Jessica Ho, better known as Jessi, is a Korean-American rapper and singer who has become an inspiration for many young artists. She quickly earned respect in the hip-hop scene thanks to her raw talent and fearless personality. With a thriving career, brand deals, and impressive wealth, the Queens native has cemented her place in music history as one of the most successful female rappers of the 21st century. Read more about her at queenski.com.
Career Journey
Jessica Ho was born on December 17, 1988, in Queens, New York. She grew up in New Jersey and, at just 15, moved to South Korea to pursue music. Jessi passed an audition for SM Entertainment but chose not to sign, feeling the label’s approach didn’t fit her style. In 2005, she debuted with the single album Get Up, and briefly joined the hip-hop group Uptown. Over 1,000 copies of Get Up were sold.
Adjusting to Korean culture wasn’t easy for the New Yorker. After her debut, she struggled with disappointment—she hadn’t found instant success, and her music, heavily influenced by Western sounds, didn’t fully click with local audiences. Money was tight; at times, she slept in saunas because she couldn’t afford rent. In 2009, Jessi released her second single album, The Rebirth, then stepped away from music for five years, returning to the U.S. during that break.
In 2014, she returned to South Korea as part of the hip-hop trio Lucky J. By 2016, Jessi had signed with P Nation, and several of her singles—like Nunu Nana (눈누난나) and Don’t Touch Me—became commercial hits. Nunu Nana, a hip-hop track infused with pop energy, went viral worldwide and climbed to No. 2 on the Gaon Digital Chart. In 2022, Jessi wrapped up a high-profile European tour with stops in Berlin, London, Paris, Oberhausen, and Barcelona.
Beyond her music, Jessi has become a household name through Korean variety shows. She placed second in the first season of Unpretty Rapstar, a competition for female rappers. She later appeared as a judge on High School Rapper and Cap-teen, and even launched her own YouTube talk show. In 2021, she featured on the official remix of Ed Sheeran’s hit Shivers alongside Korean artist Sunmi.
According to K-media outlet ByeolKorea, Jessi’s net worth in 2022 was estimated between $2 million and $4 million. In addition to music sales, streaming, and tours, she also earns from acting gigs and endorsements.
A Face of K-pop
Jessi is part of the K-pop universe, a genre that blends multiple styles of South Korean pop music, including dance, electropop, hip-hop, and R&B. In short, K-pop is a mix of trendy Western sounds and high-energy J-pop influences. It’s known for powerful stage performances, striking visuals, and a culture that’s grown into a global subculture.
True to the spirit of the genre, Jessi uses her music to express raw emotions, opinions, and frustrations. Her songs often blend rap with R&B and pop, with bold lyrics that showcase her individuality. Known for her straightforward personality, she has always embraced a rebellious and free-spirited artistic concept. At the same time, her humor and warmth have helped her win fans all around the world.
Controversies
In 2013, Jessi was detained after an alleged group assault. A Korean-American woman accused Jessi and her friends of attacking her in a Seoul nightclub restroom. Jessi claimed she was only trying to break up the fight and didn’t physically participate. The accuser later dropped the charges after leaving South Korea for the United States.
Another controversy surfaced in 2024, when a fan reported to police that a member of Jessi’s crew punched him after he asked for a photo. Video footage showed Jessi initially trying to stop the altercation before leaving the scene. She later apologized on social media, clarifying that the attacker was an acquaintance of her producer whom she didn’t know personally. Although Jessi wasn’t directly involved, police questioned her for six hours before letting her go.