What’s My Name? – Rihanna ft. Drake

Released in 2010, “What’s My Name?” is a standout single from Rihanna’s fifth studio album, Loud. Featuring Canadian rapper Drake, the song quickly became a massive hit, topping the Billboard Hot 100 and earning widespread acclaim for its infectious rhythm, sultry lyrics, and undeniable chemistry between the two artists. “What’s My Name?” is more than just a catchy pop song; it is a vibrant exploration of romance, flirtation, and the electric connection between two people. This article explores the song’s musical composition, lyrical themes, the impact of the collaboration between Rihanna and Drake, and the cultural significance of the accompanying music video.

The Collaboration: Rihanna and Drake’s Dynamic Chemistry

The collaboration between Rihanna and Drake on “What’s My Name?” is one of the most celebrated aspects of the song. Their chemistry is palpable, both vocally and visually, creating an engaging dynamic that has captivated listeners and viewers alike. At the time of the song’s release, Rihanna and Drake were two of the most prominent figures in the music industry, and their partnership on this track only solidified their status as pop icons.

Their voices complement each other perfectly, with Rihanna’s smooth, velvety tones blending seamlessly with Drake’s laid-back, rhythmic flow. The interplay between their vocals adds a layer of intimacy and playfulness to the song, making it feel like a genuine conversation between two people caught in the excitement of a new romance.

Drake’s verse introduces a sense of anticipation and flirtation, setting the tone for the rest of the song:

“I heard you good with them soft lips / Yeah, you know word of mouth / The square root of 69 is 8-somethin’, right? / ‘Cause I’ve been tryna work it out, oh”

These lines reflect Drake’s signature style of blending clever wordplay with casual charm, adding a playful edge to the song’s romantic theme. Rihanna picks up on this vibe in the chorus, delivering the song’s iconic hook with a mix of confidence and sensuality:

“Oh na-na, what’s my name? / Oh na-na, what’s my name?”

The repetition of this simple, yet catchy, phrase underscores the flirtatious energy of the song, making it both memorable and engaging.

Musical Composition: A Blend of Caribbean and Pop Influences

Musically, “What’s My Name?” is a perfect blend of Caribbean and pop influences, a hallmark of Rihanna’s style. The song’s production, handled by the Norwegian duo Stargate along with Kuk Harrell, is characterized by its upbeat tempo, infectious bassline, and vibrant synths. The rhythm of the track draws heavily from dancehall and reggae, genres that have deeply influenced Rihanna’s music, especially given her Barbadian roots.

The song’s instrumentation is minimalist yet effective, with a steady drum pattern and subtle electronic elements that give it a breezy, summery feel. This allows Rihanna’s vocals to take center stage, highlighting her ability to convey both emotion and attitude through her singing. The production’s polished and danceable quality made “What’s My Name?” a favorite in clubs and on radio stations worldwide.

The chorus, with its infectious “Oh na-na” refrain, is particularly catchy and has become one of Rihanna’s most recognizable hooks. The simplicity of the melody combined with the rhythmic beat makes it a song that listeners can easily sing along to, contributing to its widespread appeal.

Lyrical Themes: Flirtation and Romance

Lyrically, “What’s My Name?” revolves around themes of flirtation, romance, and the excitement of new love. The song’s narrative is straightforward, depicting a blossoming relationship filled with chemistry and mutual attraction. Rihanna’s lyrics reflect a confident and assertive approach to romance, embodying a woman who knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to express it.

The chorus, with its repeated question, “What’s my name?”, can be interpreted as a metaphor for the desire to be remembered and recognized by someone special. It’s a playful yet profound way of expressing the importance of connection and intimacy in a relationship. The use of the phrase “Oh na-na” adds a touch of mystery and allure, making the song feel both inviting and intriguing.

Drake’s verse adds a layer of complexity to the song’s narrative, introducing a male perspective that complements Rihanna’s assertive stance. His lyrics are filled with clever wordplay and metaphors, contributing to the song’s flirtatious tone. Together, Rihanna and Drake create a dialogue that feels authentic and relatable, capturing the excitement and uncertainty that often accompanies new relationships.

The Music Video: Visualizing Romance in the Big City

The music video for “What’s My Name?” further enhances the song’s themes of romance and chemistry. Directed by Philip Andelman, the video is set in New York City and follows the budding relationship between Rihanna and Drake’s characters. The urban setting adds a sense of realism and relatability to the narrative, making it easy for viewers to connect with the story.

The video begins with a chance encounter between Rihanna and Drake in a convenience store, leading to a series of romantic and intimate moments between the two. The chemistry between them is undeniable, and their interactions feel natural and unforced. The video’s warm color palette and soft lighting create a cozy and inviting atmosphere, mirroring the warmth and intimacy of the song.

Throughout the video, scenes of Rihanna and Drake spending time together are interspersed with shots of Rihanna performing the song against various backdrops. These performance scenes highlight Rihanna’s captivating presence and style, reinforcing her status as a pop icon.

One of the most memorable aspects of the video is its depiction of everyday moments shared between the couple, such as cooking together and walking through the city. These scenes add a touch of realism to the romantic fantasy, making it feel like a genuine love story that viewers can relate to.

Cultural Impact and Legacy

“What’s My Name?” has left a lasting impact on pop culture, cementing itself as one of Rihanna’s most iconic songs. The track’s success on the charts, including its No. 1 position on the Billboard Hot 100, is a testament to its widespread appeal and the enduring popularity of Rihanna and Drake as artists.

The song’s influence extends beyond its commercial success. It has been covered and referenced by numerous artists and remains a staple in Rihanna’s live performances. The chemistry between Rihanna and Drake on this track also set the stage for future collaborations, including the hit single “Work” in 2016.

“What’s My Name?” continues to resonate with fans, thanks to its catchy melody, relatable lyrics, and the undeniable star power of its performers. It captures a moment in pop music history where two of the industry’s biggest names came together to create something truly special.

Conclusion

Rihanna’s “What’s My Name?” featuring Drake is more than just a chart-topping hit; it’s a celebration of romance, chemistry, and the thrill of new love. The song’s infectious rhythm, clever lyrics, and dynamic collaboration between Rihanna and Drake make it a timeless anthem that continues to captivate listeners. The accompanying music video adds depth to the narrative, bringing the story of love and connection to life in the bustling streets of New York City.

[Refrain: Rihanna & Drake]
Oh na-na, what’s my name?
Oh na-na, what’s my name?
Oh na-na, what’s my name?
Oh na-na, what’s my name?
Oh na-na, what’s my name? (Uh)
What’s my name? What’s my name? (Yeah)

[Verse 1: Drake]
I heard you good with them soft lips
Yeah, you know, word of mouth
The square root of sixty-nine is eight somethin’, right?
‘Cause I’ve been tryna work it out, oh
Good weed, white wine, uh
I come alive in the night time, yeah
Okay, away we go
Only thing we have on is the radio
Let it play
Say you gotta leave, but I know you wanna stay
You just waitin’ on the traffic jam to finish, girl
The things that we could do in twenty minutes, girl
Say my name, say my name, wear it out
It’s gettin’ hot, crack a window, air it out
I can get you through a mighty long day
Soon as you go, the text that I write is gon’ say
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[Refrain: Rihanna]
Oh na-na, what’s my name?
Oh na-na, what’s my name?
Oh na-na, what’s my name?
What’s my name? What’s my name?

[Verse 2: Rihanna]
Not everybody
Knows how to work my body
Knows how to make me want it
But, boy, you stay up on it
You got that somethin’
That keeps me so off balance
Baby, you’re a challenge
Let’s explore your talent

[Chorus: Rihanna]
Hey, boy, I really wanna see if you
Can go downtown with a girl like me
Hey, boy, I really wanna be with you
‘Cause you just my type
Ooh, na, na, na, na
I need a boy to take it over
Lookin’ for a guy to put in work
Oh woah, oh woah
Hey, boy, I really wanna see if you
Can go downtown with a girl like me
Hey, boy, I really wanna be with you
‘Cause you just my type
Ooh, na, na, na, na
I need a boy to take it over
Lookin’ for a guy to put in work
Oh woah, oh woah

[Refrain: Rihanna]
Oh na-na, what’s my name?
Oh na-na, what’s my name?
Oh na-na, what’s my name?
What’s my name? What’s my name?

[Verse 3: Rihanna]
Baby, you got me
And ain’t nowhere that I’d be
Than with your arms around me
Back and forth, you rock me, yeah
So I surrender
To every word you whisper
Every door you enter
I will let you in

[Bridge: Rihanna]
You’re so amazing
You took the time to figure me out
That’s why you take me
Way past the point of turnin’ me on
You ’bout to break me
I swear you got me losin’ my mind

[Refrain: Rihanna]
Oh na-na, what’s my name?
Oh na-na, what’s my name?
Oh na-na, what’s my name?
Oh na-na, what’s my name?
Oh na-na, what’s my name?
What’s my name? What’s my name?

Drake Rihanna