20 songs named after other artists

In 2011, Maroon 5 teamed up with Christina Aguilera on their hit single “Moves Like Jagger.” The track pays homage to the Rolling Stones' lead man Mick Jagger, and how his dance moves could easily entice a potential love interest.

In 2013, Drake teamed up with singer-songwriter James Fauntleroy on their song “Girls Love Beyoncé.” It’s a track that was initially released on Drake’s OVO blog, but he eventually added the track to his 2019 compilation album Care Package. On the track, Drake interpolates Destiny’s Child's “Say My Name” as he describes the things he’s been through in relationships.

Taylor Swift may be a pop star now, but when she first came onto the scene, she was regarded as one of country music's rising stars. Swift’s debut single was even named after one of the genre’s biggest stars, Tim McGraw. She sings on the track, “But when you think Tim McGraw I hope you think my favorite song / The one we danced to all night long / The moon like a spotlight on the lake.”

In 2011, Big Sean released his debut album Finally Famous, which included his second single “Marvin and Chardonnay.” On the track, Sean describes moments when he is spending time with a lover, and as he says in the song, “Just to set the mood, girl / I brought some Marvin Gaye and Chardonnay.”

There’s no doubt that musicians are inspired by artists who came before them and often make direct reference to those influences. That was the case in 1994 when rock band Weezer released their single “Buddy Holly,” named after the rock ‘n roll musician. On the track, they give the perspective of a guy dealing with his friends dissing his relationship.

J. Cole has been on record saying how much he didn’t really like his major label single “Work Out.” But he also heard that one of his biggest rap inspirations Nas, didn’t like the song either, and he used that as his inspiration for the track “Let Nas Down.” As he says in the song, “Long live the idols, may they never be your rivals / Pac was like Jesus, Nas wrote the Bible.”

In 2012, Eric Church used some inspiration of a teenage romance for his song “Springsteen,” which was indeed named after legendary singer Bruce Springsteen. On the track, he even references titles of Springsteen’s songs as he sings, “ Somewhere between that setting sun / 'I'm on Fire' and 'Born to Run' / You looked at me, and I was done / But we were just getting started.”

Rap duo Rae Sremmurd wanted to showcase their rock-star mentality as they paid homage to one of the greatest, most influential bands with their single “Black Beatles.” As Swae Lee says in the first verse, “New day, new money to be made / There is nothin' to explain / I'm a f$%&in' black Beatle, cream seats in the Regal / Rockin' John Lennon lenses, like to see ‘em spread eagle.”

The Chainsmokers teamed up with sirenxx on their track “Kanye,” which shares the idea the Kanye West has always been a person who shows up as himself unapologetically. As they sing on the track, “I wanna be like Kanye / I'll be the King of me always / Do what I want, I'll have it my way all day / Like Kanye.”

Kendrick Lamar surprised everyone in 2024 when he released his sixth album GNX. One of the album’s standout singles was the SZA-assisted track “Luther,” which samples the Luther Vandross and Cheryl Lynn track “If This World Were Mine.” Lamar and SZA use the track to describe how they each think the world of their partners. 

Jack Harlow isn’t afraid to shoot his shot on his single “Dua Lipa,” which was named after the pop singer he had an interest in. As he says on the hook, “Dua Lipa, I'm tryna do more with her than do a feature / I checked the web, they out here chewin' me up, f$%k it / Fadeaway, I lift that Luka knee up, bucket.”

Rapper and singer Jordan Adetunji became a viral sensation on social media thanks to his hit single “Kehlani.” On the track, he describes his interest in a potential partner, who has features that remind him of the singer Kehlani. The song was such a huge hit, Adetunji was able to collaborate with Kehlani on the official remix. 

In 1982, Queen released their song “Life is Real (Song for Lennon),” as a tribute to the late singer John Lennon. As they sing on the third verse, “Music will be my mistress / Loving like a wh*re / Lennon is a genius / Living in every pore.”

In 2013, boy band The Wanted released their third album Word of Mouth, which featured the single “Walks Like Rihanna.” On the track, they describe a particular woman who seems to attract a lot of men, and one of the best things about her is her strut. 

When it comes to a Fatboy Slim record, it’s important to know that he’s a producer and DJ, so some of his songs are pretty minimalistic in terms of lyrics. Such was the case in 1997 when Slim released his debut album Better Living Through Chemistry, which featured the song “Michael Jackson.” On the track, the King of Pop’s name is repeated before Tina Turner’s name is also added to the mix. 

In 2023, singer Peso Pluma released his third album Genesis, which featured the final single “Lady Gaga.” Named after the pop singer, the track details the ins and outs of a rich and famous lifestyle.

In 2011, Meek Mill teamed up with his frequent collaborator Rick Ross on their single “Tupac Back.” The track starts off with an interview clip of Tupac himself before Mill and Ross trade verses that also mention song titles of the late rapper. 

In 2006, singer Robbie Williams released his seventh album Rudebox, which featured the single “She’s Madonna.” Although the song is named after the “Vogue” singer,” Williams uses her name to refer to a woman who is no longer acting like the person he once knew. 

Kenyon Dixon is more than just an R&B singer, he’s an advocate for the genre and the artists who paved the way. On his 2022 album Closer, he featured the track titled “Marvin Gaye.” Although the song doesn’t mention Gaye’s name anywhere in the lyrics, it indeed mentions one of his biggest songs, “Sexual Healing,” which Dixon uses as inspiration as a romantic protagonist.

In 2019, Fall Out Boy released their greatest hits album Believers Never Die - Volume Two, which featured the previously unreleased song “Bob Dylan.” On the track, the band reflects on the love between two people. As they sing on the hook, “'Cause everyone loves Bob Dylan / I just want you to love me like that, yeah / Would you bury me next to Johnny Cash? / I'm obsessed, do you love me like that? Yeah.”