Hip Hop/ Rap
Lykke Li Reacts to Drake Sampling ‘I Follow Rivers’ on ‘Iceman’: “I Was Missing Him”
Rap superstar Drake has once again turned to the music of Swedish singer-songwriter Lykke Li for inspiration on his latest album, Iceman.
Nearly two decades after sampling Li’s track “Little Bit” on his breakthrough 2009 mixtape So Far Gone, Drake has now interpolated her iconic 2011 anthem “I Follow Rivers” on the emotionally charged track “Janice STFU.”
The song has quickly become one of the most talked-about tracks on Iceman, blending Drake’s signature introspective style with the haunting melodies that made Lykke Li’s music globally recognizable.
Lykke Li Calls the Song “Potent”
In a recent interview, Lykke Li shared her reaction to hearing Drake’s latest reinterpretation of her work.
“I think it’s potent. It has that raw, revenge, hip-hop energy,” she said while discussing “Janice STFU.”
The singer admitted she initially believed the news was a joke after receiving a message from songwriter Rick Nowels informing her that Drake wanted to use “I Follow Rivers” on the album.
Li explained that the continued evolution of the song has been one of the most meaningful experiences of her career.
“With certain songs, there’s an alchemy to them that allows them to have their own life in the world,” she said. “That’s the greatest wish for a songwriter.”
‘I Follow Rivers’ Continues Its Global Legacy
Originally released on Lykke Li’s acclaimed album Wounded Rhymes, “I Follow Rivers” became an international sensation after Belgian DJ The Magician released a remix version that dominated clubs, radio stations, and streaming platforms worldwide.
Over the years, the song has found new audiences through remixes, covers, viral social media clips, and film soundtracks, transforming it into one of the defining indie-pop tracks of the 2010s.
Li compared the song’s lasting popularity to a hymn or shared cultural experience, suggesting that music can take on a life beyond its creator.
The singer even shared a personal story about her young son unexpectedly singing lyrics from the track despite never hearing her play it at home.
Drake Nostalgia Is Back
Interestingly, Lykke Li revealed that she had recently been revisiting Drake’s older music before learning about the interpolation.
“Strangely enough, I’ve been really craving Drake and have actually been listening to ‘Marvin’s Room’ lately,” she admitted.
She also reflected on Drake’s influence during the early 2010s, referencing classics like “Hotline Bling” and describing that era as unforgettable.
“So yeah, I was missing him,” Li added.
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New Chapters for Both Artists
Lykke Li recently performed at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival and released her latest project, The Afterparty, earlier this month. The album explores themes of spirituality, identity, and emotional transformation.
Meanwhile, Drake continues his prolific run with the release of Iceman, alongside companion projects Habibti and Maid of Honour.
The renewed collaboration between the two artists highlights how timeless songs can continue evolving across generations and genres.
