MTBD (song)

"MTBD" (Korean: 멘붕; RR: ''Menbung'') is a song by South Korean rapper and singer-songwriter CL, a member of girl group 2NE1. It was released on February 27, 2014, as part of 2NE1's second Korean-language studio-album '' Crush'' (2014). "MTBD", which derives from the phrase "mental breakdown", was written and produced by Teddy Park with additional lyrics penned by CL. The song was used in the fifth episode of Fox's ''Lucifer'', which was broadcast in February 2016.

Background and music

"MTBD" was confirmed to be included in the tracklist for 2NE1's second Korean-language studio album, titled '' Crush'' on February 19, 2014. The song was subsequently released on February 27 as part of ''Crush'', as the sixth track off of the album. The song serves as CL's second solo track during her career with 2NE1, with her first solo single being "The Baddest Female" (2013). "MTBD" was written by both CL and long-time 2NE1 collaborator Teddy Park, with additional production by Park. "MTBD", which is an acronym stemming from the phrase "mental breakdown", integrates the genres of EDM, hip-pop and bubblegum trap and consists of a tense drum beat, low bass, and a unique synth sound. It interpolates a strong dubstep and trap beat complemented by her "inimitable" style.

CL was accused of blasphemy following the release of "MTBD", particularly amongst Muslims, for incorporating chanted verses from the Quran. A re-edited version was released and the incorporated verses were removed.

Reception

Following the release of ''Crush'', "MTBD" was met with positive reviews from music critics. August Brown of the ''Los Angeles Times'' named it the best track off of the album, writing that the "808-destroying stomper as good as anything on rap radio in America right now." ''Rolling Stone'' referred to the track as the centerpiece of ''Crush'' and further complimented CL's confidence. Writing for ''Billboard'', Tamar Herman viewed the track favorably, writing that the solo track remains one of her strongest works to date. The publication wrote in another view that the song "is the show-stopping centerpiece where CL’s ferocious flow takes no prisoners amid twitching triple hi-hats and the bass going 'boom boom boom.' ''Billboard'' further ranked the song as the second best K-Pop Deep Cut in December 2017, praising the song's production and composition in addition to CL's musicality. ''Fuse'' said that CL "takes center stage on the incredible solo track 'MTBD,' which sounds like an upgraded version of DJ Snake's 'Turn Down for What.'"

Live performances

CL performed the track live for the first time on 2NE1's two-day stop on their All or Nothing World Tour in Seoul on March 1 and 2, 2014. On March 7, a video of her tour performance was uploaded to 2NE1's YouTube channel. The stage was met with favorable reception among fans, who praised CL's stage charisma, stating that "it's not a joke", and "it's a live jackpot".

CL faced controversy again in November 2016 after performing the unedited version of "MTBD" at the Los Angeles show of her Hello Bitches Tour. CL quickly issued an apology and corrected the issue by her next concert.

Charts

Weekly charts

Monthly charts

References

{{CL (singer)

2014 songs
Songs written by Teddy Park