Ted Park and Sik-K have set the stage for a captivating and unique collaboration with their latest single, "Lipstick". Blending smooth R&B melodies with dynamic hip-hop energy, the track is a testament to both artists' evolving artistry and match-made chemistry. 

Ted Park, known for his velvety vocals, takes the lead with a nostalgic yet forward-thinking performance, while Sik-K’s signature flair injects the track with a much-needed edge. Their synergy extends beyond the music, with Ted Park also stepping into the director’s chair for the visually striking music video. In this exclusive interview, allkpop dives into the creative process behind Lipstick, the challenges of independent artistry, and what’s next in 2025. Keep reading below for more!

allkpop: Ted, Sik-K, how did the idea of collaborating on "Lipstick" come about? Was this something you two had planned for a while?

Ted Park: After touring relentlessly opening for pH-1’s North America tour and my first little headline tour, I spent the second half of 2024 spending time to myself away from the madness haha and made some of what I think is the best music I’ve ever made. When I cooked this one up, I thought of Sik-K as the perfect collaborator for the smooth and sexy vibes, and felt one was long overdue for us since the H1GHR days.

Sik-K: With this collaboration, we are taking it further and I think the fans will enjoy it.

akp: What was the creative process like for you both on this track? How did you blend your individual styles on this track?

TP: I actually freestyle and vibe to beats putting lyrics and melodies together in my head without writing them down. This one just came to me and felt so natural. When Sik-K sent me his verse from Korea, I knew we had a sick song.

akp: Ted, your smooth vocals are a defining part of the song. Paired with automated, your style is both nostalgic and progressive at the same time. How do you feel your vocal style complements Sik-K’s verses on "Lipstick"?

TP: I feel it’s amazing. My vocals have a higher and brighter tone while Sik-K brings that dark and energetic feel to bring the energy up for the second half of the song. Nostalgia is a great way to describe it as this song feels like a memory to me.

akp: Sik-K, your verses on "Lipstick" are signature Sik-K. How did you approach this song compared to your other collaborations, and what made it stand out to you?

Sik-K: Thank you. I’m the type of guy that tries a lot, experiment. I wanted to approach this from my perspective.

akp: The music video for "Lipstick" is visually captivating. Can you talk about your vision for the video, and how it connects with the song’s vibe?

TP: My vision was to tell a story and captivate the audience as much as I possibly could to make the song feel even bigger. I’ve wanted to get away from shooting “run and gun” rap style videos and try and deliver more of a concept film so this was a lot of fun to pull off.

allkpop: Ted, you directed the music video for "Lipstick." How did you transition from being an artist to also taking on the role of director? What challenges did you face?
TP: I’ve always been a fan and admirer of film and artists who have vision and direction in how they’re portrayed. One of my regrets from my past artistry is not putting much thought and effort in how I wanted to be seen and perceived. Guess vision comes with age and growing up, haha. But thanks to DoubleUp App who saw my vision and sponsored the video, my brother SLEEPXTITE who put all the 3D imagery together, Andy Park & Isaiah Moon who shot the video for me last minute in ATL, and David Kwon Kim bringing his friend Roger Alexander in who are both big in the video production world to help me source location and lighting last minute for all the green screen stuff, I was able to pull all my resources together rather quickly to execute this entire video shooting it one day and finalizing edit in under two weeks time. We had some hurdles with the first shooting location cutting out time cut short due to accidentally double booking haha, extras in the video not being able to make it, 3D renders crashing, and scheduling conflicts, but I’m grateful for everyone who was a part in helping bring my vision to life. That’s what the life of an independent artist is all about, things will change and you have to pivot quickly and do the best you can!

akp: Both of you have had significant individual success. How do you feel about your growing collaboration? Do you see more projects together in the future? Any musical goals for yourself?
TP: Sik-K is in his own lane being his own CEO of his label KC so I’m sure he’s busy with so many projects for him and his artists haha, but I’m grateful to finally make a hit together after many years of being tapped in. It feels like a blast from the past and a collaboration I know a lot of fans have wanted and will be curious about.

akp: What message do you hope fans take away from "Lipstick"?
TP: That Ted Park & Sik-K just made one of the sexiest and most addictive bops of 2025 and it’s only March, haha.

akp: Ted, you’ve made a name for yourself in the indie R&B and hip-hop scene. How does "Lipstick" represent the next chapter of your musical journey?
TP: I think Lipstick represents a new era for me musically. I’ve been known for throwing a million things at the wall and just having a lot of fun with it. But this new chapter has a more concise vision and sound I’m really passionate and excited about.

akp: The track has a laid-back, late-night vibe. Was that the kind of atmosphere you were trying to create, and how does it reflect your personal experiences or the mood you wanted to capture?
TP: I recorded this song in my living room hahaha, so I guess while recording it I went into my own zone and imaginary world (hence the 3D visuals in the music video). I feel every song subconsciously talks about stories that we, or people we may know have gone through. I’m actually in the best mental, life and physical space I’ve ever been in, but it was fun creating the story of a toxic love story that I feel a lot of people can relate to.

akp: With both of you having diverse cultural backgrounds, how do you feel that influences your music?
TP: The more people you meet and places you go, you get so much inspiration from people's stories and personalities. As a kid from Madison, Wisconsin, going out into the world without any expectations has definitely made an amazing life with some crazy experiences.

akp: Lastly, for your fans—what can they expect next from both of you in terms of upcoming music or projects? Is there anything exciting on the horizon?
TP: This year, I’m going to be releasing my most impactful music thus far with very special featured artists and a full-length project later this year that I’m still perfecting. I want to surprise people with my new and developed sound, and hopefully another headline tour with my bro Parlay Pass! So grateful for everyone who has tuned in and stuck around till this point, I’m going to give my all till it’s all said and done.