Released: 2017
Drake’s “Fake Love” dives deep into the theme of betrayal and the superficiality of relationships that come with fame. Drake’s lyrics express his frustration with people who pretend to support him while secretly rooting for his downfall.
Most of the song revolves around the chorus, where Drake repeatedly mentions how he’s been “down so long it look like up to me.” This line captures the essence of rising from hardships, only to find that the people around him aren’t genuinely happy for his success. He emphasizes encountering fake people showin’ fake love straight to his face, underscoring the phony behavior he regularly experiences.
When Drake says, “Somethin’ ain’t right when we talkin’,” he’s highlighting how conversations feel off, implying deceit and two-faced behavior. The line “No you can’t son me, you won’t never get to run me” speaks to his rejection of being controlled or underestimated. By referencing Michael Jordan with “I reach back like one, three,” he asserts that just when things seem out of reach, he manages to pull off a comeback, drawing parallels to MJ’s iconic jersey number.
The second verse maintains the same theme. “Vibe switch like night and day, I can see it like right away,” points to the immediate and obvious change in people’s attitudes as soon as he gained success. Drake calls out these changes explicitly, showing how quick people are to switch up. “How you wanna clique up after your mistakes?” questions the intention behind those who previously doubted him but now want to join his circle.
Overall, “Fake Love” is a sharp commentary on the duplicity Drake encounters in the music industry and personal relationships. The repetition of “straight up to my face” throughout the song hammers in the blatant and unapologetic nature of this fakeness, making it clear that he’s keenly aware of the deceit surrounding him. His lyrics are both a celebration of his resilience and a critical look at the shallow support that fame often attracts.
