Lykke Li's haunting hit "I Follow Rivers" gets a new life on Drake's latest album, blending her ethereal vocals with his raw lyrics.
- May 22, 2026
AceShowbiz - Lykke Li is experiencing a remarkable resurgence of her music as her signature song receives a fresh interpretation on Drake’s latest album.
Nearly two decades after Drake sampled her track "Little Bit" on his 2009 mixtape "So Far Gone," he now incorporates an interpolation of her 2011 hit "I Follow Rivers" into the song "Janice S###" from his album Iceman. This marks a significant moment, blending the Swedish artist’s haunting vocals with Drake’s raw and confrontational lyrics.
The song "Janice S###" addresses the persistent internet gossip and criticism that follow Drake’s career, creating a dynamic atmosphere where Lykke Li’s melody plays a central role amidst the chaos. The news of this musical overlap reached Lykke Li through co-writer Rick Nowels, with Björn Yttling of Peter Björn and John also credited on the track.
Initially skeptical, Lykke Li soon embraced the collaboration after hearing the song herself. She shared the experience of listening to the track in her car alongside a close friend and recognized the intense, vengeful energy present in the music, which channels the rawness of hip-hop.
According to reports, Lykke Li had not yet fully absorbed all three albums from Drake’s extensive trilogy release but had been reflecting on his work and influence.
What adds to the intrigue is how "I Follow Rivers" has maintained enduring popularity since its release. The song gained additional attention from a remix by Belgian DJ/producer The Magician and has been widely covered, remixed, and mashed up across platforms like YouTube and social media.
Lykke Li described this ongoing cultural impact as akin to a spiritual phenomenon, where certain songs seem to take on a life of their own beyond the artist’s control. She expressed gratitude for having a song that transcends ownership, continuing to resonate with audiences worldwide.
This collaboration with Drake exemplifies the lasting legacy of Lykke Li’s music and highlights the evolving relationship between artists across genres and generations.
