Who is Siedah Garrett? Drake's latest Instagram follow fuels speculation of 'Man In The Mirror' sample in new music

Drake has followed Siedah Garrett on Instagram, leading fans and industry insiders to speculate that a sample of Michael Jackson's track Man In The Mirror, may feature in Drake's upcoming music.

On July 10, 2024, Drake shared two pictures on his Instagram story, garnering attention. Fans noticed his recent Instagram activity as he followed Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter Garrett.

Netizens speculate that this activity hints at his new track with Garrett sampling Man In The Mirror — a song by Michael Jackson, released on February 6, 1988, from his Bad album. Siedah Garrett and Glen Ballard wrote it.

Siedah Garrett, born Deborah Christine Garrett, has written songs and performed backing vocals for many recording artists in the music industry, including Michael Jackson and Quincy Jones.

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Getting to know Siedah Garrett

Born June 24, 1960, Garrett began her career as a background vocalist at 15. During her early career, while performing with local bands as a singer, Garrett caught the attention of Quincy Jones, who subsequently signed her to his record label, Qwest FFRR, as an artist and songwriter in 1977. In 1984, Garrett got their first big hit as a recording artist, Don't Look Any Further, a duet with Temptation's Dennis Edwards.

The Los Angeles native soon gained the title of one of the most sought-after lyricists in the world after her co-written track for Michael Jackson, Man In The Mirror, came out. Siedah Garrett also recorded a track, I Just Can't Stop Loving You, as a duet with Jackson in 1987.

In 1991, she co-wrote Jackson's Keep the Faith from his Dangerous album and went on his Dangerous World Tour as a featured and background vocalist. She has also toured with Quincy, Madonna, Sergio Mendes, Wang Chung, and The Brand New Heavies internationally.

Siedah Garrett has written and sang with many high-profile artists from the industry, including Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, Ella Fitzgerald, Miles Davis, Barry White, Donna Summer, Dionne Warwick, Earth, Wind & Fire, Jennifer Hudson, and Natalie Cole.

Alongside her music career, she has also been in Love Jones, The Lego Batman Movie, Rio, Rio 2, Dreamgirls, Batman, and more.

In 2011, Siedah Garrett was diagnosed with relapsing-remitting Multiple Sclerosis (MS). As per Hopkins Medicine, it is a chronic neurological condition that affects the central nervous system. In 2017, Garrett wrote her critically acclaimed single G.H.E.T.T.O, a motivational anthem for not being defined by where you come from.

The artist lives in Los Angeles with her husband Erik Nuri, a former RCA Records VP/A&R. They married in October 2014.

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Speculation grows as Drake follows Siedah Garrett on Instagram

Drake followed Siedah Garrett on Instagram (Image via Instagram/@champagnepapi)

The Canadian rapper seemed to hint at a collaboration with Garrett on his new track. He also recently followed Garret on Instagram. Speculation was further fueled when Drake posted pictures on his Instagram story, which many fans thought hinted at a new project.

In the first picture, Drake is on the staircase, looking directly at the camera, with his reflection visible in the large mirror behind him, which fans believe subtly hints at Man In The Mirror.

"The first photo gives it away," said one user on X.

Drake uploaded a picture on his Instagram story (Image via Instagram/@champagnepapi)

Another reason for speculations is AB Soul, a longtime Kendrick Lamar affiliate, was split when Kendrick Lamar left TDE in 2021. Soul took to X on July 9, 2024, and tweeted that Drake has room for "redemption." Before that, Soul tweeted, suggesting that everyone must look in the mirror,

"We all need to look in the mirror," Soul tweeted.

Fans are abuzz if the potential collaboration happens. Siedah Garrett has not followed Drake back. Neither Drake nor his team have confirmed or addressed the speculation.