What's My Name? is a 2010 single recorded by Barbadian singer Rihanna with guest vocals from Canadian rapper Drake. Issued in October 2010 as a single from Rihanna's fifth studio album, Loud, the track is a duet that blends pop, R&B and Caribbean rhythmic elements into a radio-friendly format. The song became one of the year's biggest hits and expanded both artists' mainstream reach.
Musical style and lyrics
The composition pairs melodic verses and an easygoing beat with a memorable chorus built around the repeated question reflected in the title. Vocally, the track features Rihanna's smooth lead delivery contrasted with Drake's conversational rap and sung hook; the interaction gives the song a flirtatious, call-and-response feel. Instrumentation leans on synthesized textures, handclaps and a mid-tempo pulse that supports both dance and urban radio formats.
Release and chart performance
Released in October 2010 as a follow-up single from Loud, the song was promoted to international radio and digital retailers. It achieved strong commercial results, topping prominent charts and becoming a crossover hit. Notable chart milestones include:
- Reaching number one on the US Billboard Hot 100, giving Rihanna another chart-topping single and marking Drake's first appearance at the summit in the United States.
- Claiming the top position on the UK Singles Chart and placing within the top five in several other national charts, including Canada, Ireland and New Zealand.
Critical reception and impact
Music critics generally praised the song for its catchy hook, chemistry between the two performers and polished production. Reviewers highlighted its appeal across pop and urban audiences and noted how the duet format suited both artists' strengths. The commercial success reinforced Rihanna's status as a dominant pop act in the early 2010s and helped introduce Drake to a broader mainstream pop audience.
Video, performances and legacy
The accompanying music video depicts a playful, chemistry-driven interaction between the two artists and emphasizes the song's flirtatious narrative. Rihanna included the song in live setlists around the Loud era, and televised performances helped sustain its radio momentum. Over time the single has remained one of the recognizable collaborations of the era, often cited when discussing successful pop–rap duets of the 2010s.
Credits and versions
Various editions and remixes circulated for radio and clubs, and the single appeared on compilation releases and Rihanna's live recordings. Songwriting and production involved professional pop and R&B collaborators active in mainstream music at that time; its polished production and commercial formatting are representative of contemporary pop singles from the early 2010s.