TikTok creator turned actress and singer Addison Rae dropped her debut EP, “AR”, today.
The five-song strong EP features Charli XCX on a track titled “2 die 4.” Additionally, the song “Nothing On (But The Radio)” is a re-recording of an unreleased demo from Grammy winning pop star Lady Gaga. The EP is Rae’s first musical endeavor since 2021, when she dropped “Obsessed” as a single.
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In an Instagram caption, Rae explained her lengthy musical hiatus. The tracks on “AR” were leaked online last year, and Rae made the choice to release them on her own terms before moving forward with creating a full length album in the future.
Rae first rose to fame on TikTok for creating dance moves to several hit pop songs on the platform. Many of her videos sparked viral dance trends. The widespread social media attention paved the way for Rae’s professional acting debut in “He’s All That.” Rae starred in the film alongside Tanner Buchanan, Madison Pettis, Rachel Leigh Cook, and more. The film serves as a modern take on the 90s classic rom-com “He’s All That,” in which Cook also starred decades before.
@old.tiktok_sound5 @addisonre BRING THE TREND BACK!! #vibemeout #vibemeoutdance#dancing #fyp #dancechallenge #foryourpage
Rae’s meteoric rise continued to pave the way for high profile brand deals and modeling opportunities, which the creator appeared to focus on throughout the past year. Now, the surprising EP drop is receiving widespread praise across social media, from both critics and longtime fans of Rae alike.
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Social Media Reactions
Pop star Kesha praised the new EP. Kesha defined much of the styles of pop music in the 2010s, and Rae thanked Kesha for her kind words on her work.
IM SCREAMINGGGGGG. https://t.co/C3e4aEDprs
— Addison Rae (@whoisaddison) August 18, 2023
Rae’s largest criticisms lied in her career beginnings as a digital creator and influencer. However, the inclusion of a Lady Gaga demo coupled with the Charli XCX feature has gained the singer new respect amid pop aficionados and critics.
Addison Rae releasing the 13 year old Lady Gaga demo, pop music is BACK baby!
— douglas greenwood (@douglasgrnwd) August 18, 2023
Many felt that Rae aligning herself with innovative pop stars and queer icons in the music industry was a smart career move. The EP’s combination of y2k, 2010s, and contemporary pop elements have many listeners hopeful for Rae’s next project.
addison rae is smart for aligning herself with people who genuinely push pop forward. showing genuine praise to artists such as gaga, sophie, charli & arca while making amazing music built her a strong niche fanbase who wanted to finally have a pop girl with a poptimist mindset
— dylan ★ (@dylanlubin_) August 18, 2023
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Charli XCX additionally tweeted about the production on her duet with Rae, making a punny comment including the title. XCX was recently featured on the soundtrack for Greta Gerwig’s acclaimed “Barbie.”
that boom boom bass seriously 2 fucking die 4
— Charli (@charli_xcx) August 18, 2023
It is unclear at this time when Rae will begin working on her debut full-length album, or when she will release it. Numerous high profile pop features are anticipated to be included. Needless to say, fans think it will be “2 die 4”.
