melodious note from Ha Yi and then proceeds into the classic Epik High style instrumentals before Tablo begins his verse in a perfectly seasoned and distinct voice.

The chorus combines both Ha Yi's and Tablo's vocals which surprisingly interweave harmoniously (I didn't know Tablo could sing like this!).

Lee Ha Yi's voice is definitely unique. It is soft and sweet, but not in the sugar-aegyo-cute kind of way.
The rap and vocals transition smoothly and beautifully. In fact, it transitions so well and everything fits like snug puzzle pieces, I hardly take any notice of the division between the verses, chorus and bridge.

As always, Tablo's flawless English is peppered throughout the song, albeit sparingly this time round.

It's Cold brings feelings of hurt and well, as the title says, coldness.

In general, the entire feel of this song is soft, fragile and mellow. I would definitely recommend it as "sleeping music".

I don't know about you guys but this song produces heart clenching feels and elicits sad dying whale sounds from my throat (yeah ok, not really but y'know. It feels pretty sad to me..)

2 days into the release and It's Cold has already achieved an "all kill" on several music charts.

I feel that this is definitely a strong and stable comeback song that is sure to reel in new listeners.

I am over the moon and I absolutely CANNOT wait for the album to be released (19th October 2012).

This song definitely didn't disappoint. I'm extremely grateful to Papa YG for not interfering with their style and lyrics.

I hope all the High Skooler's and YG biased fans (or just all of you. all of you could support them. that'd be real nice.) continue to support Epik High.

God knows they need it after all they've been through.

So for those of you who didn't know, Tablo was involved in a very serious and controversial issue. All of it can be read here (a bit lengthy but really worth it):

The Stalking Of Daniel Lee

But besides Tablo's struggle, both Mithra Jin and DJ Tukutz departed for the army and both returned safely. After that, they obviously left Woolim Entertainment (home of Infinite and Tasty).

Actually, the only way Epik High got signed to YG was because of Tablo.

While Tablo was locked in legal battles over his "fraud", he had nowhere to go and it was all because of his wife, Kang Hye Jeong (an actress under YG) that he was first signed and managed produced his solo album, Fever's End.

I think he explains everything on Strong Heart which can be watched here:

Part 1 (YG Family ep)

Part 2 (YG Family ep)

Ok, so I'm not sure have Admin L usually does this haha but I gave this my best shot and I hope it wasn't too bad!

I'll be sure to update you guys on G-Dragon, BtoB, BAP and U-Kiss soon.

Please be patient while we catch up on all the comebacks while we were away!

Much love,
Admin S.
xx
<3

Listening to: Super Hero - Lunafly

Song Battle: Tablo's Bad ft Jinsil VS Tomorrow ft Taeyang

LOVE IS SO BAD BAD BAD BAD BAD vs NO NO NO NO NO TOMORROW

Tablo is just a genius. Korean Eminem LOL! Being a breakthrough solo artist, he has recently produced the incredible two part album Fever's End. His title tracks, Bad and Tomorrow are beautifully composed, balancing rap with a sorrowful chorus featuring Jinsil and Taeyang.

I am not a huge fan of Epik High. Honestly, the only songs I really fancied were Run (Infinite :D) and One. I didn't know what to expect with these two albums at first as I am not a supporter of rap, but Fever's End is really a great album.

At the beginning, I didn't see much in Bad. But after listening to it a few times, I found it really addictive, especially the beginning hehe :)

The lyrics are really emotional. The translation for the pre-chorus goes like this:

Lucid hearts are defective products of this world. That’s why I badly want to taint mine.
They tell me that if you love, you start to take after each other; maybe I want to take after you a bit.

Atrocious. Love is atrocious.
You were the very reason I breathe for, but now you’re suffocating me.

 

Yeah I know.. it's a tad dark. But it is just so addictive!

I fell in love with Tomorrow as soon as I first heard it. Taeyang's solo at the beginning is just beautiful.

I find the cars a bit uhh, random. It's like the same set for Big Bang's Love Song, but in colour haha..
Since when did Taeyang colour his mohawk BLONDE?? O.O

Which do you like more?

I initially liked Tomorrow more, but then I discovered that Bad is just so damn addictive. Yepp this battle is won by Bad!

~Hm Hm Volume up
The moment you've all been waiting for
Attention everybody in this corner from the Cube
Ha ha show me~