A fierce new girl group is turning heads in the K-pop scene. VVS, a multinational group produced by American hitmaker Paul Brian Thompson, is redefining what a K-pop girl group can be with unapologetic hip-hop and R&B roots.
The group made its debut in April with the addictive synth-heavy hip-hop track 'TEA', followed by the dynamic single 'PURRFECT' just two weeks later. Within a month, VVS released their first mini-album 'D.I.M.M.', which features eight tracks including an intro, interlude, and outro — an unusually fast-paced rollout for a rookie group.
“We’re a hip-hop group,” the members said, “so our visuals aren’t just pretty beauty cuts. In our music videos and trailers, you’ll even see blood — we’re focused on expressing our concept and energy, not just appearances.”
The title track 'D.I.M.M.' pays homage to legendary American DJ DJ Screw, featuring heavy 808 drums, dark synth bass, and punchy rap verses. The group’s direction is clearly rooted in authentic hip-hop influences, not just surface-level aesthetics.
Paul Brian Thompson, also known as MZMC, is the producer behind hits like EXO’s 'Love Shot' and 'Ko Ko Bop', Taeyeon’s 'Fine', NCT U’s 'The 7th Sense', NCT 127’s 'Whiplash', Kang Daniel’s 'Paranoia', and RIIZE’s 'Love 119'. With years of experience in the Korean music industry, Thompson founded VVS under his own label, emphasizing originality and genre depth.
Lana recalled, “Even during auditions, the company played us the kind of music they planned to do. We knew exactly what we were getting into — that’s why we’re so aligned as a team.”
Ailee added, “It’s rare to have an American CEO in K-pop. From the trainee days, we were taught real American hip-hop and R&B. We learned about the culture and history behind the genres.”
Before joining VVS, not all members were familiar with hip-hop. Britney said, “I liked R&B and rap, but didn’t know much. After joining, I’ve learned so much.”
Reewon admitted, “I didn’t really listen to hip-hop or R&B before, but after training here, it’s all I listen to now.”
Lana shared, “I did hip-hop dance since I was a kid, so I grew up listening to a lot of hip-hop. Now that I’m performing the music I love, I want to do even better — so I study and practice constantly.”
Jiwoo said, “I used to listen mostly to K-pop, but the company gave us classes on hip-hop culture and history. The more I learned, the more I fell in love with it. I especially love the emotions in R&B vocals.”
Ailee added, “As I kept working on it, I grew even more passionate. I started listening to female R&B singers, foreign hip-hop, and even Korean hip-hop to expand my sound.”
VVS also emphasized their musical firepower. “We recorded over 18 songs even before debut,” the members said.
Ailee shared, “We have a lot of songs at the company. We’ve practiced many unreleased tracks too.”
Britney added, “Because we have so many songs, please look forward to all the different music and performances we’ll show you.”
Even off-season, they stay in training. Britney revealed, “Aside from workouts, we practice about 8 hours a day. We’re already rehearsing for the next album.”
She added, “I have eight iPads, and they’re all full of practice videos. I keep running out of storage space. I get so many new files that my devices are packed with songs.”
The group’s name, VVS, stands for “Very Very Slightly Included,” the highest clarity grade in diamonds — a bold statement of their ambition to shine at the top of K-pop.
Ailee said, “I remember someone commented that we didn’t feel like a rookie group — that made me so proud.”
She continued, “Our goal is to make our name known and share our music with as many people as possible.”
Asked about their bigger dreams, Jiwoo replied, “We want to do a world tour, but especially perform at Coachella. I was really inspired by BLACKPINK Lisa’s performance.”
Britney said, “I dream of winning a Grammy and performing at the Super Bowl halftime show. Just thinking about it gives me chills.”
“We’ll stay confident and take pride in everything we do. I hope fans can see that in us. We’re working hard on our second album, so please look forward to it.”
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