JENNIE’s highly anticipated solo debut album, Ruby, is finally here and has already made waves. While listening to the album, fans caught a detail in one of its standout tracks, “With the IE (Way Up).” The song, in fact, pays homage to an early 2000s classic, sampling Jennifer Lopez’s 2002 hit “Jenny from the Block”—one of J.Lo’s most celebrated tracks, known for its blend of hip-hop and R&B influences. Lopez’s original song itself was built on multiple samples, incorporating elements from 20th Century Steel Band’s “Heaven and Hell Is on Earth,” Boogie Down Productions’ “South Bronx,” and Enoch Light’s “Hi-Jack.” More than 20 years later, JENNIE has put her own spin on the track, blending its familiar melody with her signature fusion of K-pop and hip-hop.
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As mentioned, “With the IE (Way Up)” is part of Ruby, JENNIE’s debut album. Released under her independent label Odd Atelier and Columbia Records, the project marks a bold new chapter in her career. Featuring 15 tracks, Ruby explores multiple genres, from pop and R&B to hip-hop, showcasing the singer’s full musical range. Ruby is also a deeply personal project, as JENNIE played an active role in co-writing and co-producing every track. Her personal experiences come through in songs like the emotionally charged “Twin.”
The album has been met with strong critical and commercial success. By March 4, 2025, Ruby had already surpassed 450,000 global pre-orders, while its lead single, “Mantra,” became a major hit, reaching the top five on both the Billboard Global 200 and South Korea’s Circle Digital Chart. Now, with its full release, the album is aiming for a strong streaming debut, while it has already reached the top five on the US iTunes Albums Chart.
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