KPop Demon Hunters’ Vocalists Share How Kendrick Lamar Influenced Them

The female lead vocalists of “KPop Demon Hunters” have expressed their musical influences, particularly drawing from Black American hip-hop artists, including Kendrick Lamar.

While the film combines K-Pop elements, singers EJAE, Rei Ami, and Audrey Nuna emphasized that they gained valuable insights from prominent figures in hip-hop, recognizing Lamar’s unique artistry.

Artistry Impact

Rei Ami shared her transformative experience with West Coast rap in high school, appreciating its storytelling and lyricism. She noted, “I learned so much about rhythm through that style.”

EJAE remarked on how Kendrick Lamar’s innovative flow and vocal techniques have shaped her approach to crafting music. “His writing and vocal production have been immense influences on my work,” she stated.

As a result, “KPop Demon Hunters” has become a hot topic on streaming platforms, with its soundtrack recently achieving more than 3 billion streams worldwide.

Success of the Film

Currently trending as Netflix’s most popular English-language film, “KPop Demon Hunters” showcases the lead characters who are demon hunters blending their K-Pop performances with action-driven narratives.

The soundtrack’s standout single, “Golden,” climbed to the top of the Billboard Hot 100, further solidifying the film’s success since its release on June 20.

The movie’s opening weekend saw a historic performance as a sing-along version topped domestic box office charts.

With 5.4 billion minutes watched on Netflix and 2.1 billion on-demand audio and video streams in the U.S., this film’s engagement is remarkable.

Upcoming Live Performance

Excitement builds as the lead vocalists prepare for their first live performance together on “The Tonight Show” scheduled for October 7. They expressed their honor in sharing the stage, with Rei Ami calling the moment “overdue.”

EJAE plays Rumi, while Rei Ami is Zoey and Audrey Nuna sings as Mira, highlighting their vibrant roles in the film produced by Sony Pictures Animation.

The directors of the film, Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, are contemplating a potential sequel amidst Oscar and Grammy buzz, appreciating the recognition they have received.

“Being acknowledged even as potential nominees is truly an honor,” Kang reflected.