An Article by Andromeda Renia-Karoni
From performing with Charli XCX, showcasing her unique fashion sense and now releasing an iconic album, it is clear that Addison Rae has really switched things up. This article will break down how her life was when she was following trends vs how her life is now that she is adhering to her personal taste.
She joined TikTok in the summer of 2019 and soon went viral for her dancing videos. Her content was essentially unoriginal, consisting of popular dance recitations and viral sounds. She became affiliated with a content creation house called ‘The Hype House,’ which hosted various TikTok stars and was used as a common space for them to make videos.
1 – Addison Rae in the Diet Pepsi music video, 2 – Addison Rae in Miu Miu.
In 2021 she released her first single titled “Obsessed.” The song was met with a lot of ridicule and negativity, she became the target of trolling due to the song. Recently Addison spoke out about the entire situation on the Capital FM news blog. Addison said that while she understands and believes in constructive criticisms, she thought the hate went too far and was more personal than related to the song. Addison said she still likes her song. Obsessed contained a very different vibe than her current music, it felt much more relevant to the timeline and was compared to music by other artists.
The song died quickly, and Addison’s music career was put on hold until 2023. In August, she dropped an EP titled AR. The EP features five songs, and one of them called “2 die 4” features Charli XCX. The EP also includes her first single, ”Obsessed.” Though AR edges towards a unique pop sound, certain songs still sound generic and repetitive–perhaps like music to be heard in shopping malls. Addison, however, has a completely distinctive sound, including songs that can be heard multiple times and still stay pleasantly catchy.
1 – Addison Rae reading Brittney Spears Memoir, 2 – Addison Rae after the release of AR.
Charli XCX made headlines with her iconic ‘Brat Summer’ in 2024, and because of Addison’s feature on the Von Dutch Remix, she became associated with Charli. Addison has joined her live performances on multiple occasions, and very rapidly regained relevance through music. This was her chance to be seen differently, and she took it with both hands.
On August ninth of 2024, Addison released a single, “Diet Pepsi,” that put her in a different spotlight. Within hours, it went completely viral. Streams were sky high and the song was used under many TikTok videos. Instead of being mocked for some of her statements, previous films and songs, she was now being praised. Her song earned her a spot as a promising musician and many awaited her next step.
1 – Via @addisonraee on Instagram, 2 – Charli xcx and Addison Rae at xcx’s birthday party.
Since ‘Diet Pepsi’ and her following single “Aquamarine,” Addison has been portrayed as a true fashionista. Whereas in 2019 she merely wore what other Hype House members were wearing and stuck to the clothing norm at the time, she is now seen showcasing unique outfits and truly embracing her personal style. Her career seemed to be propelling alongside this shift. For instance, after the release of “Aquamarine” Addison Rae collaborated with cult favourite artist Arca on the song, releasing a remix called “Aquamarine/Arcamarine.”
Though TikToking was where she began, I think it is safe to say she has left that career path behind her. Other TikTok stars that were around her at the time have been forgotten, or portray themselves uneffectively in the media. Whereas Addison Rae is considered to be more relevant than ever and is largely portrayed very positively and in the media. Instead of being thought of as a TikToker, she is now additionally seen as a musician and fashion muse. In five years, she managed to overthrow an entire narrative and create her own reality.
1 & 2 -Via @addisonraee on Instagram.
The cover art on Addison captures a nostalgic aesthetic, somewhat giving off a 2016 festival style. The album consists of some party songs, a mix between pop from the early 00’s and her own tweaks here and there. The vibe of the entire album feels new and original–she really has fostered her own sound. Her work can definitely be separated from current trends and more ‘modern’ albums. Nonetheless, the 00’s aesthetic is where she seems to have drawn most of her inspiration from. The album was surprisingly refreshing in comparison to her previous content a few years ago because it felt more like her. While previous songs of hers did not feel completely original and could be mistaken with other artists, this album has a strong identity and can only be connected to her. It feels like Addison Rae is releasing a unique energy that feels wholly personal and unique.
It has been fascinating to observe the change of Addison Rae over the past years. There is a link to be made in the change her career has undergone ever since she stepped out of her popularity shell and started to experiment. Saying that being herself landed her an ideal life is a stretch, but she did gain a lot more by being her authentic self. Unique music videos and sounds, clothing matches that are uncommon and can be seen as ‘weird’ by the mainstream. She is getting in touch with a nostalgia that touches more specific audiences than she previously has.
1 – Via @addisonraee on Instagram, 2 – Aquamarine Single Cover.
I encourage you all to get more in touch with yourself, even if it is in private. Experiment, try new things, stray from trends and commodities. Who knows where it will lead you? It does not have to be something extreme–getting to know yourself and leading a more authentic life according to your personal preference is a reward in itself–something surely simple yet undoubtedly powerful.
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