Who Is India Love?

Before she was a recording artist, the world knew her as India Westbrooks, a social media sensation who captured the internet’s attention. Her journey began on Tumblr, where her unique style and personality quickly built a massive following.

This digital fame led her to become one of the original Instagram influencers and eventually star in the 2015 reality show “The Westbrooks” alongside her sisters. But India Love had her sights set on a new horizon: music. With the mentorship of the legendary will.i.am, she began her transition from an online personality to a serious artist.

The Making of “Candy on the Block”

In November 2018, India Love dropped “Candy on the Block,” a track that signaled her official arrival in the music world. Produced by will.i.am, the song was crafted to make a statement.

It was a departure from her earlier singles, showcasing a more defined sound and a clearer artistic vision. The track served as a bold declaration of her identity as a Compton-born artist ready to claim her space in the industry.

Breaking Down the Sound

“Candy on the Block” is a fusion of genres, blending a bass-heavy trap beat with India’s smooth, laidback rap vocals. The production creates an atmosphere that is both gritty and alluring, a perfect backdrop for her confident delivery.

The sound is a nod to contemporary R&B and trap music, yet it carries a unique flavor that is distinctly India Love. Her flow is rhythmic and conversational, drawing listeners into the story she tells.

The Music Video Vision

The music video, which premiered exclusively on WorldStarHipHop, brought the song’s narrative to life. Directed by Shadae Lamar Smith, the visual is a journey back to India’s roots in Compton.

Viewers see her navigating familiar landscapes—hitting the local swap meet, hanging out at her family’s house, and riding dirt bikes through the city streets. The cinematography, captured with high-quality Sony cameras, gives the video a polished, professional feel while maintaining its raw authenticity.

Returning to Compton Roots

Choosing to film in Compton was a deliberate and powerful move. It was India’s way of grounding her new artistic identity in the place that shaped her. The video is a celebration of her heritage, a visual love letter to the community she came from.

The title itself, “Candy on the Block,” can be seen as a metaphor for her presence—a sweet, vibrant, and eye-catching figure who remains connected to her origins. It’s about being a product of your environment and shining brightly within it.

India Love’s Artistic Evolution

The journey from a social media influencer to a recording artist is not always a smooth one, but India Love navigated it with intention. Her collaboration with will.i.am was pivotal, providing her with the guidance to hone her craft and develop her voice.

This evolution was also fueled by her core message of self-love and empowerment, a theme she often explores in her music. Drawing inspiration from artists like Kelis, Missy Elliott, and Jhene Aiko, she has cultivated an artistic persona that is both vulnerable and unapologetically confident.

The Impact and Reception

Upon its release, “Candy on the Block” resonated with a wide audience. Its premiere on WorldStarHipHop exposed it to millions, and the track quickly gained traction on streaming platforms, becoming one of her most popular songs.

The song solidified her position as a promising new voice in the contemporary R&B and trap landscape. More than just a single, “Candy on the Block” represents a key milestone in India Love’s career—a testament to her growth, her connection to her roots, and her unwavering ambition.