Internet Girl - Kids (Single)
My introduction to Internet Girl happened to be through TikTok over this past month in March. I was immediately drawn to their sound and aesthetic in a short amount of time. We’ve seen a fair share of groups and collectives that exist within the Hip-Hop space and history of the genre. Notable groups that brought a multitude of waves and cultural talents such as Wu-Tang Clan and Odd Future. More so in recent years, with the supergroup and boyband BROCKHAMPTON, a multi-genre, hybrid collective with majority hailing from Texas, I feel left a mark on not only the way they redefined the public’s perception of what boybands really are, but pushing the boundaries of the do-it-yourself (DIY) mentality and shifting creative boundaries within the music industry that paved the path for new artists to create on their own means. As Internet Girl previewed their new track “KIDS” that released this past Wednesday on April 3rd, KIDS is a 3 pack from the South African indie band that includes two previously released singles from 2024, “EVERY MAN FOR HIMSELF” and “COKEHEAD.” These tracks contain a fair amount of unique features that introduces the listener to a whole other world of artists, as well as familiar yet genre-bending styles that believe makes Internet Girl one of the next best sounds.
The projects kicks off with their latest track “KIDS,” which features 4TUNAT—an alt. Rap/R&B artist from Gwinnett, Georgia, and Godly the Ruler—a Nigerian born, Chicago-based musician that intersects with hip-hop/rap, alternative sounds with electronic elements. Their team-up on Internet Girl’s latest track really gave everyone their own spotlight to shine, with the lead singer Ntsika Bungane singing the semi-distorted, infectious hook that’s been flooding TikTok, “Fuck your kids, they all sound just like me / That’s the last time I say that shit, The nest time we gon’ see.” Followed by 4TUNAT’s angelic vocals on the track, where he flows, “I made a way from my mind / Used to be caught in distraction, Best believe I took this shit ’til I’ve taken my last breath.” Godly the Ruler’s vocals take on the final section of the track, where they overlay with these heavy synths and electric guitar that build for an epic outro—“Holding the world in my hands, Is it too much to ask for?” This blend of grungy, live instrumentation mixed with their fresh take on production creates a new, innovative and well-executed sound and unique collaboration that makes Internet Girl truly stick out from their contemporaries.
Followed by their latest track, their second latest single, “EVERY MAN FOR HIMSELF” is in collaboration with artist re6ce, a solo indie artist from Liverpool, UK. The track starts off with a small skit, saying “you’re now listening to Role Model Radio, the best music by the worse people.” Ntsika Bungane and re6ce go hand-in hand with a rebellious, punk flow on the track, shouting “Just look around, just look around / Every man for himself (for himself).” re6ce states “I heard you not datin’ no more / That’s sad, man, you look like me, You just wanted a shot at the score / That’s sad, you could never be me, Been a year, but I’m still in your mouth.” The skit insinuates that although the people featured are great at making music, that they are not the best people—where both artists comment on their nature of complicated relationships, rumors, and racism.
“COKEHEAD” features artist Ezekiel—a solo alternative, lo-fi hyper pop act out of Manchester, UK, where they express their experiences of abusing cocaine. “I’m just a fiend, I’m just a cokehead / Okay, I’m knocking at your doorstep, Hello, won’t you let me be your boyfriend?” Ntsika talks about the perception of people always at others with either being too vocal/violent or being complicit in situations with the world. This furthers the ideas of “best music by the worst people,” and shows how some people turn to drugs to escape issues overall—a cycle of abuse.
It’s rumored that Internet Girl will be releasing a full project titled ROLE MODEL later this year. With the amount of interesting collaborations they’ve done—bringing so much energy while paving their own unique sound as a band—Internet Girl has a very promising future with their art.
You can watch their latest visual aid for “KIDS” here.