Kpop girl group Rania, is back with all new music and a new member. Their new song, "Demonstrate," is the first song off of their new mini album of the same title. Their sixth member, Alex, is a bi-racial, American rapper/singer. This is huge because this is the first time a Kpop group has had a member that is not at least part Asian, (Alex's mother is white while her father is black.)
Many Rania fans are skeptical of their new music and of Alex. Part of the skepticism comes from those who are under the impression that Alex is not a solid member of the group, but a gimmick to help them connect to a larger international audience. Some feel that the music and music videos are unnecessarily sexual, as high sexuality is used as a tactic to gain the attention of a western audience.
The music is really no different than what you would usually hear from a Kpop group, but there is validity in that argument about Alex. She seemed disconnected in the recent music video for their new song, "Demonstrate." Rumor has it that Alex didn't appear in the video directly with the group due to not being able to gain entry into Korea, (apparently due to visa issues). According to Billboard, Alex is only listed as a group member on Rania's Instagram page and not their official Facebook page. It has also been reported that Alex has no real knowledge of the Korean language.
Its true that Rania has been trying to win over the western audiences since the groups' initial formation. Rania's debut song, "Dr. Feel Good"--a song that was produced by Teddy Riley--was created in the hopes of capturing the American pop music market. Unfortunately, the song was not well received by fans and critics. Maybe the song and new album will be a hit. If that happens, it will show fans that Alex is just what Rania needs to succeed in America and the world.
What do you think of their new video and song? Does new member Alex fit in?
