Lu Kala’s “Criminal” is a seductive anthem about love and breaking the law

LU KALA (@igobylu) is a Congolese-Canadian singer-songwriter based in Los Angeles, California. Not long ago, she returned with a seductive new single, “Criminal,” via LVK/Amigo Records. With a magnetic presence and lyrics that flirt with legality, KALA invites listeners to experience love that borders on the forbidden.

LU KALA – “Criminal” single

“Everyone has someone who brings out their bad side, and this (song) is about someone who brings out mine,” LU KALA explained. Love is the proposed crime and “Criminal” is its seductive manifesto. KALA passionately submits to a love so good and intoxicating that it must be illegal.

With passionate lyrics that echo: “Boy, if your love is ride or die, I’ll give you 25 to life. You can lock me up, throw away the key, I’ll be your bad girl fantasy.” KALA paints a picture of romance so intoxicating that surrender feels like a wonderfully reckless decision. “You can lock me up, throw away the key, I’ll be your bad girl fantasy. If I steal your heart, you will call me a criminal.”

“Criminal” is just one part of KALA’s growing legacy and follows a string of hit pop tracks that have resonated with fans on radio charts, streaming platforms and social media alike. The song’s tantalizing lyrics—like “Loving on you feels like committing a crime”—capture the essence of exciting but dangerous affection. Who wouldn’t want to be part of such a captivating love story? “I’d do anything, baby, put myself in handcuffs. Whatever you like, no, it’s never too much,” confirms that KALA lives a life on the edge. If you haven’t yet tuned in to their mesmerizing sound, now is the perfect time. Immerse yourself in the extravagant whirlwind of emotions and let yourself be carried away by “Criminal” – remember, love has consequences!

LU KALA – “Criminal” single

“Criminal” is just the latest in a string of pop hits making waves on radio charts, streaming platforms and social media. KALA’s latest single “Who’s Gonna” just reached the top 10 on the Canadian Radio Top 40 chart (currently #10) and is also featured on the Hot AC chart (currently #31). Additionally, their hit song “Hotter Now” continues to enjoy great popularity on radio and is currently in the Top 10 on the AC Radio charts in Canada.

KALA burst onto the scene with the release of the trending “Pretty Girl Era,” now with over 25 million streams, over 340,000 user-generated videos on TikTok, including uses from Justin Timberlake, Eva Longoria and Serena Williams, and an inclusion in Fortnite. A feature on Latto’s Billboard Hot 100 hit “Lottery” soon followed, as well as the fierce power ballad “Nothing But Love”, whose social media videos reached over 1 million views. The singer with the fiery voice and signature bright orange hair is redefining what a pop star sounds and looks like.

LU KALA

LU KALA has been busy this summer, performing their catalog of hits live at several high-profile events, including Pride Toronto’s Opening Night main stage event on June 28th, the Canada Day celebration in Mississauga, Ontario on July 1st, and Cowboy Music Calgary Stampede Festival on July 7th. She most recently took the stage at VanPrideFest in Vancouver on August 4th and in Edmonton at MacEwan University’s Fall Festival on September 6th. Further dates will be announced shortly.

Beyond radio and streaming success, KALA’s talents have been honored and celebrated in the industry. Her most recent notable industry accolade came from Billboard Canada’s Women In Music, which honored KALA with its Rising Star Award earlier this summer. She performed a medley of her hits at the ceremony, after which Billboard Canada raved that the show was “a confirmation that this diva is ready for her spotlight.”

KALA was also nominated for two Juno Awards this year –Single of the year for “Pretty Girl Era” & Breakthrough Artist of the Year–as well as one Artist of the Year Nominated in the Women in Music Canada Honors 2024. Elsewhere she was honored by the SOCAN Foundation at the Her Music Awards, and in the US she was selected as an Industry Disruptor honoree for TikTok’s Black History Month 2024 Visionary Voices List and also selected as part of TikTok’s “Elevate” campaign, their first-ever Emerging Artists program, and named one of VEVO’s DSCVR Artists to Watch 2024.

LU KALA

At the age of three, KALA’s family immigrated to Canada from the Democratic Republic of Congo, living first in Regent Park in Toronto and later in Ajax. LU KALA has a talent for writing impressive pop tracks and catchy hooks and has amassed over 100 million streams. Behind the lyrics was a voice that was waiting to be published, unwilling to bend vocally into the box that black female artists are often expected to fit into. She has embraced her distinctive sound and, in the process, changed her trajectory as an artist and as a woman.

“I make music that’s true to who I am, and it would be cool to see more girls feel like they can do the same thing, regardless of genre, regardless of race,” she shares.

LU KALA – “Criminal” single

We recommend adding LU KALA’s single “Criminal” to your favorite electropop playlist. We would love to hear your opinion! Please comment below and let us know how you feel about this song. Remember: Your feedback helps us bring you more of the music you love. As always, thank you for reading another great article about Bong Mines Entertainment. We’re your go-to source for new music and positive entertainment news. Remember, (P)positive (E)energy (A)Always (C)reates (E)survey—PEACE

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