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Jhené Aiko: The Soulful Songstress of Contemporary R&B

June 18, 2024

Jhené Aiko Efuru Chilombo, known professionally as Jhené Aiko, has become a defining voice in contemporary R&B with her ethereal vocals, deeply personal lyrics, and genre-blending sound. Born on...

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Billie Eilish says she cried after performing ‘The Greatest’ for the first time

June 18, 2024

Billie Eilish has opened up about the emotional experience of performing her new song “The Greatest” for the first time. Her latest album, Hit Me Hard And Soft, was released on May 17, and Eilish...

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Billie Eilish responds to Lana Del Rey calling her the “voice of our generation”

June 18, 2024

Billie Eilish has responded to Lana Del Rey’s recent declaration that she is the “voice of our generation.” Eilish made a special surprise appearance during Del Rey’s headlining set at Coachella’s...

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Lana Del Rey has spoken out on her “fight” with “stalkers” in Paris: “Don’t follow me

June 18, 2024

Lana Del Rey has spoken out following her “fight” with “stalkers” in Paris. The singer was recently spotted having a heated exchange in the French capital, where she claimed someone was “following”...

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Howard University Revokes Sean “Diddy” Combs’ Honorary Degree Following Release of Cassie Assault Video

June 18, 2024

Howard University announced on Friday that it would revoke Sean “Diddy” Combs’ honorary degree, originally conferred in 2014, in light of recent revelations concerning the disgraced rapper and...

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Billie Eilish Joins the Race for the Song of the Summer with "Birds of a Feather"

June 18, 2024

As summer draws near, the race for the season's signature song heats up. Just when it seemed like Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” was poised to dominate, Billie Eilish has thrown her hat into the...

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The Decline of Pop and Club Music in the Era of Sadness

June 18, 2024

Pop and club music used to be the anthems of good times. From the infectious beats of the late '90s and early 2000s to the party-ready hits that defined the early 2010s, these genres once...

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Glass Animals Are Trapped In an Airlock on New Single and Video

June 18, 2024

“YOU BLEW ME to stardust,” Glass Animals lead singer Dave Bayley sings on the U.K. band’s latest single “Tear in Space (Airlock).” The tantalizing track swirls with synths over a pulsating beat as...

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Blackpink’s Lisa Teases New Solo Music

June 18, 2024

A couple of months ago, Blackpink’s Lisa signed a solo deal with RCA, and now it looks like she hopes to release new music soon. An Instagram Story on her official account links to pre-save links...

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Central Cee's "Band4Band": Setting Records and Redefining UK Rap

June 15, 2024

UK rapper Central Cee has made headlines with his latest single, "Band4Band," achieving the fastest-selling rap single of the year. This milestone not only cements his status as one of the most...

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Bon Jovi's Triumphant Return: Reflecting on 40 Years with “Forever”

June 15, 2024

Forty years after they ran away with our hearts and into rock history, Bon Jovi is back with a reflective new album, Forever, taking stock of all the boys from New Jersey have accomplished.

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Kaytranada: A Decade of Dancefloor Domination and Timeless Sound

June 15, 2024

A decade on from his breakthrough Boiler Room DJ set, Canadian producer Kaytranada has cemented himself as a dance music powerhouse. His work blends the worlds of underground electronic sounds and...

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Addison Rae: From Tiktoker to Pop Music Trend Setter

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The Rise of a TikTok Star 

Addison Rae’s TikTok career skyrocketed in 2019, making her one of the most recognizable faces on the platform. Known for her engaging dance routines and approachable demeanor, she quickly amassed millions of followers. Yet Addison didn’t settle for being a TikTok personality. Instead, she sought to explore her passion for music, blending her knack for creating trends with a desire to develop her artistic voice.  

From “Obsessed” to *AR* 

Her debut single, *“Obsessed,”* was just the beginning. Though it received mixed reviews, Addison’s willingness to experiment was clear. By 2023, she returned with her EP *AR*, a collection of tracks that demonstrated not only her evolution as an artist but also her ability to tap into nostalgia and modern pop sensibilities.  

The *AR* EP introduced fans to songs like Diet Pepsi2 Die 4, and Aquamarine, which quickly became fan favorites. These tracks revealed Addison’s flair for combining early-2000s-inspired production with contemporary pop trends, creating a sound that feels both nostalgic and fresh.  

Songs That Define Her Sound  

Diet Pepsi stands out for its sleek production and breezy vibe, perfectly capturing the playful yet introspective tone Addison is becoming known for. Aquamarine leans into dreamy, atmospheric pop, with shimmering synths and lyrics that reflect her personal growth. Meanwhile, 2 Die 4 taps into a catchy, TikTok-ready hook, solidifying its status as a hit among her social media-savvy fanbase. Together, these songs highlight her ability to create music that resonates in the digital era, blending catchy hooks with lyrics that feel personal and relatable.  

A Pop Star for the Social Media Age 

Addison’s music works so well because she understands her audience. Her songs are short, infectious, and crafted with the social media ecosystem in mind. Yet beyond their trend-friendly nature, tracks like Aquamarine demonstrate her ability to explore deeper emotions and artistic themes. Collaborating with seasoned producers and songwriters, Addison has honed her vocal delivery and leaned into a sound that bridges the gap between lighthearted pop and introspective storytelling.  

Overcoming Challenges and Earning Respect  

Addison’s pivot from TikTok star to pop artist hasn’t been without challenges. Critics have often questioned whether influencers can find legitimacy in traditional entertainment industries. However, Addison’s *AR* EP and tracks like Diet Pepsi and Aquamarine have silenced many of those doubts, proving her potential as a serious artist.  

What’s Next for Addison Rae?

As Addison Rae continues to explore her identity as a musician, her ability to combine social media savvy with authentic artistry will set her apart. With songs like Diet Pepsi and Aquamarine already gaining traction, she’s poised to establish herself as a mainstay in pop music.