Released: 2016 • Features: Drake
“For Free (feat. Drake)” by DJ Khaled is a braggadocious track that explores themes of success, materialism, and relationships in the hip-hop industry. The song questions societal expectations, sexual relations, and power dynamics in the context of fame and fortune. It’s a celebration of the high life coupled with introspection about the cost and consequences.
The phrase “Would you fuck me for free?” which starts off the song and is repeated several times, is a provocative way of Drake questioning the authenticity of his romantic relationships – are these women interested in him, or are they only after his wealth and status? This line is a direct echo of Kendrick Lamar’s “For Free?” where Lamar also confronted the objectification and commodification of Black men in America.
Drake’s line “I go on and on/Can’t understand how I last so long” adds to the theme of longevity and success, hinting at his remarkable endurance in a notoriously fickle industry. His mention of his ‘superpowers’ is a nod to his exceptional talent and work ethic.
When Drake says “I got girls that I shoulda made pay for it” and “I got girls that’ll cancel a flight back home, Stay another day for it,” he’s underlying the control he possesses because of his status. The girls referred to are so enamored or attracted by his fame and fortune that they are willing to delay their plans, further emphasising the allure of his lifestyle.
His line “Bet nobody that you’ve been with even know you a freak, right?” implies the intimacy and the secrets shared within their private relationship. Drake subtly paints a picture of this woman who is generally reserved but reveals her wild side only to him.
The phrase “Is this sex so good I shouldn’t have to fuck for free?” suggests his sexual prowess and questions if it’s so good that he should be paid for it, harking back to the original question of what relationships in this high-stakes industry are really about – love and chemistry, or material gain.
Finally, DJ Khaled’s shout-outs towards the end of the song, “One time for Future the Prince/One time for 40/One time for Drake”, acknowledge his collaborators and friends. He also references his catchphrase “another one”, indicating his continual output of hit songs. The line “It’s We The Best OVO/Summer’s ours/It always has been” asserts their dominance. OVO is Drake’s record label, and “We The Best” is DJ Khaled’s music group, reinforcing the collective success of their musical empire.
