The unlikely inspirations behind the Arctic Monkeys’ 2013 song ‘R U Mine?’
Arctic Monkeys’ ‘R U Mine?’ drew on unexpected influences from hip-hop and contemporary R&B, helping the band find a sound they developed further on their 2013 album AM. The song’s blend of those ideas with heavy guitars marked a shift in their musical direction.
Alex Turner said Lil Wayne and Drake influenced the song’s lyrical references, while Ashanti, Aaliyah and Mýa informed its melodies and vocal arrangements. Written by Turner and bassist Nick O’Malley, it was released as a single in February 2012, reached number 23 on the UK Singles Chart and later appeared on AM.
In short
- Hip-hop and R&B shaped ‘R U Mine?’
- The song helped set the direction for AM.
- It reached number 23 in the UK.
Explained simply
Arctic Monkeys are a rock band from Sheffield, led by singer and songwriter Alex Turner. Their early records were known for guitar-driven songs and lyrics about everyday life, while their 2013 album AM brought a broader mix of musical influences.
Hip-hop and R&B were among those influences: Turner cited rappers Lil Wayne and Drake in connection with the lyrics, and singers Ashanti, Aaliyah and Mýa in connection with the melodies and vocals. The song was written by Turner and bassist Nick O’Malley, first released as a single in 2012, and later included on AM.