Rita Ora Is Ready To "Roc the Life"

Six months ago, when we named Rita Ora one of our 5 Women to Watch For in 2012, we admitted to giving her the title a bit prematurely considering she had yet to drop a solo single - but her co-sign from Jay-Z just simply couldn't be ignored. Almost instantaneously, she saved us from being shamed.

First came the Drake-penned and Tinie Tempah-assisted "R.I.P.," a synth-laden, grimy dubstep-inspired beat over which Rita breathily panted, putting her own spin on Nneka's 2008 hit "Heartbeat." The tune was the equivalent of stomping a yard to announce ones arrival, but it couldn't escape the comparisons to Rihanna, since it had first been offered to the six-album superstar.
What followed was official lead single "How We Do (Party & Bullshit)" and though it borrowed lyrics from the Notorious B.I.G. - and cited morning whiskey shots and the pursuit of a "drunk sex feeling" - the rhythm was anything but rough. Instead, the sweet guitar strumming of pop-rock too closely recalled Katy Perry and another association was born.
So, who is the real Rita?

Well, yesterday, after performing "Roc the Life" for months on end at festivals - and some acoustic versions at more intimate shows - Ora unleashed the audio to the studio version of her anthemic tribute to (likely) her label and the new way of life it's provided. A hard-hitting kick drum and guitar-thrashing gives way to Ora seemingly finding her stride.

"By way of London / Americana / the persona / is prima donna" she drawls, effortlessly (and boastfully) alternating between a low lull and her more melodic riffs. In contrast to its predecessors, she never overcompensates; never too gritty and growling, shouty and sugary. In fact, she delivers each line (even against an accelerating electric guitar) with a confident cool that proves less can be more. And though the chorus could certainly use a crescendo, Ora seems a step closer to finding just that - her aura.

Hear "Roc the Life" here!

"Ora" is due August 27.