With the uptick in artists using TikTok as a marketing strategy, many musicians are dismissed, underestimated, and merely labeled “TikTok artists.” Lola Young is one of these many artists that have been underestimated. Yet, she has done nothing but tirelessly prove that she has the vocals and lyrical ability to be a powerhouse in the music industry.
Last October, the South East London born artist released a new track titled “Charlie,” featuring rapper Lil Yachty. This song is not only a display of her powerful vocals, but also a testament to her ability to tell a story and evoke emotions from her listeners. “Charlie” is a love letter. Her lyrics are a plea to her Charlie, a desperate attempt to win him and his forgiveness back. Young keeps the production simple with this song, urging her listeners to listen to every word, every note, and feel what she feels. Even her vocals are raw and demo-like, adding another layer of vulnerability and pure emotion. From the ad libs to the screaming, from the desperation embedded in her voice to the gritty guitar – this song has soul to it.
The late 90’s and 2000’s saw collaborations between soulful singers and rappers from Amy Winehouse and Nas along with Erykah Badu and Jill Scott and The Roots. The music world hasn’t seen these kinds of collaborations for a while, but this song makes a strong case for a return of these unique collaborations. Lil Yachty embodies Lola Young’s “Charlie” on his verse, responding to her pleas and rejecting her love. This sound isn’t at all new for Lil Yachty. He showed us his versatility on his 2022 album “Let’s Start Here.” He came out of the left field with a mix of psychedelic rock, rap, and R&B, and he isn’t afraid to show the world what he can do.
We can only hope that this collaboration is the beginning of many more. “Charlie” has shown us the compatibility of Lil Yachty’s flow and Lola Young’s energy. With this new wave of powerhouse English singers including Raye and Celeste, Lola Young will continue to prove that she’s more than just a one hit wonder “TikTok artist.”
