ZICO Reacts To Earning His First Billboard No. 1 With 'Spot!' Featuring BLACKPINK's Jennie

In the increasingly global K-pop industry, ZICO sums up the concept of musician with many dashes after establishing himself as a rapper, singer, songwriter, producer, band leader, TV host and record label CEO. But the 31-year-old can now add Advertising sign chart-topper on his resume thanks to his latest single, “Spot!” with BLACKPINK's Jennie.

It was released on April 26 to mark the first time artist HYBE placed a song among New Music Friday's global releases, “Spot!” unleashes ZICO's latest offering as a big-feeling, feel-good pop/hip-hop hybrid. Similar to his singles like viral smash “Any Song” the “Summer Hate” alongside K-pop legend Rain, the playfully energetic “Spot!” lets the duo bounce through the bars to shout out the many meanings that “hit the spot” can evoke.

The collaboration quickly caught on Stateside, with “Spot!” debut at No. 1 on Advertising signZICO's Global Digital Song Sales chart, marking ZICO's first US No.1 Advertising sign sales chart. It's Jennie's second time ruling the chart after her debut single “Solo” in 2018.

“Point!” sold 1,000 copies in the US in its initial tracking week from April 26 to May 2, according to Luminate. It also recorded 2.5 million official streams in the US during the same period.

But the impact of “Spot!” was not limited to the U.S. The collaboration debuted at No. 24 on the Billboard Global 200 chart with 47 million streams and 5,000 downloads, and also earned a No. 8 debut on the Billboard Global Excl. US with 44.5 million official worldwide streams (excluding US activity) in the tracking week and 4,000 downloads (excluding US sales).

He shares his reaction to the map's good news with Advertising signZICO expressed his gratitude, saying, “I feel like a new chapter has opened for me as a musician.”

Read more from ZICO about working with Jennie, how he approaches the collaboration for his new music variety show, and what's next.

Congratulations on the success of “Spot!” It's your first US No.1 Advertising sign sales chart. What was your reaction to the chart news?

I feel like a new chapter has opened for me as a musician. The song reaches the Advertising sign, beyond Korea, fills me with immense gratitude. I am eager to share this joy with everyone who contributed to making this project a reality.

You have collaborated extensively in the K-pop world. Is there something particularly charming about Jenny that strikes you?

Everything about her is charming. From the vocals and visuals to the acting, as well as her sense of professionalism to make the song happen — it all comes together. But personally, I think it was her professionalism.

How was shooting the music video? It looked like you two had a blast.

It was our first time dressing up and seeing each other on camera [like that]. At first, it felt a bit awkward and funny, so we struggled to contain our laughter, but it was these candid moments that were captured on camera for a natural effect.

Do you have a favorite Jennie or BLACKPINK song?

I got a chance to check out Jennie's upcoming solo demos — there were so many good ones.

I understand that you have a lot of respect for the artistic process. You are hosting a new musical variety show, The Seasons: Artist With ZICO. How do you approach viewing other artists' work?

I believe my role is to help the wider audience understand the unique appeal of each artist with the most fun and fresh perspective, so I put a lot of effort into this aspect. But more importantly, it's not all about the music. Rather, it's about the chemistry, like honesty and wit, that can come from every moment — I want those moments to be happy little experiences for a lot of people, so I really try to focus on every little second.

It sounds like you are an observer. Do you see or feel more impact with your new song?

I have noticed a change in which more covers, reactions and challenges [for “Spot!”] they are from abroad compared to Korea, which is different from my old songs.

You have come up with new ideas or plans as a result of chart achievements or success?

Today, after thinking about these questions, I'm starting a kick-off meeting for my next project!