TikTok has transformed from a dancing app to a platform that holds significant weight in the music industry. This year, the app has helped rapper Ice Spice rise to fame with her hit song “He say that I’m good enough, grabbin’ my duh-duh-duh”. 2023, however, was also the year that saw sped-up remixes take TikTok by storm. These are the most memorable songs and remixes that have become popular on the app so far.
Lalala or okokok? How to play the viral TikTok quiz.
“Flowers” by Miley Cyrus
TikTok users were initially drawn to Miley Cyrus’ “Flowers” due to its focus on singlehood and the underlying mess and drama in the lyrics and music video. Released in early January, the song quickly became a fan favorite and has been used as the soundtrack for 5.3 million TikTok videos since.
“ceilings (Sped Up Version)” by Lizzie McAlpline
The remix of Lizzie McAlpine’s slow and sorrowful song “ceilings” from her 2022 album, Five Seconds Flat, turned into a dance track after users pitched up the vocals. In January, people started singing along to the portion of the remix that began with “but it’s over,” and the trend gained popularity in March. McAlpine herself released her own sped-up version of the song on TikTok and YouTube in February.
“Sure Thing – Sped Up” by Miguel
The TikTok trend surrounding “Sure Thing” by Miguel took off after a user posted a pitched-up, sped-up version of the 2010 love song. In January, Miguel released his own accelerated version, which is now featured in almost 4 million TikTok videos.
“Boy’s a Liar Pt. 2” by Pinkpantheress and Ice Spice
UK singer, Pinkpantheress, collaborated with American rapper, Ice Spice, to create a remix of her song “Boy’s a Liar.” Their collaboration, released in February, turned Ice Spice into an overnight sensation with her signature orange hair becoming a trademark. The upbeat dance-pop song has featured in 2.1 million TikTok videos and counting!
“See You Again” ft. Kali Uchis by Tyler, The Creator
In April, Tyler, The Creator’s 2017 hit “See You Again” became a personality quiz trend on TikTok. Referring to the end of the song where Tyler repeats “OK, OK, OK” and Kali Uchis sings “la, la, la,” users have determined that whether they are an “okokok” person or a “lalala” person fundamentally depends on the vibe conveyed by Tyler and Uchis respectively in the snippet.
