The wait for CL to make her official U.S. debut has almost been as painful as waiting for Frank Ocean to drop Boys Don’t Cry but thankfully the global superstar has arrived with a new English single and it’s pretty lit (No marijuana pun intended). If you have no idea who CL is I’m going to need you to do your Googles on her being a part of 2NE1, one of the biggest girl groups in the world and her other endeavors in fashion and as a solo artist.  I’ve talked about her slow build to this moment. 

Whether it be dropping a dope single, choreography-filled visual, or networking with dope artists and designers, CL has worked hard to get to this point and I’m relieved to say that “Lifted” is a solid debut single! Especially for a new rapper that happens to be Korean and a woman. First impressions are very important in the hip hop community and if the people can’t feel the authenticity they can turn quick (You can sadly ask Iggy Azalea about that). 

Produced by YG Entertainment’s Teddy Park and co-penned with the  underrated rapper Asher Roth, “Lifted” is a feel good, nod to the 90s rap era as CL blows all her troubles away while staying in the clouds. “Hey, you, get off my cloud / You don’t know me, and you don’t know my style / Gettin’ lifted, never coming down / Gettin’ lifted,” CL announces on the Wu Tang interpolated track. The bouncy production combined with the island feel of the track makes “Lifted” the perfect kick back and chill song and the music video perfectly incorporates the vibe of the song.

If “Lifted” is your introduction to CL I’d definitely recommend checking out the music video first to get the full effect of the song. It’s cool to see CL interact with Method Man, drink some 40s around the city and enjoy life. Hopefully new listeners will understand the authenticity behind CL and her years in the game rapping in Korean and English. I know a lot of fans were hopping for something closer to the “Hello Bitches” lane but CL needs to show her versality and her appreciation to the genre. 

There isn’t a release date for her upcoming Lifted EP but I hope enough people support it so CL can make waves on the stateside. With her seasoned performance skills, ability to dance and superstar presence, she deserves a spot next to the rappers trying to bring something new to the game. 

What do you think of CL’s “Lifted”? Let me know in the comments!