The hit making songwriter behind some of Rihanna’s biggest tracks, Theron Thomas, shared fascinating insight into his approach to writing “Pour It Up” on the podcast “And The Writer Is.” Read more about the conversation and watch the viral clip inside.
In a resurfaced clip from the 2022 episode, Thomas revealed that he penned the strip-club anthem through the lens of a man. He purposefully wanted a woman to sing it and shared how the song’s now-iconic lyrics have resonated with men as a result.
Discussing his process, Thomas explained that he wanted “Pour It Up” to feel authentic to the club culture it celebrates.
“I wrote it from the perspective of a guy in the club, throwing money, living that life,” he said. His goal was to craft lyrics that felt real but also matched Rihanna’s undeniable confidence and style.
Originally released in 2013 as part of Unapologetic, “Pour It Up” became a fan favorite, solidifying Rihanna’s reign as both a chart-topping artist and a cultural force. The song’s hypnotic beat, combined with its braggadocious lyrics about wealth and power, perfectly encapsulated the era of luxury rap and club anthems. Rihanna’s delivery made it all the more iconic, flipping the script and claiming dominance in a space traditionally reserved for male artists.
Thomas, one-half of the songwriting duo R. City, is no stranger to crafting hits. He’s written for artists like Usher, Beyoncé, and Lizzo, but his work with Rihanna stands out as some of his most impactful. His ability to blend perspectives and push the boundaries of storytelling in music is part of what makes his pen so sought after.
Check out the full “And The Writer Is” episode to hear more about how Pour It Up came together. Maybe even gain a new appreciation for one of Rihanna’s most unforgettable bangers.
