KISS OF LIFE is currently the leading 5th-generation girl group in K-pop. Emerging from a small entertainment company, they have steadily gained recognition with a series of impressive hit songs. The group’s 4-member lineup, consisting of former trainees from major companies, is highly regarded for their exceptional skills. KISS OF LIFE promotes a mature concept centered around female empowerment.
Their image has often drawn comparisons to the global sensation BLACKPINK. KISS OF LIFE has shown admiration for their seniors by frequently covering BLACKPINK’s songs, which has led to them being criticized online for “riding on BLACKPINK’s fame.” Additionally, Natty, one of the members of KISS OF LIFE who hails from Thailand, is frequently referred to as a “Lisa copy.”
Prior to her debut with KISS OF LIFE, Natty was already known to K-pop enthusiasts, having participated in various survival shows, where she competed for a place in TWICE and fromis_9. Despite not succeeding in those attempts, Natty persevered and eventually debuted as a solo artist, albeit remaining relatively unnoticed in the highly competitive K-pop arena.
Her real success came when she joined KISS OF LIFE. Sharing the same nationality as Lisa and boasting impressive dance skills and a captivating figure, Natty is often dubbed “Lisa 2.0.” Recently, a segment of her covering the song “Black,” a track from G-Dragon’s album “COUP D’ETAT (Korean Version),” featuring vocals from Jennie, has gone viral. “Black” was released back in 2013, well before Jennie’s debut with BLACKPINK.
[ #HappyJendeukieDay ] Pre-debut Jennie showing off her angelic voice singing Black along with her sunbaenim G-Dragon (2013) pic.twitter.com/XGLd6lWSXZ
— BLACKPINK BRASIL (@BLACKPINKBRASIL) January 15, 2018
At that time, Jennie was one of the few YG trainees allowed to feature on a track and perform with the “King of K-pop.” This opportunity earned her the title of “YG Princess.”Through her performance on “Black,” BLACKPINK’s rapper showcased her early star potential and distinct voice. Fans frequently mention “Black” when discussing YG’s most iconic collaborations.
julie and natty covering black featuring jennie pic.twitter.com/JRXO52pcs8
— gi ᴼᴬ 🐻ྀིྀིྀིྀིྀིྀིྀིྀི (@jennieaceitgirl) September 9, 2024
Due to the iconic status of the song, Natty’s cover was subject to intense scrutiny. Unfortunately, rather than garnering praise, she received significant criticism. Critics pointed out that her voice lacked vibrato and unique qualities, and comparisons to pre-debut Jennie were deemed “worlds apart.” Additionally, listeners described Natty’s voice as thin and weak, with clear breathing and nasal sounds, causing frustration among viewers.
Netizens harshly criticized Natty’s rendition of “Black,” with some suggesting she should allow the original version to shine. In response to the backlash, fans of KISS OF LIFE defended their idol, claiming her performance was intended as a tribute, arguing that the criticism was unwarranted.
Source: K14
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