Song Review: Twice – Strategy (ft. Megan Thee Stallion)

JYP founder Park Jinyoung was one of K-pop’s first global visionaries, seeking Western partnerships far before it was the trendy thing to do. Without Wonder Girls’ 2009 foray into the States, a track like Strategy might not exist at all. Twice have already made themselves known worldwide, but this new single offers their first big-name collaboration with an international artist. “Twice + Megan Thee Stallion” was not on my 2024 bingo card, yet it makes complete sense given the agency’s wider legacy.

The song’s swaggering energy is a twist from Twice’s recent work. The retro synths and glossy beat are still very present, but Strategy takes a hip-hop turn that forgoes the bubblegum melodies the group has become known for. I’m of two minds about this. I love seeing them embrace some of the sassy energy that made Nayeon’s ABCD such a standout, but the song itself is keeping me at arm’s length. There are a few interesting things happening in the production, especially as the rhythm switches and deepens. The buzzsaw synths during the post-chorus are exquisite, recalling the best of early-00s hip-hop. And with over three minutes to unfold, Strategy crams a hearty number of unexpected turns into its running time.

Megan Thee Stallion is a very fun addition and, honestly, her verse makes for a much more convincing match with this production. Twice sound restrained in comparison and the hooks aren’t doing much for me. The chorus feels disconnected and a bit haphazard while the post-chorus chant is just too pedestrian. I’m more excited about some of the surprises within the verses — especially when the girls pull back for waves of harmony. Overall, the song is a real grab bag, with some flavors hitting stronger than others.

Grade: B-