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‘Tie a Cherry’: ‘CL is the Alpha’ trends as K-pop star drops MV for 1st album

We almost got a 2NE1 reunion as the members were supposed to be featured in CL's album

For fans who have been waiting for CL’s first studio album since 2015, rejoice because it is finally out! After facing several hurdles, the K-pop star has officially released the album ‘Alpha’ and its title track ‘Tie a Cherry’. The former 2NE1 leader signed a contract with Kang Daniel’s agency Konnect and got the green light to share 'Alpha'. CL aka Lee Chaerin has released several singles and an EP since she went solo in 2015 following her group 2NE1’s hiatus. She’s had several hits like ‘Spicy’ and ‘Hello Bitches’ that is still going viral on TikTok.

CL has been teasing ‘Alpha’ since 2020 as she pre-released ‘Hwa’, ‘5 Star’, ‘Spicy’ and ‘Lover Like Me’. She released the latest single ‘Lover Like Me’ earlier in September that hinted at the dynamic album as she decided to forego her signature rap and hip-hop sounds for a mellow song that showcased her vocals and proved that she is an all-rounder. The 11-track album was finally released on October 20 along with the enigmatic music video for ‘Tie a Cherry’.

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CL drops fierce ‘Tie a Cherry’ music video

CL proves that she is 'the alpha' with a fierce music video for the album’s title track ‘Tie a Cherry’. She incorporates all of her elements like glamorous gowns and bling along with the bada** image that she has made with quirky hairstyles and boxing gloves. She starts off the song with her distinct rap voice as she raps about trusting oneself and staying confident no matter how hard it gets. The pre-chorus is an opportunity for her to show off her strong vocals as she sings the bilingual song. The chorus is as fun as the music video as she raps and sings to heavy hip-hop beats and synths.

The bridge is the highlight of the song and the music video as CL brings her signature rap flow. She also creates a nude illusion as she plays with the camera in flesh-tinted lingerie while hiding behind a wall. She continues to shock as the music video makes use of VFX to create several faces that fall from her face. The song is made by CL, as well as Nick Lee who is known for Lil Nas X’s ‘Industry Baby’. The song has started to chart as it entered Bugs and Genie. 'Alpha' is also #4 on US iTunes Pop Albums Chart and #1 in countries like Cambodia and the Philippines.

Watch the music video below.

'My jaw literally dropped'

Fans have been trending #CListheALPHA as they are excited about the album. One fan tweeted, “When i tell u my jaw literally dropped in this part.” Another fan was shocked as we almost got a 2NE1 reunion, “There’s supposed to be a 2NE1 version of CL’s song “LET IT” but the recording wasn’t finished. Minzy had a busy schedule but CL shared a snippet of Dara and Bom’s parts — the way we almost had 2NE1 reunion in 202NE1.” Fans were also happy that the album was finally released, “NO YOU DON'T FUCKING UNDERSTAND ALPHA BY CL OUT NOW.”

Another added, “The best woman in the world and one of the greatest artists of our time RT if you agree.” One commented, “CL SERVING VOCALS, MUSICALITY, VERSATILITY, BOPS, CULTURE, FASHION, LYRICISM, BARS, THE WHOLE ARTISTRY OF THIS ALBUM SHE IS TRULY THE ALPHA AND YOU BETTER NOT SLEEP ON HER!” Another shared, “Blessed to listen and exist as the same time as CL to listen to her first FULL ALBUM ALPHA  Congratulations Girl you deserve everything.” One posted, “No one is touching her writing and rap skills i fear.”