Lila Iké Unleashes New Single ‘Too Late to Lie’ & Shares Her Reggae Month Playlist
Written by djfrosty on February 28, 2025
After dropping her Bruises EP and gifting the world three cross-genre collaborations with H.E.R. (“He Loves Us Both”), Joey Bada$$ (“Fry Plantain”) and Mahalia (“Pressure Points”), Lila Iké has finally unleashed her first solo single of 2025.
Titled “Too Late to Lie,” the new track finds Iké crooning of a bleak conclusion to a romance that, at some point, promised forever. “I know my life will never be the same/ You made your choice and I will not complain/ Don’t raise your voice/ Please don’t speak my name/ Just say goodbye/ It’s too late to lie,” she coos at the song’s onset over Winta James’ plaintive, live instrumentation. “Too Late to Lie” — which arrived accompanied by a Remi Laudat-helmed music video — is set to appear on Iké’s forthcoming debut studio album, which will be released through Wurl Iké Records and In.Digg.Nation Collective under exclusive license to Ineffable Records.
2025 will also be a major touring year for Iké. In late March, she will play five shows in music halls across Japan, and from April 8 to 10, she will play her first headlining shows in the U.K. with her full Wurl Band, including stops in London, Bristol, and Manchester.
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Released on the last day of Reggae Month in Jamaica — and just one day before Women’s History Month in the U.S. — “Too Late to Lie” celebrates both the essence of reggae music and Iké’s femme-forward approach to songwriting. “[The new single] highlights the importance of protecting one’s space and energy, and being vigilant about where you invest your time and trust,” she said in a press release.
In celebration of Reggae Month, Lila Iké has shared a playlist of her all-time favorite reggae songs exclusively with Billboard, alongside bits of commentary for each track. Check out the playlist below and stream “Too Late to Lie” now.
Lila Iké’s 10 Favorite Reggae Songs
1. Garnet Silk, “Hello Mama Africa“
“Garnet Silk is my favorite reggae artist of all time. This song has connected with me ever since I was young because it was my mother’s favorite song.” — LILA IKÉ
2. Bob Marley feat. Lauryn Hill, “Turn Your Lights Down Low”
“Bob Marley’s contribution to reggae music will never not be recognized, but this song was how I discovered Lauryn Hill, and discovering her music changed my life. Her ability to sing and rap effortlessly blew me away.” — L.I.
3. Dennis Brown, “Lips of Wine“
“I love the production of this song, the guitar, and the organs. I love how Dennis sounds so young and innocent, but successfully belts one of the most beautiful love songs I’ve ever heard. I also love the harmonies.” — L.I.
4. Stephen Marley & Capleton, “Break Us Apart“
“Stephen is one of my favorite producers of all time; the mix of this song is insane!” — L.I.
5. Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley, “Old War Chant“
“Damian Marley’s Mr. Marley is my favorite project from him. I love this particular song due to how militant he sounded at such a young age!” — L.I.
6. Protoje, “Come My Way“
“This was the first song I actually heard Protoje sing on, and it made me a Protoje fan immediately. I loved the topic of the song and how vulnerable he was. I began to really pay attention to his writing after this.” — L.I.
7. Chronixx, “Rain Music“
“This song was the first song I heard from Chronixx! It’s a beautiful song, amazing music and very nostalgic.” — L.I.
8. Samory I, “Is It Because I’m Black“
“This song gets me emotional every time I hear it. Samory I’s voice is one of a kind. I think his delivery on this song is one of the best covers of all time in reggae music.” — L.I.
9. Jesse Royal – “Feel Your Pain”
“Jesse Royal’s music has always had that effect where every time he makes music specifically for women, it immediately makes you feel appreciated and safe. This song was exceptionally written and produced.” — L.I.
10. Ini Kamoze, “Wings With Me“
“The drums in this song are insane — especially the dub effect on the drum roll! I was immediately drawn the first time I heard it. I absolutely love how unique Ini Kamozi’s sound is. The thing about this song that captures me the most is how abstract the writing is! [Laughs]. I still don’t completely understand what exactly is being ‘wings with me.’” — L.I.