Blinks, BLACKPINK‘s dedicated fanbase, are in for a treat as Jennie unveils her latest solo single, “You & Me.” Elevating the release is the cover art, a masterpiece crafted by the legendary Japanese mangaka, Naoko Takeuchi, who portrayed Jennie in her signature Sailor Moon style.
Naoko Takeuchi, the mastermind behind the iconic Sailor Moon series, has left an indelible mark on the anime and manga world. Born in Kofu, Yamanashi, Japan, in 1967, her creation of Sailor Moon revolutionized the magical girl genre, blending action, romance, and transformation sequences. The series garnered global acclaim, spawning anime adaptations, films, musicals, and a plethora of merchandise. While Sailor Moon remains her crowning achievement, Takeuchi’s distinct artistry and storytelling skills have cemented her legacy.
The digital cover showcases Jennie against a luminous full moon, adorned in a radiant white ensemble. Fans have noted the striking resemblance of the song title’s font to that of the Sailor Moon logo. Beyond the cover, an exciting collaboration between Jennie and Takeuchi is on the horizon, with a merchandise line teased by YG Select’s X account, hinting at its imminent release.
The unexpected collaboration between the “SOLO” singer and the esteemed Japanese artist has left fans in awe. Given the global prominence of both BLACKPINK and “Sailor Moon,” this union seamlessly bridges two pop culture titans. The album cover has been lauded for its artistic brilliance and originality.
Naoko Takeuchi contributed to its success
Jennie introduced “You & Me” during the Born Pink world tour, captivating audiences with its sultry dance-pop rhythm. In a YouTube interview, Jennie shared insights into the song’s conception, revealing its years-long journey from recording to performance.
“I did the recording about three to four years ago. I think it was on the list of nominees for my solo, or maybe after that. It was in the closet for a while, but while preparing for this concert, I thought about what kind of performances and songs I wanted to do and looked through them with Teddy. We decided to bring out that song we liked, and that’s when we decided to prepare for it,” she said.
JENNIE – ‘You & Me’ DANCE PERFORMANCE VIDEO
The track showcases Jennie‘s enchanting vocals and rap skills, with heartfelt lyrics like, “I really like it / Nothin’ in the world can make me feel the way you do, the things you do.” At the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, a “You & Me” remix was unveiled, introducing an additional rap verse and a more hip-hop heavy beat. The song’s release was accompanied by a dance performance video, spotlighting Jennie in a stunning red dress, performing intricate choreography alongside backup dancers. The ethereal setting, reminiscent of dancing under the moonlight, adds to the song’s allure.
“You & Me” and its Coachella version took the charts by storm, thanks partly to Naoko Takeuchi and her contributions. The track secured the 18th spot on Spotify’s Global Top Songs chart and reigned supreme on MelOn’s Hot 100. Furthermore, it clinched the top position on the global iTunes chart on October 7, underscoring Jennie‘s global appeal. – K-Pop News Writer
Featured Image: The mangaka transformed the idol. Sources: X/@PopBase and @saintdemie.
