K-pop history was made on Wednesday in South Korea when the first African-American girl group member made her debut.
Alexandra Reid was announced as Rania's sixth member ahead of their return to the Korean music scene later this month. She joined the group as a rapper ahead of their return to the Korean music scene.
Reid is African-American and raised in the United States, becoming the first African-American K-pop girl group member.
On Wednesday, Rania's agency, DR Music, released a music video teaser for the group's upcoming song "Demonstrate," featuring Reid rapping.
On Facebook, Rania's staff revealed Reid to the world.
"[We are] introducing our final member. Her name is Alex," read the Facebook post in English.
Reid was not included in group images with Rania's other members, and promotional images call the group "Rania Five."
According to the Korean media, Reid was unable to arrive to South Korea earlier than a month ago due to visa issues. She will join the other five Rania members for the first time publicly with their comeback performance of "Demonstrate" on "M! Countdown."
Following the announcement, Reid took to Twitter.
"Thank you for having me, Seoul," she wrote. "I am honored and delighted to learn and immerse myself in your culture."
Prior to joining Rania, Reid worked with Def Jam Records, and appeared in Jamie Foxx's "You Changed Me" music video.
"Demonstrate" is Rania's return to the Korean scene following a failed debut in the American market and a failed return to the Korean scene in 2014.
Rania debuted in 2011 and was initially produced by American producer Teddy Riley. Following a variety of line-up changes, Rania currently has six members, including Alexandra Reid. Members Seul-ji and Hye-Me also joined Rania ahead of the comeback.
"Demonstrate" will be released on Nov. 5.
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Tamar Herman is a multi-media journalist and the co-founder of KultScene. She is a freelance writer and copy editor, and has written for MTV Iggy, Noisey, and Paste Magazine.
