Released: 2016
Label: Cash Money Records/Young Money Ent./Universal Rec.
Featuring: PARTYNEXTDOOR, dvsn, Pimp C, Wizkid, Kyla, Future, Rihanna, Majid Jordan
When Aubrey Drake Graham dropped ‘Views’ in 2016, he stirred the hip-hop landscape with lyrical complexity and musical innovation. ‘Views’ is a vivid reflection of his artistic maturation, marking a milestone in the Toronto-native’s illustrious career. The album, embroidered with 20 cuts, mirrors Drake’s duality – his Toronto roots and international appeal, his vulnerability and assertiveness, love’s euphoria and heartache’s affliction.
From introspective pieces like ‘Keep The Family Close’ and ‘Redemption’ to assertive anthems like ‘Hype’ and ‘Pop Style’, Drake unraveled multilayered narratives. He invited us into the intimate corridors of his psyche, his anxieties, his triumphs, and his contemplations. Then, there were the chart-toppers ‘One Dance’ and ‘Hotline Bling’, etching his mastery at crafting irresistible hooks and fusing genres. Love them, or hate them, these tracks became cultural touchstones, affecting both the charts and the masses.
Yet, for all its cultural impact and commercial success, ‘Views’ is a poetic tableau in Drake’s words. It paints a picture of his world, his life, his relationships, and much more. The album, laden with lyrical jewels, is a reservoir for Drake’s introspections, his assertions, and his storytelling. He offered a window to his world, both an artist and a man, lacing his verses with wisdom, vulnerability, bravado, and an unmistakable touch of the ‘6ix’.
So let’s get into it. From ‘Keep The Family Close’ to ‘Hotline Bling’, we’re about to dive deeper. Here are the Breaking down the Lyrics on ‘Views’ by ‘Drake’
1. Keep The Family Close
The 6 God demonstrates vulnerable introspection, reflecting on severed ties and pent-up frustrations. This ain’t just your regular opener, it’s an emotional bloodletting seeped in sorrow and regret, painting vivid pictures of broken alliances and evaporated trust. When he raps about the ‘friends he doesn’t have anymore’ or the ‘side that wasn’t chosen’, there’s an undertow of raw truth that hits you hard. It’s the type of honesty that defines Drake and that fans have come to expect. He spins tales of emotional upheaval over an atmospheric orchestration, setting a powerful tone for the rest of Views.
2. 9
This ain’t just about puffing chests and flexing wealth, it’s a manifesto of loyalty and sacrifice. The lyrics paint a vivid story of Drake’s struggle with fame and his unwavering resolve to represent the 6ix, even if it comes at a cost. His reflection on fame’s price tag, the relentless hustle, and the isolation it brings, underscores the duality of his success. And flipping the 6ix to a 9, now that’s some creative wordplay, symbolizing his personal and artistic transformation. This joint is a courageous testament to Drake’s grit and his conviction to keep it 100, no matter what.
3. U With Me?
The Toronto-born artist layers deep emotions over hard-hitting 808s and mellow piano keys, painting a vivid picture of a man caught between desire and cynicism. His references to DMX’s hit “How’s It Goin’ Down?” and his lyrical maturity comparisons with Marques Houston showcase his ability to intersperse nostalgia with zesty one-liners. Drake’s lyrical prowess shines, delineating the intricate dance of love and war, of parties and private moments, of longing and letting go. He confronts his own insecurities and yearning for clarity: “Is you wit’ me or what?”.
4. Feel No Ways
The track’s deft narrative explores a relationship gone sour, marked by Drake’s trademark vocal vulnerability blended with nuanced lyricism. The title’s colloquial expression “feel no ways” delivers a potent punch, encapsulating the notion of emotional detachment amidst conflict. Drake uses this track to expose his personal growth, highlighting his decision to prioritize self-improvement over a toxic connection. His lyrics “I had to let go of us to show myself what I could do” is an assertive testament to his self-discovery journey. This track is a clear illustration of Drake’s skill in weaving personal narratives into his sonic tapestry.
5. Hype
The 6 God flexes his lyrical prowess, simultaneously acknowledging his colossal fame and addressing his detractors. Filled with references to his colossal success (“Look what I’ve done in my life”), and a self-assured dismissal of the detractors and the media circus (“Me, I’m just dunnin’ the hype”), Drake reestablishes his dominance in the game. Fierce, cocky, and solid lyrically, “Hype” encapsulates Drake’s disregard for the naysayers. The joint cements his status as a hip-hop powerhouse determined not to be overshadowed. Unforgiving in his stance, Drake’s message is clear: He’s here to stay, and he’s not about the hype.
6. Weston Road Flows
The significance of this track extends beyond its melancholic melody – Drake uses this reflective canvas to stitch together an autobiographical masterpiece. The song is peppered with personal anecdotes that show the struggles, triumphs, and indomitable spirit that have shaped him. From shout-outs to his loyal friend 40 to his aspiration to retire at 35, Drake gives us a confessional booth view into his psyche. His storytelling prowess is at its peak, as he deals with his humble beginnings with his current mega-stardom, reminding us that he wasn’t born with the Midas touch; he fought for it.
7. Redemption
For real though, Aubrey’s got that bleeding-heart flow going hard here, serving us with a candid introspective narrative that navigates the choppy waters of love’s aftermath — wreckage marked by regret, longing and the pressing need for forgiveness. Drake’s pen game here is tight, exploring how fraught relationships can torment and hinder personal growth. Still, he questions his legacy, ultimately facing the fear of never gaining redemption, putting a mirror to the cut-throat rap game where second chances are rarer than a Kanye smile.
8. With You
The 6 God taps into a whirlwind of emotions associated with a turbulent relationship. As much as it’s about intimate vibes, this ain’t no lover’s anthem. Nah. It’s a testament to Drake’s mastery of marrying raw sincerity with a catchy hook, turning internal struggle into a radio-friendly hit. The lyrics embody Drizzy’s dilemma, teetering between dependence and independence, weighing loyalty against the harsh realities of love in the fast lane. It’s Drake in his element, blending introspection, swag, and emotional complexity, providing a moment of pause and reflection amidst the album’s more grandiose gestures.
9. Faithful
This ain’t just another ode to a fly honey, nah, this is a confession of determination for committed love, fused with a touch of melancholy. Drake’s speaking on struggling with the fast life, the glitz of fame, but keeping his focus on a woman who got her own grind. It’s that “you just trying to be somebody ‘fore you say you need somebody” vibe – an anthem for those who long for real, mature connections beyond the flashy distractions. But at the same time, the 6 God isn’t scaring from the lustful undertones, making this joint a complex narration of a modern love saga.
10. Still Here
Its lyrical prowess lies in Drake’s candid exploration of his rise to stardom and unwavering presence in the game. Drizzy is explicit about his hometown loyalty, reiterating how he blew up but is still firmly rooted in the ‘6’. The track carries a raw edge that see Drake jettisoning those who act ‘extra’ and championing his independence by proclaiming he ‘did it by himself’. He expertly weaves references to the struggles of his early days on Jane and Weston, underlining the triumph of his journey. Ultimately, “Still Here” embodies Drake’s enduring resilience and relentless ambition in the face of adversity and doubt.
11. Controlla
This ain’t just about romantic whispers, it’s about power dynamics and control. Our boy from the 6 lays it bare – he’d lie, he’d die, all for a love that takes the reins. There’s a vulnerability here, countered by Drake’s assertion of his own worth – he ain’t about to be drained dry by gold diggers. Lacing the track with dancehall vibes, courtesy of a Beenie Man sample, Drake gives a nod to his Toronto roots where Caribbean culture is deeply woven into the city’s fabric. It’s a slick jam, turning power, passion, and cultural echoes into an infectious beat. While it’s a confident banger, beneath the swagger lies the yearning of a man wanting a love as commanding as his tracks.
12. One Dance
Draped in pulsating dancehall rhythms, this jam delivers a narrative of a war-torn spirit seeking solace in movement and connection. Key to understanding its depth is the repeated plea for a “one dance” – a metaphorical escape where Drake channels his struggle against an unforgiving world into the energy of the dance floor. The “Hennessy in my hand” signifies his use of substances as a means to cope, a common theme in Drake’s works. A quest for strength, guidance, and peace, “One Dance” paints a picture of a Drake seeking equilibrium amidst chaos, with dance being his chosen method of transcendence.
13. Grammys
6 God himself, ain’t playin’. This joint is filled with Drizzy’s cocksure swagger, a testament to his rise from the Toronto underground to chart-topping superstardom, asserting his place among hip-hop’s elite. He’s callin’ out those who claim the hood without putting in the work, and dismissing the idea of needing a cosign to validate his skills. Drake’s stellar lyrical play serves as his own Grammy, flexing his success and dismissing pretenders. The lyrics, laced with references to yachts and panoramic swervin’, put his lavish lifestyle front and center, indicating just how far he’s come. Loaded with braggadocio, “Grammys” is a nod to his position in the game, daring anyone to question his lyrical prowess or his claim to the throne.
14. Childs Play
He’s painting a picture of an environment dripping in luxury, yet riddled with trust issues and petty disputes. He’s out here buying Chanel like it’s a friendly hug, yet he can’t escape the strain that his fame and past place on his intimate relationships. The narrative is laced with humourous, real-life references like fighting in Cheesecake Factory, placing the storyline in settings that any listener can relate to. While the bouncing beat seems playful, it underscores Drake’s exploration into rich but troubled love, a recurring theme in his oeuvre.
15. Pop Style
The reference to “Chaining Tatum,” for instance, underscores his perceptions of being chained by these pressures, despite the glitz associated with it. Drake takes us through his journey, from dropping out of school to experiencing the reservations of someone in his position – wary of trusting anyone. While his friends are living for the glamorous lifestyle, he’s striving for family and authenticity. His “one-of-one” mindset reflects his individuality in the game. Drake’s lyrical prowess is visible in “Pop Style,” offering a peek into his thoughts on success, criticism, and the disenchantment with fame.
16. Too Good
The narrative treads the familiar path of the rapper lamenting over a toxic relationship where his efforts and emotions are taken for granted. Yet, he’s also at fault, unable to communicate effectively, reflecting the push and pull dynamics often experienced in a strained relationship. This tropic theme aligns perfectly with Drake’s exploration of love and loss throughout the ‘Views’ album, striking a chord with listeners navigating similar trials. The track assimilates the album’s broader thematic context by tying in a personal narrative to the universal tribulations of love, making “Too Good” a standout in its authenticity and relatability.
17. Summers Over Interlude
In the lexicon of Drizzy, summers often represent periods of intense hustle and triumph; their end symbolizes an inevitable return to reality. Here, the transition exposes a bitter truth—the parties, the hype, the fleeting romances, they don’t last. The lyrics emphasize a shift in feelings: “I don’t feel the same.” It’s an echo of self-awareness, a realization of change. In a genre often filled with bravado, Drake’s willing introspection sets him apart. He ain’t frontin’. Just like the Toronto seasons, he’s constantly evolving, forever shaped by the summers past.
18. Fire & Desire
He’s dedicating, showing appreciation, offering up his fortune—not just materially, but emotionally. The theme of dedication isn’t just in the chorus, it’s a thread woven through the whole tapestry of the track. Drizzy’s knowledge of self and the perils of fame is echoed in the lines ‘they throwin’ dirt on my old name’ and ‘you don’t see the perks of this whole thing.’ It’s about loyalty, about staying true amidst the illusions of the game, about wanting to fulfill a real woman’s desires. It’s a play of raw emotions, a smooth blend of hedonism and humility that’s pure 6 God.
19. Views
The track unfolds like a personal diary, revealing Drake’s pent-up aggression and chronic paranoia. He positions himself as an underdog, addressing his detractors and naysayers, asserting he don’t need no one. He touches on his roots, drop out days and how he rose above it all. He also depicts his life in the spotlight and the pressure it entails. The song shows Drake’s unyielding loyalty, symbolized through lines like “I might take a breather, but I won’t ever leave you.” On “Views”, the 6God is transparent, courageous, and most importantly— unapologetically himself.
20. Hotline Bling
The Toronto emcee takes us on a melodic journey through a cityscape of love in the digital age -filled with late-night phone calls and a growing sense of disconnect. He’s got that hotline bling resonating in his rhymes as he reflects on jealousy, nostalgia, and the shifting dynamic after parting ways with his ex. With a touch of melancholy, Drake navigates the terrain of post-breakup emotional turmoil, underlining the impact of evolving individual lifestyles on a shared past. A modern classic, “Hotline Bling” encapsulates Drake’s ability to combine present emotions with retrospective introspection, layering his tracks with complex emotional depth.
