Alternative pop singer-songwriter Lana Del Rey is sparking an unintentional viral phenomenon. The acclaimed songstress has long found herself at the mercy of public commentary and misunderstandings surrounding her music. Del Rey is known for her old Hollywood meets gritty Americana aesthetic, over lilting jazz and multi genre infused production.
Occasionally, these lyrics come with what some critics called “anti-feminist” lyrics. As a conceptual storyteller, Del Rey’s layered lyricism was never geared towards children and teenagers, and fans often argue that the common accusation is unfair. This negative commentary came to a head in 2020, when the singer penned a brief passage titled “Question For The Culture” and shared it to her Instagram story.
how the people who were mentioned in lana del rey's question for the culture are going down one by one
a thread; pic.twitter.com/rE06RXqB5V
— ROB CRAVE (@robgrantcrave) July 30, 2023
In the post, Del Rey wrote, “Now that Doja Cat, Ariana, Camila, Cardi B, Kehlani and Nicki Minaj and Beyoncé have had number ones with songs about being sexy, wearing no clothes, f*cking, cheating etc – can I please go back to singing about being embodied, feeling beautiful by being in love even if the relationship is not perfect, or dancing for money – or whatever I want – without being crucified or saying I’m glamorizing abuse??????” While Del Rey no longer maintains a public social media presence, the full text is still available on Genius.
Three years later, several of the artists Del Rey mentioned, notably Doja Cat, Ariana Grande, Cardi B, and Camila Cabello have faced recent scandals in their respective careers. Some feel that Del Rey predicted the future and that the “Question For The Culture” was actually a prophecy. Del Rey has admitted to dabbling in witchcraft in the past, notably in regards to Donald Trump after he won the 2016 presidential election.
Internet Reactions
Countless creators across TikTok have posted their thoughts on the Lana Del Rey prophecy theory.
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@rreygrande lana saw into the future #lanadelrey #foryou
Doja Cat was aggressive towards young fans online, criticizing them for nicknaming themselves “kittens,” which she had previously approved. On the other hand, Grande remains embroiled in an alleged cheating scandal with her “Wicked” costar Ethan Slater, as the pair are divorcing their respective spouses.
Cardi B recently got into an altercation with a fan at a show after the fan splashed a drink at her. Cabello was rumored to be dating Reggaeton artist Rauw Alejandro shortly after her second breakup with longtime boyfriend Shawn Mendes, and his breakup from longtime girlfriend Rosalía.
The prophecy’s accuracy thus far has fans of Beyoncé and Nicki Minaj warning their favorite singers to stay out of trouble, as they are also named in the document.
@holdensmith962 the fact that its happened in order too #lanadelrey #arianagrande #dojacat #beyonce #cardib #nickiminaj #camilacabello #foryou
♬ IrelandOfThePast Dont Make Unnecessary Journeys – Ireland of the Past
Popular TikTok creator Spencer (@spencewuah) joked that he would flee the country if Lana ever named him in one of her prophecies.
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@spencewuah it’s Lana’s prophecy #fyp
Del Rey is yet to comment on the phenomenon, and maintains a low profile on the internet. The singer was most recently spotted working at a Waffle House in rural Alabama, where she told local customers that she is working on her next record.
