1. "I wish I was dead already"
Image Source: Reddit
In an interview with The Guardian, Lana Del Rey once described her artistic style as "Lolita got lost in the hood." And just when you thought it couldn't get more intense, she revealed her desire to join the infamous "27 Club" in 2014, stating that she wished she was already dead. The 27 Club refers to celebrities who died at the age of 27. Well, that's one way to make a statement!
2. Controversial Album Art
Image Source: IMDb
Lana faced criticism from fans who thought she was glamorizing domestic violence when she released the album artwork for her single "Blue Jeans" in 2012. The image depicted a man choking her, sparking a debate about the line between art and exploitation.
3. Not Your Typical Feminist
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While feminism was gaining momentum, Lana raised eyebrows with her disinterest in the topic. In an interview, she confessed, "For me, the issue of feminism is just not an interesting concept." Instead, she preferred to ponder the possibilities of intergalactic adventures and the wonders of SpaceX. Talk about thinking outside the atmosphere!
4. A Twitter Showdown: Lana vs. Azealia Banks
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Lana found herself in a social media feud with Azealia Banks after criticizing Kanye West's support for Donald Trump. Banks accused her of using political issues for attention, but Lana didn't hold back. She fired back with a warning and even offered some unsolicited advice on mental health professionals. Yikes!
5. Criticizing the Critics
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When an NPR critic gave a less-than-glowing review of her album "Norman F--king Rockwell," Lana took to Twitter to voice her discontent. She claimed the critic didn't understand her music and emphasized that her true self couldn't be captured in a written piece. Let the online debate begin!
6. A Disturbing Music Video That Never Should Have Seen the Light
Image Source: Grimy Goods
Lana Del Rey found herself caught in a disturbing scenario in a scrapped Marilyn Manson music video. The leaked snippet showed her in a rape scene with horror director Eli Roth. Definitely not the kind of visual you want to be associated with your artistry.
7. Calling Out the Double Standard
Image Source: BuzzFeed
In a passionate Instagram post, Lana criticized the double standards in the music industry. She questioned why she was crucified for exploring themes of embodiment and imperfect relationships while other artists, like Ariana Grande and Beyoncé, were celebrated for their sexy music. Can't a girl sing about love without being accused of glamorizing abuse?
8. Lana Likes Older Dudes
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Lana confessed that she's drawn to older, self-assured individuals. She found it hard to relate to people in their 20s and believed true connection came from those who had experienced more in life. It seems like age is just a number, but wisdom is the real attraction.
9. She Battled Stage Fright
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Lana's stage fright was no secret. She found solace in Cat Power, another artist who understood the fear of facing an audience. Watching Cat Power perform with her back to the crowd gave Lana the courage to step into the spotlight, even when doubts lingered. It's all about finding your own path.
10. Lana's Plan for the Future
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Lana Del Rey shares a surprising similarity with the Seinfeld character George Costanza. She believes that everything she does will have the opposite reaction of what she intends. Inspired by an episode where George tries the same approach, Lana realizes she should do the opposite for a favorable response. Who knew George Costanza could be an unlikely source of inspiration?
11. When Fashion Meets Pandemic
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In October 2020, Lana raised eyebrows when she wore a mesh fabric face covering and disregarded social distancing guidelines at a book signing. She defended her choice, explaining that the mask had plastic on the inside, commonly sewn in by stylists. Lana dismissed criticism, stating she doesn't usually respond to articles because she doesn't care. Well, that's one way to make a statement during a pandemic.
12. Diversity and Chemtrails
Image Source: Dazed
When Lana unveiled the cover of her seventh studio album, Chemtrails Over the Country Club, some criticized the lack of diversity in the black-and-white photo. Lana responded, emphasizing that she celebrates diversity in her life and artistic expression. She mentioned her relationships with rappers, friendships from various backgrounds, and her commitment to changing the world through her music. Lana is determined to be understood and respected.
13. Gangsta Nancy Sinatra
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During her rise to fame, Lana caught attention with her '50s and '60s-inspired image. She referred to herself as a "gangster Nancy Sinatra" and described herself as "Lolita got lost in the hood." Her fusion of old-school charm and urban elements made waves and intrigued young music lovers. Lana's style is all about blending unexpected influences.
14. Pushing Boundaries
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Lana faced criticism for her lyrics that some perceived as anti-feminist. Responding to accusations of setting women back, she defended her exploration of submissive or passive roles in relationships. Lana called out the notion that her self-expression should conform to a particular feminist narrative, highlighting the importance of embracing diverse perspectives and experiences.
15. Lana's Instagram Manifesto
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Lana expressed her frustration with the music industry in a scathing Instagram letter. She criticized the double standards that allowed certain artists to succeed with songs about sex, nudity, cheating, and more, while she faced backlash for exploring themes of embodiment, imperfect relationships, and other personal experiences. Lana called for respect and acceptance of her authentic expression.
16. Latino Gangster Culture
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Lana's "Tropico" short film/music video faced controversy for appropriating Latino gangster culture. In the 27-minute visual, Lana portrayed a stripper with tattoos and embraced stereotypes associated with gang culture. However, as the film progressed, she and her partner shed these personas and found redemption. Lana's artistic choices continue to provoke discussions about cultural appropriation and representation.
17. Native American Cultural Insensitivity
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In her music video for the song "Ride," Lana wore a full Native American headdress, sparking further accusations of cultural insensitivity. The video showcased her free-spirited nature, but the choice to appropriate Native American culture drew criticism. It's a reminder of the importance of cultural awareness and respect in artistic expression.
18. "My Pu**y Tastes Like Pepsi-Cola"
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One particular line in Lana's lyrics garnered a major reaction from her parents: "My pu**y tastes like Pepsi-Cola." Lana's father found the wordplay amusing, while her mother didn't share the same sentiment. The line originated from a Scottish ex-boyfriend's comment about American girls: "He was talking about American girls, his vision of American girls was that all their pussies tasted like Pepsi-Cola and that they were such a dream. I thought that was the funniest fucking thing I’d ever heard. And I thought, ‘Well …'"
19. A Major in Metaphysics: Lana's Academic Pursuits
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During her time at Fordham University in New York, Lana Del Rey pursued a degree in metaphysics and philosophy. She was drawn to this field because of her interest in understanding the concept of God and how technology can bring us closer to unraveling the mysteries of our existence and purpose. Metaphysics delves into existentialism and the fundamental nature of being, exploring deep philosophical concepts that intrigued Lana.
20. Lana Del Rey and Lady Gaga Shared a Stage
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Both Lana Del Rey and Stefani Germanotta (aka Lady Gaga) began their musical journeys in the downtown music scene of New York. Del Rey revealed that her manager, Bob Leone, who was also a confidante of Gaga, provided her with opportunities to perform at The Cutting Room. Although they never met, Del Rey's leaked early song, "So Legit," was mistakenly interpreted as a jab at Gaga. Del Rey later dismissed it as a misunderstanding.
21. From Trailer Park to Stardom
Image Source: Daily Mail
Before her breakthrough, while still performing as Lizzy Grant, Del Rey signed a record deal with 5 Points Music and used the advance to purchase a trailer in a New Jersey trailer park. She resided there after completing her studies at Fordham. Del Rey embraced an alternative lifestyle, wanting to carve her own creative path away from mainstream society's perceived limitations.
22. Del Rey Had An Acute Fear of Mortality
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From a young age, Lana Del Rey grappled with an acute fear of mortality, which had a significant impact on her mental well-being. The thought of losing her loved ones weighed heavily on her, contributing to feelings of anxiety and depression that shaped her personal journey.
23. Lana's Struggle with Alcohol
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In her quest to navigate the depths of her emotional turmoil, Lana turned to alcohol as a coping mechanism. The weight of her existential anxieties and fear of mortality proved overwhelming, leading her to seek temporary solace and escape through alcohol consumption.
24. She Has An Internet Millionaire Father
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Lana Del Rey's father, Rob Grant, found success as an internet millionaire through strategic investments in domain names. His entrepreneurial endeavors in the online realm not only brought financial prosperity to their family but also laid the foundation for Lana's creative and independent spirit.
25. Lana's Involvement in Politics
Image Source: BuzzFeed
Lana Del Rey sparked controversy when she suggested in an interview that former President Trump may have been unaware of inciting the riot on January 6. Her remarks were met with accusations of downplaying the violence. Unhappy with how her comments were circulated online, Lana personally responded to numerous tweets, expressing her frustration. She defended her authenticity, emphasizing her realness and engaging with her audience.
26. One of Her Earliest Stage Names Was Sparkle Jump Rope Queen
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Before settling on Lana Del Rey, Lizzy Grant experimented with various stage names. One notable alternative was Sparkle Jump Rope Queen. These previous monikers, including Blue Ribbon and Axl Rose Husband, remain remnants of Lana's journey in the vast realm of the internet.
27. Axl Rose Dating Rumors
Image Source: The Mirror
In 2012, Lana Del Rey was rumored to be dating Axl Rose, the frontman of Guns N' Roses. Speculation intensified when Lana appeared at a low-key show at the Jazz Cafe in London wearing a Guns N' Roses t-shirt, fueling the rumors surrounding their relationship.
28. Success Breeds Trolling
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As Lana Del Rey's success grew, so did the trolling and criticism. Some fans felt misled, believing she had created the homemade "Video Games" music video herself, perceiving her as less authentic after achieving commercial success. Lana faced these challenges while navigating her artistic path.
29. A Love Affair with a Record Executive
Image Source: Metro UK
During her early twenties, Lana Del Rey had an on-and-off relationship with a record business executive while shopping her first independent album to major labels. Despite not being married, their connection spanned seven years, profoundly influencing Lana's perspective on unattainable desires. It wasn't about her career but rather a lifestyle that captivated her. She felt drawn to him and his world, standing next to something beautiful yet never fully grasping it.
30. Lana and Juliette Lewis (Who Publicly Dissed Her Performance) Are Friends
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Lana Del Rey and Juliette Lewis share a friendship that endured despite a public incident. Lewis had publicly criticized Lana's Saturday Night Live performance, unaware that Lana was her friend. After the revelation, Lewis reached out and apologized, and they ultimately found humor in the situation. They recognized their shared traits and similarities, solidifying their bond.