Released: 2019 • Features: Drake
On “No Guidance” by Chris Brown featuring Drake, the duo serenades a woman who’s got it all; independent, self-sufficient, knows her worth and doesn’t settle for less than she deserves. Through their hypnotic, dulcet tones, they express their fascination and admiration for this woman, signaling that they’re ready for genuine love, not just a fleeting fling. The song commentates on the dynamics of modern relationships, aware of the games that can come into play and ready to propose a mature, sincere connection.
Brown opens with an intimate and direct proclamation – “Before I die I’m tryna f- you, baby / Hopefully, we don’t have no babies.” The raw desire is immediately apparent, but his cautious hope to avoid pregnancy, despite his attraction, brings a realistic aspect of their relationship to light.
Drake’s verse follows Brown’s lead, honing in on the woman’s independence with the lyrics “Trips that you plan for the next whole week / Bands too long for a n- so cheap.” Here, he’s referencing the woman’s self-made wealth and the way she isn’t relying on a man for anything.
Brown’s chorus, with its repeating phrase “You got it, girl, you got it”, signals an acknowledgement of this woman’s strength and poise. In the interconnected world of social media, she’s thriving, as Brown points out, “Way they hittin’ you, the DM lookin’ violent / Talkin’ wild, you come around and now they silent.” This illustrates her desirability and the respect she demands upon her presence.
When Brown sings “Lil’ baby in her bag, in her Birkin / No nine to five put the work in,” he’s emphasizing this woman’s financial independence and luxury, far removed from the traditional laborious working hours. Both Brown and Drake acknowledge and appreciate her self-made status, yet they also offer a sincerity in wanting to give her more, as evidenced by the line, “F- around, give you my last name.”
In the latter part of the song, Drake drops wisdom on this woman’s previous relationships, advising her to leave her past behind and embrace a real one with him: “All your stupid exes, they gon’ call again / Tell ’em that a real n- steppin’ in.”
The infectious refrain “I don’t wanna play no games, play no games” is a direct callout to the superficiality of modern dating culture. They’re ready for something real, and they believe this woman is the one who truly got it.
In the concluding section of the song, Drake even encourages the woman to take it easy on him, acknowledging he’s seen how she handled old flames. He concludes that it’s good to have him by her side, but he’s humble enough to clarify “I ain’t sayin’ that you need me”, reinforcing the theme of this woman’s independence throughout.
“No Guidance” is a robust ode to modern independent women, told through the shared lenses of two prominent figures in the hip-hop world. Through their smooth vocal delivery, they weave a narrative that acknowledges and celebrates these women while offering a sincere heart amidst the often-chaotic landscape of love and relationships.
