For so long, Kpop lived in its own vibrant world, self-contained, obstinately new and intensely creative. But somewhere along the way, stars from that universe began colliding with the West, not in chaotic crashes but in electric, collaborative bursts. What began as surprise guest verses and remixes gradually grew into something else: full-fledged collaborations of co-styles, languages, and cultures. In the process, some were like awkward brand deals, while others, the ones we’ll be discussing, struck a chord. Those didn’t just sound good, they felt essential. From unexpected pairings to the most unlikely of partnerships, the iconic Kpop Collaboration with Western Artists have created more than just making waves — they’ve changed the tide.
Whether it’s a pair of fiery women taking a track and turning it into a fight song or a cross-cultural pair getting funky and heartbroken, the greatest collaborations leave you wondering how you ever lived without the two of them in one place. From the tough-as-nails, rap-driven to the weepy ballads and club-ready bangers, all these K-pop and Western collabs not only met our hype, they raised the bar for what we can expect out of pop music.
Iconic Kpop Collaboration with Western Artists
Killin’ It Girl by j-hope and GloRilla
j-hope’s comeback was an entire moment — the music, and the energy that came back with him. And with the charismatic hip-hop sensation gloRilla in tow, the song shimmers. It’s not showy, but there is sultry swagger to how J-Hope and GloRilla trade energies. Her verse already feels more like a bracing texture smoothed across the song, rather than a showy ballad performance.
And some of the credit is owed to the dancers who demand attention as well. The choreography is tough and biting, and with Alyssa occupying her own space beside j-hope, it is difficult not to avert one’s gaze. It is the atmosphere created by the dynamic of Jung Hoseok with his dancers that makes Killin’ It Girl so iconic.
ExtraL by Jennie and Doechii
Jennie’s solo work had always waved vaguely in the direction of something more creatively powerful than Blackpink were allowing through, the album Ruby finally treated fans to an in-depth immersion. One of its strongest, ExtraL, is a high-water mark not only in terms of production but smart matching with Doechii. BLACKPINK rapper and the American queen of alt-hip-hop would be the most unlikely matching duo? ExtraL is a deafening, unapologetic anthem of self-love and fierce womanhood. It’s a reaffirmation of taking up space, of being aware of your power, of never toning it down. Jennie and Doechii don’t simply exchange verses; they fold into one another’s vocals.
Neva Play by RM and Megan Thee Stallion
Megan Thee Stallion and RM on one song? Sounds totally bananas on paper, but trust me, in real life it slaps. Neva Play is a flex track driven by bass that’s half swagger and half battle cry. Megan brings a rapper’s cocky braggadocio and aggressive rap and RM’s growl and retorts a splash of swagger to the song. The hook: “For Asia, man, we paved the way” is a bar, but also a moment of pride. This collaboration is not only about the song, but giving space and breaking barriers.
Also Read: KPop Demon Hunters Ending Explained: What Happened To the Saja Boys? Did Huntrix Defeat Gwi-Ma?
Apt. by Rosé and Bruno Mars
Rosé and Bruno Mars’ surprise drop, Apt., came out of nowhere and instantly became a fan favourite overnight. Dreamy pop singer Rosé puts it in funkier, play-funky mode. And she does it justice indeed. Bruno Mars, the perpetual hit-maker, contributes his vintage retro soul sound, the two teaming up on an earworm tune inspired by South Korean drinking culture. It’s sassy, soulful and fun as usual. What makes APT. so memorable is how these two mesh so perfectly in harmony, as if they’ve been harmonising together forever.
Seven by Jungkook and Latto
When BTS’ Jungkook collaborated with Lattlo on Seven, the world wasn’t ready for a sizzling, genre-bending single like that one. He paired with Latto, who delivers a sizzling verse that’s the exact right counterpoint to Jungkook’s warm one. The track is not just romantic — it’s sexual, and as much about self-conscious craving as doubt. In the best possible terms, Latto’s addition thrusts Jungkook out of his comfort zone and into more grown-up sound. It’s the perfect blend of K-pop’s emotion-overloaded sound and Western hip-hop’s punch.
BTBT by B.I, Soulja Boy and DeVita
BTBT is a silky-smooth track that packs a storm. B.I’s telepathic production genius meets Soulja Boy’s rough-around-the-edges energy, and the result is hypnotic and pounding in equal amounts. DeVita’s soulful vocals act as the track’s essential ground wire, keeping the track grounded. What makes this collab so special is how unpredictable it is. Who would have known that these three performers, who are so theatrically different from each other, would be able to produce something that sounds so harmonious? It’s a testament that phenomenal music doesn’t mind genre lines or confines.
Strategy by TWICE with Megan Thee Stallion
When TWICE, who are an aesthetically and musically perfect bubblegum pop group, teamed up with Megan Thee Stallion, they created an unlikely dynamic force to be named with. On Strategy, both acts play to their strengths, TWICE with their silky choreography and harmonising and Megan with her trademark assertive bars. But it’s not a clunky mashup; it’s a well-built track with space for either of those voices to shine. Megan brings energy to the group’s message, turning a classic girl-power anthem into something more assertive.
All Night by IVE and Saweetie
IVE’s collaboration with Saweetie on All Night is the track you can’t escape — and don’t want to. Fuelled by a throbbing beat and party vibes, it recalls free-spirited youth. Saweetie’s sass is juxtaposed against IVE’s soft-spoken delivery, making the track both contemporary- and timeless-sounding. It’s bubble-pop with attitude, the sort of song that needs to be on every dance floor, on every summer album. But most importantly, it demonstrates that K-pop acts can hold their own against the most aggressive voices of U.S. rap.
Do It Like That by Jonas Brothers and TOMORROW X TOGETHER
The Jonas Brothers and TXT felt like the pop match made in heaven. Do It Like That is an energetic, fizzy, can’t-stop-smiling workout song. TXT’s young, high-energy style is the ideal mix with the Jonas Brothers’ mature charm. It’s a catchier than a plague tune track with no drama, just plain fun. And it’s one of those rarer-than-hens’s-teeth tracks where the mix of styles and sounds feels absolutely natural. Global pop harmony at its best.
These K-pop x Western artist collabs are not a momentary trend of the era — they’re a worldwide wave of musical experimentation and inclusivity. Every collaboration stirs something fresh, be it cultural fusion, genre-mash action, or a rave. As the world continues to get smaller and unite, these collabs prove that tremendous music doesn’t recognise borders, but merely beats, voices, and enthusiasm.
