JENNIE's 'Like JENNIE': A Bold Declaration of Identity in Her First Solo Album 'Ruby'
JENNIE's Triumphant Solo Return with 'Ruby'
BLACKPINK's JENNIE has finally unveiled her first full-length solo album 'Ruby', marking a significant milestone in her career as a solo artist. The album features 15 tracks including the title song 'Like JENNIE', showcasing her unique musical color and artistic vision. While JENNIE has previously demonstrated her powerful performance skills through BLACKPINK activities, this album reveals her full potential as a solo artist with diverse genres and concepts.
The album represents JENNIE's artistic identity and showcases her growth since her solo debut with 'SOLO' in 2018. Fans have been eagerly awaiting this release, and JENNIE has delivered a collection that truly embodies her distinctive style and charisma.
Decoding 'Like JENNIE': More Than Just Self-Praise
The title track 'Like JENNIE' is not merely a boastful anthem but a powerful declaration of identity. The song carries a clear message: "I am a unique existence, and those who criticize me will never be able to match me."
The repeated emphasis on her name - "Jennie Jennie Jennie" - isn't simple self-promotion but rather a statement of her iconic status in the industry. Lines such as "Special edition and your AI couldn't copy" highlight her irreplaceable value in today's AI-driven era, suggesting that not even technology can replicate her unique qualities.
When she sings "Keep your hair done, nails done like Jennie," she acknowledges her position as a trendsetter whose style is widely emulated. The track serves as both a response to critics and a celebration of her journey to the top of the industry.
The Visual Storytelling in JENNIE's Music Video
The music video for 'Like JENNIE' complements the song's message with striking visuals and symbolic elements. One particularly noteworthy aspect is the unique ending featuring a buffering screen followed by an image of a capybara.
This creative choice can be interpreted as JENNIE saying, "No matter how much you try to stop me, I'll keep moving forward!" The capybara imagery suggests that the public perception of JENNIE is merely a simplified version of her true self - "What you think is JENNIE is not really me, it's just a cute capybara."
Throughout the video, JENNIE showcases various stunning looks and choreography that emphasize her versatility as an artist. The visual aesthetics align perfectly with the song's theme of being incomparable and setting trends rather than following them.
JENNIE's Multifaceted Persona in 'Like JENNIE'
The persona JENNIE presents in this song goes beyond that of a typical 'top star.' She portrays herself as:
- A trendsetter who leads rather than follows ("Like Jennie")
- Someone who maintains her unique style and attitude ("They can't deal with me cause I'm priceless")
- A resilient figure who remains unshaken despite criticism ("Yes I'm guilty, being too good is my crime")
- A forward-looking individual who doesn't dwell on the past ("No I'm not thinking 'bout no exes")
JENNIE has faced numerous controversies throughout her career - from dating rumors to performance criticisms - yet she has consistently remained at the top. The line "Haters they don't really like, cause they can never ever be" directly reflects this reality.
The Artistic Depth Behind the Lyrics
The song contains several layers of meaning that reveal JENNIE's artistic sensibility. When she says "Keep shading, artwork needs frames," she's cleverly turning criticism into something necessary for her art - just as frames enhance artwork, the contrast created by criticism only highlights her brilliance.
References to her past challenges can be seen throughout the lyrics. While lines about exes could be interpreted literally about romantic relationships, they can also be viewed more broadly as JENNIE moving beyond past controversies, criticisms, and difficult periods in her career.
By comparing herself to an artwork, JENNIE elevates her existence beyond that of a mere celebrity, positioning herself as an artistic entity whose value transcends conventional measures. This sophisticated self-conceptualization demonstrates her growth not just as a performer but as an artist with a clear vision of her place in the cultural landscape.
Experience 'Ruby' at the 'Rubify' Pop-up Store
To celebrate the album release, a special pop-up store called 'Rubify' has opened at Hyundai Card Music Library Vinyl & Plastic in Yongsan-gu, Seoul. This immersive space offers fans a unique opportunity to experience the 'Ruby' album in a more intimate setting.
The pop-up features exhibitions and photo zones that bring JENNIE's music closer to her audience. It's a carefully curated space that extends the album's aesthetic into a physical environment where fans can connect more deeply with JENNIE's artistic vision.
The 'Rubify' pop-up will be open until the 13th, providing a limited-time opportunity for fans to immerse themselves in JENNIE's musical and stylistic world. For those who appreciate JENNIE's artistry, this pop-up offers a special way to celebrate her first full-length solo album.