Whoever said 2004 is back was completely correct, and I’m totally here for it. Think about it. Mean Girls has been a hot topic with its premiere in cinemas just like in 2004, and zig-zag headbands are back in style thanks to television shows like Euphoria. It makes sense that most Gen Zers are fond – and a little nostalgic – of their carefree childhood days in the early 2000s. Rapper Cleotrapa is one artist bringing back early 2000s nostalgia with her recent single “Rockstar,” which samples a song of the same name from Disney Channel’s hit show Hannah Montana.
The year was 2007, and Hannah Montana’s “Rockstar” was making its broadcast debut. Obviously, four-year-old me could not have predicted that the song would become a pop culture phenomenon as it is today, but I do know that it was a track I couldn’t stop listening to. Fast forward to 2024, and “Rockstar” is still playing on my playlist in the form of a sample from Cleotrapa. Cleotrapa’s single “Rockstar” samples the Hannah Montana track’s sound, but with her own spin.
Instead of the pop-punk-infused tune featured on the Hannah Montana version, Cleotrapa’s rendition is a distinct blend of hip-hop/trap-infused lyricism and sound, resulting in a new take on the original pop-punk song. She even replicates the start of “Rockstar” with Hannah Montana-style ad-libs, and I can’t help but feel the nostalgia and fun in the song.
X/Twitter users couldn’t get enough of the song and its amusing nod to the original Hannah Montana version as they’ve flocked to the site to share their thoughts.
Not only do fans appreciate the song and its inspiration, but influencers and celebrities are also in on the fun. Rickey Thompson posted a TikTok on Jan. 25 of himself dancing to the song in his apartment. Cleotrapa saw the video and reposted it on her Instagram. She also shared a video on social media of herself and fellow rapper Ice Spice lip-syncing the song.
So, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to listen to both songs on repeat so that I can study the similarities some more.