In the dynamic realm of hip-hop, where every era introduces new trendsetters, the petite dynamo Lola Brooke is rising to claim her throne. Rising from the heart of Brooklyn, Lola may be small in stature, but her presence is anything but. In her, we witness not just an emerging artist but a fierce and authentic voice ready to leave an indelible mark on the rap scene. Navigating an industry that often demands conformity, Lola Brooke faced criticism for being “too aggressive” and “not feminine enough.” Unfazed, she turned these critiques into fuel for her fire.
Lola Brooke’s debut album, “Dennis Daughter,” released in November, serves as both a musical journey and a poignant tribute to her late father. The nickname “Little D,” given to her during her childhood by her dad, inspired the album title. In her own words, “I named the project Dennis Daughter because that’s what shaped me, who I am — he played a big part in my life.”, explains during an exclusive interview with Essence. The project, driven by the success of the smash hit “Don’t Play With It” featuring Billy B, echoes the unapologetic grit synonymous with New York rap, showcasing her raw talent and bold approach to storytelling. The track’s success led to a remix, featuring Latto and Yung Miami, which further catapulted Lola into the spotlight, earning her RIAA gold certification.
Lola Brooke’s journey to stardom has rapidly ascended the ranks, leaving an indelible mark and becoming a defining voice in the contemporary hip-hop scene. Her latest release, “You,” featuring Bryson Tiller, showcases her versatility and pays homage to the legacy of Brooklyn’s Foxy Brown. The track, a sample of Eugene Wilde’s “Gotta Get You Home Tonight,” reflects Lola’s commitment to upholding the classic standards of the genre. Lola emphasises the significance of timing and respecting the legacy of the legends who inspire her. She notes, during the Forbes interview,”I love Foxy, so I was hard on myself about this record, and when I do samples, I don’t like to not meet the requirements of a classic.”
Despite being a newcomer, Lola Brooke’s impact in the industry has been nothing short of remarkable. Nominations for Best Breakthrough Hip-Hop Artist at the 2023 BET Hip-Hop Awards and winning Breakthrough Artist of the Year at Amazon Music attest to her rapid rise.
Acknowledging her recent accomplishments, Lola attributes her unyielding work ethic to her mother’s influence. Raised by a single parent who worked tirelessly to provide, Lola’s drive stems from witnessing her mother’s tenacity and determination. This unwavering dedication to her craft are the cornerstones of Lola Brooke’s journey, molding her into the artist she is today.
This commitment to excellence is further evident in the collaboration with industry veteran Teyana Taylor, who serves as Lola’s creative director, shaping her into an all-encompassing entertainer, in order to prepare for the next phase of her promising career and deliver not just music but an immersive and captivating experience. Expressing a desire to create unforgettable moments and connect with her audience through touring, Lola boldly declares, “I want to be the new face of New York City.”
Lola is now amplifying her impact beyond the music sphere. In an unexpected collaboration with Pusha T and Wyclef Jean, the trio, along with Capella Grey and Flau’jae, is set to release “Paper Right,” a single in partnership with TIAA. This innovative initiative aims to ignite conversations around retirement planning and generational wealth, with a portion of the proceeds going to First Generation Investors, a nonprofit organization dedicated to teaching students about investing.
As Lola Brooke stands on the shoulders of Brooklyn’s rap legends, infusing her music with a blend of influences ranging from 50 Cent’s urban flair to Lil Wayne’s sharp and witty wordplay, DMX’s unique mix of authenticity and soulfulness, and echoing Meek Mill’s compelling storytelling, she is also forming a distinct path, her one-of-a-kind amalgamation sets her apart in a crowded hip-hop landscape. While acknowledging the influence of these trailblazers in shaping her identity, claiming she is “a product of her environment”, she sees herself as part of the legacy that continues to develop the narrative of New York City’s contribution to hip-hop.
Lola Brooke’s message is clear: “I just want the people to know that no matter how long the journey is, never give up.” As she solidifies her place among the new faces of the entertainment sphere, Lola Brooke’s artistry emerges as a testament to resilience, talent, and an unwavering spirit that brings a special combination of vulnerability and ferocity to the forefront.
