BABYMONSTER 'CLIK CLAK' (2024)
What is BABYMONSTER 'CLIK CLAK'?
CLIK CLAK is a minimalistic hip hop song by South Korean girl group BABYMONSTER, serving as one of two title tracks from their first studio album DRIP. Released on November 1, 2024, with its music video pre-released on October 30, the track features all seven members rapping with distinct styles over a trap-based instrumental. The song is performed entirely in English and showcases the group's rap-focused capabilities.
The track was initially planned as a pre-release single before being elevated to title track status alongside DRIP, which was co-produced by BIGBANG's G-Dragon. CLIK CLAK demonstrates BABYMONSTER's versatility within the hip hop genre, aligning with the musical direction expected from a group under YG Entertainment. The song's lyrics center on themes of confidence, luxury items, and financial success, featuring references to Maybachs, Ferraris, Cartier accessories, and designer fashion throughout its verses.
The DRIP album marked significant commercial achievements for BABYMONSTER, recording 820,000 orders within one week of release. As a result, it became their first entry on the Billboard 200 chart, debuting at number 149. This performance represented a new career milestone for the seven-member group, establishing their presence in both domestic and international markets.
CLIK CLAK music video and visuals
Visual concept and styling
The music video features a complete visual departure from previous BABYMONSTER releases, with members adopting sleek all-black attire instead of casual clothing. This styling choice establishes a fierce aura that opposes the lively charm presented in DRIP, the album's co-title track. The visual direction emphasizes member expression of freedom within structured choreography, executed with fervor throughout the performance sequences. True to YG Entertainment's hip-hop roots, the video showcases relaxed swagger combined with dynamic intensity in the members' delivery.
Color palette and aesthetics
The production employs a black-and-white filter that creates an edgy demeanor across all frames. This monochromatic approach aligns with classic YG hip-hop visual aesthetics reminiscent of earlier releases. Individual styling choices include notably baggy and extended outfits for specific members, alongside accessories such as sunglasses that enhance the urban fashion aesthetic. The stripped-down color palette directs attention to member presence and attitude rather than elaborate set designs.
Black and white performance version
The black-and-white treatment serves a specific purpose beyond aesthetic preference. By minimizing choreography emphasis, the video focuses viewer attention on member swagger and charisma. This approach allows individual personalities to emerge through facial expressions and body language rather than synchronized dance formations.
Song structure and lyrics breakdown
The track opens with Chiquita's introductory ad-libs before establishing the chorus structure built around the repetitive "click-clack, heels tap" hook paired with money-centric imagery. The trap-based instrumental operates in what critics described as "neutral gear" for most of the song's duration. Spending patterns, living large, and commanding attention form the chorus's thematic core, delivered through call-and-response formatting with "charge, charge, charge" and "large, large, large" repetitions.
Verse distribution allocates specific sections to individual members. Ahyeon's opening verse references needing vans for bags and posing from any angle. Ruka's verse introduces luxury items including tennis bracelets and baby blue water vacations while asserting a vicious persona. Rami's contribution centers on financial success with Maybach references and wrist jewelry metaphors. Asa's verse mentions Ferrari acceleration, Cartier accessories, and wordplay connecting dental flossing to displaying wealth.
The bridge strips down to minimal vocals repeating the heel-tapping motif. Notably, the song converts into a dynamic club track during its final moments, shifting from the earlier laid-back hip-hop approach. The outro delivers an empowerment message with "ain't looking back, let's take the lead" chants directed at female listeners.
Performance and choreography
Choreographers behind CLIK CLAK
World-class choreographers Rie Hata and The Kinjaz created the movement for CLIK CLAK. The collaboration brought authentic hip-hop sensibilities to the performance, with Rie Hata contributing her Japanese-Filipino background and The Kinjaz adding their American dance crew expertise. BABYMONSTER released the performance video on November 3, marking the first reveal of the choreography before any stage or music show appearances.
Key moves and signature gestures
The choreography employs dance crew-style movement patterns emphasizing footwork execution throughout the routine. The laid-back approach allows members to incorporate personal improvisation rather than strict synchronization. Base dance moves serve as outlines, permitting variations in hand positions, shoulder turns, and lean angles. Members Rora and Rami demonstrated specific moves through a dance tutorial, highlighting signature gestures from the routine. The opening left-right step sequence showcases individual interpretations, with each member adding distinct touches to identical foundational movements.
Member formations and dynamics
Individual styling emerges through the choreography's flexible structure. Rora displayed hip-hop confidence through facial expressions and center positioning. Rami executed fluid, clean movements. Ruka, Asa, and Ahyeon demonstrated comfort within the hip-hop framework. Pharita delivered relaxed, natural expressions. Chiquita's performance received particular recognition for carrying the overall execution.
Chart performance and reception
Spotify and streaming numbers
The track achieved 80 million streams on Spotify, becoming BABYMONSTER's ninth song to reach this milestone. As of June 2026, CLIK CLAK accumulated 80,513,530 total streams with 81,194 daily streams. Regional performance showed concentrated streaming activity in Thailand, Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, and South Korea, with the track charting within the top 200 positions across these markets during its initial release period.
YouTube performance
The music video surpassed 100 million views approximately 41 days after its October 30 release, marking BABYMONSTER's eighth video to achieve this viewership threshold. Upon release, the video entered YouTube's Most Viewed Videos in 24 Hours rankings and maintained a position within the global YouTube daily chart's TOP10 for four consecutive days. BABYMONSTER's official channel reached 7.68 million subscribers with total views approaching 3.3 billion. The track trended number one worldwide and entered the iTunes USA Chart. Furthermore, CLIK CLAK appeared on Billboard Global Excl. US, contributing to BABYMONSTER's status as the fifth-generation K-pop group with the most songs on this chart.
Fan and critic reactions
Audience responses highlighted the choreography's intensity and classified the song as a top-tier album track.
FAQS
Since the release of "Clik Clak," we've received numerous questions about the production process and creative decisions. Here are the most frequently asked questions we've encountered:
Q: What makes "Clik Clak" different from other BABYMONSTER releases? We approached this track with a unique blend of hip-hop elements and contemporary K-pop production techniques. The distinctive "clik clak" sound effect and minimal beat structure set it apart from typical K-pop releases.
Q: How long did the production process take? The entire process, from initial concept to final master, took several months. We spent considerable time perfecting the signature sound design and ensuring each member's parts complemented the overall track.
Q: Why did you choose the minimalist approach for the beat? Our production team wanted to showcase BABYMONSTER's vocal abilities while maintaining YG's signature style. The minimal beat allows their voices to shine through while creating maximum impact during key moments.
Q: What was the biggest challenge during recording? Balancing the rap sections with melodic elements proved challenging, especially since this was the first time all members attempted rapping. However, their extensive training helped overcome these hurdles.
Q: How did you achieve the signature "clik clak" sound? We experimented with various sound design techniques and sample processing to create that distinctive effect. The final version went through multiple iterations before we achieved the perfect balance.
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