The lead vocalists behind the global animated hit “KPop Demon Hunters“ have revealed that their musical inspirations extend far beyond the world of K-pop, citing American hip-hop artist Kendrick Lamar as a major influence on their work. In recent interviews, the singers explained how Lamar’s artistry helped shape the chart-topping soundtrack.
The film, which has become one of Netflix‘s most popular English-language films, features a soundtrack that has dominated music charts, with its breakout hit “Golden” reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
The Hip-Hop Influence on a K-Pop Soundtrack
While the animated movie is set in the world of K-pop, the real-life vocalists for the main characters said they draw significant inspiration from Black American hip-hop artists. EJAE, Rei Ami, and Audrey Nuna specifically highlighted the impact of Kendrick Lamar, as well as Missy Elliott and Doechii, on their musical styles.
Korean American rapper and singer Rei Ami shared that her discovery of West Coast rap was a formative experience. “I think I discovered West Coast rap in high school, and I learned a lot about storytelling, lyricism and rhythm,” she said.
EJAE, who co-wrote and performs the hit song “Golden,” pointed to Lamar’s technical skill as a key influence. She described his “flow, cadence, his way of writing, his way of vocal producing,” adding, “I learned a lot from that.”
A Surprise Animated Smash Hit
“KPop Demon Hunters”, directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans and produced by Sony Pictures Animation, was released on June 20. The film follows the story of HUNTR/X, a famous K-pop girl group whose members—Rumi, Mira, and Zoey—lead a secret double life as demon hunters protecting the world from supernatural threats.
The movie has proven to be a massive success for Netflix. By late September, the action-packed film had earned a total of 5.4 billion minutes watched on the platform in the U.S. alone. Its soundtrack has been a monumental success, generating more than 3 billion global streams to date. According to Luminate, it is the most-consumed soundtrack in the U.S. so far this year.
The film’s popularity was further cemented when a sing-along version topped the domestic box office during its opening weekend on August 23 and 24, a reported first for Netflix.
From Recording Studio to Live Stage
The success of the soundtrack is propelling the vocalists from the recording booth into the spotlight. The three singers confirmed they will perform their hit song “Golden” together for the first time live on “The Tonight Show” on October 7.
“It’s official,” the singers said in unison when confirming their upcoming live performance debut.
Rei Ami expressed her excitement about sharing the stage with her colleagues, stating, “These girls, it’s an honor being on stage with them.” She noted that for her, this landmark moment feels “overdue.”
EJAE provides the singing voice for the group’s lead character, Rumi. Rei Ami is the vocalist for Zoey, and Audrey Nuna sings for Mira. The vocalists’ work has been central to the film’s appeal, with the soundtrack being described as “catchy” and “proper earworm material” by viewers.
Awards Buzz and Future Possibilities
With the film continuing to trend worldwide and its soundtrack breaking records, the directors have acknowledged the growing Oscar and Grammy awards buzz.
“It’s an honor to be even recognized, to be potential nominees,” director Maggie Kang said.
Both Kang and Appelhans confirmed they are considering a potential sequel as they look to the future, though they are currently focused on their busy schedules. The film’s achievement marks a significant moment for animation and the global reach of K-pop-inspired music, showing how diverse musical influences can create a worldwide phenomenon.
Also Read: KPop Demon Hunters 2: Will Fan Theories Shape the Sequel? Director Maggie Kang Responds
