BTS Releases LA Version Of 'Boy In Luv' To Mixed Reaction From Fans

On August 28, Mnet released a LA based revamp of a video for the popular BTS (Bangtan Boys) song “Boy In Luv.” “Boy In Luv” is a track from the second BTS mini album, “Skool Luv Affair” which was released earlier in the year. The LA version of “Boy In Luv” was filmed as part of episodes five and six of the Mnet reality show, “American Hustle Life.”

 “American Hustle Life” features BTS as they complete various challenges in the United States, with the goal of improving their skills as rappers, as well as performers. In previous episodes of the series, the group teamed up with legendary '90s hip hop artist Coolio.

The interesting point of “American Hustle Life” is that it has prominently featured Black hip hop artists and members of the community. BTS is a group, like many other K-Pop artists, who are heavily influenced by Hip Hop and R&B. Unlike other videos and Korean reality programs that have been set within the United States, BTS has incorporated diversity in the show.

The LA version of “Boy In Luv” was directed by Warren G. Warren G is renown as a rapper, having worked alongside Snoop Dogg and the late Nate Dogg as part of the trio 213. Warren G then developed his skills as a solo artist and hip hop producer.

The main concept for the video was to reference early '90s hip hop which prominently featured bikini clad girls in extravagant settings like rooftop parties and yachts.

The LA version of “Boy In Luv” released by Mnet has drawn mixed reactions from fans. Many fans have applauded the fact that the video is cast only with Black women, who were selected to appear in the video by BTS.

The casting process and the filming of the video is chronicled in “American Hustle Life.” The video itself clearly not intended to share the same production value of a K-Pop video but was directed like the outtake videos produced for programs like “American Idol.”

One positive comment on YouTube by user Lee HyeMi pointed out that the girls featured in the music video did were portrayed and treated in a respectful manner. She stated, “At least they are not twerking and doing all that unclassy crap that everyone seems to associate black girls with.”

The negative comments ranged from the highly offensive “this is gross” to “okay this is really weird and I don't like it.”

K-Pop and Korean hip hop continues to expand past the borders of Asia. Not only is the demographic of fans changing but so are nationalities of people who artists are collaborating with and influenced by. BTS is a group which has released covers of Kendrick Lamar's hit “Swimming Pools (Drank)” and the Wiz Khalifa song “Wild, Young, and Free.” The extent of the influence of American hip hop on their music is evident beyond “American Hustle Life.”

BTS may be delivering one of the first strong examples of cross pollination during “American Hustle Life.” While the results of their work with Black artists like Warren G may be shocking to some fans, it has yielded fantastic music. BTS may be a K-Pop male group but their track “Cypher PT. 3 KILLER” demonstrates their strength as true hip hop artists who may be able to hold their own in a true LA rap battle.