A K-pop act’s title track isn’t always the best song on their album, even if it’s the one most people will hear. Sometimes, b-sides deserve recognition too. In the singles-oriented world of K-pop, I want to spotlight some of these buried treasures and give them the props they deserve.

I’ve softened a bit on Rocky’s Jealousy since last week. Something about the chorus just isn’t holding up for me. However, b-side Masterpiece feels poised for promotion. Its abrasive, jagged funk is exactly how Rocky’s solo career should sound.

Rhythmically, the song plays like a coiled snake — ready to pounce around every turn. I love the hyper-percussive nature of the instrumental. This approach is so strong that Rocky’s vocal is forced to conform to the beat, offering another layer of rhythm. The entire track pulses with energy — “beats within beats,” I like to call it. Rocky’s inspiration clearly stems from the Jacksonian world of pop music and of all his solo work this is feels the most MJ-coded. Whether that’s your thing or not will dictate how much you enjoy Masterpiece, but for me it’s both a nod back to the legends and an exciting look forward to the future.

Grade: B+