Lil Hawa – “Malfunction” New Song & Video | The Fader

Philadelphia rapper Lil Hawa has released a new single, “Malfunction,” accompanied by a lo-fi music video directed by 1mirs. The track explores themes of newfound attention and the complexities of unrequited affection, according to a report in The Fader.

Hawa experienced a rising profile in 2025, marked by the release of two EPs and an opening slot on Skrilla’s tour. Her musical evolution began gaining wider recognition in 2024 when Lil Uzi Vert referenced her in the song “Lyft Em Up” from the album Eternal Atake 2, with the lyric: “You would think Lil Hawa my lil cousin way I got all this Lululemon.”

Her earlier work, including last winter’s 1ST LADY TREY, drew heavily from the Philadelphia drill scene, influenced by artists like Skrilla and Hood Tali. However, Hawa began to incorporate more melodic elements with the release of For My 3’s in the fall, featuring tracks like “HIGH” and a collaboration with Happy Dranker, “YDKBTS.”

This shift in sound continued with her Christmas single, “WHO I AM,” signaling a crystallization of her current, more ambient style. “Malfunction” builds on this trajectory, delving into the emotional landscape of navigating success and longing, The Fader noted.