Olivia Rodrigo paid homage to one rap classic when writing songs for her latest record.
In an interview on Thursday for Apple Music’s popular Zane Lowe show, she explained how rapper Kendrick Lamar’s 2017 hit “Humble” influenced “Expectations,” a song from her upcoming third album, You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love. Singer Chappell Roan, featuring on a recently released remix, joined the discussion.
“When I wrote ‘Expectations,’ initially, it was kind of like as a challenge to myself,” Rodrigo said. “I wanted to write a mantra song. I wanted to be like, ‘I want to sing this song every night.”
The singer said the hook of the tune was the main inspiration behind the idea, adding that you can’t forget lines like that because they keep repeating in your head.
“You know what I mean? It’s a mantra,” Rodrigo concluded.
“Humble” from the Damn album helped Lamar get his second No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100.
As Rodrigo mentioned, Roan also helped her write the remix. As the singer sang the second verse with the producer in the studio and talked about her terrible dates with men, Roan suggested, “‘Oh my God, you need to start dating girls. This is crazy.'”
Roan’s goal in writing the new verse was to make it playful.
“I love making things a little gay,” she admitted.
It is Roan’s first time as a featured artist on another performer’s song, and Rodrigo agreed that the tune was perfect for it.
The remix’s music video, shot by filmmaker Bardia Zeinali, depicts Rodrigo and Roan acting in retro game shows inspired by “Family Feud” and “Hollywood Squares.” David Byrne, lead vocalist of legendary Talking Heads, hosts the show “Big Expectations,” while the original producer, Dan Nigro (who also produces songs for these performers), makes a cameo appearance.
According to initial numbers, the original version of “Expectations” became No. 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 in June; the album opened at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 following its June 12 Geffen Records release. The lead single from You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love, “Drop Dead,” was Rodrigo’s fourth No. 1 hit.
Rodrigo, a three-time Grammy Award winner, launched the Unraveled Tour on Sept. 25 to promote her album.
