Did you know that K-pop queens BLACKPINK and American rapper Cardi B have collaborated on a song? Back in 2020, the two groups released the song “Bet You Wanna” on BLACKPINK’s debut album The Album.
BLACKPINK’s first album included collaborations and contributions from a number of artists and producers, including Selena Gomez, Teddy, and Ryan Tedder. The album was a major success, thanks in part to the singles “How You Like That,” “Lovesick Girls,” and “Ice Cream.” Although many hardcore BLINKs will know about the planned fourth single, there are many others who are surprised to hear that BLACKPINK worked with Cardi B.
The song was planned as the fourth single, with hopes it would make an impact on Western markets, but it was never released as a single, nor did it receive a video. There isn’t a clear reason why the decision on the song changed, but some fans online have suggested that the first few singles were successful enough to not need the extra promotion. The song charted in some countries, but didn’t make as big of an impact as those three singles.
Cardi B had a significant role in the songwriting process, and commented later that making her lyrics PG created some difficulties that limited how she was able to express what she was hoping to. She later revealed an alternate version on social media that contained more explicit lyrics, although fans criticized her for it. The backlash of fans online to this alternate take led Cardi B to remark that it made her relationship with BLACKPINK “very weird.”
Since its release in 2020, the response from fans has been mixed. Some rank it in the bottom of the group’s discography saying it is too far a departure from their usual sound. Others praise it for the unique style and say it’s a bold choice that helped BLACKPINK find their footing in later releases. Either way, those who know about the track agree that it’s certainly special.
If you’re already familiar with BLACKPINK’s back catalog, you probably knew about “Bet You Wanna.” However, many fans outside of BLINKs are often surprised to hear that one of the biggest K-pop groups of the last few years and a major Western artist have worked together on a song.