Somi was the first K-pop artist to make an official debut under The Black Label. Her solo debut came with the single album "Birthday" in 2019.
Born Jeon Somi in 2001, she first became widely known after winning the first season of the audition program "Produce 101." She then debuted in the temporary project group I.O.I in 2016 before leaving JYP Entertainment and signing with The Black Label, a YG Entertainment-associated company led by producer Teddy.
Somi's debut track "Birthday" was produced by Teddy and introduced her as a soloist rather than as part of a new idol group. This distinction matters because The Black Label later signed or debuted other prominent artists, but Somi was its first K-pop artist to officially launch a recording career under the label. Her follow-up releases helped establish the agency's identity beyond its producer-led beginnings.