f5ve Teams Up with Kesha for the Addictive Trap-Pop Single "Sugar Free Venom"
Japanese girl group f5ve unleashed “Sugar Free Venom” featuring Kesha, a standout single from their debut album SEQUENCE 01. This trap-pop banger, described as a “hot girl rap anthem,” blends dance, rock, funk, and hyperpop, delivering a slick, fierce attitude that commands attention, respect, and repeat streams.
With its nostalgic J-pop roots and an edgier grit, the track flaunts f5ve’s versatile skills, positioning it as a top contender for their best work to date. f5ve, comprising J-pop veterans Sayaka, Kaede, Miyuu, Ruri, and Rui, (rebranded from SG5 in 2024), has shed their Sailor Moon-inspired origins for a bold, self-defined vision. Executive produced by BloodPop® (Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber), with contributions from A.G. Cook and AObeats, “Sugar Free Venom” is a chaotic, club-ready anthem.
Kesha’s defiant vocals mesh seamlessly with f5ve’s polished delivery, elevating lyrics about financial independence, dismissing fake friends, and even putting in the work for kitchen renovations—becoming zany, yet empowering in the best way. And more importantly. the chorus, with lines like “Sour, bitter, pour it up, キラ / Heaven, lemon, sugar-free venom,” is an earworm that demands movement.
Directed by Charlotte Rutherford, the music video, released alongside the album, amplifies the track’s energy with bold visuals, dark lighting, and vibrant outfits. Quick cuts and close-ups of f5ve and Kesha, alongside a carefully handled snake (giving off total Britney vibes), create a futuristic yet nostalgic vibe.
Overall, its blend of Y2K J-pop nostalgia, gritty hyperpop, and Kesha’s raw charisma makes it a fierce, unforgettable addition to their impeccable discography, proving f5ve’s potential to dominate the pop music scene. We’re hooked.
