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KMUSIC REVIEW: G-Dragon’s “One of a Kind” MV

September 1, 2012

After three years of agonizing wait and anticipation, the ‘King’ of the Kpop world has finally returned with his solo comeback. G-Dragon, leader of Big Bang, recently released his new music video “One of a Kind,” leaving many of his fans speechless and in awe. After the long awaited activity came hysterical spazzing, shrieks, and gasps from fans at the release of this video.

Bringing us back to his roots, G-Dragon’s “One of a Kind” is no doubt everything hip hop. The song itself contains a clever mix of beats, tempo, and groove, allowing whoever is listening to be immediately hooked.

The song is downright addicting; it really is hard to not listen to it twice, in fact all day long if one so desired. Possessing of tigers and bears, sexy ladies, swagged out Gees, ethnic babies, Barbie, and the dope cameo appearances of Lydia Paek and Taeyang, this music video certainly left a great impression on most viewers. Fans left comments on his YouTube video saying, “GD is the best!!!!!”, “GD you’re ONE OF A KIND <3,” and “GAH. I really love this <3.”

In opposition to this, some shot the music video down, saying that “One of a Kind” is trying too hard to implement American Hip Hop. However, if one only sees and listens to what’s on the surface, a lot of the meaning behind the lyrics and the whole concept of the video will be lost. By taking a closer look, the complete essence of G-Dragon can be found within the video. This essence refers to G-Dragon’s pain of having to endure harsh obstacles and controversies as well as the humility he retains for music and his audience as an artist.

At first his lyrics may seem a bit pompous and cocky, speaking of defiance, money, and power. There were clearly marked statements like “I’m an annoying snob cus I’m quite expensive” and “Young and rich, that describes me.” On the other hand, if one were to pay close attention to G-Dragon’s history, the video itself actually alludes to how he did not seek this sort of fame, or rather infamy, willingly. The video ingeniously creates a sense of vulnerability, pain, and solicitation. By using words like “Hyung” and “Nuna” as well as having the presence of the baby animals and children, it creates an image of youth in need of guidance.

One particular scene that must be noted was when he was dressed in striped attire like a prisoner with the other extras standing behind him in similar clothing. One can indicate that this scene represents how society always happens to apprehend G-Dragon as some sort of criminal and stigmatize his actions.

This idea is further displayed through the scene where he was boxing while wearing a golden headgear. Even though he has this protective gear on; he gets hit constantly and eventually, even knocked out by his opponent, the loathsome and merciless scrutiny of society.

Although he is hurt by their unwillingness to pardon his faults, he still pleads for their acceptance with a bright smile and offers them his music.

To be a renowned musical artist, G-Dragon continues to put his name, his songs, his heart, and his very being on a silver platter for everyone to judge despite what critics and haters may say. This is the very reason why his fans love and respect him so much. I don’t expect any less from him. “One of a Kind” is the epitome of who G-Dragon is and all of the things he has overcame and accomplished; everyone should definitely check out this music video.