CL (rapper)
Lee Chae-rin (born February 26, 1991),[1] better known by her stage name CL, is a South Korean rapper and singer. Born in Seoul, South Korea, she spent much of her early life in Japan and France. She debuted and rose to fame as the leader of the girl group 2NE1 in 2009, which went on to become one of the most popular South Korean girl groups worldwide.[2] As a solo artist, CL made her debut with the single "The Baddest Female" in May 2013 and released the solo track "MTBD" in February 2014 as part of 2NE1's final studio album Crush.
In this Korean name, the family name is Lee.
CL
- Rapper
- singer
- songwriter
2007–present
- YG
- School Boy
- SuneV
- Very Cherry
- Konnect
- Satellite414
I Chae-rin
I Ch'aerin
Following the group's hiatus at the turn of 2015, CL pursued a solo career with the release of the standalone singles "Hello Bitches" (2015) and "Lifted" (2016). The latter single led CL to become the first female Korean solo artist to place onto the Billboard Hot 100, and the third Korean artist to do so overall. In November 2016, YG announced the disbandment of 2NE1 after nearly two years of hiatus, and CL subsequently remained under the label. Shortly after leaving YG in December 2019, she released her solo EP project In the Name of Love (2019), consisting of six tracks written during the three years since her previous single "Lifted". Her debut studio album, Alpha, was released in October 2021.
CL ranked 2nd and 25th on the polls for Time's 100 Most Influential People in the World in 2015 and 2016, respectively. She appeared on the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list (2019) and was named amongst the best girl group members of all time by The Guardian. Beyond the field of music, she is recognized as a style icon by numerous publications worldwide.
Biography[edit]
1991–2008: Early life and career beginnings[edit]
Lee Chae-rin was born in Seoul, South Korea, but spent most of her childhood living in Paris, Tsukuba, and Tokyo.[3] When she was 13, she moved to Paris alone where she studied for two years.[4] On living in different cities while growing up, CL said, "Culturally, I'm not 100 percent Korean. I'm very mixed, and very open."[5] When she was 15, CL auditioned to join South Korean record label YG Entertainment.[4][6] Her first feature on a song recording was Big Bang's "Intro (Hot Issue)" in 2007. Later that year, Lee performed for the first time on stage at Seoul Broadcasting System's Gayo Daejeon alongside her label mates. Her first credited appearance in a song was in 2008, with Uhm Jung-hwa's "DJ," in which she rapped.[7]
Artistry[edit]
CL has cited 1TYM leader Teddy Park, who produced much of 2NE1's music throughout their career, as a source of influence and inspiration. In addition, she has attributed Madonna, Queen, and Lauryn Hill as role models for their unique styles and influence as well as their levels of originality.[6][46][47] Her discography primarily consists of hip hop, dance, and electronic styles, as well as integrating a variety of other genres. Her debut solo single "The Baddest Female" in 2013 was characterized as "a clattering ego massage that channelled Atlanta hip-hop",[48] combining techno and dance elements with the catchphrase "Now do the unnie".[9] The track jumps from a hip-hop beat to an electronica-infused build-up to the dubstep breakdown during the bridge.[49] Her next solo track, "MTBD", was included as part of 2NE1's second studio album Crush (2014) and fused the genres of EDM, hip-pop and bubblegum trap over a tense drum beat, low bass, and a unique synth sound.[50] Billboard stated that: "The beat was trendy yet fresh, employing of-the-moment, trap-inspired breakdowns" and highlighted her "fierce and playful rap and singing style".[51] Fuse TV compared it to the musical styles of DJ Snake's "Turn Down for What", and deemed "MTBD" an upgraded version of the track.[52]
CL continued to pursue hip-hop and electronic styles with the release of "Hello Bitches" in 2015, which featured instrumentations of synthesizers, a heavy 808 bassline, and a strong trap hip-hop beat as the main axis.[53] Her 2016 English-language single "Lifted" marked her entry into reggae fusion, and was characterized as a relatively minimal breezy tropical hip-hop track.[54] Following a period of inactivity, CL released the project EP In the Name of Love in December 2019. Featuring six tracks, Billboard noted that the EP "[shares] a bit of herself, and her past, through its reflective tunes."[55] Stylistically, the record explores a variety of music genres from R&B to rap and tropical dance.[56] In October 2020, CL released the track "Hwa", which references the national flower of South Korea.[57] Rolling Stone commented that "CL's rapping prowess is on full display", as she rides a "booming bass line and snappy snares".[58] The song reflects her individuality, referencing themes of fire, wealth, flower and change.[59] In the track "5 Star", it contrasts the styles of "Hwa" with its love-filled lyrics and channels a more pop vibe.[60]
Other ventures[edit]
Endorsements[edit]
As the leader of 2NE1, CL has appeared in a number of commercials and advertisements for various prominent brands, including Nikon, Intel, Samsung, and LG. Aside from her group endorsements, CL took part as a celebrity model for luxury cosmetic company Lancôme's 'Vision of Beauties' campaign in 2011.[109] The following year, she appeared alongside actor Lee Dong-wook in advertisements for Cass Light Beer, a company who has attracted attention with its TV commercials, and featured the pair in a "Cyber Dance Battle" in a space and Arctic themed environment.[110][111] In 2014, CL landed endorsement deals with Glacéau's Vitamin Water,[112] KGB Lemon Vodka,[113] and appeared alongside bandmate Minzy and Winner in Adidas's #allinfordance advertising campaign.[114] In February of that year, CL was named the face of Maybelline New York and subsequently appeared in multiple commercials for their cosmetic products.[115][116][117] Her endorsement of the Magnum Volume Express mascara soon saw a significant increase in sales, tripling the amount as compared to the previous year, and became known as the "CL mascara".[118][119]