Jennie, known as a vital member of the sensational K-pop group BLACKPINK, has officially revealed her exciting debut solo album, Ruby. This announcement marks a significant milestone in her career as she steps into the spotlight as a solo artist, showcasing her individual artistry and talent.
Set to launch on March 7, this highly awaited project features an impressive array of collaborators, including renowned artists like Childish Gambino, Dua Lipa, Doechii, Dominic Fike, FKJ, and Kali Uchis. Each collaboration promises to bring a unique flavor to the album, enhancing its appeal to a diverse audience and showcasing Jennie’s versatility as a performer.
The details about the album and its extraordinary lineup of guest artists were shared on the singer?s social media platforms on January 21, through a captivating teaser video and the announcement of pre-orders via her independent label, Odd Atelier. This strategic move not only amplifies anticipation among fans but also emphasizes her commitment to artistic independence and creative control in her musical journey.
With Ruby, fans can look forward to 15 captivating tracks, including her previously released October 2024 single ?Mantra.? This single achieved remarkable success, reaching No. 2 on the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. chart and securing the No. 3 spot on the Billboard Global 200. These impressive chart positions highlight Jennie’s growing influence in the music industry and set high expectations for her debut album.
The single ?Mantra? marked a pivotal moment in Jennie’s solo career, serving as a catalyst for the artistic expression she aims to convey in her upcoming album. Jennie has previously referred to this project as her ?album journey,? reflecting her commitment to creating music that resonates deeply with her experiences and emotions.
In a heartfelt interview with Billboard, Jennie shared insights into the deeply personal process of crafting Ruby. ?It?s not easy to be someone who?s always like, ?I?m sorry, I can?t say anything,?? she expressed, emphasizing the vulnerability involved in her creative journey, which began in early 2024. ?I want to say I?m almost there,? she added, acknowledging the hurdles she faced along the way, and candidly remarked, ?I?m just going to say, ?I don?t do well with time.?? This level of honesty reveals her determination to share her story through music.
Since her debut with BLACKPINK in 2016, Jennie has played an integral role in the group’s meteoric rise to global stardom. BLACKPINK has achieved groundbreaking milestones, including being the first K-pop girl group to grace the Coachella stage in 2019 and the first South Korean girl group to top the Billboard 200 with their second album, Born Pink, in 2022. These accomplishments not only highlight the group?s influence but also underscore Jennie?s contribution to their success.
At the end of 2023, Jennie launched her own label, Odd Atelier, and partnered with Columbia Records. This collaboration has granted her the creative freedom necessary to explore her solo aspirations fully. Jennie’s endeavor to carve out her unique space in the music industry showcases her ambition and desire for artistic autonomy.
?While I was on my last BLACKPINK tour, I couldn?t stop myself from starting to plan ahead,? Jennie revealed. ?I listed out the things that I want in my life and started pinpointing, or prioritizing, what?s my very next step. And instantly, I was like, ?I still haven?t accomplished the dream of releasing a solo album.? I wanted to satisfy myself by achieving that goal.? Her proactive mindset reflects her dedication to making her solo dreams a reality.
In addition to her long-awaited solo music release, Jennie made her acting debut in 2023 with the HBO drama series The Idol. Her multifaceted talent was further recognized when she was honored as an honorary Member of the Order of the British Empire. In March 2024, she also collaborated with Matt Champion of Brockhampton to release a captivating track titled ?Slow Motion,? further showcasing her versatility as an artist.
Discover more about Jennie’s journey and her upcoming album here!