The evolution of Rebecca Black from internet meme to cult-followed pop star

Rebecca Black was one of the first people to go officially viral. From that initial hit moment, the now fully fledged pop star has developed from internet meme and prime troll target, to cult followed and adored songwriter. This week she released her first music project in 10 years: the eagerly awaited 'Rebecca Black Was Here'. Across its stunning 6 track run, it highlights her remarkable growth and confidence as an artist, with a release that affirms herself as one of the most vital voices in the future pop landscape. It features everything from hyper-pop laden production, melancholic atmospheric bridges to deeply emotive songwriting. 

On the project, Rebecca shares: 'Not only does it feel like such an incredible emotional release to have what I’ve been working on for the past year and a half out in the world, now is the first time I feel like I’ve proved to myself I can really do this. I have spent the past 10 years constantly questioning myself and asking myself if I was really able to ever overcome my own insecurities. Now looking at this project completely finished, I couldn’t be more proud of what I have been able to create with some of the most talented and kind team I’ve known. Truth is, I couldn’t have made this project without having experienced what I have in my past, and I am finally able to celebrate that for myself.'

In order to fully understand her progression and evolution as an artist, we’ve broken down her remarkable career so far into 9 key moments. From her viral videos, her re-entry into the pop music scene and her career defining sonic pivots.

FRIDAY

Friday was the viral hit that started it all. Hailed as one of the first ever videos to go truely viral, it was meme ready and highly controversial. Currently sitting at 153 million views on YouTube alone, the track was an unprepared moment of stardom for the 13 year old. It made her a household name for better and worse. In an interview with VICE, Black stated, “I didn't think that that was gonna be the thing that started everything. Nobody wants to feel like the entire world is laughing at them.” It garnered a significant amount of undeserved hatred, for a 13 year old who embarked on a winter project/camp where you individuals had the opportunity to make a mock song. 

SATURDAY

Despite the controversy, Black went back in, releasing the sequel to the hit song in 2013. It has extremely similar energy, meme ready with a tinge more songwriting ability and class. Critics described the track as a bold move to re-enter the market with another fun fuelled track, with her mature side ever so slightly poking through.

ANYWAY

After 6 years away from the microphone, Rebecca Black reinvented her career releasing ‘Anyway’. It’s an understated, extremely well written pop cut that got her on the radar of pop fans for all the right reasons. Black’s almost unrecognisably mature voice impacts heavily on the track. ‘Anyway’ allowed fans to recognise that she was potentially a credible force to watch out for in the pop music landscape.

DO YOU? (GOLDHOUSE REMIX)

Rebecca Black received a remix from Goldhouse for her original track Do You? The club ready, dark banger was made by Goldhouse, who is renowned for his Billie Eilish 'Ocean Eyes' remix

DORIAN ELECTRA - EDGELORD (FEAT. REBECCA BLACK)

In late 2020 Rebecca Black turned heads, hopping on hyper-pop star Dorian Electra’s ‘Edgelord’. It featured on Electra’s album ‘My Agenda’. The track is a direct reference to internet trolls, who plague social media cites with the pure intention of triggering responses and garnering attention. Importantly, this track saw Rebecca Black hint at a new sonic direction, one that’s abrasive, in your face, with strong attitude.

GIRLFRIEND

Following coming out as queer in 2020, Rebecca shared 'Girlfriend' - labelled by Billboard as 'one of the best songs of 2021 so far, displaying a confident vocal performance and knack for moody, vibey pop.' It’s a powerful statement of the track, cementing Rebecca Black as no longer an evolved teen sensation, but a mature artist with her own, distinct lane.

FRIDAY (REMIX) FEATURING DORIAN ELECTRA, BIG FREEDIA & 3OH!3

The 10th anniversary of Black’s Friday saw a remix featuring some of the biggest underground and cult figures in the underground pop sphere. It was produced by Dylan Brady, and highlighted a distinct pivot into hyperpop/PC-music inspired music.

WORTH IT FOR THE FEELING

The now 23 year old Rebecca Black shared her stunning new single 'Worth It for the Feeling', alongside news of her forthcoming project 'Rebecca Black Was Here', set for release on June 16th. Following her intense left field production inspired singles of the previous year, ‘Worth It For The Feeling’ strips back these elements for an intimate, soulful, affair.

NGL / REBECCA BLACK WAS HERE

This week Rebecca Black released 'NGL; and her highly anticipated ‘Rebecca Black Was Here’. Its focus track is a autotune tinged, 808 rumbling masterclass. While abrasive in its percussive end, the tracks melodies are gorgeous, euphoric and anthemic.

Words by PARRY TRITSINIOTIS

LISTEN TO NEW MUSIC HERE

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