ROSÉ enters a new era of global pop stardom, breaking records and barriers with “APT.” featuring Bruno Mars.
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Stream: “APT.” – ROSÉ & Bruno Mars
From the moment ROSÉ’s “APT.” hit the airwaves, it was clear the track was poised to redefine global pop.
Collaborating with the ever-smooth Bruno Mars, ROSÉ didn’t just craft a song; she created a moment—a glittering, electric celebration of love, confidence, and playfulness. As the lead single from her debut studio album rosie, “APT.” has quickly become an anthem for a new generation, breaking records and barriers with its infectious charm.
Released late last year, “APT.” has been nothing short of a cultural tsunami. It’s the first single by a Korean female soloist to achieve RIAA Platinum status in the U.S., a milestone that further solidifies ROSÉ’s place in music history. Topping the Billboard Global 200 for ten weeks and breaking into the top five on the Billboard Hot 100, “APT.” has elevated ROSÉ to new heights, making her the highest-charting female Korean artist ever on the U.S. charts.
With over 2.6 billion streams worldwide, this song’s success extends beyond the numbers; it’s a testament to the universal appeal of its playful, cross-cultural sound.
“APT.” draws inspiration from a popular South Korean drinking game, turning its rhythmic chant into a vibrant, high-energy chorus.
The result is a seamless blend of pop-punk, indie rock, and electropop, with flourishes of new wave nostalgia that evoke legends like Blondie and Toni Basil. Co-written by an all-star team, including ROSÉ herself, Bruno Mars, and hitmakers like Omer Fedi and Cirkut, the track feels both retro and refreshingly modern.
The song opens with a cheeky rap verse before transitioning into a melodic pre-chorus and a chant-driven, stadium-ready hook. “Kissy face, kissy face, sent to your phone, but I’m tryna kiss your lips for real,” ROSÉ teases in the opening verse, setting the stage for an irresistible flirtation that never loses its playful edge.
Kissy face, kissy face sent to your phone,
but I’m trying to kiss your lips for real
Red hearts, red hearts, that’s what I’m on,
Come give me somethin’ I can feel,
Don’t you want me like I want you, baby?
Don’t you need me like I need you now?
Sleep tomorrow, but tonight go crazy
All you gotta do is just meet me at the
Bruno Mars’ influence is palpable, lending his signature smoothness to the production while allowing ROSÉ to shine. The chemistry between the two is undeniable, especially in the bridge, where ROSÉ’s half-spoken, half-sung warning – “Hey, so now you know the game / Are you ready?” – builds to a triumphant, feel-good climax.
It’s whatever, it’s whatever, it’s whatever you like
Turn this 아파트 into a club
I’m talking drink, dance, smoke,
freak, party all night (come on)
건배, 건배, girl, what’s up?
Don’t you want me like I want you, baby?
Don’t you need me like I need you now?
Sleep tomorrow, but tonight go crazy
All you gotta do is just meet me at the
The “APT.” music video, directed by Mars and Daniel Ramos, is a pink-hued feast for the eyes.
Set in a retro garage band aesthetic, it sees ROSÉ and Mars donning matching black leather jackets, their playful energy radiating through the screen. It’s no surprise that the video shattered YouTube records, amassing 500 million views in record time (at the time of publication, the video has 879 million views).
Hey, so now you know the game
Are you ready?
‘Cause I’m comin’ to get you,
Hold on, hold on, I’m on my way
Yeah, I’m on my way
Hold on, hold on, I’m on my way
Yeah, I’m on my way
ROSÉ has also taken “APT.” to the stage, delivering electrifying performances on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and the 2024 MAMA Awards, where she and Mars were honored with the Global Sensation Award.
Don’t you want me like I want you, baby?
Don’t you need me like I need you now?
Sleep tomorrow, but tonight go crazy
All you gotta do is just meet me at the
With “APT.,” ROSÉ has cemented her status as a global icon, bridging the gap between East and West and showcasing the undeniable power of Korean culture in the international music scene.
Her voice – now more confident and versatile than ever – carries an emotional depth that resonates universally, while her artistry continues to evolve in thrilling ways.
In rosie, ROSÉ offers her most personal work yet, with “APT.” leading the charge as a bold, joyful statement of intent.
“It’s my favorite drinking game, turned into my favorite song,” she shared, reflecting on the track’s origins. “One night in the studio I taught my crew how to play the game. Everyone was fascinated, especially when I started the chant, so we played around with it and I said we should make a song out of it… and after Bruno joined the track, the rest became history.”
Addictive, anthemic, and irresistibly fun, “APT.” is a celebration of ROSÉ’s new era, a glittering milestone in her journey as a solo artist, and a beacon of the boundless possibilities of global pop.
So raise a glass, tap into the rhythm, and chant along: “APT.” is here, and it’s here to stay.
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Stream: “APT.” – ROSÉ & Bruno Mars
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© John V. Esparza
© John V. Esparza
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