Alexandra (DR Music)

At a glance, it might seem a bit strange in the Korean music industry with so many global fans that an African-American idol member can make headlines.

Nevertheless, Alexandra, a 21-year-old musician from New York, is making an online buzz, for being the first black musician in K-pop.

Alexandra has joined Girl group Rania as a new rapper, agency DR Music said on Wednesday.

Alexandra was born in Texas and has been building her musical career in Texas and New York.

According to the agency, the new member was trained from 15 under the American hip-hop label Def Jam, home to A-list artists Kanye West, Jay Z, Rhianna and Drake.

Scott Rodger, Bruno Mars’ manager, was working with Alexandra for her debut until she decided to start her career in Korea, the agency officials said.

“The 6-member group will begin their album activities starting with Thursday’s M! Countdown on Mnet,”

It has become common for Korean entertainment agencies to scout Asian members to expand their presence and popularity in other Asian countries, where K-pop is receiving the most response from.

Currently, JYP Entertainment’s newest girl group TWICE has Chinese, Taiwanese and Japanese members, while Got7 is consisted of members from Taiwan and Hong Kong.


By Suk Gee-hyun (monicasuk@heraldcorp.com)