Drake Name-Drops Tate McRae, Charli XCX, and ‘Brat Summer’ on New Track ‘Small Town Fame’

Drake is once again making waves in the music world with his latest track, Small Town Fame, in which he references pop star Tate McRae, British singer-songwriter Charli XCX, and the viral “Brat Summer” movement. The lyrics in question read:

“Bitch I feel like Tate McRae […] Puttin’ Charli up her nose, X on her tongue, she been geekin’ hard, she done had a BRAT Summer.”

This line has quickly ignited conversations online, as it intertwines some of 2024’s biggest pop culture phenomena into one sharp verse. From the meteoric rise of Tate McRae to the widespread influence of Charli XCX’s Brat era, Drake proves once again that he has his finger on the pulse of cultural trends.

Tate McRae: The Rising Star in Pop Music

Drake’s mention of Tate McRae is significant, as the Canadian singer-songwriter and dancer has had a breakout year. After gaining mainstream attention with her hit Greedy, McRae has continued her ascent with chart-topping singles, high-energy performances, and collaborations with major artists.

Hailing from Calgary, McRae initially gained fame as a finalist on So You Think You Can Dance before transitioning to a successful music career. Her emotional songwriting and distinct vocal style have drawn comparisons to artists like Billie Eilish and Olivia Rodrigo, cementing her as one of Gen Z’s leading pop voices.

Drake’s lyrics—“Bitch I feel like Tate McRae”—could allude to her rapid success and undeniable star power, or possibly to the intense emotions often present in her music. Regardless, the shoutout further solidifies her presence in the mainstream conversation.

Charli XCX and the Influence of ‘Brat Summer’

Perhaps the most layered reference in Small Town Fame is Drake’s mention of Charli XCX and “Brat Summer.” The phrase stems from the release of Charli’s critically acclaimed 2024 album Brat, which introduced a bold, rebellious, and self-assured aesthetic that resonated widely with fans.

Characterized by its neon green visuals and high-energy club beats, Brat became a defining cultural moment. The album’s influence extended beyond music, inspiring fashion trends, memes, and even political discourse.

In the lyric—“Puttin’ Charli up her nose, X on her tongue, she been geekin’ hard, she done had a BRAT Summer”—Drake appears to play with multiple meanings. “Charli” could be a reference to both Charli XCX herself and the slang for cocaine, while “X on her tongue” seemingly alludes to MDMA (often abbreviated as “X” or “XTC”). This imagery ties into the hedonistic, party-fueled energy that Brat embodies, further emphasizing the album’s cultural significance.

How ‘Brat’ Became a Political Statement

The Brat phenomenon took on a life of its own in 2024, even entering the political arena. Charli XCX made headlines when she tweeted “Kamala IS Brat”, following President Joe Biden’s endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris for the 2024 election.

The tweet quickly went viral, and Harris’s campaign embraced the Brat aesthetic, incorporating elements of the album’s bold branding into its social media presence. The move was widely seen as an attempt to connect with younger voters, particularly those drawn to the unapologetic, self-confident ethos of the Brat era.

Charli later declared “Brat Summer officially over”, marking the end of the cultural moment—but Drake’s new track proves that its impact is still being felt.

Drake: A Master of Cultural References

Drake has long been known for weaving contemporary cultural references into his music, and Small Town Fame is no exception. By name-dropping Tate McRae and Charli XCX while tying them to the Brat movement, he taps into some of the biggest trends in pop culture today.

The track’s lyrics not only acknowledge McRae’s growing influence but also immortalize Brat as a defining moment in 2024’s cultural landscape. Whether intended as a celebration, a critique, or simply a clever play on words, Drake once again proves that his music is a reflection of the times—ensuring that his lyrics remain a hot topic in both hip-hop and pop circles.