Lana Del Rey Drops Sharp Diss Track Aimed at Ethel Cain

Introduction

A new storm has erupted in the indie and alternative pop world as Lana Del Rey appears to have dropped a sharp diss track aimed at fellow artist Ethel Cain. What began as a simple preview on Instagram has grown into one of the most discussed feuds in recent music history. With pointed lyrics, social media drama, and fans dissecting every detail, the clash between these two artists has become a defining moment in 2025’s music scene.

This article will explore the details of the track, the artists’ history, fan reactions, the larger context of diss culture in music, and what this feud means for the future of both stars.

The Spark: Track 13 Preview

On August 13, 2025, Lana Del Rey stunned fans when she uploaded a snippet of a new song, tentatively titled Track 13. The lyrics were impossible to miss, with a direct jab that went, “Ethel Cain hated my Instagram post / Think it’s cute reenacting my Chicago pose.”

The line was immediately recognized as a reference to Ethel Cain, who has often been compared to Lana in terms of artistic mood, imagery, and lyrical depth. The song also included a playful but mocking line about a profile headline, joking about Cain being called “the most famous girl at the Waffle House.”

By tagging Jack Antonoff, her longtime producer, Lana confirmed the track would appear on her next album. Within hours, the internet was buzzing with theories, memes, and heated debates.

Lana Del Rey Speaks Out

After the preview ignited speculation, Lana Del Rey went further by addressing the issue directly in an Instagram comment. She explained that she had been unsettled by disturbing side-by-side images that Cain had allegedly posted in the past, comparing Lana to grotesque characters and unflattering creatures, often with references to her body and weight.

According to Lana, these posts had crossed a personal line. She noted that she had even heard from mutual acquaintances that Ethel Cain had inserted herself into her private life in ways that felt intrusive. The diss track, therefore, wasn’t just a random jab but an artistic response to a deeper sense of betrayal and discomfort.

Ethel Cain Fires Back Quietly

Unlike Lana’s dramatic reveal, Ethel Cain kept her response minimal. She took to Instagram Stories, posting a short update: “update: lana del rey has blocked ethel cain on instagram.”

While the statement was brief, it confirmed that the rift was real and that Lana had made the split public not only through music but also on social platforms.

Adding more heat, Ethel Cain’s sister, Delilah Dolly, chimed in with sarcastic remarks mocking Lana’s genre shifts and teasing Cain’s upcoming performances. Her comments fueled the narrative that the Cain family wasn’t intimidated by Lana’s larger platform.

Public Reaction and Commentary

The public reaction was swift and divided. Some fans loved the diss track snippet, praising Lana Del Rey for her witty lyrics and her boldness in addressing drama through music. Even Nicki Minaj commented on how catchy the lines were, admitting she’d been humming them since hearing them.

Others, however, criticized the move, calling it petty and unnecessary. Some fans pointed out that Lana, as a global superstar, had far more influence than Ethel Cain, who is still considered an emerging artist. The imbalance of power made the diss feel like it was “punching down,” sparking discussions about fairness in musical feuds.

On platforms like Reddit, TikTok, and Twitter, debates broke out between loyal Lana supporters and Cain’s growing fanbase. Some hoped for escalation, expecting Ethel Cain to craft her own response track, while others wished the artists would move past personal grievances.

The Context Between the Artists

The feud didn’t arise out of nowhere. Tensions between Lana Del Rey and Ethel Cain date back to 2022, when Cain publicly pushed back against repeated comparisons to Lana. She argued that while both artists created emotional, narrative-driven music, they deserved recognition for their individuality.

At the time, some critics and fans had dubbed Cain “the next Lana Del Rey,” a label Cain rejected. This early frustration may have set the foundation for later hostility.

Now, in 2025, with Lana’s diss track preview and Ethel’s acknowledgment of being blocked, the cold war between them has erupted into an open feud.

A Timeline of Events

Early Criticism and Comparisons

Ethel Cain pushed back against being labeled as the “new Lana Del Rey,” claiming it was reductive and unfair.

Troubling Social Media Posts

Lana claims she discovered side-by-side memes and edited images from Cain’s accounts that referenced her weight and mocked her appearance.

The Snippet Reveal

On August 13, 2025, Lana previewed Track 13, directly mentioning Ethel Cain by name and mocking her public persona.

The Block Confirmation

Ethel Cain revealed she had been blocked on Instagram, turning private tensions into public spectacle.

Family Drama

Ethel’s sister added sarcastic comments mocking Lana’s music direction and defending Cain’s integrity.

Why This Diss Track Matters

A Rare Public Clash in Alt-Pop

The indie pop and alternative music scenes rarely see public diss tracks. Unlike rap, where diss culture is common, the vulnerability and intimacy of artists like Lana Del Rey and Ethel Cain make this feud unusual.

Power Imbalance Concerns

With Lana’s massive global fanbase and influence, critics worry the diss could damage Cain’s career. While diss tracks between equals can fuel creativity, a superstar vs. newcomer dynamic raises ethical questions.

Artistic Persona and Image

For Lana, the diss injects a new edge into her poetic, melancholic persona. For Ethel Cain, it brings sudden mainstream attention, but also increased scrutiny of her past online behavior.

Diss Tracks in Music History

To fully grasp the impact of this feud, it helps to look at the history of diss tracks. From Tupac vs. Biggie in rap, to Taylor Swift vs. Katy Perry in pop, public feuds have often defined cultural eras. Diss tracks serve as both personal expression and clever marketing, drawing attention to albums and artists.

In this case, Lana Del Rey may be using the diss track not only to express frustration but also to spark anticipation for her upcoming album. Diss tracks have a proven ability to dominate headlines and drive streams, which could benefit her rollout strategy.

Public Sentiment: Fans React

Reactions from fans highlight how divisive the feud has become.

• Supporters of Lana praise her lyrical sharpness and say the diss proves she’s unafraid to defend herself.

• Cain’s defenders argue that Lana is exploiting her massive platform to belittle a rising artist.

• Neutral listeners simply enjoy the drama, comparing it to classic pop rivalries and waiting to see who responds musically first.

Some fans even speculate that the feud could be staged or exaggerated for publicity, though both artists’ personal comments suggest genuine animosity.

The Bigger Picture: What Lies Ahead

What comes next may shape both careers. If Ethel Cain chooses to respond musically, she could gain new listeners eager to hear her perspective. On the other hand, silence might allow her to take the moral high ground while letting Lana’s diss stand on its own.

For Lana Del Rey, the diss track represents both risk and reward. While it adds buzz to her new album, it also opens her up to criticism for targeting a younger, less established peer. The decision could either strengthen her reputation as a fearless artist or draw backlash from those who view the move as unkind.

Final Thoughts

The feud between Lana Del Rey and Ethel Cain has quickly become one of the most fascinating stories in the music world this year. From pointed lyrics and public blocks to fan speculation and industry commentary, the drama demonstrates how artistry, identity, and social media collide in the modern era.

As both artists move forward with new albums, the fallout from this diss track may shape their creative paths. Whether it leads to more open conflict, subtle lyrical exchanges, or eventual reconciliation, the clash has already ensured its place in contemporary music history.

For fans, the feud is more than just gossip. It is a rare glimpse into how personal rivalries, artistic comparisons, and public image shape the evolving narrative of the indie and alt-pop world.