2NE1 CL Release Solo Album in US on 2015: What to Expect From the South Korean Pop Star?
Blackjacks in the U.S. can finally rejoice: YG Entertainment has confirmed that 2NE1 leader, CL, will debut as a solo artist in the country soon.
According to allkpop, Star News insiders first hinted on CL's possibility of pursuing a career in the U.S. -- until YG affirmed, "It's true that CL is releasing a new solo track in the States next spring."
How CL debuts in the American market might somehow depend on Scooter Braun, the manager of Justin Bieber, Ariana Grande and fellow-YG artist Psy. Hollywood Life reported that CL herself has announced teaming up with Braun.
With Psy's huge success in "Gangnam Style" and "Gentleman," the 2NE1 leader might actually stand a chance of making it big, too.
CL was praised by Braun back in April 2013 for her rapping skills and fashion style, wrote YG United. As CL is fluent in English, no communication problem seems apparent at this point.
It must be noted that CL, although a leader of an established group heading Dara, Minzi and Bom, is set to debut as a solo artist. In a report by KpopStarz, her U.S. album is already in the works. This follows the previous launch of her solo career in Korea with "The Baddest Female" in 2013.
2NE1 made their debut in Korea in 2009 with "Fire" under YG Entertainment. YG is home to other popular KPop artists such as Psy, Big Bang (TOP, G-Dragon, Tae Yang, Seung Ri and Dae Sung), Lee Hi, Akdong Musician, Se7en and Kang Seung Yoon.
YG is one of Korea's top talent agencies, rivaling SM Entertainment (Girls Generation, Super Junior, SHINee, F(x), EXO and Red Velvet) and JYP Entertainment (Wonder Girls, 2PM, 2AM, Miss A, Sunmi, JJ Project, Got7 and Baek Ah Yeon). Many other artist management agencies are producing talents over time in Korea, and it is a common trend for members of a certain group to either form sub-units or launch solo careers.
Born on Feb. 26, 1991, CL (Chae Rin Lee) knows Korean, English, Japanese and French. Aside from her performing talent, YG Ladies wrote that she can also pen lyrics and draw. She was reported to have traveled a lot with her family. Her first solo discography was a featured participation in G-Dragon's "Hot Issue," dated 2007.
CL was also reported to have made several appearances in the U.S. last year, meeting "Happy" singer Pharrell Williams and fellow female rappers, Nicki Minaj and MIA. She has also signed a deal with Maybelline New York.
Watch 2NE1's latest MV "Come Back Home" below.