I’m not always a huge fan of K-pop covers, but Baekho chose the perfect song in Elevator. The original 1995 Park Jinyoung classic was a staple of the 90’s, yet it never had an official music video and the song’s production is ripe for an update. As influential as this evergreen hit is, you don’t hear it referenced all that often in modern K-pop. It’s time to change that!
Baekho does an excellent job with Elevator. The producers have beefed up the beat, retaining its “new jack swing meets gangsta rap” origin but adding extra force. It feels both nostalgic and fresh. And while the original played things quite loose with structure, this update is taut and explosive. Rapped verses are replaced with shots of melody, delivered with panache that compliments the insistent rhythm. This contrast makes the chanted chorus even more effective, fueled by its iconic brass riff. This is how to put your own spin on a K-pop legend.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Production | 9 |
| Longevity | 9 |
| Bias | 9 |
| RATING | 8.75 |
Grade: B+
