Rei Ami
{{Short description|American singer-songwriter (born 1995)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2025}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Rei Ami
| image =
| caption =
| birth_name = Sarah Yeeun Lee
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1995|05|25}}
| birth_place = Seoul, South Korea
| module = {{Infobox musical artist
|embed=yes
|instrument={{hlist|Vocals}}
|label=Visionary Records
|origin=United States
|years_active=2019–present
|genre=
{{hlist|Alternative |indie|R&B/soul|hip-hop/rap|alt-pop{{Cite magazine |last=Kress |first=Bryan |date=2020-09-22 |title=Alt-Pop Artist Rei Ami Signs With Visionary Records: Exclusive |url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/alt-pop-artist-rei-ami-signs-with-visionary-records-exclusive/ |access-date=2025-03-09 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US}} }}
|occupation={{Flatlist|
- Musician
- singer
- songwriter
- producer}}
}}
| module2 = {{Infobox YouTube personality|embed=yes
| years_active = 2018–present
| channel_display_name = REI AMI
| channel_id = UCqrgJZq4jMkXJ0-H5DXyM_Q
| subscribers = 162K
| views = 28,446,445
| silver_button = yes
| silver_year = 2020-2023{{cite web|url=https://socialblade.com/youtube/channel/UCqrgJZq4jMkXJ0-H5DXyM_Q/monthly|title=UCqrgJZq4jMkXJ0-H5DXyM_Q Monthly YouTube Statistics|website=Socialblade.com|access-date=January 23, 2024}}
}}
}}
Sarah Yeeun Lee (born May 25, 1995), known professionally as Rei Ami (pronounced REY-amee), is an American singer-songwriter and rapper from Seoul, South Korea. Initially presenting a rap sound, she released her debut studio album, Foil and later rose to prominence with the song "Freak", with Sub Urban in 2020, which gained virality on TikTok. She was also the singing / rapping voice of Zoey from KPop Demon Hunters.
Personal life
Lee was born on May 25, 1995 in Seoul, South Korea{{Cite web |last=Ceccarelli |first=Katey |date=August 23, 2019 |title=REI AMI arrives with sinister glee in "MAKE IT MINE" |url=https://earmilk.com/2019/08/23/rei-ami-arrives-with-sinister-glee-in-make-it-mine/ |access-date=2025-03-29 |website=Earmilk |language=en-US}} and relocated to Maryland, United States with her family at six years old, being of a devout Christian household, she would start music with the instruments piano and guitar. Her parents paid for tutoring making sure she would perform at church services.{{Cite web |title=Rei Ami |url=https://www.lolagrand.com/rei-ami |access-date=2025-03-08 |website=Lola Grand |language=en-US}} Beyond her musical endeavors, REI AMI has been candid about her personal challenges, including her diagnosis with depression during her freshman year of college. She credits music as a therapeutic outlet that has helped her navigate mental health struggles.{{Cite web |last=Ahlgrim |first=Callie |date=2020-02-21 |title=REI AMI was the 'Asian Hannah Montana,' until her coworkers discovered she's a pop star who raps about assassins and sugar daddies |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/rei-ami-interview-runaway-dictator-snowcone-make-it-mine-2020-5 |access-date=2025-03-29 |website=Business Insider |language=en-US}} Rei was an alumna of University of Maryland before she started her musical career.{{Cite web |date=2020-06-09 |title=From Battle of the Bands to newfound fame: A Q&A with REI AMI |url=https://dbknews.com/2020/06/08/rei-ami-battle-of-the-bands-dictator-quarantine-interview/ |access-date=2025-05-17 |website=The Diamondback |language=en-US}}
Musical style
Rei Ami's music is characterized by its unpredictability and genre-blending sound. Her unique style has earned her a dedicated fanbase and recognition within the music industry.{{Cite web |last=Suigetsu |first=DJ |date=2020-10-18 |title=88risingも注目するLo-Fiなエモ系コリアンアメリカンラッパー REI AMI {{!}} DJ水月の変わってそうで変わってない少し変わった音楽 |url=https://djsuigetsu.com/2020/10/18/reiami/ |access-date=2025-03-29 |website=djsuigetsu.com |language=ja}}
Career
= 2019–2020: Beginnings =
Lee filmed the visualizer for her breakout single “Snowcone”{{Cite web |last=Murphy |first=Sam |date=2019-09-25 |title=Rei Ami's 'Snowcone' Puts Her Within Reach Of The Charli XCX Pop Class |url=https://www.theinterns.net/2019/09/26/rei-amis-snowcone-puts-within-reach-charli-xcx-pop-class/ |access-date=2025-03-29 |website=The Interns |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Ahlgrim |first=Callie |title=I spent the day with REI AMI, who just dropped her debut mixtape and is ready to be worshipped |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/rei-ami-interview-foil-debut-mixtape-2021-6 |access-date=2025-03-08 |website=Business Insider |language=en-US}} with a budget of under $100,{{Cite magazine |last=Nazareno |first=Mia |date=2021-06-25 |title=One To Watch: Rei Ami Explains How a Music Video That Cost $50 Changed Her Career |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/rei-ami-foil-mixtape-one-to-watch-interview-9592578/ |access-date=2025-03-08 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US}}{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jI2kWwMG0k |title=REI AMI - SNOWCONE |date=2019-10-15 |last=ＴＲＡＳＨ 新 ドラゴン |access-date=2025-03-08 |via=YouTube}}{{Cite web |title=Rei Ami gets wet in 'Ricky Bobby' music video |url=https://liftedasia.com/article/rei-ami-ricky-bobby |access-date=2025-03-29 |website=liftedasia.com |language=en-US}} which projected to her success, signing to Visionary Records.{{Cite magazine |last=Kress |first=Bryan |date=2020-09-22 |title=Alt-Pop Artist Rei Ami Signs With Visionary Records: Exclusive |url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/alt-pop-artist-rei-ami-signs-with-visionary-records-exclusive/ |access-date=2025-03-08 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Perdomo |first=Ivenuel |date=2020-09-25 |title=Rei Ami Signs With Visionary Records and Teases Her Upcoming Single 'Mac and Cheese' {{!}} Glitter Magazine |url=https://glittermagazine.co/2020/09/24/rei-ami-signs-with-visionary-records-and-teases-her-upcoming-single-mac-and-cheese/ |access-date=2025-03-29 |website=glittermagazine.co |language=en-US}}
= 2020–2024: ''Freak'' and ''Foil'' =
File:Freakbts.jpg The official music video for "Freak" by Sub Urban,{{Cite web |last=Daly |first=Rhian |date=2020-04-15 |title=Sub Urban is the TikTok-conquering star making horror-infused, macabre pop |url=https://www.nme.com/features/nme-radar-breakout-sub-urban-interview-cradles-2646409 |access-date=2025-03-30 |website=NME |language=en-GB}} featuring Lee,{{Cite web |last=Matozzo |first=Marissa |title=Welcome to Sub Urban's Gruesome 'Freak' Show |url=https://www.papermag.com/sub-urban-freak-premiere-tiktok |access-date=2025-03-09 |website=www.papermag.com |language=en |quote=The track itself incorporates the spine-chilling melodies and experimental vocalizations he is becoming recognized for, and also features a solo from South Korean hip-hop artist REI AMI.}}{{Cite magazine |last=Leight |first=Elias |date=2020-10-12 |title=How Do You Predict the Next TikTok Music Hit? With a Ton of Data |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/pro/features/tiktok-influencers-music-sub-urban-1070875/ |access-date=2025-03-30 |magazine=Rolling Stone |language=en-US |quote=In mid-August, the dominoes started to fall, a number of TikTok’s biggest names used “Freak” in videos, and the track is currently on its way to becoming Sub Urban’s second hit, with more than 3.5 million TikTok videos.}}{{Cite web |last=Serra |first=Maria |title=10 artists you've heard on TikTok who you actually need to listen to |url=https://www.altpress.com/popular-tiktok-songs-alternative/ |access-date=2025-03-09 |website=Alternative Press Magazine |language=en-US |quote=Recently, he released his debut EP, Thrill Seeker, featuring hit single and second TikTok phenomenon “Freak” featuring REI AMI.}} was released on March 13, 2020, alongside the former's EP, Thrill Seeker.{{Cite web |last=Audio |first=A. B. C. |title=Sub Urban brings tentacles to a gunfight in new video for "Cirque" |url=https://southernillinoisnow.com/2021/03/03/sub-urban-brings-tentacles-to-a-gunfight-in-new-video-for-cirque/ |access-date=2025-03-30 |website=South Central Illinois' News, Sports and Weather Station |language=en}} The video, which was directed by Andrew Donoho, has a circus-themed background. REI AMI is depicted as a snake-human hybrid. On YouTube, the video has had over 292 million views and over 3.5 million videos on Tiktok.
Her debut mixtape, Foil, released on June 25, 2021, showcases her versatility, featuring collaborations with artists like Aminé on "Do It Right",{{Cite web |last=Riddell |first=Rose |date=2021-03-05 |title=Listen: REI AMI's new song 'do it right' featuring Aminé. |url=https://www.coupdemainmagazine.com/rei-ami/17419 |access-date=2025-03-29 |website=Coup De Main Magazine |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Findlay |first=Mitch |date=2021-03-08 |title=REI AMI & Aminé Connect For "Do It Right" |url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/315593-rei-ami-and-amin-connect-for-do-it-right-new-song |access-date=2025-03-29 |website=HotNewHipHop |language=en}} and Lolo Zouaï on "Cherry Chapstick".{{Cite web |last=Ginsberg |first=Gab |date=2021-06-25 |title=REI AMI Breaks Down Debut Mixtape FOIL Track by Track: Exclusive |url=https://consequence.net/2021/06/rei-ami-foil-mixtape-breakdown/ |access-date=2025-03-08 |website=Consequence |language=en}} The project underscores her ability to seamlessly navigate between assertive rap verses and melodic pop hooks. Lee was also featured on Rihanna's Savage X Fenty Show.{{Cite magazine |date=2020-10-02 |title=Tracking All the Stars in Rihanna's Savage x Fenty Vol. 2 Show |url=https://www.harpersbazaar.com/celebrity/latest/g34239597/savage-x-fenty-cast/ |access-date=2025-03-29 |magazine=Harper's BAZAAR |language=en-US |quote=Sean Lyles, Lyric Mariah, Tabria Majors, Aleali May, Sage White, Memphis Murphy, Vanessa Romo, Rei Ami, Miss 5th Ave, James Baek, Souizz, and Margie Plus - Number 31}}
= 2025: ''KPop Demon Hunters'' =
Rei Ami is featured on the soundtrack of the 2025 film KPop Demon Hunters.{{Cite web |last=Parlevliet |first=Mirko |date=2025-04-24 |title=KPop Demon Hunters First Look From Netflix and Sony Pictures Animation |url=https://www.vitalthrills.com/kpop-demon-hunters-first-look-from-netflix-and-sony-pictures-animation/ |access-date=2025-05-20 |website=Vital Thrills |language=en-US}} She voices the singing and rapping vocals for the character Zoey, in the songs "Golden", "How It's Done", "What It Sounds Like" and "Takedown" (soundtrack version).
Tours
As a co-headliner
- 333 Tour (with Tinashe) (2021){{Cite web |last=Hatfield |first=Amanda |title=Tinashe announces fall tour, prepping new album '333' |url=https://www.brooklynvegan.com/tinashe-announces-fall-tour-prepping-new-album-333/ |access-date=2025-03-29 |website=BrooklynVegan |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Folk |first=Antwane |date=2021-07-12 |title=Tinashe Announces '333 Tour' Dates |url=https://ratedrnb.com/2021/07/tinashe-announces-333-tour-dates/ |access-date=2025-03-29 |website=Rated R&B |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Brodsky |first=Rachel |date=2021-07-12 |title=Tinashe Unveils North American Fall 2021 Tour Dates |url=https://uproxx.com/music/tinashe-2021-tour-dates-333/ |access-date=2025-03-29 |website=UPROXX |language=en-US}}
- Friends:Forever, SXSW 2024{{Cite web |last=Gwee |first=Karen |date=2024-02-22 |title=SXSW 2024: Thuy and SE SO NEON lead Friends:Forever showcase of Asian talent |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/sxsw-2024-friends-forever-jaded-showcase-asian-talent-lineup-3591154 |access-date=2025-03-29 |website=NME |language=en-GB}}{{Cite web |last=Pinto |first=Julia |date=2024-03-06 |title=Jaded Presents FRIENDS:FOREVER Showcase at SXSW 2024 |url=https://www.sxsw.com/music/2024/jaded-presents-friendsforever-showcase-at-sxsw-2024/ |access-date=2025-03-29 |website=SXSW |language=en-US}}
Discography
= Mixtapes =
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"
! scope="col" | Title ! scope="col" | Details |
| scope="row" |Foil
| |
|---|
= EPs =
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"
! scope="col" | Title ! scope="col" | Details |
| scope="row" |Shhh{{Cite web |last=Go |first=Mayks |date=2024-03-15 |title=Rei Ami On SXSW's FRIENDS:FOREVER And Her 'Rage Pop' Music |url=https://billboardphilippines.com/music/features/rei-ami-on-performing-for-jadeds-friendsforever-at-sxsw-and-her-music-of-rage-pop-i-get-angry-because-i-care/ |access-date=2025-03-09 |website=billboardphilippines.com |language=en-US}}
|
|
|---|
= Singles =
As lead artist
- "Make It Mine" (2019)
- "Snowcone" (2019)
- "Dictator" (2019){{Cite web |title=REI AMI shows her duality on Dictator |url=https://www.thefader.com/2019/11/11/rei-ami-dictator |access-date=2025-03-08 |website=The Fader |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Riddell |first=Rose |date=2020-01-23 |title=Interview: 2020 Must-Know - Rei Ami |url=https://www.coupdemainmagazine.com/rei-ami/16308 |access-date=2025-03-29 |website=Coup De Main Magazine |language=en}}
- "Runaway" (2020){{Cite web |last=Riddell |first=Rose |date=2020-02-28 |title=Listen: Rei Ami's new single 'Runaway'. |url=https://www.coupdemainmagazine.com/rei-ami/16390 |access-date=2025-03-29 |website=Coup De Main Magazine |language=en}}
- "Mac & Cheese" (2020)
- "Do It Right" (featuring Aminé, 2021)
- "That's on You!" (2021)
- "F.R.A." (2021)
- "Ricky Bobby" (2021)
- "Hot One" (featuring Leyla Blue and Baby Tate, 2021){{Cite magazine |title=Leyla Blue on Her "Hot One" Video With Rei Ami, Baby Tate |url=https://www.papermag.com/leyla-blue-hot-one#rebelltitem9 |access-date=2025-03-29 |magazine=Paper |language=en}}
- "Plaything" (featuring Pussy Riot and Kito, 2022)
- "Body Bag" (2023){{Cite web |title=Rei Ami Returns to Slay in Delightfully Dark Single "Body Bag" |url=https://www.onestowatch.com/en/blog/rei-ami-slays-on-delightfully-dark-single-body-bag |access-date=2025-03-29 |website=Ones to Watch |language=en}}
As featured artist
- "Freak" (Sub Urban featuring Rei Ami, 2020)
- "Bye" (Marsha Ambrosius featuring Rei Ami, 2020)
= Other charted songs =
Notes
{{notelist-ua}}
References
{{Reflist}}
Category:American musicians of Korean descent
Category:American rappers of Asian descent
Category:University of Maryland, College Park alumni
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