KPop Demon Hunters’ Vocalists Share Lessons from Kendrick Lamar

LOS ANGELES — The lead singers from the animated film “KPop Demon Hunters,” EJAE, Rei Ami, and Audrey Nuna, primarily draw inspiration from K-Pop artists. However, they also look up to influential Black American hip-hop figures such as Kendrick Lamar, Missy Elliott, and Doechii.

Korean American rapper Rei Ami recalled discovering West Coast rap in high school, noting how it influenced her songwriting and rhythm. “I learned a lot about storytelling, lyricism, and rhythm,” she shared.

All three vocalists mentioned that Kendrick Lamar’s work has significantly shaped their musical approaches. EJAE expressed admiration for Lamar’s intricate flow and vocal production techniques.

The Success of “KPop Demon Hunters”

Directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, “KPop Demon Hunters” is currently trending worldwide on Netflix. The soundtrack has achieved over 3 billion global streams, with the hit song “Golden” reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

According to Netflix, the film is now its most popular English-language film. A sing-along version even topped the domestic box office during its opening weekend, marking a notable achievement for the streaming platform.

The movie has amassed 2.1 billion on-demand audio and video streams across all platforms in the U.S., accumulating a staggering 5.4 billion minutes viewed on Netflix by late September.

Upcoming Live Performance

On October 7, the vocalists are set to perform “Golden” on “The Tonight Show,” marking their first live performance together. “It’s official,” they stated in unison, excited about the momentous occasion.

For Rei Ami, being on stage with her fellow singers feels overdue: “It’s an honor being on stage with them.”

The film follows the K-pop girl group HUNTR/X, comprising characters Rumi, Mira, and Zoey, who balance their K-pop careers while battling demons.

EJAE lends her voice to lead character Rumi, contributing to the co-writing of “Golden,” which she performs alongside Rei Ami and Audrey Nuna.

What’s Next for the Directors?

As the movie continues to gain traction, directors Kang and Appelhans are considering potential sequels while managing their busy schedules.

Both directors expressed gratitude for the recognition they’ve received, noting the buzz surrounding Oscar and Grammy nominations. “It’s an honor to even be recognized as potential nominees,” Kang remarked.