The Brooklyn native collaborated with Jeremih for her latest single and is currently working on her new album.
In the world of hip-hop, Lola Brooke has solidified her status as a rap star on the rise. The 30-year-old Brooklyn native first came to prominence in 2021 with “Don’t Play with It”, with Billy B which began as a viral hit on social media, landed at 69 on the Billboard Hot 100. To date, the BK anthem has amassed more than 350 Million streams across the globe to date.
Before she released an album, Lola was already having a major impact in the game earning a nomination for Best Breakthrough Hip-Hop Artist at the 2023 BET Hip-Hop Awards.
Her debut album, Dennis Daughter was released in 2023 and it showcased her songwriting prowess and infectious personality that made her a game-changing rapper.
In April, Lola dropped the deluxe version of Dennis Daughter featuring new tracks “Neighborhood Hero,” “GO GET YA MOTHA,” and “Bend It Ova” featuring A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie and Big Freedia. She also earned another nomination at the 2024 BET Awards for ‘Best Collaboration’ for “Don’t Play With It (Remix)” featuring Latto and Yung Miami.
Recently, Lola released her latest single “No One Else” featuring Jeremih, a scorching, seductive rap and R&B collaboration produced by Hitmaka that is sure to give listeners all the vibes just in time for cuffing season.
As she prepares to close out the year in grand fashions, Lola spoke about being proud of Brooklyn’s storied history of legendary rappers and how she’s representing the BK for a new generation.
“It feels great to be a part of that legacy but those are some really tough shoes to fill. I’m just going to be Lola Brooke and of course, Brooke stands for Brooklyn,” Lola told HOT97.com. “The pressure is not that bad. I feel like it’s in our DNA. Once you’re from Brooklyn, it’s just in your DNA to have some type of star power.”
Of the accolades that she has and will receive, Lola remembered how special it was to be named to the 2023 XXL Freshman Class. It was a moment when she realized that her dream of being a rapper had come true.
“I remember thinking to myself that I could never be on the XXL Freshman Class cover.I don’t know where the self-doubt came from but that’s basically what you’re taught when you go outside where I’m from,” she recalled. “ But now looking back at it, I’m very proud of myself, and it just showed me that the sky’s the limit. Shout out to XXL for even having me be a part of that.”
Lola also shared that she feels blessed to be in a time of rap music where many women are making a significant impact in hip-hop. Although the industry has its challenges, she’s driven to be the best she can be because of the example that was set by her mother.
“It feels good to be a female rapper at this time. Coming from someone as small as me, on top of that, as a Black woman, it can be hard sometimes,” Lola explained. “The pressure is on but I watched my mom’s take care of me by herself with no handouts or complaints. So I’m just happy that she can see me in the game now and get her flowers because she deserves it.”
Lola Brooke talks new single:
On “No One Else”, Lola shows her vulnerable side and she was so in tune with the vibes of the track that it didn’t take her long to pen her new hit song.
“I’m in my ‘soft girl’ era and I’m not afraid to show it. Because I’m from Brooklyn, I know I can be tough but I love being in this ‘soft girl era’ I’m in. With these kinds of songs, I can write them really fast and that’s what happened with “No One Else.”
With a flip of Craig Mack’s classic “Flava in Ya Ear”, Lola said that she thought Jeremih could take the song to another level. After he jumped on the track, she immediately knew they had something special.
“Christian, one of the co-producers on the record, brought the track to my attention and I dug it. I got right in my feelings. Then we pitched it to Jeremih because we knew his style would be a perfect fit for the song. When he heard it, he said that he loved it and I just hope he wasn’t lying to me,” she laughed. “He said he was jacking it and he came to shoot the video with me.”
Since she first emerged on the scene, Lola says that she has grown as an artist and as a woman. With her new song and a new album in the works, she wants her fans to go on the journey with her. She’s also excited about “touching the stage and seeing the people” with her signature charisma and energy for some upcoming shows.
“I’m sure of who I am as Shawnee Thomas. It took time to understand who Lola Brooke was at the same time. So last year, I was confused because I didn’t know how to balance my personal life with my career. Now, I’m in a place where my life is balanced and it has made me a better artist.”
“I just want the fans to tap into themselves a little bit more. Whether they wake up one day and don’t want to be bothered, or the next day when they wake up, they want to chill with their spouse. Whatever it is, just stand on it and don’t feel embarrassed to show your feelings.”
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