Jennie & Dua Lipa Entangled in "Handlebars"
Jennie, of BLACKPINK fame, has unveiled the music video for "Handlebars," a collaboration with Dua Lipa, marking the fifth single release from her debut solo album, "Ruby." The video, directed by BRTHR, presents a visually arresting narrative, blending elements of surrealism and high-fashion aesthetics.
The video opens with Jennie in a newspaper print ensemble, surrounded by television screens, establishing a sense of media saturation and fragmented reality. She is then depicted navigating a rain-soaked alleyway, where she manipulates the environment by halting the rain's descent, demonstrating a sense of control over her surroundings. The sequence on the light-up dancefloor, where she delivers the song's lyrics, "I trip and fall in love / Just like a Tuesday drunk / I always go all in, all in, all in / Over the handlebars / Hitting the ground so hard / If I’m alone, fallin’, fallin’, fallin’ / We ain’t gotta talk about it," reinforces the themes of vulnerability and impulsive passion.
Dua Lipa's entrance, as a shooting star adorned in a clear raincoat and sparkly dress, introduces an element of ethereal glamour. The collaboration between the two artists culminates in a sequence where they perform within a glittering, heart-shaped spider web, set against a backdrop of futuristic landscapes and glitchy monitors. This imagery, combining romantic symbolism with technological distortion, creates a visually compelling representation of the song's themes. The video concludes with a symbolic merging of the artists' energies, as streams of water from their eyes coalesce into a fiery disco ball heart.
"Handlebars" is one of several collaborations featured on "Ruby," which also includes tracks with FKJ, Childish Gambino, and Kali Uchis. The album, released under Jennie's own label, Odd Atelier, in partnership with Columbia Records, signifies a pivotal moment in her solo career. This venture follows her decision, along with her BLACKPINK bandmates, not to renew individual contracts with YG Entertainment.
"Ruby" has been recognized for its artistic depth, with critics noting Jennie's ability to assert her individuality and control her narrative. The album's release follows solo projects from fellow BLACKPINK members Rosé, Lisa, and Jisoo, each exploring distinct musical and visual identities. The group is scheduled to reunite for a world tour later in the year, following their individual solo endeavors.
The "Handlebars" video, with its blend of high-concept visuals and celebrity collaboration, serves as a testament to Jennie's artistic vision and her ability to create compelling narratives within her music. The surreal imagery and thematic depth of the video contribute to the ongoing evolution of her artistic identity.
