In March 2021, TikTok superstar Addison Rae released her debut single “Obsessed,” a haphazard attempt to enter the music scene by building off her 88.4 million followers. Immediately, the general public was not a fan: “It’s really, really bad,” stated critics upon release.
The early 2020s Rae was an internet sensation, characterized as bubbly, stereotypically feminine and a feature member of the ridiculous Hype House—a content creation house that offered an excuse for teens to party all day. Rae was clearly inexperienced and unpolished. At one point, she made fans step aside when they asked for a picture so she could film a dancing TikTok instead. Later, on top of other mindless comments and weird behaviors, like using a sheet of glass instead of wearing a face mask during the COVID-19 pandemic, she approached Donald Trump at a UFC fight to introduce herself, igniting internet backlash as she had made past claims of being a supporter of BLM and social justice movements. Rae was quickly falling out of public popularity and desperately needed a rebrand to attain the social status and likeability she once possessed.
In comes “Addison 2.0,” Rae’s new persona, first photographed by the paparazzi wearing a sweater displaying SOPHIE, the wildly influential and experimental hyperpop producer. Up until this point, Rae was secretly planting signs of her soon-to-come rebrand; she had greater goals in mind than being a mere TikTok star. She knew creating music was the answer, but her lackluster performance thus far was not going to cut it.
In January 2022, snippets of Rae’s unreleased music went viral online, garnering a surprisingly positive reaction, particularly with the song “I Got It Bad.” Another leaked track, titled “Nothing On (But The Radio),” was originally an unreleased piece by Lady Gaga. Consequently, Rae quickly gained a cult following with the queer, pop culture-obsessed side of the internet, who were intrigued by her newfound quirkiness. After seeing this successful audience reaction, Rae gained the courage and confidence to finally release more music after a two-year hiatus. On Aug. 14, 2023, she announced her debut EP, “AR,” made up of unreleased songs that were intended for a “lost album.” Rae revealed “[she] wanted this EP to be the end note to the past few years, and a stepping stone forward in [her] career.” “AR” was released a few days later on Aug. 18, consisting of four tracks and a feature from alternative hyperpop superstar Charli xcx. Audience reactions were strong, with Billboard calling it a work that, “engross[es] the listener with fresh melodies and bursts of personality, showcasing the 22-year-old as a quick study within this brand of pop.”
It became clear Rae had the potential to be a “main pop girl,” but up until this point, she only showed a glimpse of her full capabilities. After a quick but successful feature on Charli xcx’s “Von dutch a.g. cook remix”—in which Rae can be heard literally screaming at full blast—she undoubtedly began to paint herself as a serious figure in the pop world. In June 2024, she started teasing her anticipated debut with Columbia Records, “Diet Pepsi,” which was originally entitled “Backseat,” until Charli xcx asked, “Why isn’t the song called ‘Diet Pepsi?’” After its release, the song was immediately a hit, as fans were satisfied with her shift from mediocre lyrics over boring, bubblegum pop to a more mature, alternative sound. The song is strikingly seductive, conceptually mind-boggling with its addictive chorus and has a resonating hint of Lana Del Rey-ism with its simmering synths and sexy bass. “Diet Pepsi” ranked high on multiple Best Songs of 2024 lists and was trending across the internet. After reaching number 54 on the Billboard Hot 100 and delivering an incredible music video, Rae was finally considered a serious artist in the industry.
Rae released two more singles, “Aquamarine” and the recent “High Fashion,” both intended to be on her debut album alongside “Diet Pepsi.” “Aquamarine” is elegant, elusive and unnatural due to its nostalgic sound, intertwined with similar clean synth production and mystical lyricism discussing self-discovery and transformation. In the music video, which is easily one of the best I have seen in years, Rae glides within alluring choreography that you immediately become enchanted and trapped within her glittery, supernatural world. To drive this message home, she faithfully smokes two cigarettes at once, all while lustfully staring into the camera. A remix collaboration with experimental producer Arca, comically titled “Arcamarine,” is fun and hard-hitting—a shift from Arca’s usual electronic, dark sound. On “High Fashion,” released Valentine’s Day 2025, Rae skillfully maneuvers with ease, reinventing her camp sound by presenting loud synths and rough percussion. In the teaser for the song, the word “DRUGS” flashes in hot pink, foreshadowing the music video, where Rae ironically plays with white powder. All three songs released by “Addison 2.0” have been incredible, both aesthetically and sonically. Anticipation for her debut album is at an all-time high, and its release is luckily imminent.
But what makes Rae so alluring? For starters, she takes a different approach to stardom, focusing more on her aesthetic and effervescence as opposed to trying for a viral moment, a clear contrast from her past self. Rae displays a carefree attitude while showcasing authenticity at the same time. Instead of desperately attempting to chase trends, she pursues a creative vision, in part with help from her choreographer and creative director Lexee Smith, who many credit for Rae’s rebrand. Opposed to diluting the sounds of her influences, Rae creates something fresh. Her vision is successfully strong and clear, displayed both within her music videos and her social media presence. And by associating herself with figures like Charli xcx, she has gained the attention to attract a diverse audience, including queer voices. She is quirky, bold, and uses her art to showcase her unapologetic self: Addison Rae loves herself, and she wants us to love her too.
Rae is only just getting started in the music world, and I have never been more excited to witness her growth. Her debut album is expected to drop sometime in 2025 and is rumored to have nine songs showcasing her immersive and diverse style. Rae is keeping unique methodology alive and creating her own version of the pop star: someone who is not afraid to exhibit their mystifying and dramatic self.
“You’re obsessed with me,” she stated in her 2021 debut single, and at last we are.