Rick Ross and Drake have quite the extensive personal and collaborative history, one that might expand soon according to the former and Meek Mill. Moreover, Rozay has a lot to look back on and treasure when it comes to the memories he crafted with the 6ix God over the years. What’s more is that these are represented by specific collaborative tracks across their discographies. You could look at iconic Drizzy songs like “Lord Knows,” “Money In The Grave,” or “Lemon Pepper Freestyle” for this. Other highlights include Ross’ “Gold Roses” and “Aston Martin Music,” and there are also plenty of tracks from other primary artists, like DJ Khaled’s “I’m On One,” in which they both appear.
Furthermore, Rick Ross recently joined Adin Ross for a livestream together on Wednesday (January 3). During it, the streamer asked him for a particularly treasured memory of his when it comes to his relationship with Drake. “I’ma say ‘Stay Schemin,’” the Mississippi native expressed. “He came out to us; he came out in the streets. He came to us when he put that record together. It was one of those vibes. We had the beat. He walked right in on it as we was puttin’ it together and he didn’t wait one second, so that was most definitely magical.”
The Drake conversation begins around the 35-minute mark.
Of course, Drake has also been prone to shout out his partner Rick Ross every once in a while for social media to see. Back in April of last year, he called him his “identical twin” when a fan mixed them up while the Maybach Music Group mogul was in Jamaica. A few years prior in 2021, following the aforementioned “Lemon Pepper Freestyle,” the Too Good To Be True MC addressed rumors that they were working on a collab album. Clearly, with all the time that has passed since, it looks like this isn’t panning out anytime soon.
Meanwhile, the Toronto native doesn’t crack the 47-year-old’s top three rappers list, but he’s not far behind. In fact, Rick Ross recently explained why most rappers have the same top three ranking. That’s up for debate, but his point holds true for a lot of legendary lyricists out there, perhaps even for Drake himself. For more news and the latest updates on this duo, keep checking in with HNHH.
Drake may have “more slaps than The Beatles” but his catalog runs so deep, that some songs go under the radar. In the past decade, he’s turned into a household name with a plethora of massive hit records. Still, some of his best work often deserve more recognition.
When discussing the most underrated Drake tracks, the standard differs from listener to listener. His least-streamed songs are bigger than many artists’ most popular songs. However, the records that we consider “underrated” is based on their comparisons to his chart-topping anthems. Below, we’ve ranked seven songs from Drake’s catalog that deserve more love.
7. “Free Spirit” (2011)
Drake and Rick Ross have a collaborative history that runs deep. They have a spotless track record of bangers like “No New Friends,” “I’m On One,” “Lord Knows,” and “Stay Schemin.” However, their most underrated collaboration is “Free Spirit,” a promotional song released ahead of Take Care. 40’s reversed and filtered production style bring out the best in Drake. Despite the hook’s overall toxic nature, the catchy and moody track stands as one of the most underrated in Drake’s catalog. The song is among the examples that spurred demand for a potential collaborative project.
6. “Connect” (2013)
On Nothing Was The Same, “Connect” follows the hit song that is “Hold On We’re Going Home.” “Connect” is not only the most underrated song on the album but is one of the Drake songs that deserves more attention. Drake creates music that perfectly soundtracks those late-night vibes. “Connect” slow and moody instrumental pairs with Drake’s signature sing/rap flow for a definitive song in his catalog. In addition, the lyrics about a dysfunctional relationship make it a quintessential Drake song that is worthy of more attention.
2015’s If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late ranks high in Drake’s catalog. However, it also contains a few cuts that have been criminally overlooked. “Madonna”‘s hypnotic instrumental and Drake’s slurred inflections make the song one of the most special songs on the album. The incorporation of a Ginuwine sample also adds to the song’s brilliance.
4. “6PM In New York” (2015)
Drake’s “timestamp” songs counter any doubts the masses have about his ability to drop bars. “6PM In New York” has arguably one of Drake’s best verses ever. He solidifies his place as a rap legend and even prophesied his future success. He raps, “‘Best I Ever Had’ seems like a decade ago / Decadent flow and I still got a decade to go.” The song is a testament to his accomplishments and consistency as an MC, putting his lyrical skills on full display and even sending some subliminal jabs. “6PM In New York” is among Drake’s best verses and most underrated songs.
3. “30 For 30 Freestyle” (2015)
Drake’s solo track that closes the Future collab album What A Time To Be Alive, is a contemplative departure from the rest of the album. The 40-produced beat is minimal yet gorgeous, allowing Drake to remind his fans and the industry at large of all that he’s accomplished in his career. In a sense, “30 For 30 Freestyle” also serves as a victory lap for his 2015 run, where he released two successful albums and triumphed in a beef with Meek Mill. He even throws in the lyric, “the pen is working if you n****s need some ghost lines.” On an album full of hits like “Jumpman,” “30 For 30 Freestyle” is an underrated track of declaration that Drake’s jersey is forever in the rafters.
2. “Get Along Better” (2021)
The response to Certified Lover Boy may have been mixed, but there are plenty of gems on that album. In between the gimmicky songs (i.e. “Way 2 Sexy) are some quality songs that deserve more attention, like “Get Along Better.” While Drake and Ty Dolla $ign have worked together on a few records, “Get Along Better” might just be the best one. The instrumental brings the best R&B qualities out of Drake. However, it’s Ty Dolla $ign’s harmonies that elevates the song to the next level. Certified Lover Boy gets a lot of hate but “Get Along Better” is an album highlight and also one of Drake’s most underrated songs.
1. “Texts Go Green” (2022)
The immediate reaction from the masses to Drake’s dance/R&B-infused Honestly, Nevermind was overwhelmingly negative. The album deserves more credit and has aged incredibly well in the year since its release. The album’s production was phenomenal. It consisted of some of Drake’s best vocal performances, and he was experimenting at a time when fans wanted him to try something new. The production on “Texts Go Green” from Black Coffee is groovy yet subdued. Drake’s vocal performance is so smooth as he sings about a failed relationship that ended in blocked phone numbers. “Texts Go Green” is a clear highlight that deserves more attention from an underrated album.
Whether you like him or not, Drake is one of the best-selling musicians ever and is here to stay! In terms of numbers, he has become one of the greatest artists of all time. The Canadian star’s song has been streamed billions of times, and he has won numerous awards, including several Grammy Awards. His surprising range of styles has significantly impacted music and culture. Empirically speaking, Drake has hit songs that you can use in any situation.
At his best, he has a knack for transforming underground sounds into arena-sized hooks and evocative, heartbreaking ballads. Critics would call his sound choices “vampire-like,” “uneven,” too Instagram-friendly,” and, at their worst, “meme-able.” Nevertheless, this post will review the top Drake songs that helped put him on the Greatest of All Time map. These songs have defined Drake’s career and made him the artist he is today.
‘Laugh now car later” came out in 2020, and it was the lead single from Drake’s fifth studio album, Certified Lover Boy. In the song, he reflects on life’s ups and downs, noting how people can be laughing one moment and crying the next. Furthermore, the song features a classic Drake beat, with bright synths and an infectious bass line. Apparently, critics praised this song for being a reflection of Drake’s ever-evolving sound and a radio-friendly hit.
“Tootsie Slide” (2020)
This single was a single from Drake’s fifth mixtape, Dark Lane Demo Tapes. The song’s leading lyrical hook, “Right foot up, left foot slide,” instantly became a hit and made the song one of Drake’s biggest successes. Eventually, the beat is one of Drake’s signature trap-style instrumentals, with driving synths and low-end bass. Overall, Drake’s delivery is bouncy and light, allowing him to glide over the beat effortlessly.
“Pain 1993” (2020)
This is one of the album’s more introspective songs, as Drake reflects on his past, present, and future. A melancholy piano riff drives the beat, and Drake’s lyrical delivery is a mix of rapping and singing, giving the song a unique feel. However, the song is memorable for its honest portrayal of Drake’s pain and loneliness. It’s a heart-wrenching song and one of Drake’s best introspective songs.
Another Drake anthem, this is one of those songs you listen to when you need to get pumped up. While triumphal horns blare in the background, Drake is succinct and to the point, celebrating another W following the release of his Nothing Was The Same album. In a nutshell, we need more Hit-Boy and Drake songs.
“God’s Plan” (2018)
“God’s Plan” was the lead single from Drake’s chart-topping album, Scorpion. It was an instant smash hit, and it is one of Drake’s biggest successes. Interestingly, Drake’s verses are uplifting and positive as he celebrates his victories and acknowledges his blessings. The song is as much a banger as a personal anthem, and it is one of Drake’s most popular songs.
“Started From The Bottom” (2013)
This song is one of Drake’s most memorable as he puts on for his crew. It has become an anthem in its own right for those who keep their circles close and tight-knit. The beat is a classic Drake instrumental, with a driving drum beat and a catchy synth riff. Critics praised this song for its autobiographical lyrics and infectious beat.
“Hotline Bling” (2016)
“Hotline Bling” is a song that everyone knows, whether you like Drake or not. The song dominated the Billboard charts thanks to its incredibly catchy tune and accompanying music video, which has received over one billion views since its release. Additionally, the music video was the catalyst for one of Drake’s most popular memes.
“Passionfruit” (2017)
From his 2017 album More Life, the hit song “Passionfruit” makes you want to roll down your window and put your arms out. The song has a warm vibe, and like all of Drake’s songs, it has a nice touch of charm. Drizzy has a tendency to create songs that take over seasons, and this one was poised for the summer.
“Marvin’s Room/Buried Alive Interlude” ft. Kendrick Lamar (2011)
This is definitely one of those singles that stands out from the rest. First, it has one of the most straightforward productions he’s ever done. It’s also mostly R&B, with a little bit of rap here and there. This song is one of his most important ones because it is open and honest from the heart. Of course, when K.Dot is on the scene, it makes for an epic collaboration.
This is a dance track that will make you want to get moving. Yet, “Take Care,” which Drake and Rihanna released in 2012, is a love ballad with a twist, judging by the lyrics. Drake sings about how he will never give up and always be there for the person he loves. This song arrived in the thick of rumors about the two and only intensified the gossip.
“Best I Ever Had” (2009)
Drake uniquely can turn a rap song into a modern love ballad. His songs are known to be party-starters, but every once in a while, he surprises us with an upbeat sing-along song. “Best I Ever Had” is one of those songs you want to dedicate to the person you love. It’s gone down as one of Drake’s earliest smash hits that continues to be on playlists today.
