On Feb. 14th, Drake and PND released their album, $ome $exy $ongs 4 U ($$$4U). There is an ongoing debate circulating the media on whether this is Drake’s flop era. Of course, just like any new album, there are always opposing viewpoints. Some either dislike or adore and enjoy $$$4U.
Drake and PND did formulate a couple of popular, successful songs on $$$4U that made the internet buzz for the right or wrong reasons. It is up to the listeners’ speculation on how the beat resonates with their type of music, this album as a whole is not “old Drake” material.
Although this album is different from Drake’s others, I do strongly recommend that everyone should give this album a fair chance, as there are a couple of hidden gems. Here are the top five hits within Drake and PND‘s album, along with an honorable mention.
“Gimme a Hug”
“Gimme a Hug,” is the most popular out of the collection of 21 in $$$4U, reaching number four on Billboard’s Hot 100. It’s an upbeat, rap-style song that highlights the drama circulating between Drake and Kendrick Lamar. Essentially, the song transitions from that situation to him not caring anymore and simply living his life.
This left listeners wondering if Drake is subtly accepting his defeat with Lamar, after Lamar’s half-time show performance. The beat itself is very enjoyable: it starts off with a gospel-like background symphony to introduce his lyrics, but as the song progresses it’s more fun and loose, reminding me of his past hit songs.
“Nokia”
“Nokia” was able to score second best, coming in 7th place on Billboard’s Hot 100. In my opinion, this was the most catchy, interesting song out of the whole album. PARTYNEXTDOOR was able to bring a smooth, exciting, addictive beat to “Nokia.”
It feels like a radio single, and it’s just that much of a hit. Drake shares the story behind this song by explaining, “‘Nokia’ came from people I love ringing my line asking if I was okay, inviting me out to karaoke, clubbing, going to crazy food spots, and just enjoying the finer things in life!”
“CN Tower“
Yet another PND and Drake masterpiece, “CN Tower” took Billboard’s ninth spot. “CN Tower” is calming at the beginning and contains beautiful and somewhat gentle lyrics that draw the listeners in. “CN Tower” is one of the songs you can listen to multiple times, but each time you listen, it’s just as fresh and satisfying as the last.
As the song progresses, its gentleness fades when the rap portion is introduced, but it still keeps its pleasing beat. The themes embedded into this song’s lyrics seem to be longing, emotional reflection, and miscommunication.
“Die Trying”
Last but not least, number five, “Die Trying” was awarded Billboard’s number 10 spot. Its introduction is something that reminds you of a nostalgic summer, and this song is definitely a hidden gem. It’s upbeat, catchy, nostalgic, and just plain enjoyable. It’s very comparable to the song “Passionfruit” in Drake’s More Life (2017) album, so in other words “Die Trying” is $$$4U’s “Passionfruit,” a happy and addictive piece of music.
“MEET YOUR PADRE”
“MEET YOUR PADRE” had to be given an honorable mention. I first heard this song from a funny video online. It’s not my favorite, but it’s unique. This song confuses just about anyone who listens to it: they aren’t sure whether to love it or hate it. “MEET YOUR PADRE” also got into the hands of TikTok jokesters, with just about every single one making fun of it, flooding users’ feeds.
Is it a popular song? Don’t get me wrong it is, but this is just one of the examples of a popular song for the wrong reasons. It’s a song that has been made into a complete joke. It’s nothing a lot of people would willingly put on their playlists to vibe to, but rather just to make fun of.
