The animated film “KPop Demon Hunters” is making waves, not just for its engaging storyline but also for the musical talents behind it. Lead vocalists EJAE, Rei Ami, and Audrey Nuna have revealed that while their artistic style is influenced by K-Pop, they also draw inspiration from iconic Black American hip-hop artists such as Kendrick Lamar, Missy Elliott, and Doechii.
Rei Ami shared, “I think I discovered West Coast rap in high school, and I learned a lot about storytelling, lyricism and rhythm.” The influence of Kendrick Lamar is particularly notable, with both EJAE and Rei Ami praising his musical style. EJAE remarked, “His flow is insane, cadence, his way of writing, his way of vocal producing, I learned a lot from that,” highlighting the impact of Lamar’s work on their creative processes.
“KPop Demon Hunters,” directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, is currently available on Netflix and has gained significant popularity, trending globally. With its soundtrack surpassing 3 billion global streams and breakout single “Golden” reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, the film exemplifies the growing fusion of K-Pop and global music influences.
This production not only showcases a strong commitment to diverse storytelling but also cements the collaboration between K-Pop and hip-hop, highlighting how cross-cultural inspirations can generate exciting new artistic expressions. As the series continues to capture audiences worldwide, it signifies a positive shift towards more inclusive narratives in entertainment, with the potential to inspire future projects that blend genres and cultures harmoniously.