Why Jessie J Didn’t Give Her Song ‘Do It Like a Dude’ to Rihanna

TL;DR:

• Rihanna’s “Rude Boy” inspired Jessie J to write her song “Do It Like a Dude.”
• Jessie J decided not to give Rihanna the song.
• Audiences in the United States and the United Kingdom had different reactions to the song.

Rihanna‘s “Rude Boy” became a huge hit. Subsequently, it inspired Jessie J to write her debut single “Do It Like a Dude.” Jessie J revealed why she decided to keep the song for herself when she initially intended it for Rihanna.

Why a song inspired by Rihanna’s ‘Rude Boy’ became Jessie J’s 1st single

Before she released music of her own, Jessie J was known as a songwriter. She co-wrote Miley Cyrus’ hit “Party in the U.S.A.” During a 2011 interview with Rap-Up, she explained why she didn’t give “Do It Like a Dude” to Rihanna.

“I wrote it with [Rihanna] in mind because ‘Rude Boy’ was out at the time and that’s kinda what inspired me to [write] the song,” she noted. “At first I never really saw myself doing something like it, but I knew I could. I sent it to my label and I was like, ‘I’m just sending you this before I send it to Rihanna’s camp to see if you guys like it.’ And they were like, ‘This is your first single. It’s amazing.'”

Why Jessie J was hesitant to release ‘Do It Like a Dude’

At one point, Jessie J wasn’t certain she wanted to release the song. “I was a bit scared that people would judge me, but I think I need to remember that I’m 22 and it’s actually a really fun song that’s kinda tongue-in-cheek and I’m always taking the mickey out of myself,” she said.

Jessie J revealed she’d love to write a song for the “Rude Boy” singer. “She’s one of my idols,” she said. “I met her when I was touring with Chris Brown briefly, but I wasn’t really as established then as I am now.”

How ‘Do It Like a Dude’ performed on the charts in the United States and the United Kingdom

“Do It Like a Dude” was not a hit in the United States. The song did not impact the Billboard Hot 100. The song’s parent album, Who You Are, became a modest hit on the Billboard 200. Who You Are peaked at No. 11 and stayed on the chart for 18 weeks.

“Do It Like a Dude” became far more popular in the United Kingdom. According to The Official Charts Company, the song hit No. 2 in the U.K., staying on the chart for 31 weeks. Meanwhile, Who You Are hit No. 2 there and remained on the chart for 103 weeks.

“Do It Like a Dude” was a hit and it has an interesting connection to Rihanna.