Drake’s “Solar Eclipse” interpolates Ella Langley’s “Choosin’ Texas” instead of remixing it, turning the historic No. 1 into a separate new song. SANTIAGO, CHILE – MARCH 18: Drake performs during day two of Lollapalooza Chile 2023 on March 18, 2023 in Santiago, Chile. (Photo by Marcelo Hernandez/Getty Images)
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For several weeks, it looked like Drake was preparing to jump onto a remix of Ella Langley’s “Choosin’ Texas.” He had been publicly embracing the country smash, first by appearing at one of the country singer’s concerts and then later by playing what sounded like a reworking of her blockbuster during a DJ set – one which would have brought him to the tune. Now that the song in question has finally arrived, it is clear that Drake has actually done something different.
Drake’s newly-shared cut “Solar Eclipse,” featuring Don Toliver, interpolates “Choosin’ Texas” rather than functioning as an actual remix of the original. Langley is not a featured performer on the tune – she isn’t credited as a featured artist, but she does appear as a songwriter on the composition – and the new recording has its own distinct title. Drake appears to have taken one of the most recognizable musical smashes from the biggest chart story of 2026 and turned it into a separate potential hit of his own.
Drake Did Not Actually Release A “Choosin’ Texas” Remix
The distinction between a remix and a new song that includes pieces of another is important. “Solar Eclipse” recreates recognizable snippets from “Choosin’ Texas,” which is why Langley and co-writers Miranda Lambert, Luke Dick and Joybeth Taylor receive songwriting credit on the hip-hop superstar’s new track.
Fans were largely expecting a remix of the country juggernaut, one which might have included a verse from Drake. He included some of the song while DJing in Houston, praised Langley on Instagram, showed up to her concert in Arkansas and was filmed singing with much of the rest of the crowd. By the end of the month, footage of Drake playing his own reworking had begun circulating on the internet, and it was widely assumed to be an upcoming remix.
That wouldn’t have been a shocking move, as it’s not uncommon for rappers to hop onto already-successful hits. Their presence helps introduce one track to a new audience and can potentially breathe new life into a piece of work – not that “Choosin’ Texas” needs any of that.
Instead, “Choosin’ Texas” can now be heard, at least in part, in Drake’s FOMO film before being formally released as “Solar Eclipse.” On October 2, the song became one of four new tracks added to Habibti (FOMO), an expanded edition of the album Drake originally released in May.
“Solar Eclipse” Arrives at the Perfect Moment
“Choosin’ Texas” spends a record-extending twenty-fourth week at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 on the chart dated October 3, becoming the first song in the ranking’s history to reach that total. Only two frames back, the tune was tied with Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” as the longest-running leader ever. Now it sits half a month ahead, and it’s unlikely that “Choosin’ Texas” is done adding to its historic sum.
Drake is not borrowing from a hit that has already had its moment; he released “Solar Eclipse” while Langley’s song remains in charge of the Billboard Hot 100 and the conversation surrounding its unprecedented run is still on everybody’s minds. Every article, social post and fan discussion explaining the interpolation gives Drake’s new song a built-in point of recognition before listeners even press play. Country fans – those who might never listen to a Drake release – may be intrigued enough to check it out on streaming platforms, adding to the already-massive audience that’s sure to hear it.
That connection does not guarantee that “Solar Eclipse” will become a smash in its own right, but it gives the song an advantage most new releases do not have. Paired with the fact that Drake is already one of the most successful and famous musicians on the planet, there are plenty of reasons to believe that “Solar Eclipse” could be on its way to a lofty debut on the Billboard charts in a few days.
Drake May Also Be Giving Habibti A Boost
“Solar Eclipse” has another job beyond becoming a hit in its own right. The cut’s streams (and sales) also feed into Habibti’s performance on the charts. Now that multiple songs have been added to its tracklist, all consumption tied to “Solar Eclipse” and fellow new releases “Quebec,” “Cold Shoulder” (with Don Toliver and Yebba) and “Classic Pt. 2” may help the project grow.
Drake released Iceman, Habibti and Maid of Honor simultaneously in May, and the three projects debuted at Nos. 1, 2 and 3 on the Billboard 200. They helped him make history when they launched, but in the months since, their trajectories have looked very different since. Iceman remained in the top 10 on the tally months later, while Habibti cratered deep down on the ranking and Maid of Honor has already disappeared.
“Choosin’ Texas” Fits Drake’s Song Better Than It First Appears
The interpolation makes sense for the song, as Drake and Toliver made it about all things related to the state in the original track’s name. The two musicians reference College Station, River Oaks, Sugar Land, Pearland, The Woodlands and other Texas locations, while hometown hero Bun B’s rap classic “Get Throwed” is incorporated as well.
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