CARA on Her Triumphant Return: Grief, Healing & Reclaiming Power

In a raw and revealing conversation with Haute Living, multifaceted artist CARA opens up about her powerful comeback with THE KRONICLES—a deeply personal, full-length album that serves as both a musical diary and a testament to survival. After stepping away from the spotlight to process profound losses—including the deaths of her brother, her mother, and her mentor Gangsta Boo—CARA returns transformed, blending vulnerability, trap energy, and unapologetic confidence across tracks like the emotional standout “Tears,” the bold “BLVD,” and the fierce “CARA KUSH” featuring Gangsta Boo’s posthumous verses.

Photo Credit: DARWIN

From walking the runway at LA Fashion Week and performing with spiritual presence to navigating stage 4 endometriosis while staying grounded by her rescue dogs East and Hazel, CARA shares how grief reshaped her artistry, how past collaborations with legends like Lil Jon and Soulja Boy built her resilience, and why this project isn’t just music—it’s a declaration of endurance and evolution. This interview captures an artist who has turned pain into purpose, proving that true strength often emerges quietly, one honest note at a time.

HAUTE LIVING: What made you decide to come back with a whole album called THE KRONICLES after taking time away to grieve?

CARA: Coming back wasn’t something I planned. It happened when I finally stopped running from my feelings. Grief changes you, and for a while, I didn’t recognize myself or my voice. THE KRONICLES became a way to document that transformation in real time. It’s not just music; it’s a record of survival, healing, and reclaiming my power. I knew if I returned, it had to be honest and complete, not a single song, but a full body of work that told the whole story.

HL: The song “CARA KUSH” has Gangsta Boo on it after she passed away — how does it feel to have your mentor with you on this new project?

C: It’s incredibly emotional and surreal. Gangsta Boo was more than a collaborator; she was a mentor who always reminded me to stay fearless and unapologetic. Having her voice live in THE KRONICLES feels spiritual, like she’s still guiding me. Every time I hear her verses, it feels like a conversation across time. It’s an honor I don’t take lightly.

HL: “BLVD” and “Tears” both performed incredibly well — which one means the most to you personally and why?

C: They are both incredibly personal. “Tears” came from a place where I wasn’t sure if I would survive, but I needed to say it anyway. It represents complete vulnerability without armor. “BLVD” is powerful and confident, as I am, and reveals the hidden magic of Los Angeles, my home.

Photo Credit: Sarah Orbanich

HL: You performed at LA Fashion Week this Fall and walked the runway too — what was that whole experience like right after releasing such emotional music?

C: I remember praying to my brother, who is no longer with us today, right before I hit the first note on stage. The performance went flawlessly, so I know he was there with me. Fashion has always been another language for me, and stepping onto the runway right after releasing such raw music felt like reclaiming my presence. It was celebratory, like saying, I’m still here, and I’m evolving.

HL: You’ve been really open about having stage 4 endometriosis — what do you hope fans take away from hearing your story?

C: I hope people feel less alone. Chronic illness isn’t just physical; it affects your creativity, your relationships, and your confidence. I want fans to know that strength doesn’t always look loud. Sometimes it’s just showing up again after pain tries to silence you.

HL: You’ve collaborated with many artists and producers over the years — did any of those relationships influence the sound or direction of THE KRONICLES?

C: Absolutely. Working with artists across different eras and genres taught me versatility and resilience. Those experiences gave me the confidence to blend vulnerability with edge on THE KRONICLES. I wasn’t trying to fit into a sound. I am building my own lane.

Photo Credit: Sarah Orbanich

HL: Looking back, what lessons from your time touring and collaborating with artists like Lil Jon and Soulja Boy helped you navigate both grief and your return to music?

C: They taught me endurance. Touring teaches you discipline, adaptability, and how to perform even when life is heavy. That experience helped me trust myself during grief, to know I could step back into the spotlight without losing my authenticity.

HL: CARA, your rescue dogs, East and Hazel, are such a big part of your life — how do they inspire or support you while creating music and performing?

C: East and Hazel ground me. They remind me to stay present and gentle with myself. When I’m writing or coming down from a performance, they’re my calm. They’ve seen me at my lowest and my strongest, and that unconditional love fuels everything I create.