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The Sound of the Internet: Hyperpop's Rapid Rise

By Martha Scott Tatam2 min read
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Charli XCX wearing a veil at the 'Wuthering Heights' UK premiere
Photo: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images

If you've opened TikTok at any point in the last year, you've probably heard BJ Lips and Princess Paparazzi’s collab, "Love Potions".

Whether it's attached to a fancam, a movie edit, a gaming montage, or remixed with an entirely different song, the track has somehow managed to stay relevant long after its release. In many ways, it perfectly represents what hyperpop has become: a genre that thrives online, constantly evolving through remixes, trends, and internet communities rather than traditional charts.

For years, hyperpop was treated as this strange internet subgenre that was too loud and overwhelming to ever go mainstream or be appreciated to its full extent. Even if you've never actively searched for hyperpop, you've almost certainly heard it. The genre's signature combination of distorted vocals, electronic production, catchy hooks, and over-the-top energy has spread across social media platforms at an impressive rate.

Part of this comes down to the return of Y2K culture. The internet is currently obsessed with everything from low-rise jeans and Juicy Couture to glittery club music. Hyperpop taps directly into that energy. It takes the iconic sounds of the early-2000s and boosts it to the max. 

Of course, no discussion of hyperpop would be complete without mentioning Charli XCX, Ayesha Erotica, and Odetari, arguably the genre's most influential and recognisable figures. Charli XCX has probably done more than anyone to drag hyperpop into the mainstream, proving that experimental internet music can coexist with pop stardom. Her music has become deeply embedded in online culture, inspiring countless artists who have followed in her footsteps. 

Some newer artists (and songs of theirs we would recommend) include: Lil Hero ("Gun Show & Radar"), Yazida ("L-O-V-E"), Cece Nathalie ("Exitin & Cloud 10"), and Slayyyter ("DANCE"). 

The interesting thing is that hyperpop's rise hasn't really happened through traditional music industry channels. Most people aren't discovering these artists through radio stations or award shows. They're finding them through edits, memes, TikTok audios, gaming montages, and fan communities. Songs can disappear for months before suddenly coming back stronger than ever, which is exactly what happened with "Love Potions".

Perhaps hyperpop never really needed mainstream validation in the first place. It was built for the internet, and the internet is exactly where it continues to thrive. If you've been hearing the same futuristic, energetic sounds across your For You Page and wondering where they came from, hyperpop might already be your new favorite genre!

 

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