2NE1's CL to make U.S. solo debut

CL of South Korean hip-hop girl group 2NE1 will make her solo debut in the U.S., the rapper's agency said Wednesday.

CL will release her first solo English EP "Lifted" on Friday (U.S. time), with the aim of getting on the U.S. pop music market, YG Entertainment said in a press release.

In 2014, CL signed with Scooter Braun's label SB Projects. Braun is also in charge of the U.S. management of Psy, a globally recognized K-pop artist of YG Entertainment.

As a pregame to her official U.S. debut, the singer-rapper rolled out the promotional song "Hello Bitches" and performed for fans at the Mad Decent Block Party, a concert hosted by the record label Mad Decent, known for the label head DJ Diplo.

"With 'Hello Bitches' having topped the global music streaming service provider Spotify, CL has proven her influence over Asia and the U.S.," said a YG Entertainment official, hoping the musician's debut EP will be well-received. (Yonhap)