Drake's 'Janice STFU' Soundtracks a Summer of Resentment

In a New Yorker essay, music critic Amanda Petrusich reflects on the ubiquity of Drake's song 'Janice STFU' from his album 'Iceman,' released alongside 'Habibti' and 'Maid of Honour.' The album, a response to his loss to Kendrick Lamar, is characterized by petty score-settling and braggadocio. Petrusich describes hearing the song throughout the summer, from car windows to park gatherings, and analyzes its lyrics, which include threats and boasts. She notes the song samples Lykke Li's 'I Follow Rivers' and features Auto-Tuned vocals. The essay connects the song's mood to the darker side of summer, contrasting it with nostalgic portrayals, and references Éric Rohmer's film 'The Green Ray' as a parallel. Drake's lyrics express jealousy and a sense of being undervalued, encapsulating a summer of resentment and comparison.