“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
Apateu, apateu”
APT, the electrifying song by Korean singer Rosé and American singer Bruno Mars was released on October 18 to listeners globally. Immediately, it became a hit, debuting No. 1 on the Global Charts billboard and racking up more than 200 million streams globally. APT is the Korean word for apartment, which is a drinking game. In the game, two players form a circle and chant the word “apateu” four times. Then, the starting player says a random number, and everyone rushes to place their hand on top of the cup. The hand at the bottom of the cup moves back up during the round and the person whose hand is the last number loses and they have to drink.
In the song, Rosé invites Bruno to her apartment so they can hang out, and we watch as they play this short, but fun, game. Perhaps it’s the pink aesthetic that adds a pop to the music video or the repetitive dance movements of Rosé and Bruno which makes the song catchy. Either way, the voices of both singers complement each other well.
Rosé mentioned in an interview that she has been a fan of Bruno for a while and enjoyed going to his concert in Seoul a year ago. She was honestly surprised that he decided to listen to her song and collaborate with her. After he asked her what “apateau” meant, Rosé immediately knew that this was the song she would release.
APT has also sparked discussion on Bruno Mars’s career. The singer, known for his retro and upbeat music, has recently returned to the music industry after a short hiatus. . Upon his return, Bruno released a single with Lady Gaga called “Die with a Smile” on August 16th. This song also topped the charts with its heartfelt message and angelic vocals from the two powerful singers.
As of today, Bruno Mars surpassed the Weeknd on Spotify, and is now the number 1 streamed artist on the platform, passing Taylor Swift and other large artists. This achievement is a testament to his recent endeavors, which have steered his path into greater success. He is active more than ever in the music industry, perhaps suggesting that he will release a new album shortly in the future.
In the past, singers have had popular singles that have caused a trajectory in their careers. Now, cross-collaboration is becoming more popular day by day. It reflects the universal appeal of music and the desire for singers to reach a wider audience for their songs. When different collaborations occur, their songs can unexpectedly blow up quickly. In the case of Bruno Mars, it reveals his willingness to experiment with vast music genres and embrace different cultures to produce memorable songs.
