Jennie Breaks Free with ‘Ruby’ – But Is It a Hit or Miss?
Jennie’s finally out with her first full solo album, Ruby, and it’s nothing like what you’d expect from a BLACKPINK star.
She’s not here to play it safe – she’s here to prove a point. The album is packed with defiance, introspection, and a sound that’s way beyond the glossy K-pop formula.
She kicks things off with Like Jennie, a track so self-assured it practically dares you to keep up. It’s got that classic hip-hop bravado, but with a playful edge: “Who wanna rock with Jennie?” she teases. And honestly, who doesn’t?
Then there’s With The IE (Way Up), where she plays with the whole “Jennie from the Block” narrative.
But she’s no J.Lo – she’s sharper, more sarcastic, throwing jabs at her haters like it’s nothing: “Target on my name / But you’re way off.” It’s the kind of track that makes you rethink everything you thought about her.
And let’s talk about the features. Dua Lipa, Dominic Fike, Childish Gambino, Kali Uchis – this lineup isn’t just stacked, it’s strategic.
They all blend into Jennie’s world rather than overpower it, making Ruby feel like a true extension of her, not just a flex.
Vocally, she surprises too. We’ve known her as a rapper, but on tracks like Start A War, she leans into smooth, R&B-tinged melodies that feel more SZA than K-pop. It’s refreshing, and it proves she’s got more range than people give her credit for.
But the real standout? Zen. It’s a controlled explosion – minimalist one second, industrial chaos the next. It’s unpredictable, it’s intense, and it’s got “future classic” written all over it.
If Jennie wanted to take the easy route, she could’ve dropped a safe, crowd-pleasing album and called it a day. Instead, Ruby is bold, intentional, and dripping with attitude. Some might call it a risk. Others? A rebirth.
So, is Ruby a flop or dope? That depends on whether you’re ready for Jennie on her own terms.