The Unfiltered Queen's New Reign: 5 Shocking Details About Jessi And Her Independent Label UNNI

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The K-Pop world is once again buzzing with the unfiltered energy of Jessi, the Korean-American rapper and singer who has never been afraid to speak her mind. As of December 2025, the phrase "Jessi and" is synonymous with a dramatic new chapter: a powerful return to the music scene under her own independent banner. After a significant hiatus and a much-publicized departure from her former agency, Jessi has not only launched her own label, UNNI COMPANY, but has also fired a musical "NEWSFLASH" that signals a new era of artistic control and raw, unbridled creativity. This is the definitive, most up-to-date look at the rapper's bold new ventures and the controversies that paved the way for her independent reign.

Following a year of silence and speculation, Jessi’s latest moves confirm her status as a music industry powerhouse who writes her own rules. Her recent signing with the general entertainment company DOD, coupled with the establishment of her personal label, provides the perfect platform for her highly anticipated comeback. From the meaning behind her new label's name to the A-list rapper she collaborated with on her new single, here is everything you need to know about Jessi’s independent leap and what it means for her future.

Jessica Ho: A Complete Biography and Career Profile

Jessi, born Jessica Ho, is one of the most recognizable and influential figures in the South Korean music and entertainment industry. Known for her powerful rap style, distinctive raspy vocals, and unapologetic personality, her journey has been marked by both controversy and immense success.

  • Full Name: Jessica Ho (Korean Name: Ho Hyun-joo)
  • Mononym: Jessi (제시)
  • Former Stage Name: Jessica H.O.
  • Date of Birth: December 17, 1988
  • Birthplace: New York, New York, U.S.
  • Hometown/Upbringing: Raised in New Jersey, U.S.
  • Debut: 2005, with the single album ‘Get Up’
  • Key Groups: Former member of the hip-hop group Uptown (2006) and the hip-hop trio Lucky J (2014-2016).
  • Breakthrough: Gained mainstream popularity after appearing on the first season of Mnet's hip-hop competition show, Unpretty Rapstar (2015).
  • Signature Hits: "Ssen Unni" (쎈언니), "Gucci," "NUNU NANA," "ZOOM," and "Cold Blooded."
  • Variety Show Dominance: Became a household name through her appearances on shows like Sister's Slam Dunk and her own viral talk show, Jessi's Showterview, solidifying her "unnie" (older sister) persona.
  • Former Agency: P Nation (Founded by Psy), which she left in July 2024.
  • Current Label/Agency (2025): Independent label UNNI COMPANY under management contract with DOD.

1. The Real Reason Jessi Left Psy's P Nation: Creative Differences and New Direction

Jessi's departure from P Nation, the agency founded by global star Psy, was one of the biggest K-Pop industry stories of 2024. The separation, which occurred in July, was initially shrouded in speculation, but Jessi later clarified the motives, citing a desire for greater creative freedom and a new artistic direction.

While her time at P Nation produced some of her biggest global hits, including "NUNU NANA" and "ZOOM," the rapper revealed that she felt a growing misalignment with the label’s vision.

The core of the issue was a shift in her personal focus. Jessi expressed a strong desire to transition her career to focus more on her singing abilities, which she felt were overshadowed by her powerful rap image. This creative divergence, combined with a need to prioritize her mental health and take a necessary hiatus from the spotlight, ultimately led to her amicable, though shocking, exit from P Nation.

Her decision to leave a major, established label like Psy’s to pursue an independent path is a testament to her unwavering commitment to authenticity and self-direction, setting the stage for her 2025 comeback.

2. UNNI COMPANY and DOD: The Power of the Independent "Unnie"

The biggest update in the "Jessi and" narrative is the establishment of her own independent label, UNNI COMPANY, followed by a label and management contract with the general entertainment company DOD.

The name of her label, UNNI COMPANY, is a direct nod to her iconic public persona. "Unni" is a Korean term used by a younger female to address an older female, but in the context of Jessi, it has become a symbol of her strong, confident, and mentoring "older sister" image in the industry.

By launching her own label, Jessi gains complete creative control over her music, image, and schedule—a critical move for an artist who values personal expression above all else. The partnership with DOD provides the necessary infrastructure for management, distribution, and promotion, allowing her to focus purely on the art. This strategic alliance ensures that she can maintain her independence while still having the backing of a professional management system, marking a new, powerful phase in her career.

3. The Global Comeback: 'NEWSFLASH' and the Jadakiss Collaboration

Jessi’s highly anticipated return to the music scene culminated in the release of her digital single, "NEWSFLASH," on June 27, 2025.

The track is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it is the debut release under her new UNNI COMPANY, officially kicking off her independent journey.

Secondly, "NEWSFLASH" is a powerful hip-hop track that directly addresses her hiatus and her triumphant return to the spotlight, with lyrics that unravel the journey of a comeback.

Most notably, the single features a collaboration with legendary American rapper Jadakiss. This high-profile international feature immediately elevated the track's global profile and reinforced Jessi's strong ties to the American hip-hop scene, where she was born and raised. The collaboration with Jadakiss is a clear statement that Jessi is aiming for a global reach with her new music, blending her unique Korean-American identity.

4. Upcoming EP: 'P.M.S (Pretty Mood Swings)' and New Musical Tone

Adding to the excitement of her comeback, Jessi is set to release a new EP titled 'P.M.S (Pretty Mood Swings)' on the 12th of an unspecified month following her single release.

The title itself, 'P.M.S,' is a classic Jessi move—bold, attention-grabbing, and slightly provocative, yet given a positive, empowering twist: "Pretty Mood Swings." This new project is expected to further showcase the new musical tone she is pursuing. While her past hits were often characterized by hard-hitting rap and dance-pop elements, her focus on singing suggests that the EP will explore a broader range of genres and vocal styles, fulfilling her desire for a more diverse artistic expression.

Fans are eagerly anticipating how 'P.M.S' will reflect her year-long break and her new independent mindset, with the expectation that the tracks will be deeply personal and reflective of her growth as an artist.

5. The Unfiltered Controversy: Calling Out Podcasters and Fan Allegations

Even during her comeback, Jessi’s journey has been marked by her signature unfiltered honesty and a few controversies. In the lead-up to "NEWSFLASH," Jessi made headlines for candidly calling out podcasters for not doing adequate research before discussing her, highlighting her frustration with the media's tendency to focus on superficial details rather than her music and career achievements.

Furthermore, her return to South Korea was noted in the media as following a period where she faced controversy over allegations of witnessing a fan assault. While details remain murky, Jessi’s resilience in the face of public scrutiny is one of her defining characteristics. She consistently uses her platform to challenge industry norms and demand respect for her work, reinforcing her image as a defiant and self-assured artist.

The combination of her new label UNNI COMPANY, the management support from DOD, her international collaboration with Jadakiss, and the promise of the 'P.M.S (Pretty Mood Swings)' EP, all confirm that Jessi is not just back; she is in complete control. Her independent move is a major "NEWSFLASH" for the K-Pop industry, proving that true power comes from owning your narrative and your art.

The Unfiltered Queen's New Reign: 5 Shocking Details About Jessi and Her Independent Label UNNI
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