The lead vocalists of Netflix’s animated musical KPop Demon Hunters—EJAE, Rei Ami, and Audrey Nuna—have revealed that their musical influences extend beyond K-pop, crediting influential Black American hip-hop artists like Kendrick Lamar for shaping their artistic styles.
Rei Ami, known for her dynamic blend of rap and R&B, shared that discovering West Coast rap in high school taught her valuable lessons in storytelling, lyricism, and rhythm. She emphasized how Kendrick Lamar’s work, in particular, has had a profound impact on her approach to music. EJAE, who voices the character Rumi in the film, praised Lamar’s unique flow, cadence, and vocal production techniques, noting that she has learned a great deal from his artistry. Audrey Nuna echoed these sentiments, highlighting the influence of Lamar’s innovative sound on her own musical journey.
KPop Demon Hunters has become a global sensation since its release in June 2025. The film follows a K-pop girl group that secretly doubles as demon hunters, blending action, fantasy, and music. Its soundtrack has achieved significant commercial success, with the single “Golden” topping the Billboard Hot 100 and the album reaching RIAA Platinum status.
The vocalists’ acknowledgment of Kendrick Lamar underscores the cross-genre influences that continue to shape contemporary music, bridging the gap between K-pop and American hip-hop.
