Drake’s latest track, "Small Town Fame," has sparked conversations across the music world. The song references pop star Tate McRae, British singer-songwriter Charli XCX, and the viral “Brat Summer” movement. One particular lyric stands out:
"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 blends some of 2024’s biggest pop culture moments into a single verse. By name-dropping McRae and Charli, Drake shows once again that he stays connected to current trends.
Tate McRae’s Meteoric Rise in Pop Music
Instagram | tatemcrae | Tate McRae quickly rises in pop music with hit songs and major collaborations.
Drake’s mention of Tate McRae highlights her breakthrough year. The Canadian singer and dancer gained worldwide recognition with her hit "Greedy." Since then, she has dominated the charts with high-energy performances and major collaborations.
Born in Calgary, McRae first gained attention as a finalist on "So You Think You Can Dance." Soon after, she transitioned into music and built a loyal fan base. Her emotional songwriting and distinct vocals have drawn comparisons to Billie Eilish and Olivia Rodrigo. With each release, she strengthens her place among Gen Z’s top pop stars.
Drake’s lyric—"Bitch I feel like Tate McRae"—could be a nod to her fast rise or the strong emotions in her music. Either way, the shoutout cements her influence in today’s pop culture.
Charli XCX and the ‘Brat Summer’ Phenomenon
Another major reference in "Small Town Fame" is Charli XCX and the phrase “Brat Summer.” The term comes from her hit 2024 album Brat, which introduced a bold and rebellious aesthetic that fans quickly embraced.
With neon green visuals and energetic club beats, Brat became more than just an album. It inspired a movement, influencing fashion, social media trends, and even political discussions. Fans praised a carefree, self-assured way of living that complemented the album's theme.
Drake’s lyric—"Puttin’ Charli up her nose, X on her tongue, she been geekin’ hard, she done had a BRAT Summer"—appears to play on multiple meanings. “Charli” could refer to both Charli XCX and the slang term for cocaine. Meanwhile, “X on her tongue” seemingly points to MDMA use. This line captures the wild, party-driven energy associated with Brat.
Instagram | charli_xcx | Charli XCX sparks Brat Summer with bold music and style.
The Political Side of ‘Brat’
The Brat movement extended beyond music and even influenced politics. Charli XCX made headlines when she tweeted, “Kamala IS Brat,” after President Joe Biden endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for the 2024 election.
The tweet went viral, leading Harris’s campaign to adopt Brat’s bold branding. This unexpected crossover between pop culture and politics showed the album’s deeper impact. Even after Charli declared, “Brat Summer officially over,” Drake’s song proves its influence remains.
Drake’s Mastery of Cultural References
Drake has a long history of weaving pop culture into his music. "Small Town Fame" continues this tradition by capturing key moments from 2024’s biggest trends.
By mentioning McRae and Charli, he reinforces their growing impact on the industry. At the same time, he preserves Brat Summer as a defining moment of the year. Whether meant as praise, commentary, or just clever wordplay, Drake’s lyrics ensure his music stays at the center of pop culture discussions.