Jennie of BLACKPINK set the internet ablaze this week with the release of her music video for "Handlebars," featuring international pop sensation Dua Lipa. The song is included on Jennie’s much-anticipated debut solo album, "Ruby," which was unveiled to the world on March 7, 2025.
On March 10, 2025, the music video for "Handlebars" went live, amplifying the buzz surrounding her solo career. It showcases the reckless thrill of falling passionately in love and the emotions intertwined with such experiences. With the release, fans globally flocked to watch the video, eagerly embracing its immersive storytelling.
Before "Handlebars," Jennie's transition to solo stardom began with the album "Ruby," marking her first foray away from her roles within BLACKPINK and engaging listeners with deeply personal themes. The release of "Ruby" not only demonstrates her artistic growth but highlights her narrative of vulnerability, resilience, and self-discovery.
"Ruby" comprises 15 tracks, each highlighting different elements of Jennie’s personality and musical styles. According to various sources, the lead song "Like Jennie" garnered over 5 million views within just 10 hours of release, symbolizing her meteoric rise as both a solo artist and influencer within the music industry.
Another notable release, "Extra L," featuring Grammy-winning rapper Doechii, debuted at No. 75 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. This track is her highest-charting solo single to date, showcasing her ability to break boundaries and establish herself as more than just the iconic BLACKPINK member. There’s no doubt her venture as a solo artist has yielded remarkable results on various music charts.
“Extra L” made its mark not only on the Hot 100 but also claimed remarkable positions on dance-focused charts, peaking at No. 6 on the Hot Dance/Pop Songs chart and entering at No. 3 on the Dance Digital Song Sales chart. Jennie’s rise is especially impressive considering her previous solo tracks like "Mantra," which peaked at No. 98, and "Love Hangover," featuring Dominic Fike, which debuted at No. 96 just last month.
While "Extra L" is her most successful solo notification to date, it doesn’t surpass her collaborative hit "One of the Girls," alongside The Weeknd and Lily-Rose Depp, which peaked at No. 51 after 20 weeks on the Billboard charts. Nevertheless, the success of "Extra L" has reaffirmed Jennie’s ability to command attention as she carves her niche.
Within the album "Ruby," each track reveals different facets of Jennie's artistry. Songs like "Damn Right" highlight her confidence, whereas "Filter" reflects her introspective approach to beauty standards placed upon women. The song “Seoul City,” as suggested, serves as Jennie's homage to her beloved city, expressing her affection for the culture and urban vibrancy.
With her latest output, Jennie collaborated with prominent artists, pushing her career even higher. Tracks like "Start A War" and "With the IE (Way Up)" resonate with themes of empowerment, succinctly capturing her and women’s struggles for agency within the industry.
Fans and critics have responded favorably to "Ruby," with many praising the depth and coherence of the songs. Social media reactions have celebrated the authenticity of her lyrics and her ability to maneuver through genres seamlessly. Many admirers touted this as the best project to come from K-pop soloist, citing the album's varied styles and Jennie's vocal capabilities as exceptional.
Despite widespread acclaim, Jennie's foray hasn’t been without controversy. The titular song "Like Jennie" recently sparked discussions online due to its similarity with another track, raising questions about music originality. The debate landed on social platforms, igniting rivalries within fanbases. Nevertheless, Jennie remains unfazed, focusing on her music and artistic expression.
“Jennifer, the album I’ve created, is not just about showcasing my abilities but also about expressing my narrative and experiences,” Jennie remarked during promotional activities. It's clear she's intent on steering her own musical direction, crafting songs reflective of her personal evolution over the years.
Now, as she ventures forward, Jennie’s aspiration to shape the pop culture dialogue remains stronger than ever. Having gathered significant recognition and accolades with "Ruby," the album serves as both her manifesto and love letter to her fans. The future seems bright for this star who has transcended her group’s fame to claim her unique voice.
With her innovative approach and distinctive flair, Jennie has positioned herself as one of the leading figures within K-pop today, and her fans eagerly anticipate her upcoming projects.