Swedish singer Lykke Li was stunned to hear her 2011 breakout single ‘I Follow Rivers’ unexpectedly appear on Drake’s latest album ‘Iceman.’ The revelation came during a listening session for the Toronto rapper’s project, which dropped Friday. Li called the moment “destiny,” telling Rolling Stone the song has “a life of its own.”

“I was listening to it and I was like, ‘Oh my God, that’s my song,’” Li said. The track, originally released as part of her second studio album Wounded Rhymes, had no prior association with Drake or his team. Li admitted she initially thought the inclusion might be a mistake before realizing it was intentional. “It felt like it was meant to be,” she said.

‘I Follow Rivers’ built slow-burning success

The song’s journey from obscurity to Drake’s album is a testament to its enduring appeal. ‘I Follow Rivers’ first charted in 2011, climbing steadily on global charts over the following years. Its minimalist production and haunting vocals made it a standout track, earning a cult following that persisted long after its initial release. The song’s resurgence on ‘Iceman’ introduces it to a new generation of listeners unfamiliar with Li’s work.

Drake’s team cleared the sample for inclusion

Li confirmed that Drake’s team reached out to clear the rights for the track’s use on ‘Iceman.’ The process was seamless, she noted, emphasizing the mutual respect between artists. “They just asked if it was okay, and of course, I said yes,” Li said. The inclusion marks one of the rare times a decade-old pop track has found a home on a major hip-hop album, blending genres in a way that feels organic.

Li reflects on the song’s legacy

Now 13 years into her career, Li views ‘I Follow Rivers’ as a career-defining moment that continues to surprise her. The song’s longevity has allowed it to transcend its original release, becoming a permanent fixture in Li’s discography. “It’s crazy to think about how far it’s come,” she said. “I never expected it to have this kind of life.”

What’s next for Lykke Li

Li is currently working on new music, though she declined to share details about her upcoming project. Fans can expect more from the Swedish artist in the coming months, as she continues to evolve her sound while honoring her past. The unexpected placement of ‘I Follow Rivers’ on ‘Iceman’ only adds to the intrigue surrounding Li’s next move. For now, the song’s newfound exposure on a high-profile album ensures its place in pop culture for years to come.

What You Need to Know

  • Source: Rolling Stone
  • Published: May 16, 2026 at 17:52 UTC
  • Category: Entertainment
  • Topics: #music · #rolling-stone · #culture · #entertainment · #biggest-song-landed · #drake

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Curated by GlobalBR News · May 16, 2026

🇧🇷 Resumo em Português

A música “I Follow Rivers” da sueca Lykke Li, um sucesso de 2011, ganhou uma nova vida ao ser incluída no álbum “Iceman” de Drake, mais de uma década após seu lançamento. O que começou como um hit alternativo europeu se transformou em um fenômeno global, agora abraçado pela cultura pop mainstream.

A trajetória da canção é um exemplo de como a música pode transcender fronteiras e gerações. Lançada originalmente no álbum “Wounded Rhymes”, “I Follow Rivers” já havia conquistado fãs no Brasil, onde foi usada em trilhas de novelas e em playlists de música alternativa. Sua presença no novo trabalho de Drake, um dos artistas mais influentes do mundo, reforça sua relevância e mostra como canções podem ter “vidas próprias”, ganhando novas interpretações e públicos ao longo dos anos.

Com essa redescoberta, “I Follow Rivers” pode ganhar ainda mais espaço nas rádios e plataformas de streaming, consolidando seu legado e inspirando outros artistas a explorarem clássicos menos óbvios.