In 2013, Lana Del Rey identified her vision of turning life into art as inspiration for her viral music video for 'Video Games.' The video's success led to her signing with a major label, but the revelation of her pseudonym, Elizabeth Grant, sparked doubt among fans regarding her authenticity. Controversy continued with her 2023 album, featuring a sermon from pastor Judah Smith, raising questions about whether her inclusion of the clip was authentic expression or critique. Her background in philosophy might suggest an exploration of authenticity throughout her work.
Speaking to Myspace as an upcoming artist in 2013, Lana Dey Rey said that the "vision of making [her] life a work of art" was what inspired her to create her music video for her breakthrough single, Video Games (2011). The self-made video, featuring old movies clips and webcam footage of Del Rey singing, went viral. It eventually led her to sign with a major record label.
The question of Del Rey's authenticity has puzzled many throughout her career. Consider, for instance, the controversial Judah Smith Interlude from her latest album, Did You Know That There's a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd? (2023). Both fans and critics - including her sizeable LGBTQ+ fanbase - were surprised and troubled by her decision to feature the megachurch pastor Judith Smith, who's been accused of homophobia.
Collection
[
|
...
]