[W]reckless, Topless American Youth: Lana del Rey - "Born 2 Die" (Britney Spears Birthday 30)

Lana del Rey [Lizzy Grant] effectively became 2011's "It Girl" with the release of her phenomenal debut single, "Video Games" (Stranger). Like many struggling singer-songwriters, Grant has been signed, dropped, and significantly changed her public image since bursting onto the scene (2009). With that said, it can be assumed that Lana del Rey has collected just as many "haters" as she has avid supporters. To be perfectly honest, the only other artist I can think of that made this much commotion... garnered so much wide-spread buzz/hate and critical acclaim -- right out of the gates -- with just one track is Britney Spears. And maybe in this post-Mike musical era, that's the true synthesis of Pop Culture: Britney Lynn Spears.

After months of repeated teasing and speculation, Lana del Rey's major label debut, Born 2 Die will [finally] be released this coming Jan. 30-31, 2012. Pitchfork reports that it will feature "Off to The Races," "Blue Jeans," "Million Dollar Man," and "Carmen," amongst other assorted Baroque Pop tunes. I personally feel that strong, previously-released tracks like "Kinda Outta Luck" and "Video Games" will be featured within Born 2 Die, as well. Collaborators are set to include Richard "XL" Russell and Deep Soul legend, Bobby Womack.
Earlier today, Team Lana del Rey liberated the album's similarly-titled lead single, "Born 2 Die;" In an effort to prevent an imminent audio leak, the track was presented in the form of a looped still video, which features Lizzy Grant and and a tattooed lover in front of a waving American flag. Note: Lana del Rey is also topless, yet partially covered. "Born 2 Die"'s official music video clip is forthcoming... will be helmed by musician-director Woodkid and will co-star white tigers. Born 2 Die (Remix EP) is also in the works, which will sport re-workings from Clams Casino, Damon Albarn, and Woodkid.