Rei Ami

Rei Ami, the genre-bending artist known for her unpredictable sound, is much more than just a singer-songwriter and rapper—she's a compelling storyteller who effortlessly bridges musical worlds. From viral TikTok hits to voice acting in animated films, her journey is a testament to raw talent and authentic self-expression. Discover how this multifaceted artist continues to redefine what it means to be a modern musical icon. Rei Ami's unique sound defies genre categorization, blending assertive rap with melodic pop hooks. Her breakout success was fueled by viral moments on TikTok and a distinct visual artistry. Beyond music, she leverages her platform for voice acting and openly discusses mental health struggles, connecting deeply with fans.

Source: Wikipedia

AI Summary

Rei Ami's unique sound defies genre categorization, blending assertive rap with melodic pop hooks.
Her breakout success was fueled by viral moments on TikTok and a distinct visual artistry.
Beyond music, she leverages her platform for voice acting and openly discusses mental health struggles, connecting deeply with fans.

Meet Rei Ami: A Musical Chameleon

Born Sarah Yeeun Lee in Seoul, South Korea, this dynamic artist — known professionally as Rei Ami, pronounced REY-amee — has carved a unique path in the music industry. She's not just a singer-songwriter; she's a rapper, a voice actress, and a master of sonic transformation, blending genres with electrifying results.

From Seoul to Maryland: Early Life and Influences

Rei Ami's story begins in Seoul, but her formative years were spent in Maryland, where her family relocated when she was six. Growing up in a devout Christian household, music was an early and constant companion. She began honing her skills on the piano and guitar, often performing at church services.

Beyond her musical training, Rei Ami has bravely shared her personal challenges, including a diagnosis of depression during her college years. For her, music became more than just a passion; it was a powerful therapeutic outlet, helping her navigate mental health struggles with honesty and resilience.

The Name Behind the Music

Even her stage name, Rei Ami, offers a glimpse into her personality and passions. A self-proclaimed anime fan, she attributes her professional moniker to two iconic characters from Sailor Moon: Hino Rei and Mizuno Ami — the civilian identities of Sailor Mars and Sailor Mercury. It's a playful nod to her creative spirit.

A Sound That Defies Categorization

Rei Ami's musical style is famously unpredictable, a thrilling blend of genres that has earned her a dedicated fanbase and critical acclaim. She moves seamlessly from sharp, assertive rap verses to catchy, melodic pop hooks, creating a sound that is distinctively her own and constantly evolving.

The Rise to Prominence

Breakout Success with "Snowcone"

Her career truly took off with the breakout single "Snowcone" in 2019. Proving that creativity often trumps budget, she filmed its visualizer for under $100. This viral success quickly led to a pivotal moment: signing with Visionary Records, setting the stage for even bigger things.

The Global Phenomenon of "Freak"

In 2020, Rei Ami reached new heights with her collaboration on Sub Urban's track, "Freak." The official music video, directed by Andrew Donoho, dropped alongside Sub Urban's EP, 'Thrill Seeker.' It painted a dark, circus-themed tableau, featuring Rei Ami as a striking snake-human hybrid.

"Freak" wasn't just a hit; it was a sensation. The video amassed over 292 million views on YouTube, while its captivating sound spawned over 3.5 million videos on TikTok. This widespread virality cemented Rei Ami's status as an artist with a potent, undeniable appeal.

Debut Mixtape: "Foil"

Her debut mixtape, "Foil," released in June 2021, showcased the full breadth of her artistic versatility. The project featured impressive collaborations with artists like Aminé on "Do It Right" and Lolo Zouaï on "Cherry Chapstick." It solidified her reputation for crafting dynamic, genre-bending tracks.

Beyond the music charts, Rei Ami also made a memorable appearance on Rihanna's iconic Savage X Fenty Show. This high-profile platform highlighted her growing influence and fashion-forward presence, demonstrating her ability to make an impact across various facets of pop culture.

Voice Acting in KPop Demon Hunters

Looking to 2025, Rei Ami expands her impressive repertoire into voice acting for the animated film KPop Demon Hunters. She lends her distinctive singing and rapping vocals to the character Zoey, contributing to several key songs on the soundtrack, including "Golden," "How It's Done," "What It Sounds Like," and "Takedown."

On the Road: Touring Highlights

Rei Ami's captivating stage presence has also brought her to audiences around the globe. She has toured alongside notable artists, including the 333 Tour with Tinashe in 2021, and made appearances at major events like SXSW 2024, consistently delivering high-energy performances.

A Glimpse into Her Discography

Key Releases

Rei Ami's discography is a testament to her prolific creativity. In addition to her debut mixtape "Foil" and the EP "Shhh," she has released a string of compelling singles that showcase her diverse artistic range, both as a solo artist and in collaborations.

Her solo singles cover a wide spectrum of sounds, from the infectious "Snowcone" to the energetic "Hot One." Each track further establishes her ability to craft memorable and boundary-pushing music.

Make It Mine (2019) Snowcone (2019) Dictator (2019) Runaway (2020) 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) Plaything (featuring Pussy Riot and Kito, 2022) Body Bag (2023)

Rei Ami has also lent her distinct vocals to several notable collaborations, most famously on Sub Urban's "Freak," but also with artists like Marsha Ambrosius and Dillon Francis, expanding her reach across different musical landscapes.

Freak (Sub Urban featuring Rei Ami, 2020) Bye (Marsha Ambrosius featuring Rei Ami, 2020) Rainy (Dillon Francis featuring Rei Ami, 2023)

Charting Success with KPop Demon Hunters

The songs from KPop Demon Hunters, where Rei Ami features as part of the group Huntr/x alongside Ejae and Audrey Nuna, have already seen significant international success. Tracks like "Golden" soared to number one in multiple regions, while others like "How It's Done" and "What It Sounds Like" consistently placed high on charts worldwide, demonstrating the project's global appeal.

Article

Rei Ami

Sarah Yeeun Lee (born May 25, 1995), known professionally as Rei Ami (pronounced RAY-AH-mee), is a South Korean-American singer and rapper.

Ami rose to prominence with her guest performance on Sub Urban's 2020 song "Freak" which gained virality on TikTok. The song peaked at number 28 on the Billboard Hot Rock & Alternative Songs.

She provided the singing voice for the character Zoey in the 2025 film KPop Demon Hunters. "Golden", one of the songs she co-performed for the film, topped the Billboard Hot 100 and charts in other countries. Its accolades include the Critics' Choice Award, Golden Globe Award, and Academy Award for Best Original Song. At the 68th Grammy Awards, the song received four nominations (including Song of the Year) and won Best Song Written for Visual Media; it is the first K-pop song to win a Grammy Award or an Academy Award..

She embarked on her musical career in 2019 with the release of her debut single, "Snowcone". In June 2021, Ami released her debut mixtape, Foil. Two years later in November 2023, her debut extended play (EP) Shhh would be released. Along with a Grammy Award nomination, her other nominations include Best International New Artist and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance.

Early life

Rei Ami

Sarah Yeeun Lee was born on May 25, 1995, in Seoul, South Korea, to two Korean parents. When she was six, her family moved to Germantown, Maryland, United States. She took lessons on piano and guitar. Her parents, devout Christians, paid for tutoring to ensure sure she would perform at church services. She graduated from Northwest High School in Germantown, Maryland in 2014, then from the University of Maryland, College Park in 2018. In a 2020 interview with The Diamondback, Ami described her musical process during the COVID-19 quarantine: "It’s mostly virtual sessions. Every session is different with each producer but, you know, trying to just make it work. And it’s been successful so far."

Career

Rei Ami

visualizer music video of the song "Trippin' Toddlers" by Rei Ami

In 2019, Ami filmed the visualizer for her breakout single "Snowcone" with a budget of under $100. That led to her signing with Visionary Records.

2020–2024: Freak and Foil

The official music video for "Freak" by Sub Urban, featuring Lee, was released on March 13, 2020, alongside Sub Urban's EP Thrill Seeker. The video, which was directed by Andrew Donoho, has a circus-themed background. 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. Lee was featured on Rihanna's Savage X Fenty Show.

Her debut mixtape, Foil, released on June 25, 2021, included collaborations with Aminé on "Do It Right" and Lolo Zouaï on "Cherry Chapstick". The project showed her ability to move between assertive rap verses and melodic pop hooks.

2025: KPop Demon Hunters, new music

On the soundtrack of the 2025 film KPop Demon Hunters, she provided 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).

As of December 2025, she was working on a new album, with plans to release the singles in 2026.

Personal life

Rei Ami

Beyond her musical endeavors, Ami has talked about her personal challenges, including an erroneous diagnosis with depression during her first year of college and her 2022 diagnosis with bipolar disorder. She has called music a therapeutic outlet that has helped her navigate mental health struggles.

Ami is a self-proclaimed anime fan, and in a TikTok, attributed her stage name to the Sailor Moon characters Rei Hino and Ami Mizuno.

Discography

Mixtapes

<table><thead><tr><th>Title</th><th>Details</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Foil</td><td></td></tr></tbody></table>

EPs

<table><thead><tr><th>Title</th><th>Details</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Shhh</td><td></td></tr></tbody></table>

Singles

<table><thead><tr><th>Title</th><th>Year</th><th>Album</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>"Make It Mine"</td><td>2019</td><td>Non-album single</td></tr><tr><td>"Snowcone"</td></tr><tr><td>"Dictator"</td></tr><tr><td>"Runaway"</td><td>2020</td></tr><tr><td>"Mac & Cheese"</td></tr><tr><td>"Do It Right" featuring Aminé</td><td>2021</td><td>Foil</td></tr><tr><td>"That's on You!"</td></tr><tr><td>"F.R.A."</td></tr><tr><td>"Ricky Bobby"</td></tr><tr><td>"Hot One" featuring Leyla Blue and Baby Tate</td><td>Non-album single</td></tr><tr><td>"Plaything" featuring Pussy riot and Kito</td><td>2022</td></tr><tr><td>"Body Bag"</td><td>2023</td><td>Shhh</td></tr></tbody></table>

<table><thead><tr><th>Title</th><th>Year</th><th>Details</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>"Freak" (Sub Urban featuring Rei Ami)</td><td>2020</td><td>Non-album single</td></tr><tr><td>"Bye" (Marsha Ambrosius featuring Rei Ami)</td></tr><tr><td>"Rainy" (Dillon Francis featuring Rei Ami)</td><td>2023</td><td>This Mixtape Is Fire Too</td></tr><tr><td>"I See Red" (lilbubblegum featuring Rei Ami)</td><td>2024</td><td>Non-album single</td></tr></tbody></table>

Other charted songs

<table><thead><tr><th>Title</th><th>Year</th><th>Peak chart positions</th><th>Certifications</th><th>Album</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>US</td><td>AUS</td><td>CAN</td><td>KOR</td><td>MLY</td><td>NZ</td><td>PHL Hot</td><td>SGP</td><td>UK</td><td>WW</td></tr><tr><td>"How It's Done" (with Ejae and Audrey Nuna as Huntrix)</td><td>2025</td><td>8</td><td>7</td><td>9</td><td>10</td><td>9</td><td>8</td><td>12</td><td>9</td><td>9</td><td>5</td><td></td><td>KPop Demon Hunters</td></tr><tr><td>"Golden" (with Ejae and Audrey Nuna as Huntrix)</td><td>1</td><td>1</td><td>1</td><td>1</td><td>1</td><td>1</td><td>2</td><td>1</td><td>1</td><td>1</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>"Takedown" (with Ejae and Audrey Nuna as Huntrix)</td><td>21</td><td>15</td><td>25</td><td>37</td><td>18</td><td>18</td><td>24</td><td>13</td><td>67</td><td>11</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>"What It Sounds Like" (with Ejae and Audrey Nuna as Huntrix)</td><td>15</td><td>12</td><td>15</td><td>44</td><td>7</td><td>10</td><td>17</td><td>8</td><td>13</td><td>7</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>"—" denotes releases that did not chart or were not released in that region.</td></tr></tbody></table>

Filmography

Rei Ami

<table><thead><tr><th>Year</th><th>Title</th><th>Role</th><th>Notes</th><th>Ref.</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>2025</td><td>KPop Demon Hunters</td><td>Zoey (singing voice)</td><td>Netflix original movie</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Saturday Night Live</td><td>Herself</td><td>Season 51, Episode 1 Cameo</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon</td><td>Herself</td><td>Guest and live performer</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>99th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade</td><td>Herself</td><td>Live performance</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve</td><td>Herself</td><td>Live performance</td><td></td></tr></tbody></table>

Tours

Rei Ami

• 333 Tour (with Tinashe) (2021) • Friends:Forever, SXSW 2024

Awards and nominations

Rei Ami

<table><thead><tr><th>Year</th><th>Award</th><th>Category</th><th>Work</th><th>Result</th><th>Ref.</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>2025</td><td>Asia Artist Awards</td><td>Best OST</td><td>"Golden"</td><td>Won</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Hollywood Music in Media Awards</td><td>Song – Onscreen Performance (Film)</td><td>Nominated</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>K-World Dream Awards</td><td>Best OST</td><td>Won</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Korea Grand Music Awards</td><td>Best Virtual Artist</td><td>Nominated</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Los 40 Music Awards</td><td>Best International New Artist</td><td>Huntrix</td><td>Won</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>MAMA Awards</td><td>Best OST</td><td>"Golden"</td><td>Won</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>MTV Video Music Awards</td><td>Song of Summer</td><td>Nominated</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Melon Music Awards</td><td>Song of the Year</td><td>Nominated</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Best OST</td><td>Won</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Variety Hitmakers Awards</td><td>Variety's Hitmakers</td><td>Rei Ami</td><td>Honored</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2026</td><td>Annie Awards</td><td>Outstanding Achievement for Music in a Feature Production</td><td>KPop Demon Hunters</td><td>Won</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Billboard Women in Music</td><td>Billboard Women of the Year</td><td>Huntrix</td><td>Honored</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Brit Awards</td><td>International Group of the Year</td><td>Nominated</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>International Song of the Year</td><td>"Golden"</td><td>Nominated</td></tr><tr><td>Grammy Awards</td><td>Best Pop Duo/Group Performance</td><td>Nominated</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>iHeartRadio Music Awards</td><td>Duo/Group of the Year</td><td>Huntrix</td><td>Won</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Pop Song of the Year</td><td>"Golden"</td><td>Nominated</td></tr><tr><td>K-pop Song of the Year</td><td>Won</td></tr><tr><td>Best Lyrics</td><td>Nominated</td></tr><tr><td>Japan Gold Disc Award</td><td>Song of the Year by Download (Asia)</td><td>Won</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Song of the Year by Streaming (Asia)</td><td>Won</td></tr><tr><td>Korea First Brand Awards</td><td>Hot Icon (Female)</td><td>Huntrix</td><td>Won</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Music Awards Japan</td><td>Song of the Year</td><td>"Golden"</td><td>Longlisted</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Best Anime Song</td><td>Longlisted</td></tr><tr><td>Best K-Pop Song</td><td>Longlisted</td></tr><tr><td>Best K-Pop Artist</td><td>Huntrix</td><td>Longlisted</td></tr><tr><td>Music City Film Critics Association</td><td>Best Original Song</td><td>"Golden"</td><td>Nominated</td><td></td></tr></tbody></table>