Fans often wonder who writes the songs and lyrics of popular singers. Many of them have done it for themselves for their entire careers, but some cannot write their material and rely on the help of others to do so. There is, of course, nothing wrong with that, but it can be troublesome when they act like it is them, but they actually have ghostwriters. So what is the situation with drake? Does he do all of his work himself or are there people who write and create for him? If so, does it change who he is as a person and a musician and does it lessen his impact on the industry and the scene?
Drake is very serious about his business, both music and other partnerships and sponsorships, like with the online gambling platform Stake and video streaming service Kick. He would hardly do anything that would ruin his reputation, so he is always upfront with his audiences. If you are a fan of his work and want to learn more about how he does it, keep reading as we explore his discography and determine whether or not he is the one who comes up with his iconic and famous lyrics that have transcended the rap and rnb genres and have entered the mainstream music talk multiple times over.
Does Drake Write His Own Songs?
The Canadian rapper, singer, and songwriter has been at the center of debates about songwriting authenticity throughout his career. While Drake is widely recognized for his lyrical talent and emotional vulnerability in songs, the question of whether he writes all his songs is a common topic and controversy. It became public in 2015 when fellow rapper Meek Mill accused him of using ghostwriters in a reference track for “10 Bands”, recorded by Quentin Miller. Nothing was proven, but debates were sparked over Drake’s integrity. He acknowledged working with Miller and released disses defending his work as a collaborative process and not an outsourcing of creativity.
Drake indeed does write many of his own lyrics and has writing credits on most of his tracks. The introspective and personal style in songs like “Marvins Room and “The Ride” suggests deep involvement in the writing process. However, he also collaborates heavily with other artists, producers, and writers. It is common in the music industry, especially in pop and hip-hop. His songwriting collaborations are extensive, to say the least. Noah “40” Shebib and PARTYNEXTDOOR have co-written several hits like “Own It” and “Preach”. Even “One Dance” and “Hotline Bling” featured writers to make more melodic and crossover-friendly content since they were influenced and inspired by pop. In short, Drake does not always write alone, but he is never a passive performer. Collaboration in songwriting is very common in the industry.
Famous and Iconic Lyrics: What Do They Mean?
“You only live once, that’s the motto, YOLO”
To start things off, we go back to the 2010s and one of the most fascinating phrases that took the world by storm. Without any doubt, the most iconic, era-defying, and pop-culture relevant song lyric of Drake has come from “The Motto” in 2011. It was one of the most influential of the decade as it helped popularize the YOLO acronym and turned it into a lifestyle mantra and internet phenomenon. It was a call to live in the moment, and it managed to define a generation. Many people did not even know where it came from, but were wearing clothing with YOLO and uttering the phrase daily.
“Started from the bottom, now we here.”
This 2013 line from the song of the same name became synonymous with growth and success and was eventually turned into an anthem for hustling. It can be applied to personal struggles, career paths, glow-ups, you name it. Drake’s blunt declaration of progress resonated with anyone who was “on the grind,” and it still remains relevant today.
“I was running through the 6 with my woes.”
The line from the 2015 hit “Know Yourself” was quoted for years afterwards by anyone and everyone. It was iconic since it is one of the many odes to Drake’s hometown of Toronto, Canada, known as “The 6”. The whole city adored the chant, and it had broad cultural reference, too. “Woes” means a crew or a squad, i.e., the people closest to you. It took on a life of its own in pop culture thanks to the track, and people continued using it for years to refer to their friend groups.
“I got enemies, got a lot of enemies.”
Drake’s hit song “Energy” from 2015 had all the makings of an instant superhit. From the lyrics and the beat to the iconic music video and symbolism, it went straight to the top of the charts and was the talk of the industry for months. His talent for turning real-life tension and drama into catchy one-liners is unparalleled, which he did here as the lyric captures the paranoia and pressure of fame and success. It is often quoted to refer to haters, conflict, and jealousy from others that only fuel further motivation for more success.
“Sweatpants, hair tied, chillin’ with no makeup on / That’s when you’re the prettiest, I hope that you don’t take it wrong.”
One of Drake’s earliest hits dropped in 2009 called “Best I Ever Had,” with this lyric helping solidify Drake’s reputation as the emotional “soft” rapper. He was never afraid to praise vulnerability and realness and show his “weaker” side. It’s been quoted millions of times and remains a favorite for romantic dedications, as he tells the girl to be who she is and not pretend. The song contrasts this with the overall theme of superficial traits and chasing fame and money.
“I know when that hotline bling, that can only mean one thing.”
The iconic, instant-banger hit “Hotline Bling” from 2015 broke records and shot to every chart as soon as it dropped. The music video helped, especially Drake’s funky dance and the now-legendary meme format. The whole thing was viral, but this lyric became instantly recognizable as a simple and relatable expression of longing and late-night calls, further made unforgettable by Drake’s delivery.
“Last name Ever, first name Greatest, like a sprained ankle boy I ain’t nothin’ to play with.”
Another early hit whose status was cemented, “Forever”, was an instant classic. It was a collaboration between Drake, Kanye West, Lil Wayne, and Eminem. They were all in their prime in 2009, and such an ensemble lineup was made better with the music video featuring LeBron James and his journey from high school phenom to NBA MVP. Confident, bold, and unforgettable, the line introduced Drake’s self-assured persona to the mainstream, and he never looked back. Even those who don’t follow rap can recognize this line as a statement of intent and ambition. It perfectly captures the ambition and swagger that helped define early 2010s Drake. He has always bet on himself and won, which is a great full-circle moment now that crypto casino gambling is his passion and business venture.
“I’m just saying you could do better.
No list of Drake lyrics is complete without the 2011 hit “Marvins Room”. It is a moody, late-night confessional that changed the tone of modern R&B and created a template for the “sad boy” rap wave. This line in particular is raw and passive-aggressive, which helped make it iconic in its relatability. Drake has always gone back to this persona on every album with at least one song. He does it the best, and the fans love him for his emotions and acceptance of vulnerability.
Drake Songs and Lyrics Trivia and Facts
The “Started From the Bottom” Misconception
The phrase usually means starting in tough financial and social circumstances, which is how many famous rappers were brought up. Although the song suggests Drake came from humble beginnings, he has clarified that “the bottom” was more about starting at the bottom of the rap game. It was not necessarily about financial hardship that many listeners thought.
“God’s Plan” is an Altruistic Anthem
In the music video for “God’s Plan,” Drake gave away the entire $996,000 music video budget to people in need. The lyric “I only love my bed and my momma, I’m sorry” is often misinterpreted. The “my bed” part may actually refer to his son Adonis, whose middle name is “Mahbed.”
“5 AM in Toronto” is All Bars, No Chorus
This track is a pure freestyle with no chorus, a rare thing in Drake’s music. It is just uninterrupted bars filled with braggadocio and industry shots. It is widely praised for its lyrical sharpness and is a testament to the singer’s range.
“Marvins Room” is a Genre-Defining Sad Rap Track
This song helped solidify the “emo rap” subgenre that Drake dominated for years. Its moody, drunk-dial vibe has inspired countless remixes and responses from both male and female artists.
Most Billboard Hot 100 Entries
Drake holds the record for the most entries on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Over 300 of his songs have charted, with multiple #1 hits in the mix.
“One Dance” was a Spotify Milestone
It was Spotify’s most-streamed song of all time for a while after its 2016 release. It coincided with the shift toward streaming’s dominance in music and was the first planetary hit on the service. Since then, by some estimates, 400+ of his songs have 10 million streams on Spotify.
First Artist to Replace Himself at #1
In 2018, Drake replaced his own #1 hit “God’s Plan” with another one of his songs, “Nice for What” on the Billboard Hot 100. That is what dominance truly looks like.
OVO Sound References
Drake often embeds references to his label, October’s Very Own (OVO), and the number 6, a nod to his hometown of Toronto (often called “The 6”). Eg. “I turned the 6 upside down, it’s a 9 now”.
The Meaning of “Take Care”
The phrase is a subtle nod to his protective and introspective side, but it is also the name of one of his most emotionally vulnerable and critically acclaimed albums.
“Tuscan Leather” is a Beat Flipped 3 Times
The opening track from Nothing Was the Same features a sample of Whitney Houston’s “I Have Nothing,” flipped and chopped into three different beats in one song. It is a flex of both lyrical and production power that Drake has become known for over the decades in the industry.
Drake FAQs
- What is Drake’s real name?
Drake’s full name is Aubrey Drake Graham. He uses his middle name as his stage name. - Where is Drake from?
Drake was born and raised in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. He often references his hometown in his music, referring to it as “The 6.” He lives there and is proud of his home city and country. - How did Drake get his start in entertainment?
Before becoming a musician, Drake gained fame as an actor on the teen TV show “Degrassi: The Next Generation”. He played Jimmy Brooks, a basketball player who becomes paralyzed. - When did Drake start his music career?
Drake released his first mixtape, Room for Improvement, in 2006, but his breakthrough came with So Far Gone in 2009, with hits like “Best I Ever Had.” - What is OVO, and what does it mean?
OVO stands for October’s Very Own. It is a brand and record label founded by Drake. It references his October birth month and has become a major part of his identity. Its logo, an owl, has become famous and synonymous with the rapper. - How many Grammy Awards has Drake won?
As of 2024, Drake has won 5 Grammy Awards out of over 50 nominations. He is one of the most nominated artists in Grammy history. - Is Drake Jewish?
Yes, Drake is Jewish on his mother’s side and had a Bar Mitzvah. He often mentions his mixed-race and multicultural background in his lyrics. - What are Drake’s biggest hit songs?
Some of his most iconic hits include “Hotline Bling,” “God’s Plan,” “In My Feelings,” “One Dance,” and “Started From the Bottom.” - Has Drake ever acted in movies or TV shows after Degrassi?
While mostly focused on music now, Drake has done voice acting and guest appearances. He has expressed interest in returning to acting in the future. - What is Drake’s connection to sports?
Drake is an avid sports fan, especially of basketball. He’s the Global Ambassador for the Toronto Raptors and is frequently seen courtside during their games, but also at many others.
