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[INTERVIEW] "I've been focused more on expressing myself," BIBI on working on music, 'Lowlife Princess: Noir,' what got her into music, and more

AKP STAFF
Posted by Sofia-Sayson Friday, March 10, 2023

BIBI is a South Korean singer-songwriter, rapper, and producer under Feel Ghood Music. The sensational artist made her debut on May 15, 2019, with the digital single "Binu."

On November 18, 2022, BIBI officially dropped her first-ever full-length album, 'Lowlife Princess: Noir,' in which she took part in producing and writing the songs. The album consists of 12 tracks, preceded by five singles: "BIBI Vengeance," "Animal Farm," "Motospeed 24," "Sweet Sorrow of Mother," and "JOTTO."

Prior to her widespread success, BIBI self-produced several songs on SoundCloud, which led to her being discovered by Feel Ghood Music.

BIBI was one of three celebrity mentors in Samsung and Billboard's 'NXT 2.0' competition, which concluded last month. There, she assisted in the discovery of the next great unsigned artist while also advising the next generation of aspiring musicians.

BIBI spoke with allkpop to discuss her first studio album, the hit title track "BIBI Vengeance," shares what got her into music, being a mentor at a competition, and more. Read on to learn more about BIBI!


allkpop: How's your 2023 going so far?

BIBI: Time flies so fast! I’m still working day by day to realize my goals and dreams. This year’s going to be just as busy as last year, but I think I have a handle on it and am loving it so far!

allkpop: Introduce BIBI to anyone who just knew you or who just heard of your music for the first time.


BIBI: Hi, I’m BIBI. I’m not nobody but just me. Now that you’ve met me, your life is going to be a little different from before… you’re welcome! (laughs) Now, watch my music videos to get to know me better! (laughs)

allkpop: 'Lowlife Princess: Noir' is your first full-length album released in November of last year. Could you please tell us more about the album and the title track, "BIBI Vengeance"?

BIBI: It was so intense working on this album - I went through so many emotions

and was definitely super sensitive during the whole process. Being that it’s an album that embodies anger and loss, I was extremely focused on constructing and empathizing with the character of “Geumji (금지).” As a character who’s a wanderer, very negative, and thirsty for love, it’s been quite the journey of creating this album. Considering that it’s my first full-length album, I’m pretty satisfied with how it turned out and excited to see what I’ll come up with for my next album.

Out of all songs from the album, “BIBI Vengeance” is a song made with ego, persistence, and determination. It’s a song that contains hope and sheer willpower that I will triumph over a person who is traditionally unwinnable. My goal was to have a “non-radio-friendly” song go viral - a song that is full of anger and includes explicit words and I’m happy that I was able to achieve my goal to a certain extent. I hope this can help motivate others - act as a catalyst - to express their feelings more.

allkpop: There are numerous factors to consider when releasing new music as a globally recognized artist. Do you consider how others will perceive you, or do you simply express yourself fully in your songs?

BIBI: Up until now, I think I’ve been focused more on expressing myself rather than considering how others would perceive me regardless of the response. The lyrics I’ve written so far were very personal and emotional; but these days, I’ve started to be more conscious about my songs will affect others. I feel like I’m still in the early stages of learning how to really communicate – expressing myself in ways that people would perceive me in a better light? I don’t know — I make all kinds of songs about all kinds of topics and subjects. I’m still gonna be me no matter what and but I think I’m more mindful to a certain extent. I've written so many songs - I think I’m at about 100 at this point - some songs I’ll probably never release, but it’s up to me. (laughs)

allkpop: What was it that got you into music?

BIBI: Lyrics — which is probably why I fell in love with hip hop first. Expressing oneself through lyrics is so real and genuine. As I’m someone who wasn’t necessarily gifted with natural musical talent - I didn’t even know the difference between boom bap or trap beats until way later. I think the other factors of music organically followed as I grew as an artist.

allkpop: Back then, when you launched your career in the industry, mentorship helped you to achieve your goals. How did you feel about being able to help in discovering talents? How was your overall experience in partaking in the competition?

BIBI: Going through a singing competition program like “The Fan,” I really got to learn how to connect with an audience and perform in front of the public. And I realized that, maybe, I got the goods to be in this business. (laughs) From my mentors, Yoonmirae and Tiger JK - aside from music - I learned what kind of person I wanna be… that I need to be focused on being a genuine, warm-hearted person more than being a “star.” Though we don’t share a lot of musical similarities, what they taught me – life values and philosophy – are life lessons that are so much more precious to me. I have a deep appreciation and cherish them so much.

allkpop: There were numerous happenings in BIBI's 2022. You held your first concert in Seoul in December and also performed in front of a large crowd during Coachella 2022 and the 'Head In The Clouds' festival. What does it feel like to take such a big step? Do you have any rituals or preparations before taking the stage?

BIBI: It felt beyond amazing, but I didn’t have much time to really process the experience because I had to move on to the next schedule. Before I get on stage, I’m always running simulations in my head about how the crowd will respond or react, but once I step on stage, I leave it up to my grandfather. I know he’s up there watching me perform, so I pray to him sometimes right before I go on and tell him, “enjoy watching my show 'cause I’m gonna slay it!”

allkpop: Are there any artists you wish to collaborate with, in or out of K-Pop?

BIBI: ASAP Rocky, Lil Nas X, and Amy Winehouse.

allkpop: Do you have any new year's resolutions? What are the music-related or personal goals you have set for this year?

BIBI: To be true to myself, just be me. Chill.

allkpop: Any plans on doing or releasing something this year? Is there something we can look forward to from you for the rest of the year?

BIBI: Of course, I’ll continue to work on music and release a lot… a loooot of songs, and perform. You can also look forward to seeing new sides of BIBI later this year, such as “Actor BIBI”! (laughs)

allkpop: Is there anything you want to say to your Fans?

BIBI: Thank you so much always for your love and support. I hope that this year I will be able to meet more of you, so stay tuned. I love you.

  1. BIBI
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Moonlightlover
Moonlightlover17 pts Friday, March 10, 2023 0
Friday, March 10, 2023

I love her voice and her songs like law and vengeance bibi is hottest.

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Minty-Kpopper
Minty-Kpopper411 pts Friday, March 10, 2023 4
Friday, March 10, 2023
QUEEN BIBI 👑❤️

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