Yoon Mi Rae aka Natasha(Tasha) Shanta Reid is one of Korea’s most influential hip-hop artist/singer. Arriving at the top of Korea’s music world, however, was no easy task for Yoon Mi Rae. Rae a bi-racial child (born in the USA to a Black father and Korean mother) was ridiculed mercilessly as a child in Korea where her father served as a radio DJ in the U.S. Forces in Korea, and provided English voiceovers.
Her agemates bullied her and as she explains, called and shouted “negro,” “Yankee,” at her and asked her to “go home.” Yoon Mi Rae was treated very badly but she held on to her father’s words to be strong and believe in herself. She also turned to music as her solace and for release of deep pent up fear and frustration. The result is music that connects so deeply with millions of fans across Korea and Asia.
Yoon Mi Rae is signed to Jungle Entertainment. Life has become a lot more favorable from her high school days in Korea. She has been a big winner at the Korean Music Awards including her recent wins at the 2008 Korean Music Awards for “Best R&B/Soul” album and “Best R&B/Soul” song, she is married, just had a baby and continues to give her fans beautiful music interlaced with positive messages on perseverance and determination.
