As two of the largest alt-princesses of the indie world seem to be circling one another in what’s promising to be a soft launch internet feud, fans are freaking out. Though there isn’t exactly a war just yet, fan theories, some lyrics, and low-key references all indicate that Lana Del Rey and Ethel Cain have a more complex relationship.
Soft Pop Tension: The Start of the Cold War
It all started when Rey shared a teaser of “Track 13” from her upcoming album on August 13. She’s singing along to the lyrics in the car in the video: “Ethel Cain hated my Instagram post / Think it’s cute reenacting my Chicago pose.” What is the caption? Jack Antonoff was tagged, and “Track 13” was announced. Was it quiet? Not really, the internet ran with it immediately.
From Track 13 to Timeline Tension
What was this incendiary Instagram post, then? Flash back to last year, when Rey stopped by to visit Jack Donoghue at Cook County Jail in Chicago, Illinois. They posted the photos on Instagram with the caption “family visit.” Rey’s photos of herself outside a prison, discreetly smiling and attired as an alt Americana First Lady, instantly went viral. The fans lost it. Critics’ eyebrows shot up. Cain did not forget it, even if it was no longer news.
Cain vs. Rey: The Instagram Image That Sparked a Cold War
The internet and perhaps Lana Del Rey’s heart are broken shortly thereafter by Cain. She posts a photo that is uncannily similar to Lana’s famous jail visit, with one unexpected difference: Donoghue is in the photo as well. The man Lana was dating was the same man featured in the original “family visit” post. The position wasn’t arbitrary. The partner wasn’t chosen at random. The internet took notice, and so did Lana Del Rey.
Minaj in the Middle
Nicki Minaj publicly praised Lana Del Rey for her ability to subtly shade. She commended Lana’s delivery, calling it “dope” and applauding the gentle way of handling the feud. In order to ensure that the internet wasn’t exaggerating the drama, Minaj’s co-sign added fuel to the fire. Someone with a keener eye and a sharper pen had also noticed.
Track 13 Is Where the Story Ends
Soon after the “Track 13” clip went viral, Lana Del Rey apparently blocked Cain on Instagram. When Cain responded with an understated, well-crafted cryptic update that name-checked directly, the story set indie pop fans into a spiral. We’re watching a soft pop cold war unfold in real time.
One thing is clear: this soft pop cold war is officially open, and everyone is watching.
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