Released: 2020
“Laugh Now Cry Later” by Drake featuring Lil Durk is all about the highs and lows of life, the fake personas in the industry, and maintaining authenticity. Drake navigates his success while calling out those who pretend to be something they’re not, especially when it comes to street credibility.
The repetition of “Sometimes we laugh and sometimes we cry, but I guess you know now” drives home the point that life’s a mix of good times and bad, and you just gotta roll with it. When Drake says, “I took a half and she took the whole thing, slow down, baby,” he’s talking about drugs, possibly implying different levels of commitment or tolerance.
On “We took a trip, now we on your block and it’s like a ghost town,” Drake is flexing about rolling through rival neighborhoods that are now empty, suggesting his presence intimidates others. The line “Where do these niggas be at when they say they doin’ all this and all that?” questions the credibility of those who talk a big game but are nowhere to be found when it matters.
“Tired of beefin’ you bums, you can’t even pay me enough to react,” speaks to Drake’s position above petty conflicts. He’s too rich to care about trivial drama. Lines like “Please don’t play that nigga songs in this party, I can’t even listen to that” show he’s selective about who he gives respect to, especially those who are fake or irrelevant to him.
Durk’s verse starts, “I’m in the trenches, relax,” grounding himself in his roots despite any fame. When he says, “Can you not play that lil’ boy in the club? ‘Cause we do not listen to rats,” he’s reinforcing loyalty and authenticity, rejecting snitches and fakes. Lines like “I’m like DaBaby, I’m not just a rapper, you play with me, you gon’ get stretched” indicate his readiness to act if crossed, similar to DaBaby’s tough image.
Drake continues with, “Bring Drake to the hood, surround Drake around Dracs,” mixing his name with Draco guns, showing he’s comfortable even in rough settings. “Even though I got a case, I’ma do what it take,” speaks to his determination despite legal issues. The line “The money’s hard to make, So I bet they on they face right now” suggests others are struggling financially while he thrives.
When Drake says, “Moved out the Ritz and forgot ’bout the Bent’,” he’s reminding us of his wealth and how casual luxuries are to him. The line, “Knocked that boy off and I don’t want no credit,” shows Drake can handle business quietly without needing the recognition or bragging rights. Lines like, “Heart is still beatin’, my niggas still eatin’,” emphasize loyalty and resilience, underscoring that despite setbacks, his crew remains strong.
Throughout the song, the central theme of understanding life’s mix of joy and pain, success and struggles, is clear. Both artists highlight their authenticity and call out those who are all talk without substance. The song’s laid-back yet assertive tone showcases their confidence and resilience in the face of challenges.
