[FEATURE] Ravi’s Fresh Approach to Teasing: Don’t Ask

Until nabbing a spot as a co-host on KBS2’s “2 Days, 1 Night”, GROOVL1N label founder Ravi made his rounds as a guest, panelist, contestant and emcee on various variety shows. Prior to that, he was a prolific solo artist under Jellyfish Entertainment, as well as rapper, performer, songwriter and producer as a VIXX member.

Whilst many may know of Ravi’s musical career or variety entertainment personality, some are only just getting to know his sense of humour — which ranges from silly and slapstick to comically petty, sarcastic and wheedling.

But fans who are familiar with his singular sense of humour have been treated to it outside of his broadcast engagements — especially in the lead-ups to recent song releases.

Starlights (VIXX’s fandom) and new fans alike witnessed Ravi and GROOVL1N artist Xydo arguing over the legitimacy of mint chocolate as a delicious ice cream flavour. The level of petty reached major entertaining heights, with Ravi exerting CEO power and “forcing” Xydo to write the single “Mint Chocolate” which was then released within a week, on May 19.

Whether the online war was fabricated, fully or somewhat, a very lively and impactful message was sent: We can, anytime. This form of promotion is engaging, flirty and creates much anticipation. Will we be hearing a fresh summer bop? Or the angst of a beleaguered artist forced to swallow a bitter pill? The story was humourous and passionate — Starlights were hooked.

The same happened prior to the latest offering from GROOVL1N — a duet with vocal powerhouse Ailee.

On April 19, Ravi posted a selfie of him and Ailee on his Instagram. The caption only stated a date and time, and that they would be working together on a new release.

Between that preliminary post and the date given (April 28, 6PM KST), there were some fun interactions between Ravi and his idol friends (including VIXX members) and variety show co-hosts from “2 Days, 1 Night” and “Yeoja Plus”. He posted screenshots of their social media posts and group chats where they asked him what he was working on.

He would reply, “Don’t ask.”

Fans quickly caught on to the hint that this could be the name of the project they were working on. It was revealed to be a duet titled “What About You” in English (“Don’t Ask” in Korean).

During an interview with Heize on her radio talk show “Heize’s Journal” on May 1, Ravi mentioned he originally intended the song to be his own. But once he knew he would work with Ailee, he wrote the part for her and they worked on it together. The song is about friends inquiring after each other after a breakup, but not really wanting to talk about it.

Beginning with a lone, mellow guitar intro, the song begins with Ravi and Ailee singing the chorus together.

Ravi pulls back on his usual chest-bursty rapping style, matching the light and airy power of Ailee’s vocals with a much softer, straight singing style that supports rather than competes with her. His usual singing style is robust and often has some vibrato, but here his vocal role is to add a gentle masculine layer to the melody.

The song is sedate and keeps with the idea of two people commiserating over their love lives together, but apart. Even their live clip which was released in lieu of a music video has them singing side by side but interacting mostly with the camera.

Ailee’s delivery is gentle and full, and whilst she doesn’t exert herself vocally, she fills the song with her colour and makes it her own.

Just as the song starts with its chorus, it ends just when you expect to take the next breath to sing again. A little musical manipulation which captures the listener’s interest beyond the smooth delivery and the chill, lonely vibe.