Canadian rapper Drake has included a direct reference to the K-pop group BTS in his latest album track, sparking reactions from group members J-Hope and V.
The track, titled “Make Them Cry,” appears on Drake’s new album “Iceman.” In the song, Drake makes a lyrical shoutout to the seven-member South Korean boy band, which has become a global phenomenon in recent years.
According to the original report, the shoutout was unexpected by fans and industry observers, given Drake’s typical musical style and the general separation between Western hip hop and K-pop markets.
Social Media Reactions
Following the release of the song, BTS members J-Hope and V were shown reacting to the mention. Video clips circulating online captured their expressions of surprise and amusement upon hearing their group’s name in the track.
The specific lyrics and the exact wording of the shoutout have not been fully detailed in the initial report, but the brief acknowledgment has generated significant online discussion among both Drake’s fanbase and the BTS Army, the group’s dedicated international fan community.
Drake, who has collaborated with numerous artists across genres, has not previously referenced BTS in his music. This marks a notable crossover moment between a leading figure in American hip hop and a group from the Korean pop industry.
Context of the Collaboration
The album “Iceman” represents Drake’s latest studio release. While the full tracklist and production credits have been made public, the inclusion of a BTS reference has drawn particular attention from social media analysts and music industry commentators.
Neither Drake’s representatives nor Big Hit Music, BTS’s management agency, have issued formal statements regarding the shoutout or any potential future collaboration as of this report.
The BTS members, currently fulfilling South Korean military service requirements, have maintained active social media presences, often interacting with fan content and reacting to cultural moments involving the group.
The song “Make Them Cry” is now available on major streaming platforms as part of “Iceman.” The album is distributed through Drake’s label and major digital retailers.
Industry analysts note that such cross references between Western and Korean pop acts are becoming more common as the global music market continues to integrate. BTS, in particular, has been credited with breaking linguistic and geographic barriers in popular music, achieving commercial success in multiple countries.
Looking ahead, it remains to be seen whether this lyrical reference will lead to any professional interaction between Drake and BTS. The group is currently on an extended hiatus from group activities while members serve in the military, though individual members have continued solo projects. No specific future projects between the two parties have been announced.
Source: Mashable
