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200303- Mentor and close sunbae Nicki Minaj visits Kim Junmyeon on the filming set of his solo debut music video, ‘사랑, 하자 (Let’s Love)’
#SUHO
#수호 #사랑하자 @NICKIMINAJ
#SUHO
#수호 #사랑하자 @NICKIMINAJ
This isn’t the first time the EXO member and the queen of rap have shown each other support over the years
In 2019, Junmyeon revealed to reporters that in preparation for his role as Gwynplaine in The Man Who Laughs, he studied Nicki’s verse on Kanye West’s 2011 song ‘Monster’, and watched her part in the music video for pointers.
‘Watching Nicki noonim perform, she overflows with shocking three-dimensional charms and really connects with her audience. I hope I reflected that on stage as well,’ he said.
In June 2014, Minaj gave a subtle nod to the EXO leader(affectionately called ‘Bunny Prince’ by fans) in her ‘Pills And Potions’ music video, which also was a nod to the korean boyband’s ‘Overdose’ EP which was released the month before
#SUHO #수호
#SUHO
#수호
The unlikely duo also collaborated behind the scenes on eachother’s music projects. Junmyeon is credited as a songwriter(under pen name SH2O) on the song ‘Grand Piano’ from Minaj’s 2014 album, The Pinkprint
#SUHO #수호 #사랑하자 @NICKIMINAJ
#SUHO
#수호 #사랑하자 @NICKIMINAJ
‘It was an honor to work with such a respected sunbae like Nicki씨 on such a monumental album. Although I’m new to the music production side of the industry, she respected my input and allowed me to add my own personal touch to her body of work,’ Kim said.
In early 2018, Junmyeon released a solo station song called ‘Dinner’ to widespread acclaim. While Minaj didn’t contribute to writing the song, Kim says that the theme and visuals in her 2014 Pinkprint movie inspired the moody lyrics and MV for his project
Later in the year, things took a strange turn. It appeared that both had unfollowed eachother on all social platforms, and rumor spread that there was bad blood between their camps. When both Minaj and Kim were pressed to shed light on the issue, they declined to comment.
Kim continued on promoting with EXO along with his stage and screen acting roles, while Minaj continued making music and collaborating with other artists, both making no mention of the other. Things seemed to have calmed down.
In early 2019, on song ‘Runnin’ for the Creed 2 OST, Minaj dropped the lyrics, ‘I ain't do the mess though/I'ma put a hex though/I ain't with the hugs and kisses, don't do the XO.’ Fans pieced together clues implying it was a diss towards the EXO leader.
Fans were shocked, believing the two had resolved any issues they had behind the scenes. Fans and the press alike had a field day with the reignition of their supposed rivalry. This gave rise to an astonishing number of hate posts directed at both parties.
It was rumored that a Barb had even went so far as to sneak onto the set of one of EXO’s television promos and spiked Kim’s protein beverage with Sangria Classico Myx Moscato. Though found false, the hashtag #NickiApologizeToJM trended worldwide by the end of that day.
SM Entertainment, in an act of concern for the safety and welfare of their artists, remained silent on the matter.
Approximately two weeks later, an informant tipped the media that a former acquaintance of Junmyeon’s, only referred to as ‘AJL’, was the one who fed false rumors to Minaj’s party about statements Kim had supposedly said about her.
They believe that AJL decided to feed the lies to Minaj after not recieving a promotional shoutout for their 2015 debut album along with later projects, and blamed her for their dismal sales and further decline in career.
Fans of both were relieved that there was no need for any more animosity. As a show of good faith, Minaj sent a food truck to the filming set of ‘Gift’, which Kim had a starring role in.
Coming full circle to 2020, with the EXO leader’s solo debut album ‘Self-Portrait’, While not in Korea physically, Minaj supported Kim in the final revisions of his songs and album concept. ‘She took time out of her schedule to help me fine tune some parts that i felt unsure of.’
-Kim recalled. ‘I felt that it was burdensome to her given our time zone difference but she was generous and helped me greatly.’ When asked in an interview, Minaj said that her favorite song on the 6 track EP was ‘O2’, also a fan favorite.
Minaj praised him for his growth as a performer. ‘Like, I was so blown away I couldn’t believe this was the same guy I met in 2013. He’s been grinding since day one and I’m so proud of him because it paid off. Every song is a solid 100, and that’s a Fendi fact.’
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O2:
Made In You:
Self-Portrait:
Starry Night:
For You Now:
Made In You:
Self-Portrait:
Starry Night:
For You Now:
