2NE1's CL throws up deuces to YG entertainment and leaves

News on ex-2NE1 member CL has been real light. Light being a keyword, because CL is finally seeing it at the end of the desolate tunnel that has been what was supposed to be her solo career. Or at least she hopes, as her contract with YG entertainment is up and a bitch ain't renewing it.

Here's the official statement from YG entertainment.

Hello. This is YG Entertainment.

Respecting each other’s opinions, we came to an agreement with CL to end her exclusive contract.

We express deep gratitude to the fans who have shown for CL, who shined with her activities as an artist of YG.

At YG, CL debuted with 2NE1 in 2009, and while promoting as a leader and rapper, she led trends in various areas including music and fashion. She also left a major mark in the history of K-pop when she became the first Korean solo female artist to chart in the Billboard Hot 100 on October 12, 2016.

We ask for lots of interest and support for CL's new activities, and YG will also cheer her on with unchanging trust and affection.

Thank you.

As much as many of us were here for 2NE1 when they first came onto the scene in 2009, there was a definite countdown for when CL would break off from the group and go solo. It was as clear as Bom's face job that CL was the Beyoncé of the group and that she was not going to spend her entire career in 2NE1.

When 2NE1 disbanded in 2016, folk were sad, but excited for the prospect of each member going solo. Particularly CL. We all figured that her solo roll out would be swift and easy. But fans were in for an awakening, as was CL herself; as CL's solo career never even got off the ground. Despite promises of new music, new albums and worldwide stardom under the management of Scooter Braun, nothing was made of it. We got "Hello bitches", a couple of songs with Diplo, "Lifted", a feature on a Black Eyed Peas track...AND THAT'S ALL FOLKS!

And in that time, YG has debuted Blackpink, had them burn up the K-Pop charts and gain a level of exposure and stardom in the US that many thought CL would've had by now. It must be salt in a wound for CL, as Blackpink don't offer anything that different from 2NE1, and yet have had this huge impact on music outside of South Korea, with a set at Coachella and performances on the biggest late night talk shows in the US - receiving a level of support from YG which he seemed to withhold from her.

It's all messy.

CL has made far more headway as a fashion it girl and staying in the close circles of Jeremy Scott and Alexander Wang than she has as a solo recording artist. It's probably how she's been making her money, because I know it ain't from 2NE1 or "Lifted" streams.

It's a shame to see CL being shelved, because she has so much to give and has that 'it' factor. But it's a reminder than it takes more than talent to make it. And just because you were hot and killing it at one point, doesn't mean you always gon' be able to kill it. CL had a seemingly easy path to becoming a solo megastar and look what ended up happening to her.

Hopefully parting ways with YG entertainment will allow CL to forge a path to where she should have been by now.

If I were Blackpink, I'd side hustle to prep for YG's inevitable backing into the bushes. Because there will hit a point when YG will just leave these girls in limbo and just disband them. YG shows little loyalty to his groups and never seems to know how to finish things nicely and tidily. Just look at how he did Big Bang and 2NE1 despite their massive successes.

Thoughts and prayers.