BTS Shares How Collaboration With Nicki Minaj Becomes A Reality +'IDOL' Beats Taylor Swift's Record

by Jessica Rapir / Aug 27, 2018 02:15 AM EDT

BTS shares how collaboration with Nicki Minaj becomes possible. Photo by ibighit/YouTube Screenshot

BTS has shared the story behind their collaboration with Nicki Minaj. It all started with a simple request to the American rapper which she did not turn down.

BTS had a successful opening concert for their Love Yourself world tour in Seoul, South Korea. During BTS's press conference for their recent album release and concert tour, group leader RM said mentioned that their hit song "IDOL" has two versions; one of which features Nicki Minaj. He revealed how they approach "Anaconda" singer for possible collaboration.

"We thought the song would come alive with Nicki Minaj's rapping, so we sent a request. Nicki Minaj's side accepted, so it came to be," RM revealed (via Soompi). "IDOL" is the lead track of the band's repackaged album Love Yourself: Answer.

RM also thanked Minaj for actively promoting the song. BTS earlier hinted about their collaboration with Minaj when the group shared on Twitter that they love the singer's latest album, Queen.

In other BTS news, the Korean boy band is once again breaking music record after record. The K-pop boy band earlier smashed Taylor Swift's record of most-viewed video within 24 hours on YouTube when "IDOL" garnered over 56 million views on the first day of its release. The MV of Swift's "Look What You Made Me Do" previously held the record with over 43 million views.

Now, "IDOL" music video has surpassed the 70 million views milestone on YouTube in just two days since its release. The group also beat their own record of 70 million views in 3 days and 11 hours. Minaj congratulated BTS for their new achievement. The song already has 77 million views on YouTube as of writing.

Meanwhile, RM, J-Hope, Jin, Suga, Jimin, V, and Jungkook kicked off their Love Yourself world tour at Seoul's Olympic Stadium on August 25. The K-pop idols are heading to the United States to perform for their fans in seven cities in the country. The group will also travel to Europe and Asia to complete their world tour.

While in Los Angeles for the US leg of their tour, the Grammy Museum will be hosting a special event with BTS at the Clive Davis Theater in LA on September 11. The venue only has a 200-seat capacity. It is expected that BTS fans in the West Coast are not prepping to buy their tickets as soon as it goes on sale on August 30.