Instagram/@charli_xcx
Charli XCX has shared a new one with her friend and collaborator Addison Rae, boiling the pop star’s character down to a basic but dynamic equation. The post, which merely reads “art + fun + truth + passion = addison!”, caused a considerable stir among followers, revealing the two of the fan conversation—supportive and skeptical—about the high-profile friendship of the two.
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The equation is a bitter but fair expression of admiration from one musician to another. Charli XCX has been very vocal in her praise of Rae’s turn to track, to the point that even the remix for “2 Die 4,” one of the most popular songs of the musician, was a direct collaboration with her. It’s like Charli is saying that the woman’s career is not just a transition for social media purposes, but rather an authentic creative engagement based on the principles of “truth, passion, and art.” It is a very bold statement of support, especially in the cutthroat world of pop track.
The commenters were already treating the equation in humorous and playful ways. One user wrote, “You were the first one to believe in her.” What a bold statement! This comment pretty much sums up the very core of Charli XCX’s influence in Rae’s musical adventure. Nowadays most artists have to struggle hard to gain acceptance. But having a successful and reputable musician like Charli behind you from the very start is a huge advantage. You are seen as having a belief in your raw talent and potential that is different from your numbers and fame.
On the other hand, there were still people offering their not-so-good critiques. One person loudly proclaimed, “The overwhelming amount of forced Addison propaganda will never work lmao.” This opinion illustrates a group of listeners who are quite doubtful about the marketing strategies that accompany Rae’s track career. The word “propaganda” shows the criticism that is the most pointed, implying that there is a fakeness in Rae’s persona that goes against the “truth” and “passion” that are part of Charli’s equation. Of course, most in the audience sided with the speaker and one even remarked, “Addison made you a twinkie and she is happening whether you like it or not.”
One user deepened the critical discussion by openly labeling Rae as an “industry plant.” This was a somewhat prevailing yet powerful accusation in the online track circles that would shortly attract the attacker into one of the most extensive reply chains where users were debating the meaning of the term and the validity of Rae’s career that has been nothing but signing before releasing track and getting early co-signs. One user strongly opposed the labeling by saying, “She has had zero hype. She’s gotten more press for her scream queen movie career than her track. That’s like the opposite of an industry plant.” This conversation illustrates the predicament of many musicians who get famous through social media and the difficulty of transitioning from being an internet anthem to gaining the recognition of the track industry.
The post that came with debates was also filled with pure admiration. People commented things like, “You both look amazing together” and “This was the best part of my year watching this live,” which gave a glimpse of devoted fans who are always there to back the collaboration. Another fan successfully pointed out the attraction of the duo to their followers when he said, “Charli giving ‘no sleep, bus, club, another club, another club, plane’…😭” an ingenious reference to one of Charli’s own famous lines that seems to perfectly resonate with their dazzling and rapid public image.
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In conclusion, Charli XCX’s post is not only a “friend” stamp of approval but also a tactic to reroute the storyline about Addison Rae’s art. The singer is determined to peel off the pretentiousness of the influencers’ world with fearless confidence and all-pervasive “truth and passion.” The audience’s passionate and split reaction proves one thing for sure: whether or not one detects calculated propaganda or true passion here, people are definitely watching. The debate surrounding Rae’s place in track might still have a long way to go, but with Charli XCX’s strong backing, her right to be part of the discussions is not easily challenged. Recently celebrating her birthday, and transforming for a magazine cover, Charli also announced a new film role.
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