Post Malone released a cover of “Only Wanna Be with You” by Hootie and the Blowfish — but, it’s the “Pokémon 25 version.” The Grammy-nominated singer/rapper, 25, released the cover ahead of the Pokémon Day 25th anniversary celebration and virtual concert, in which he’s headlining on February 27. Additionally, the cover celebrates when the game “Pokémon Red and Green,” first released in Japan — which was also around the time “Only Wanna Be With You” was topping music charts.
Posty’s rendition of the 1995 single sounds wonderfully similar to Darius Rucker‘s smooth vocals on the original track. Yet, the updated instrumentals add a fitting hip-hop vibe that exudes the artist’s style. The cover also marks the “Circles” singer‘s first music venture since he released his third studio album, Hollywood’s Bleeding in September 2019. Though, he’s been busy in the studio working on his fourth album.
“I’ve been recording a lot of new music for the album. Having the team here with me creating has been amazing,” he told Complex in October 2020. “We have been experimenting with some new sounds and are really excited for the world to hear.”
Post will showcase his vocals during the Pokémon Day virtual concert, which takes place on Saturday at 7:00 p.m. ET. In the official trailer for the event, Post transforms into a CGI version of himself as part of the video game series.
Fans can stream the event for free on the official Pokémon YouTube and Twitch channels, as well as on the official Pokémon’s 25th anniversary website. Pokémon also teamed up with Katy Perry, for a special 25th anniversary playlist.