Looking back at last year’s biggest hit
By Mahjabin Rahman
The opening beat of “APT.” sounds like it was pulled straight out of an old-school arcade game. A collaboration between Bruno Mars and Rosé was not in my 2024 bingo card – but here we are, dancing on the beat of “APT.”
“APT.” is setting the airwaves on fire. This genre-blending banger takes us straight back to the pop-punk heydays with K-pop sparks that only Rosé could bring. The moment the first beat drops, you are hooked and by the time the apartment game inspired chorus kicks in, it’s hard not to chant along like it’s a rooftop jam session with the coolest friends. With Bruno’s smooth swagger and Rosé’s signature vocals, this track is an amazing mixture of pop-punk rebel and K-pop magic. Now what exactly is “APT.” about? Like most people, I had the same question, and then found out it’s an apartment party game with a wild mix of rhythm, chants, where the only rule is to have fun. It’s pretty amazing to think that a game concept was the inspiration for a song.
“APT.” is Rosé’s first solo single in three years and also her first release since departing from her former agency. It is a pre-released single from her upcoming new album. The Blackpink member surprised us by bringing Bruno Mars on board for this song. She explains in a video that this song was not a planned collaboration; one day they were sitting in the studio and Rosé thought of teaching everyone a drinking game, and the producers were instantly addicted to this game and the next day, they decided to turn their fun into a song. Rosé admitted she was initially nervous about making this a track, worried it might seem too playful and unserious to the fans but who could predict that this un-seriousness would become the heart of the song? As for Bruno Mars, after the success of “Die with a Smile” (with Lady Gaga), “APT.” marks his second epic collaboration this year – and he is clearly loving every second of being the ultimate Oppa on this track.
The music video is an absolute wild ride, a vibrant blend of nostalgia, fun, and pure chaos. Rosé and Bruno bring the party to life with every frame bursting with energy. The visuals channelled early 2000s pop-punk, complete with retro arcade vibes and a sense of carefree rebellion that matches the song’s playful tone. There’s a lot of cheeky energy as the duo gets caught up in the “apartment game,” it’s like watching two best friends having the time of their lives and you are right there with them. From wild dance moves to those signature cheeky grins, this video is the kind of chaos that you would want to be a part of and it is impossible not to smile while watching it.
This song became an instant smash hit right after the release. It topped almost all charts spending two weeks at number one on both the Billboard Global 200 and Global Excl. US and became a commercial success in no time. It achieved a “Perfect All-Kill” for both artists and made its way into the top ten on the US Billboard Hot 100, becoming the first track by a K-pop female soloist to reach that milestone.
“APT.” isn’t just a song – it’s a global sensation, smashing cultural boundaries and proving that when Bruno and Rosé join forces, the result is pure, unfiltered fun. If you haven’t already blasted APT. at full volume, trust me – you’re missing out on the ultimate earworm of 2024! Buckle up, because “APT.” is here to stay, and it’s impossible not to love every funky second of it. To wrap it up, “APT.” is more than just a catchy track – it’s a cultural moment. With its infectious beat, unexpected collaboration, and playful vibe, it’s clear that Rosé and Bruno Mars have created something truly special. From its humble beginnings as a fun studio game to topping the charts and breaking records, “APT.” is proof that sometimes the best hits come from the most spontaneous ideas. So, if you haven’t already, hit play, join the party, and let this energetic anthem take over your playlist – because with “APT.” the fun is just getting started!
