The Philadelphia singer-songwriter blesses us with music and visuals before taking us on a journey of toxic love in his new release.
Skillfully mixing elements of pop, R&B, and infectiously groovy dance sensibilities, Philadelphia’s own Bxbykuni triumphantly emerged on the scene, captivating audiences with dynamic singles like “Back2Me”. Having taken a six-month hiatus to focus on college commitments and further develop his sound and artistic direction, he’s poised to make a triumphant return with his highly anticipated single “Real Bad."
Although he recently returned from hiatus, Bxbykuni and music feel like a perfect match. The artist’s dedication and thoughtfulness regarding his music belies an artistic depth that is becoming rarer and rarer in the scene. He truly cares about his music and listeners, and you can tell. Additionally, his decision to collaborate with the talented Filipino producer BabyBoyBlue (known for his work with esteemed artists like Rachel Bochner and Amanda Yang) has ensured that every part of his releases is flawless, from the production to vocal performances.
“Real Bad,” Bxbykuni’s latest release, is a riveting indication that he hasn’t lost a single step. Over instrumentals anchored by a distorted guitar and expressive drums, Bxbykuni’s smooth and gracefully sensual vocals lull listeners into his hazy soundscape.
Dropping lyrics like “She got me locked up like some kind of animal, no / Got me on strings she’s too delectable, oh / It’s drivin’ me insane (insane),” Bxbykuni paints a vivid picture of troubled love. His vocal performance ties the performance together, but the production and instrumental performances stand out as expected.
The music video for “Real Bad” is appealing eye candy that goes perfectly with the troubled yet romantic vibe of the song. Directed by Justin Tran and edited by Virak Nhek, the music video begins with Bxbykuni waking up in a disheveled room looking disoriented. As he turns on the tv, memories start to play, showing Bxybykuni and his femme fatale’s lust-filled attraction for one another play out.
As the scene shifts, Bxbykuni is blindfolded to a chair, helpless, before his partner advances. Interestingly, although there’s plenty of physical contact, no emotional bond is visible, further enhancing “Real Bad”’s story of toxic, complicated love. As his companion removes his blindfold, Bxbykuni returns to square one, and the toxic cycle begins again.
As Bxbykuni prepares for his highly anticipated comeback, fans and listeners can expect an exciting new chapter in his musical journey. With “Real Bad” as a taste of what’s to come, the sky is the limit as this talented artist rises higher and higher.
Welcome to BuzzMusic, Bxbykuni! We loved your release "Real Bad"; the music video also felt like it was the perfect match! How did the inspiration for this piece come about? What did you envision this release being when you first thought of it?
First and foremost, I want to express my gratitude for your kind words and the fact that you enjoyed the music video. Your appreciation validates all my hard work and dedication to this song. This release has been an intriguing journey for me. Before this song, I experimented with antipop and hyper pop, drawing inspiration from artists like Erica, glaive, and Midwest. However, I strongly desired my music to be a genuine reflection of myself. Growing up, I was deeply influenced by incredible artists such as Michael Jackson, Usher, Justin Bieber, The Weekend, and Ray J.
Their music shaped my musical palette, and I envisioned "Real Bad" as a fusion of pop influences with R&B vocals—a homage to the sounds I grew up surrounded by. The inspiration behind "Real Bad" stems from personal experiences of being trapped in a lustful relationship (unable to get out, getting pulled back into the cycle after being seduced) and the burning passion for creating a song that resonates with people while being catchy.
What was your favorite part of seeing your vision for the music video come to life?
My favorite part of seeing my vision for the music video come to life was realizing what I had initially described in an email to the director, Justin Tran. It was an incredibly thrilling experience to witness how my envisioned concepts and ideas were translated into captivating visuals. One particular highlight was seeing the scenes where I was tied up, as it beautifully portrayed the headspace of feeling trapped that I wanted to convey. It was a profoundly personal element for me, and seeing it executed in the video was both emotionally powerful and surreal. Growing up, I used to play songs that I loved and pretend I was in a music video, so seeing that I officially shot one was surreal.
What inspired you to start making music, and what are your goals as an artist?
Growing up, my childhood wasn't always easy, and I have personally dealt with depression, which was diagnosed just last year. However, during these challenging times, I discovered music's healing power. Creating music became a source of solace and inner peace for me. When I see people genuinely listening to and loving my songs and when I receive messages from fans, it brings me a profound sense of happiness and uplifts my spirits. Music has always been a part of me. I've been singing since I was young, performing at weddings as a child, and being involved in choirs as I grew up. It has been a constant presence in my life, and its joy inspires me to pursue my musical journey, even if it may sound cliché. As for my goals as an artist, I aspire to become one of the prominent Asian American artists in the United States. While I understand this is a lofty ambition, I have always been discouraged from pursuing music because of the limited representation of Asians in the industry. I want to challenge that narrative and be a part of the change. Witnessing the success of artists like Keshi has shown me that Asian musicians can make an impact. I want to inspire other Asian artists, empowering them to believe in their potential.
What's been your favorite musical memory so far? Also, could your listeners take one thing away from your music?
One of my best musical memories has been collaborating with my friend and producer, Liam Reyes (BabyBoyBlue). Our creative sessions are an absolute blast. We dive into a world of inspiration, going off tangents and discussing various topics. What sets this experience apart is Liam's incredible understanding of my vision for the instrumental. We share a musical wavelength, making the entire process enjoyable, effortless, and fulfilling. One thing I would want listeners to take away from my music is the ability to create catchy melodies. Crafting pop music is my passion, and while I aim to infuse elements of R&B, my ultimate goal is to leave an indelible mark on your mind. I want my melodies to resonate with you, become ingrained in your memory, and have you returning for more.
What's next for Bxbykuni? Can we expect to hear more new music soon, and is there anything you want to say to your fans?
One of my best musical memories has been collaborating with my friend and producer, Liam Reyes (BabyBoyBlue). Our creative sessions are an absolute blast. We dive into a world of inspiration, going off tangents and discussing various topics. What sets this experience apart is Liam's incredible understanding of my vision for the instrumental. We share a musical wavelength, making the entire process enjoyable, effortless, and fulfilling. One thing I would want listeners to take away from my music is the ability to create catchy melodies. Crafting pop music is my passion, and while I aim to infuse elements of R&B, my ultimate goal is to leave an indelible mark on your mind. I want my melodies to resonate with you, become ingrained in your memory, and have you returning for more.