KPop Demon Hunters Lead Vocalists Gain Inspiration and Insight from Kendrick Lamar
KPop Demon Hunters: A Fusion of K-Pop and Black American Hip-Hop Influences
KPop Demon Hunters Gains Global Popularity on Netflix
The animated film “KPop Demon Hunters” has emerged as a global sensation, currently ranking as Netflix’s most popular English-language film. Directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, the movie has sparked widespread interest with its unique blend of K-pop and action-packed adventures.
Black American Hip-Hop Influences on KPop Demon Hunters Soundtrack
The lead vocalists of “KPop Demon Hunters,” EJAE, Rei Ami, and Audrey Nuna, have drawn significant musical inspiration from renowned Black American hip-hop artists such as Kendrick Lamar, Missy Elliott, and Doechii. This influence is evident in their storytelling, lyricism, and rhythmic styles. Rei Ami, a Korean American rapper and singer, noted the impact of discovering West Coast rap in high school on her musical development.
Record-Breaking Soundtrack Domination
The “KPop Demon Hunters” soundtrack has proven to be a chart-topping success. With over 3 billion global streams, the soundtrack’s hit track “Golden” climbed to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, as reported by Netflix in August. Luminate confirmed that the soundtrack is the most-consumed in the U.S. this year, based on album sales and streaming equivalents.
Sing-Along Version Leads Box Office and Streaming Stats
The sing-along version of the movie captivated audiences during its opening weekend on August 23 and 24, topping the domestic box office. The film garnered 2.1 billion on-demand audio and video streams in the U.S. and achieved 5.4 billion minutes watched on Netflix in the country by late September.
Upcoming Live Performance on The Tonight Show
Adding to their list of firsts, EJAE, Rei Ami, and Audrey Nuna are set to perform “Golden” live for the first time on “The Tonight Show” on October 7. This highly anticipated performance marks an exciting milestone for the group, as Rei Ami expressed her enthusiasm for taking the stage alongside her fellow vocalists.
The Story of HUNTR/X
The movie, released on June 20, follows the adventures of a K-pop girl group named HUNTR/X. Comprised of members Rumi, Mira, and Zoey, the group doubles as demon hunters. EJAE lends her voice to Rumi, co-writing and performing “Golden” with Rei Ami as Zoey, and Audrey Nuna as Mira. Produced by Sony Pictures Animation, the film offers an engaging mix of music and fantasy.
Potential Sequel and Acclaim
As “KPop Demon Hunters” trends, directors Kang and Appelhans are contemplating the possibility of a sequel. While they navigate their demanding schedules, they express gratitude for the Oscar and Grammy awards consideration the film has received. Kang describes the recognition as an honor, reflecting on the potential impact the film may have in global entertainment.
