Olivia Rodrigo Cites Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Humble’ as Blueprint for New Mantra-Style Track

Olivia Rodrigo has revealed an unexpected source of inspiration for her third studio album: Pulitzer Prize-winning rapper Kendrick Lamar. Speaking with Zane Lowe on Apple Music, Rodrigo detailed how Lamar’s 2017 hit “Humble” served as a structural blueprint for her track “Expectations.”

The 23-year-old singer-songwriter explained that she sought to create a “mantra song” she could perform every night on tour. Rodrigo specifically cited the repetitive, rhythmic hook of “Humble” as the technical influence that helped her shape the cadence and energy of the track. This approach marks a distinct stylistic evolution from the narrative-heavy pop-punk and balladry found on her previous records, SOUR and GUTS.

The repetitive structure of 's 'Humble' served as a technical blueprint for Rodrigo's new music.

Collaborations and Chart Performance

The song “Expectations” is a centerpiece of Rodrigo’s third studio album, You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love, which was released on June 12, 2026. The album continued Rodrigo’s commercial momentum, debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and reaching the top of the charts in more than 20 countries.

In mid-October 2026, Rodrigo expanded the track’s reach by releasing a remix of “Expectations” featuring Chappell Roan. The collaboration was accompanied by a music video that featured a guest appearance by David Byrne, who appeared as a gameshow host.

While the album maintains the emotional vulnerability that defined her earlier work, the “mantra-style” songwriting influenced by Lamar represents a shift toward more rhythmic, performance-focused compositions. Rodrigo’s acknowledgment of Lamar’s influence highlights the cross-genre appreciation that informed the creative process for the 2026 record.

The post Olivia Rodrigo Cites Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Humble’ as Blueprint for New Mantra-Style Track appeared first on World Weekly News.