[Review] BTS - Dope

I'm surprised this is my first ever BTS review. I've been following them for a while, but that was mostly rooted in my previous dance team's infatuation with their choreographies. Nonetheless they have released some solid songs since their debut and boast one of the best guy group rappers out there in Rap Monster, who has proven himself in and out of the group.

The sassy horns are the driving force behind the instrumental. And the slightly goofy dance moves compliment the brass. Surprisingly, the horns don't clash that much with the rest of the instrumental, and the song as a whole sounds good. BTS was never fooling anyone into thinking they were a singing group. Their forte is dance and "Dope" is no exception. At this point in their career, there isn't much to say outside of "this is a new BTS song and the dance is good." V gets some more opportunity to showcase his lower register and that works with the prechorus to build into the dance break of a chorus, but outside of that rather average singing. Questionable use of "hustle life" in the bridge though. These boys are not what you would consider hustlers hahaha. And did they make Jimin lipsync Jongkook's lines? Why.

J-Hope and Suga will always be inferior compared to Rap Monster, but they have some impressive verses this time around. The key features of each of their raps were executed well, with J-Hope having that extra whiny voice in the background and Suga's speed. Rap Monster is the highlight as per usual, though he recruits some help from Suga (who needs to work on his English by the way).

Interestingly enough, the dance moves at the chorus are just as tacky as the trumpets. And while a bit on the goofy side, the dance is still intense enough to match BTS standards. While I wouldn't say it's them at their best, it is impressive enough and with all the girl groups coming back, BTS' choreography will still earn them points amongst some mediocre performances. Another BTS release, another BTS dance, another BTS MV showcasing the dance. Have we ever had a BTS video that wasn't just (box) sets? I don't think I've seen one to date. Oh well. Unlike "Boy In Luv" or "War of Hormone" there is no signature lady of interest that all the guys are after. It's to be expected at this point. It'll sure be new to see an interesting video out of this group.

There's a lot of personalities mixed into "Dope." Tacky instrumental, aggressive rapping, hyperactive dance moves. It's essentially the BTS formula that hooked them fans in the first place, and it's still going strong in 2015. Don't fix it if it ain't broken.

[ Overall: 88 / 100 ]