On June 28, 2024, Lisa, the talented Thai rapper and singer, disrupted the music scene with her latest single, “Rockstar”. This groundbreaking track not only marks her first solo release in three years but also her debut record under Lloud and RCA Records, following her departure from YG Entertainment and Interscope Records in 2023.
Lisa, after the triumph of her debut single album “Lalisa” in September 2021, took the bold step to leave YG Entertainment and pursue her solo ventures. Establishing her own artist management company, Lloud, in February 2024, she sought out a partnership with RCA Records for her future projects. “Rockstar” is the dynamic result of this collaboration, highlighting Lisa’s artistic growth beyond her previous music labels.
“Rockstar” is an audacious blend of hip-hop with hyperpop-lite beats, colored with hints of “cyberpunk psychedelia.” Drawing inspiration from early 2000s J-hip-hop, the track also infuses elements of contemporary R&B and hip-hop. Amid this creative blend, the track features a notable sample of Tame Impala’s “New Person, Same Old Mistakes.” The song’s elements were intricately put together by producers Ryan Tedder and Sam Homaee, with Lisa herself co-writing the lyrics alongside a talented team.
Receiving mixed reviews from critics, “Rockstar” was lauded by NME’s Puah Ziwei for Lisa’s powerful presence, which elevated the song well above mere swagger. The captivating hook “Lisa, can you teach me Japanese? I said, ‘Hai, hai'” became an instant hit, adding a unique charm and wit to the track.
Lisa masterfully built the suspense for “Rockstar”‘s release on social media, intriguing her vast fan base. With teasing snippets of the track on Instagram Stories, TikTok, and her official website, she hinted at the imminent drop of her new single. The official announcement of “Rockstar” on June 28 sparked fervor, paving the way for its global premiere.
The music video for “Rockstar” pays tribute to Lisa’s Thai roots, capturing electrifying scenes from Yaowarat Road in Bangkok’s Chinatown. Featuring enthralling choreography and a troop of 100 Thai dancers, the video encapsulates the vibrant authenticity of Thai street life. Also, influential Thai personalities including transgender influencers featured in the visual, adding a layer of diversity and inclusivity.
“Rockstar” is undoubtedly a defining moment in Lisa’s solo career, inaugurating a new era characterized by artistic curiosity and creative ingenuity.
