The Rise of Lul Lion

By Sammy Lowdermilk

I’ve seen Lul Lion moving all around Tennessee, including Chattanooga. I first took notice of her music when she was announced to be on the docket with theHouse member, Brian Brown, at a show in Nashville. She most recently came to Chattanooga for the Stay Dry/Qualls show at The Spot Venue, and has no plans of slowing down in 2019, as exhibited by her most recent project, "Threat Level Midnight."

Lul Lion gave us a bit of insight on what she has planned this year, “I wanna do as many shows as possible this year. Starting February 2nd in Knoxville I’m starting the first part of my Year of the Lion Tour. I’ll be performing in Memphis, Nashville, Chattanooga, Philly, and Durham during the tour. I hope to add more dates throughout 2019. I’m really excited to perform and hit these cities.”

Lul Lion is an artist from the Tri-Cities area here in Tennessee. She grew up listening to Bob Marley and formed her artist name from that influence, specifically his song, “Iron Lion Zion.” I also asked Lul Lion about her beginnings as a hip-hop artist; “I got into music by first just hanging out with friends and free styling. I started recording myself and I fell in love with it and knew that this is what I wanted to do.”

If you’ve listened to her music, you know that Lul Lion stands apart from most artists. Her sound is unique and Lul Lion doesn’t want her music to be boxed in but she still considers her art a part of hip-hop. “I really let how I’m feeling at the time dictate what music I make. I love so many genres and I’m influenced by so much.”

I also asked Lul Lion about what her creative process looks like, “I like to be inspired by life and what goes on around me.  If some words pop in my head or a melody I definitely try to record it in my voice memos before I forget them. Also I let the music speak to me. I feel like every beat I listen to is saying something to me and it’s up to me to translate and figure out what it’s saying.”

It seems 2019 should be a big year and Tha Milk Drop has definitely recognized her as an up-and-coming rapper here in Tennessee and the southeast. Not only does she want to perform more and put out more music she hopes to more importantly grow in her craft. Lul Lion also told us to be on the lookout for more collabs with Tennessee artists and producers, so we can’t wait to see what magic comes out of that. 

Lul Lion has appreciated the love and attention on her music but plans to be on the prowl all 2019, “I appreciate all the love I’ve been receiving so far. If you have listened or shared my music with anybody I definitely love you for that and I’m extremely grateful I’m just getting started and I’m not slowing down anytime soon!”

---

More Music from Lul Lion: