Mike Posner originally wrote his hit single “Cooler Than Me” while studying at Duke University.
Posner wrote and recorded the song during his time at Duke, where he was studying and developing his music career alongside fellow student Eric Hølljes. The song’s lyrics were inspired by Posner’s frustration with a woman who acted as though she was socially superior to him, giving the track its teasing, self-aware title.
The song began as a campus-era recording rather than a conventional major-label production. Posner built an audience through early recordings and online distribution while still in college, helping the song gain momentum before it received a commercial release.
“Cooler Than Me” became Posner’s breakthrough single in 2010. Its electronic pop production, prominent whistling hook, and dance-oriented remix helped it reach a mass audience. Posner later became known internationally for “I Took a Pill in Ibiza,” but “Cooler Than Me” remains closely tied to his Duke years and his unusual student-to-pop-star origin story.