Jessi’s career has evolved in stages. There are times when her music is as hot as can be, but also many instances where her celebrity feels on the backburner. I have a huge soft spot for her place in Korean music, as she boasts a fiery charisma that’s different than most idols. It’s always lovely to have her back, even if a song like Newflash isn’t essential to her discography.
I haven’t written about a new Jessi track since 2023, which is a lifetime in K-pop’s fast moving game. That makes Newsflash a true comeback single and a chance for Jessi to showcase her talent to a new generation of listeners. As such, the boastful track is a suitable reintroduction. I like the old-school hip-hop production and Jessi’s voice streamrolls over every lyric with uncontested power. But if I place this within her catalog — even just the rap songs — it sounds a bit slight and unremarkable. “Newsflash” is an obvious and effective conceit and expresses sentiments we’ve heard from her music before. However, I wish the track centered itself around a more colorful hook. The chorus here is serviceable but not particularly memorable.
| Hooks | 7 |
| Production | 8 |
| Longevity | 7 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 7.5 |
