Enduring Anthem for Female Empowerment
Even in an era saturated with countless musical offerings, Drake’s Nice For What stands out as a timeless anthem that continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.
Released in 2018 as the lead single from his critically acclaimed album “Scorpion,” the track seamlessly blends infectious beats, powerful samples, and thought-provoking lyrics that celebrate the strength and resilience of women in the digital age.
The Origins and Production
Nice For What was born from a unique collaboration between Drake and a talented team of producers, including Murda Beatz and BlaqNmilD.
The production, handled by Murda Beatz with co-production by BlaqNmilD, incorporates energetic beats characteristic of New Orleans bounce music, including clips from Big Freedia’s performances.
This fusion of sounds immediately captivates listeners, setting the stage for Drake’s lyrical exploration of female empowerment.
At the heart of the song lies a sample from Lauryn Hill’s seminal 1998 track “Ex-Factor,” a choice that not only pays homage to one of hip-hop’s most influential voices but also provides a powerful foundation for Drake’s message.
In an interview, Murda Beatz recalled the organic process of creating the beat while Drake played NBA 2K, stating, “We picked the part, chopped it up, I made the beat while he was playing 2K.”
Lyrical Exploration and Analysis
Throughout the song, Drake’s rap cadence is rhythmic and lively, aligning with the bounce genre.
He delivers his verses with a smooth flow that complements the upbeat tempo, ensuring the lyrics resonate with the song’s empowering message.
The cadence is designed to be catchy and encourage listeners to move, which is a hallmark of bounce music.
This style of rap is less about complex lyrical intricacy and more about creating a feel-good atmosphere that aligns with the song’s celebratory tone.
Drake delves into the multifaceted experiences of modern women, acknowledging both their triumphs and the challenges they face in the digital age.
From the outset, the lyrics paint a vivid picture of a woman navigating the complexities of modern life, balancing work, relationships, and personal pursuits.
In the opening verse, Drake offers a glimpse into this world, rapping: “Everybody get your mothafuckin’ roll on / I know shorty and she doesn’t want no slow song / Had a man last year, life goes on / Haven’t let that thing loose, girl, in so long.”
These lines capture the resilience and determination of a woman who refuses to be held back by past relationships or societal expectations.
As the song progresses, Drake celebrates the hustle and ambition of women, acknowledging their financial independence and hard work.
“You’ve been inside; know you like to lay low; I’ve been peepin’ what you bringin’ to the table; workin’ hard, girl; everything paid for; first-last, phone bill, car note, cable.”
The chorus, anchored by Lauryn Hill’s powerful vocals, serves as a rallying cry for women to unapologetically pursue their dreams and live life on their own terms.
The lyrics “Care for me, care for me; you said you’d care for me; there for me, there for me, said you’d be there for me” resonate deeply, reminding women of their inherent worth and the support they deserve.
In the second verse, Drake acknowledges the societal pressures and scrutiny women face, particularly in the digital age.
He raps, “You know dark days, you know hard times / Doin’ overtime for the last month / Saturday, call the girls, get ’em gassed up / Gotta hit the club, gotta make that ass jump.”
These lines capture the resilience and determination of women who refuse to let adversity hold them back, choosing instead to celebrate their triumphs and embrace their power.
The Iconic Music Video
To bring the song’s powerful message to life, Drake enlisted the talented director Karena Evans to create a star-studded music video.
The visual masterpiece features a diverse array of accomplished women, including actresses Olivia Wilde, Zoe Saldana, Tiffany Haddish, Issa Rae, Rashida Jones, Tracee Ellis Ross, and Letitia Wright, among many others.
The video celebrates the strength, beauty, and individuality of these women, showcasing them in various empowering roles and settings.
From Tracee Ellis Ross shining in a cascading silver sequined gown to Jourdan Dunn on horseback, exuding confidence and power, each scene is a testament to the multifaceted nature of female identity.
In an interview, director Karena Evans shared her vision for the video, stating, “What I wanted to do is make a video that lets the world know that those women are incredible, and they’re strong in their own way.”
This ethos is evident throughout the visual, which serves as a powerful celebration of female empowerment and representation.
Lasting Impact and Relevance
Years after its release, Nice For What continues to resonate with audiences worldwide, transcending the boundaries of music to become a cultural touchstone.
Its message of female empowerment and its recognition of the multifaceted lives of modern women make it a timeless anthem that remains relevant and inspiring.
In the ever-changing landscape of popular culture, Drake’s track stands as a testament to the enduring power of music to inspire, uplift, and challenge societal norms.
Its impact extends far beyond the realm of entertainment, serving as a rallying cry for women to embrace their authentic selves and pursue their dreams without apology.
As society continues to grapple with issues of gender equality and representation, Nice For What serves as a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience of women in all walks of life.
Its enduring popularity and cultural significance solidify its place as a seminal work that will continue to inspire and empower generations to come.
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Drake Nice For What Lyrics
Intro: Big Freedia & Lauryn Hill
I wanna know who mothafuckin’ representin’ in here tonight
Hold on, hold on
I keep lettin’ you back in (You back in)
How can I explain myself?
Chorus: Lauryn Hill & Drake
Care for me, care for me, you said you’d care for me
There for me, there for me, said you’d be there for me
(Lil Weezyana shit)
Cry for me, cry for me, you said you’d die for me
(Murda on the beat)
Give to me, give to me, why won’t you live for me?
Care for me, care for me, I know you care for me
(A song for y’all to cut up to, you know?)
There for me, there for me, said you’d be there for me (Yeah)
Cry for me, cry for me, you said you’d die for me
Give to me, give to me, why won’t you live for me?
Verse 1: Drake
Everybody get your mothafuckin’ roll on
I know shorty and she doesn’t want no slow song
Had a man last year, life goes on
Haven’t let that thing loose, girl, in so long
You’ve been inside, know you like to lay low
I’ve been peepin’ what you bringin’ to the table
Workin’ hard, girl, everything paid for
First-last, phone bill, car note, cable
With your phone out, gotta hit them angles
With your phone out, snappin’ like you Fabo
And you showin’ off, but it’s alright
And you showin’ off, but it’s alright (Alright!)
It’s a short life, yeah
Chorus: Lauryn Hill
Care for me, care for me, you said you’d care for me
There for me, there for me, said you’d be there for me
Cry for me, cry for me, you said you’d die for me
Give to me, give to me, why won’t you live for me?
Refrain: Drake
That’s a real one in your reflection
Without a follow, without a mention
You really pipin’ up on these niggas
You gotta be nice for what to these niggas?
Verse 2: Drake
I understand, you got a hunnid bands
You got a baby Benz, you got some bad friends
High school pics, you was even bad then
You ain’t stressin’ off no lover in the past tense
You already had them
Work at 8 A.M., finish ’round five
Hoes talk down, you don’t see ’em outside
Yeah, they don’t really be the same offline
You know dark days, you know hard times
Doin’ overtime for the last month
Saturday, call the girls, get ’em gassed up
Gotta hit the club, gotta make that ass jump
Gotta hit the club like you hit them mothafuckin’ angles
With your phone out, snappin’ like you Fabo
And you showin’ off, but it’s alright
And you showin’ off, but it’s alright (Alright!)
It’s a short life
Bridge: Big Freedia & Letitia Wright
Uh-huh (Oh yeah)
These hoes (They mad)
Your boy (I had)
I made (Watch the breakdown)
Chorus: Lauryn Hill
Care for me, care for me, you said you’d care for me
There for me, there for me, said you’d be there for me
Cry for me, cry for me, you said you’d die for me
Give to me, give to me, why won’t you live for me?
Breakdown: Drake
Gotta make that jump, gotta make that, gotta, gotta make that
Gotta make that jump, gotta make that, gotta, gotta make that
Gotta, gotta, gotta g-g-gotta, g-g-gotta, gotta
Gotta, g-g-gotta, gotta, gotta make that jump, jump (Let’s go)
Bend it over, lift it up, bend it over, lift it up
Make that jump, jump
Bend it over, lift it up, bend it over, lift it up
Make that jump, jump
Bend it over, over, over, over, over, lift it up
Make that jump, jump
Bend it over, lift it up (Make that jump, jump)
Bend it over, lift it up (Make that jump, jump)
Refrain: Drake
That’s a real one in your reflection
Without a follow, without a mention
You really pipin’ up on these niggas
You gotta be nice for what to these niggas?
I understand
Chorus: Lauryn Hill
Care for me, care for me, you said you’d care for me
There for me, there for me, said you’d be there for me
Give to me, give to me, why won’t you live for me?
Cry for me, cry for me, you said you’d cry for me
Outro: Drake & Lauryn Hill
Gotta hit the club like you hit them, hit them, hit them angles
(BlaqNmilD, you a genius, you diggin’ me?)
It’s a short life, yeah
Cry for me, cry for me, you said you’d die for me
Give to me, give to me, why won’t you live for me?
