Thread by @Variety

How do you follow an all-conquering, Grammy-nominated song like BTS’ “Dynamite”? By strategically crafting an even bigger one.

@BTS_twt’s mega-hit “Butter” is Variety’s Record of the Year. bit.ly/3EewDSu

“‘Butter’ holds a special place in our heart,” BTS tells Variety. “We shared the song with everyone in hopes of lifting spirits, and the energy and excitement from all those that enjoyed the song across the world, in turn, helped us move forward as well.” bit.ly/3EewDSu

“We are incredibly glad and grateful that the spirit of the song resonated with many,” says the supergroup. “And we feel we owe everyone who listened to the song (and of course, ARMY) a celebration over all that ‘Butter’ has achieved.” bit.ly/3EewDSu

“Butter” was recorded at the start of 2021. But the song’s journey began three years earlier when Stephen Kirk penned a song called “Down to a Tee.” It came to mind when songwriter-producer Rob Grimaldi reached out in search of material for BTS. bit.ly/3EewDSu

“We wanted to create something super up-tempo and danceable that would be able to show off each of their strengths,” Grimaldi says of the track. bit.ly/3EewDSu

Columbia Records chairman and CEO Ron Perry “wanted something like Michael Jackson’s ‘Smooth Criminal,’” says songwriter Jenna Andrews. “I came up with, ‘Smooth like butter, like a criminal undercover,’ and everything started to fall into place.” bit.ly/3EewDSu

RM was particularly involved, co-writing his rap with Andrews over WhatsApp from Seoul.

“I’d wake up to an idea RM had sent,” Andrews says. “Then we would just communicate back and forth.” bit.ly/3EewDSu

🧈 We posted about their major accomplishment on Instagram too: instagram.com/p/CW_jhbZLZo0/

Learn more about how BTS’ “Butter” was crafted bit.ly/3EewDSu