Already a hit in the U.K. with her DJ Fresh collaboration “Hot Right Now,” Rita Ora is getting ready to launch her career stateside this summer, starting with her infectious single “How We Do (Party).” In Part 2 of our conversation with the delightful singer, she shared details on her Roc Nation debut and some of her superstar collaborators.
The album, which has been two-and-a-half years in the making, will feature some familiar names including Stargate, The-Dream, and Drake, who penned “R.I.P.” featuring Tinie Tempah. “He’s given me some great songs which I was honored to take,” said the blonde bombshell, who starred in Drake’s “Over” video.
While she and Kanye West did hit the studio, she’s uncertain if their work will make this album. “Kanye is very much a genius. He’s a talent beyond belief,” shared Rita. “We’ve done some things together, but I might save it for the next album.”
The project is a reflection of the music she grew up listening to. “It definitely has pop in it, but I love soul music and I love my jazz music and I love all genres,” she explained. “You can hear influences of jazz in there, you can hear influences of Monica and Aaliyah, and then you can hear Gwen Stefani.”
Rita hopes her music will put a smile on people’s faces. “I just want people to go away with feeling good and my whole record is about being happy and feeling good about yourself,” she said. “I didn’t really want to make such an intense record because I’m not an intense person.”
Part 1: Rita Ora Talks Roots, Roc Nation, & Rolling with Jay-Z and Beyoncé