Ria Beri ‘27
EE Editor-in-Chief
Pop star Tate McRae just dropped her new single “Tit for Tat,” and the internet has not stopped talking about it. Fans are convinced the track is aimed at fellow artist The Kid LAROI, and the timing, lyrics, and even the title seem to back it up.
For those uninformed, here’s the background: McRae and The Kid LAROI, whose real name is Charlton Howard, were reported to have dated after collaborating on their 2023 song “EXes.” But things took a turn when LAROI released “Girls” earlier this year, featuring lyrics about a “Canadian pop girl” that fans immediately linked to McRae.
Now, “Tit for Tat” feels like her response. McRae sings, “You play the victim when you’re the one who started it,” and fans quickly connected the dots. The track mixes her usual pop sound with a sharper, more confident edge that is catchy, bold, and maybe just a little bit savage.
Senior Lauren Ash shared her thoughts on the new release, saying, “I personally think the song is definitely a clapback to The Kid LAROI because of the timing of the breakup and both their songs being released. Also, Tate has never titled a song in all caps before – the only artist who capitalizes the title of his songs is The Kid LAROI. When you listen to the lyrics carefully, you can definitely tell she wrote it to clap back at him. Besides the clapback, the song is super upbeat and matches her style well.”
Since the release, TikTok and X have been full of lyric breakdowns, reaction videos, and fan debates. Whether it’s a direct response or just perfect timing, the song has everyone talking, and streaming.
Beyond the drama, “Tit for Tat” highlights why McRae’s career keeps rising. With hits like “Greedy,” “Exes,” and “You Broke Me First,” along with newer favorites like “Guilty Conscience,” “Hurt My Feelings,” and “No I’m Not in Love,” McRae continues to define her own lane in pop music. Her songs balance confidence and vulnerability, making her sound both relatable and effortlessly cool.
No matter who it’s about, “Tit for Tat” proves one thing: Tate McRae knows how to turn real-life emotion into a chart-worthy moment.
Feature Photo Courtesy: Rolling Stone