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Rei Ami Unveils 2LOUD and Her K-Pop Demon Hunters Journey in Billboard Interview
Rei Ami, the South Korean‑American singer‑rapper who burst onto the scene with Sub Urban’s 2020 hit “Freak,” opens up about her latest single “2LOUD,” her role in the 2025 animated film K‑Pop Demon Hunters, and the winding road that brought her back to the spotlight in a fresh Billboard News interview.
Published on September 10 2026, the interview comes after a turbulent stretch in the industry. Ami details the creative journey behind “2LOUD,” the experience of lending her voice to Zoey in K‑Pop Demon Hunters, and how the film’s success—highlighted by the chart‑dominating track “Golden,” which topped the Billboard Hot 100 and earned her a Grammy for Best Song Written for Visual Media—has reshaped her career trajectory.
Ami’s musical path began with her debut single “Snowcone” in 2019, followed by the mixtape Foil (June 2021) and the EP Shhh (November 2023). The turning point came when she was featured on Sub Urban’s “Freak,” a track that exploded on TikTok and peaked at number 28 on the Billboard Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart. That exposure opened doors to collaborations with rising artists and set the stage for her later work.
In the interview, Ami reflects on her Maryland roots, where a blend of formal training and self‑directed experimentation shaped her craft. She recounts the early days of recording “Snowcone” and the challenges of navigating an industry that often rewards instant virality over sustained artistry. The “industry whiplash” she mentions refers to the rapid ascent and subsequent setbacks following “Freak’s” viral moment, including a brief record deal that was later dropped.
Perseverance emerges as a central theme. Ami explains that her mixtape Foil and EP Shhh were created from a “diary album” mindset, allowing her to rebuild confidence and refine her sound. She highlights resilience and authenticity as the core of “2LOUD,” a track that embodies her “let me be” attitude.
The conversation turns to K‑Pop Demon Hunters, a 2025 Sony Pictures Animation and Netflix collaboration that fuses K‑pop culture with superhero storytelling. Ami provided the singing voice for the character Zoey, and her performance on the film’s soundtrack helped propel “Golden” to the top of the Billboard Hot 100. The song also earned the Academy Award for Best Original Song, the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song, and the Critics’ Choice Award for Best Song, marking the first K‑pop track to capture a Grammy, an Oscar, and a Golden Globe.
Ami notes that working alongside artists like EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and the K‑Pop Demon Hunters cast expanded her artistic network and taught her the value of “going fully unfiltered.” She applies this philosophy to both her music and public persona.
Beyond the studio, Ami touches on her visual aesthetic, describing the maximalist visuals she uses to convey emotion and color in her music videos. She also references a Comic‑Con rant where she defended her creative choices, underscoring her commitment to self‑expression.
Looking ahead, Ami outlines her plans to keep releasing music that reflects personal growth while exploring film and television opportunities. A new single is slated for early 2027, and she has confirmed a series of live performances across the United States and South Korea later this year.
Rei Ami’s journey—from a TikTok viral moment to a Grammy‑winning soundtrack contribution—illustrates the evolving pathways artists can navigate in today’s music landscape. Her candid discussion of setbacks and resilience offers a window into the challenges and rewards of sustaining a career in an industry that prizes both instant popularity and long‑term artistry.
Published on September 10 2026, the interview comes after a turbulent stretch in the industry. Ami details the creative journey behind “2LOUD,” the experience of lending her voice to Zoey in K‑Pop Demon Hunters, and how the film’s success—highlighted by the chart‑dominating track “Golden,” which topped the Billboard Hot 100 and earned her a Grammy for Best Song Written for Visual Media—has reshaped her career trajectory.
Ami’s musical path began with her debut single “Snowcone” in 2019, followed by the mixtape Foil (June 2021) and the EP Shhh (November 2023). The turning point came when she was featured on Sub Urban’s “Freak,” a track that exploded on TikTok and peaked at number 28 on the Billboard Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart. That exposure opened doors to collaborations with rising artists and set the stage for her later work.
In the interview, Ami reflects on her Maryland roots, where a blend of formal training and self‑directed experimentation shaped her craft. She recounts the early days of recording “Snowcone” and the challenges of navigating an industry that often rewards instant virality over sustained artistry. The “industry whiplash” she mentions refers to the rapid ascent and subsequent setbacks following “Freak’s” viral moment, including a brief record deal that was later dropped.
Perseverance emerges as a central theme. Ami explains that her mixtape Foil and EP Shhh were created from a “diary album” mindset, allowing her to rebuild confidence and refine her sound. She highlights resilience and authenticity as the core of “2LOUD,” a track that embodies her “let me be” attitude.
The conversation turns to K‑Pop Demon Hunters, a 2025 Sony Pictures Animation and Netflix collaboration that fuses K‑pop culture with superhero storytelling. Ami provided the singing voice for the character Zoey, and her performance on the film’s soundtrack helped propel “Golden” to the top of the Billboard Hot 100. The song also earned the Academy Award for Best Original Song, the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song, and the Critics’ Choice Award for Best Song, marking the first K‑pop track to capture a Grammy, an Oscar, and a Golden Globe.
Ami notes that working alongside artists like EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and the K‑Pop Demon Hunters cast expanded her artistic network and taught her the value of “going fully unfiltered.” She applies this philosophy to both her music and public persona.
Beyond the studio, Ami touches on her visual aesthetic, describing the maximalist visuals she uses to convey emotion and color in her music videos. She also references a Comic‑Con rant where she defended her creative choices, underscoring her commitment to self‑expression.
Looking ahead, Ami outlines her plans to keep releasing music that reflects personal growth while exploring film and television opportunities. A new single is slated for early 2027, and she has confirmed a series of live performances across the United States and South Korea later this year.
Rei Ami’s journey—from a TikTok viral moment to a Grammy‑winning soundtrack contribution—illustrates the evolving pathways artists can navigate in today’s music landscape. Her candid discussion of setbacks and resilience offers a window into the challenges and rewards of sustaining a career in an industry that prizes both instant popularity and long‑term artistry.
