From kpop to global hip-hop. Former EXO member and actor, Kris Wu, has just signed a global record deal with Universal Music Group. According to UMG, under the agreement, future music will be released internationally, excluding Japan and Korea, through a partnership with Interscope Geffen A&M in the U.S., Island Records in the U.K. and Universal Music China, as well as UMG's operations in more than 60 countries.
The 27-year-old was born in China, raised in Vancouver (Canada), and got his start in the entertainment world in South Korea, as part of the Korean-Chinese kpop group EXO, and its subgroup EXO-M under S.M. Entertainment.
His style is melodic rap, and according to UMG, Kris is the only Chinese artist to reach No. 1 on the U.S. iTunes chart, with the release of the single "Deserve," featuring Travis Scott.
As an actor, Kris Wu has starred in a number of films, including "XxX: Return of Xander Cage" with Vin Diesel. He's also a global brand ambassador for Burberry, the first non-British person chosen to represent the luxury brand. And is also brand ambassadors for McDonald's and BEATS.
In regards to the signing, according to UMG, Kris Wu said,"It's my pleasure to be part of this collaboration with Universal Music Group. I'm enjoying the time to share creative and vision of my music. As a singer-songwriter and producer, the album I'm working on now is elaborately produced and rounded by me and I will keep working to deliver more beautiful works to all my audiences around the world."
You can learn more about Kris Wu in an '11 Facts' article about the megastar from his Power 106 interview back in October. You can find the details here on INLet'sGo!. Also we have video of the Universal Music Group deal signing below.
BREAKING 🚨 Global superstar, @KrisWu signs global recording deal with Universal Music Group. pic.twitter.com/Yp8tDCyJGc— Universal Music Group (@UMG) April 23, 2018