Exploring the Vibrant World of Lipgloss Charli XCX: A Musical Journey

April 21, 2025

Charli XCX has been a driving force in the evolution of pop music, and her track "Lipgloss" featuring CupcakKe is a shining example of her innovative spirit. This collaboration, born from a simple Twitter exchange, showcases not only Charli's unique style but also the vibrant, boundary-pushing aesthetic of the PC Music label. With its catchy hooks and bold themes, "Lipgloss" celebrates sexuality and empowerment, making it a standout track that has left a mark on pop culture. Let's take a closer look at how this song came to be and its significance in today's music landscape.

Key Takeaways

"Lipgloss" was inspired by a Twitter interaction between Charli XCX and CupcakKe.
The song celebrates sexuality with playful metaphors and a fun vibe.
SOPHIE's and A.G. Cook's production styles significantly shaped the track's sound.
The release of "Lipgloss" contributed to the rise of PC Music and its artists.
Charli XCX's collaborations reflect her growth and influence in the pop music scene.

The Birth of Lipgloss Charli XCX

A Twitter Collaboration

The story of "Lipgloss" is pretty cool, actually. It all started with a fan on Twitter suggesting a collaboration between Charli XCX and CupcakKe. Charli was totally on board and asked how to get in touch with CupcakKe. Next thing you know, CupcakKe drops her email, and boom, a collab is born! It's wild how social media can make these things happen.

The Role of CupcakKe

CupcakKe's contribution to "Lipgloss" is undeniable. Her verse brings a raw, unapologetic energy to the track. It's not just about the lyrics; it's her whole delivery. She really owns the song in a way that complements Charli's style perfectly. It's a great example of how two artists can come together and create something bigger than themselves. Her growing popularity is a testament to her talent.

Inspiration Behind the Track

"Lipgloss" is the closing track on Charli's mixtape Number 1 Angel. The song is all about celebrating sex, vaginas, and keeping things "sticky icky" – like lipgloss. It's a sexually charged bop with energetic, fun production. It's a bold statement, and it's part of what makes the song so memorable. Charli's creative direction really shines through.

The track feels like a turning point, not just for Charli and CupcakKe, but for pop music in general. It's a moment where the underground starts to bubble up into the mainstream, and it's exciting to see where it goes from here.

Musical Themes in Lipgloss

Celebration of Sexuality

'Lipgloss' doesn't hold back; it's a full-on celebration of sexuality. The song is explicit and direct, embracing desire and pleasure without apology. It's about owning your sexuality and not being ashamed to express it. The lyrics are playful and confident, creating an atmosphere of freedom and empowerment. It's a bold statement, especially within the pop landscape, where such directness can sometimes be sanitized. The track feels like a party anthem for sexual liberation.

The 'Sticky Icky' Metaphor

The 'sticky icky' line is more than just a catchy phrase; it's a central metaphor in the song. It represents the physical and sensual aspects of the encounter being described. The repetition of this phrase emphasizes the intensity and almost addictive nature of the experience. It's a clever way to talk about intimacy without being overly graphic, using a playful image to convey a deeper message. The metaphor adds a layer of intrigue and makes the song more memorable. It's a perfect example of how pop music can use simple language to create complex meanings. The song's hook is utterly ridiculous.

Empowerment Through Music

'Lipgloss' is ultimately a song about empowerment. It's about women taking control of their desires and expressing themselves freely. The song's energy and confidence are infectious, encouraging listeners to embrace their own sexuality and reject societal expectations. It's a reminder that women can be assertive and unapologetic in their pursuit of pleasure. The collaboration between Charli XCX and CupcakKe amplifies this message, showcasing two artists who are known for pushing boundaries and challenging norms. The song's impact on pop culture is undeniable. Here are some ways the song empowers:

Encourages self-expression
Challenges societal norms
Promotes body positivity

The song's message is clear: be yourself, be confident, and don't let anyone tell you how to feel or act. It's a powerful message that resonates with many listeners, especially young women who are navigating their own identities and desires. The song's success is a testament to the power of music to inspire and empower.

Production and Sound of Lipgloss

SOPHIE's Influence

SOPHIE's involvement in "Lipgloss" is a big deal. Her signature sound, characterized by distorted synths and hyper-kinetic beats, is all over this track. It's like she took pop music and cranked it up to eleven. SOPHIE's production style really pushes boundaries, and you can hear that in the way "Lipgloss" sounds so different from anything else on the radio at the time. It's experimental, but still catchy, which is a hard balance to strike. Her work really helped define the PC Music sound.

A.G. Cook's Production Style

A.G. Cook's contribution to "Lipgloss" is just as important. He's known for his maximalist approach to production, layering tons of different sounds and textures to create something that's both chaotic and incredibly fun. Cook's style is about taking pop music and making it as over-the-top as possible. He's not afraid to experiment with weird sounds and unexpected combinations, and that's what makes his music so interesting. He helped to create a unique sound.

Energetic and Fun Vibes

"Lipgloss" is all about energy. The song is just bursting with excitement, from the fast-paced beat to the playful lyrics. It's the kind of track that makes you want to dance around your room and not care what anyone thinks. The song's energy is infectious, and it's a big part of why it's so popular. The production is so slick, but the vocals are raw, which creates a cool contrast. It's a track that doesn't take itself too seriously, and that's what makes it so enjoyable. The magical blue to pink lipstick vibe is definitely present.

The combination of SOPHIE and A.G. Cook's production styles creates a sound that's both futuristic and nostalgic. It's like they're taking the sounds of early 2000s pop music and twisting them into something completely new. The result is a track that's both familiar and totally unique.

Here are some elements that contribute to the song's energetic vibe:

Fast tempo
Distorted synths
Playful lyrics

The Impact of Lipgloss on Pop Culture

PC Music's Rise

'Lipgloss' definitely helped push PC Music further into the spotlight. Before this track, PC Music was more of a niche thing, but the song's catchiness and unique sound made people pay attention. It showed that experimental, electronic sounds could actually be super fun and accessible.

Charli XCX's Influence

Charli XCX has always been about pushing boundaries, and 'Lipgloss' is a perfect example. She used her platform to showcase a different kind of pop music, and that opened doors for other artists. It's cool how she's not afraid to take risks and try new things. She is a big influence on modern pop music.

CupcakKe's Growing Popularity

This song was huge for CupcakKe. She already had a following, but 'Lipgloss' introduced her to a much wider audience. People started to recognize her talent and her unique style. It's awesome to see how much she's grown since then. She gained praise from music critics and fans alike.

It's interesting to think about how a simple Twitter interaction led to such a significant moment in pop music. The collaboration between Charli XCX and CupcakKe really shows the power of social media in shaping the music landscape. It's also a reminder that sometimes the best things come from unexpected places. 'Lipgloss' is a great example of unexpected collaborations.

Here's a quick look at CupcakKe's growth after 'Lipgloss':

Increased social media following
More collaborations with other artists
Higher charting songs
Critical acclaim for her albums

It's clear that 'Lipgloss' was a turning point for her career. It helped her gain mainstream appeal and recognition. The song's success is a testament to her talent and hard work. It's inspiring to see how far she's come. The song is perfect for sex-positive rappers. It's a celebration of sex and vaginas, keeping it "sticky icky" like lipgloss. The song is backed with an energetic, fun production from SOPHIE and A.G. Cook. It's a sexually-charged bop. The song is definitely the most hyped track from the mixtape. It's a unique-sounding song in 2017’s pop climate thanks to its lively revival of the sound of UK house.

Reception and Critique of Lipgloss

Fan Reactions

When "Lipgloss" dropped, fans went wild. It was a total vibe shift, and people were either completely obsessed or a little confused. The energy was just so different from what some expected, but that's kind of what made it cool. It felt like a real moment. Some fans loved the collaboration with CupcakKe and how raw and unapologetic it was. Others were drawn to the experimental sound. It definitely sparked a lot of conversation, and that's always a good sign.

Critical Acclaim

Critics had a lot to say about "Lipgloss," and honestly, it was a mixed bag. Some praised its bold sound and how it pushed boundaries. Others weren't so sure, finding it a bit too chaotic. But even the negative reviews acknowledged that it was doing something new and interesting. It's one of those tracks that you either love or hate, and that's what makes it stand out. It wasn't trying to be anything other than itself, and that's something critics appreciated, even if they didn't fully connect with the song.

Comparisons to Other Tracks

"Lipgloss" is hard to pin down, but people tried to compare it to other stuff that was out at the time. Some drew parallels to other PC Music tracks, pointing out the shared love for hyper-pop sounds. Others compared it to artists like Tove Lo, noting the similar themes of sexuality and empowerment. It's interesting because it has this distinctly old-school sensuality. It's not quite like anything else, but you can see bits and pieces of other influences in there. It's like a sonic collage, and that's part of its charm.

The track's impact is undeniable. It's a bold statement, a celebration of individuality, and a middle finger to anyone who says pop music has to be safe. It's a reminder that music can be fun, experimental, and totally out there, all at the same time.

Here's a quick look at how "Lipgloss" stacks up against similar tracks:

Energy Level: Off the charts
Lyrical Content: Explicit and empowering
Production Style: Experimental and chaotic
Overall Vibe: Unapologetically bold

It's a track that sticks with you, whether you like it or not. It's a celebration of sex and a reminder that pop music can be anything you want it to be.

Lipgloss and the Future of Pop Music

Innovative Soundscapes

"Lipgloss," along with other PC Music tracks, really pushed the boundaries of what pop music could sound like. It wasn't just about catchy melodies; it was about experimenting with sounds, textures, and production techniques that hadn't really been heard in mainstream music before. This willingness to experiment has definitely influenced a lot of artists who are now creating their own unique soundscapes.

Using unconventional sounds.
Distorting vocals and instruments.
Creating a hyper-real, almost artificial sound.

The impact of PC Music is undeniable. It showed that pop music didn't have to be formulaic or predictable. It could be weird, challenging, and still incredibly fun.

The Role of DIY Musicians

One of the cool things about the PC Music scene was its DIY ethos. A lot of the artists involved were producing their own music, creating their own visuals, and building their own communities online. This DIY approach has become increasingly important in the music industry, as it allows artists to maintain control over their creative vision and connect directly with their fans. It's easier than ever to create your own music without needing a big label.

Mainstream Appeal of PC Music

While PC Music never fully crossed over into the mainstream, it definitely had an impact on pop culture. SOPHIE's "Lemonade" ended up in a McDonald's ad, and A. G. Cook worked with artists like David Guetta. Even if we don't see a PC Music number one hit, the influence of the genre can be heard in a lot of today's pop music. Artists like 100 gecs are taking what A. G. Cook and his friends started and pushing it in new directions. It's interesting to see how PC Music's influence continues to evolve.

Artist	Collaboration	Year
easyFun	Co-wrote a Rita Ora hit	N/A
A. G. Cook	Produced tracks for Li Yuchun (Chris Lee)	N/A
SOPHIE	"Lemonade" in McDonald's ad	N/A

It's not like the entire pop song could get away with being like Lipgloss Twins, but you could have one of those sounds in there and it actually would work. I believe that, and I think it obviously has been proven loads of times. The label has a huge queer fanbase and a younger audience who instinctively understood where they were coming from without having to question whether or not it was sincere. The ‘bubblegum bass’ sub-genre is still active, and there are a lot of other musicians who are taking what A. G. Cook and his friends started and pushing it in new directions. PC Music-inspired groups like 100 gecs are now saying something when your album being called Blue Lips is the most subtle thing about your entire schtick. This song definitely proves PC Music might be the future of pop music and it also launched CupcakKe into more popularity after gaining some following on Twitter with her earlier songs. Whether CupcakKe or PC Music would ever have mainstream appeal or not is up for debate but there is no doubt that CupcakKe

Charli XCX's Evolution as an Artist

From Mixtapes to Mainstream

Charli XCX's journey is a cool example of artistic growth. She started with mixtapes that were pretty experimental and underground. Think raw energy and a DIY vibe. Then, she gradually moved into the mainstream, but she never really lost that edge. It's like she brought the underground with her, which is what makes her so interesting. It's a cool blend of pop sensibilities and experimental sounds.

Collaborations and Features

Charli's collaborations are a big part of her story. She's worked with a ton of different artists, from underground producers to huge pop stars. These collaborations have helped her explore different sounds and reach new audiences. It's not just about the music, though. It's about building a community and pushing boundaries. A. G. Cook became Charli XCX's creative director, which was a perfect moment for both of them.

Here's a quick look at some of her notable collaborations:

Iggy Azalea ("Fancy")
SOPHIE (various tracks)
CupcakKe ("Lipgloss")
Troye Sivan ("1999")

Defining Her Unique Style

Charli XCX has carved out a unique space in pop music. It's hard to put her in one box. She blends pop, electronic, and experimental elements in a way that's totally her own. It's not just about the music, though. It's about the whole package – the visuals, the fashion, the attitude. She's a true original, and she's constantly pushing the boundaries of what pop music can be. PC Music's artists actually did reach the mainstream appeal thanks to her.

Charli's ability to stay true to her artistic vision while navigating the mainstream is what sets her apart. She's not afraid to experiment, and she's always pushing the envelope. That's what makes her such an exciting and influential artist.

Charli XCX has come a long way in her music career. From her early days with catchy pop songs to her current experimental sounds, she has shown that she can adapt and grow as an artist. Her journey is inspiring, and it shows how hard work and creativity can lead to success. Want to learn more about her amazing evolution? Check out our website for the full story!

Wrapping Up Charli XCX's Lipgloss Journey

In the end, Charli XCX's journey with 'Lipgloss' is a wild ride through pop culture and creativity. It’s amazing how a simple tweet sparked a collaboration that brought together two unique artists, Charli and CupcakKe. The song itself is a celebration of fun and empowerment, blending catchy beats with bold lyrics. It shows how music can break boundaries and connect people. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering Charli’s work, 'Lipgloss' is a testament to her ability to push the envelope in pop music. So, if you haven’t already, give it a listen and join the celebration!

Frequently Asked Questions

How did Charli XCX and CupcakKe collaborate on 'Lipgloss'?

The collaboration began when a fan on Twitter suggested Charli work with CupcakKe. Charli loved the idea and reached out to CupcakKe, who then shared her email address, leading to their partnership.