In this week’s Rapper In The Spotlight, we are sharing the career of a queen that’s been in the industry for years and is still as relevant as ever. Let’s talk about CL.
Lee Chae-rin (aka. CL) debuted as part of the idol group 2NE1 in 2009 under YG Entertainment. In the group she was the leader and main rapper, and she was also involved in the lyrics writing and composing of their tracks.
2NE1 is one of the most well-known second generation groups. However the group disbanded officially in 2017, but left plenty of timeless singles. Check a few of them below.
Solo Debut
CL released her first solo project in 2013 titled ‘The Baddest Female’, this single topped the charts in South Korean and reached four in the US World Digital Songs. The same year of its release CL won the Mnet Asian Music Award for the “Best Dance Performance – Female Solo”.
Her second solo release was the single ‘Hello Bitches’, released in 2015. This song became one of the most iconic tracks by CL. Even though the single didn’t perform as well as its predecessor in the the charts, it’s well-known amongst fans across the world.
CL’s American debut was in 2016 with the single ‘Lifted’. This track entered the US Billboard Hot 100, making CL the first South Korean female solo artist in doing so, and the third Korean act entering this chart.
Going Independent
CL officially left YG in 2019. Soon after her departure she started the release of digital singles as part of her first EP ‘In the Name of Love’, marking the start of a new era in her career.
In 2020, CL came back with the single album ‘+HWA+’, including the title track with the same title and CL’s first pop ballad ‘5 STAR’. Check the music videos below.
She followed this release with the single ‘I Wish You Were Here’ in 2021, a personal song dedicated to her mother. Part of the lyrics go as:
“(…)’Cause it’s been six months since I last saw you but I hope you’re okay
Can’t believe you went from mother to angel in the space of a day
Can’t help but wonder(…)”
“ (…) Maybe I was too uptight
Remember when you would call just to say that you love me?
Honestly everything’s alright
It’s just me and my thoughts, don’t you worry ’bout a thing (…)”
Lyrics: Genius.com
Current Projects and collabs
CL is set to release her album ‘ALPHA’ later this month. The singles ‘Spicy’ and ‘Lover Like Me’ were dropped as pre-releases for this project. Check below the music videos.
Throughout her career, CL has been featured in many tracks from well-known artists like PSY, G-Dragon, Diplo, Black Eyed Peas and many more. Below you can check a few of our favourite ones, including the collaboration single she released in 2015 with Diplo, Riff Raff and OG Maco.
CL is one multi-talented artist, she has kept her discography unique, diverse and full of incredible music. Make sure to check her Spotify profile here, and follow her on Instagram for updates of her upcoming album.
