Drake, the Toronto native, has solidified his place as a dominant force in contemporary music. From his early mixtapes to chart-topping albums, his discography is a rich tapestry of hip-hop, R&B, and pop sensibilities. This list explores 30 of Drake’s most popular songs, delving into what makes each track stand out and contribute to his unparalleled success.
30. Forever (feat. Kanye West, Lil Wayne & Eminem) (2009)
“Forever” served as Drake’s grand entrance onto the global rap stage. Alongside titans Kanye West, Lil Wayne, and Eminem, this track from the More Than a Game soundtrack is an all-star showcase of lyrical prowess and stadium-sized ambition. Drake’s opening line, “Last name ever, first name greatest,” while boastful, declared his intent to reach the pinnacle of rap royalty. Despite some arguably cliché punchlines, the sheer energy and memorable chorus hook cemented “Forever” as a definitive moment in Drake’s ascent.
29. 30 for 30 Freestyle (2015)
Closing out the collaborative project What a Time to Be Alive with Future, “30 for 30 Freestyle” offers a moment of introspective calm amidst the album’s trap-heavy soundscape. This track is Drake in executive mode, delivering spoken-word-esque verses over a smooth, jazzy beat. It’s reminiscent of a sophisticated conversation, perhaps overheard in a first-class lounge, showcasing Drake’s ability to blend introspection with his signature bravado. While the What a Time to Be Alive album itself may be debated in terms of lasting impact, “30 for 30 Freestyle” remains a standout, highlighting Drake’s versatility.
28. Demons (feat. Fivio Foreign & Sosa Geek) (2020)
“Demons,” from Dark Lane Demo Tapes, marked Drake’s foray into the drill sound, a genre he had surprisingly little engagement with considering his penchant for incorporating global music trends. This track suggests a natural fit for Drake within the genre’s dark, bass-heavy atmosphere and syncopated rhythms. Featuring Fivio Foreign and Sosa Geek, “Demons” hinted at a potentially more expansive exploration of drill on his then-upcoming album, Certified Lover Boy.
27. Fake Love (2016)
Capitalizing on the tropical-infused sound that propelled “Hotline Bling,” “Fake Love” provides a catchy and relatable anthem, even if the lyrical content treads familiar ground. Drake laments the insincerity that fame attracts, a theme that resonates with many, though perhaps less so with the average listener. However, the undeniably strong chorus, delivered with Drake’s signature high-register vocals, ensures “Fake Love” remains a karaoke favorite and a popular song in his catalog.
26. God’s Plan (2018)
“God’s Plan” is a testament to the power of melody in modern rap. While the verse melody might be considered somewhat monotonous, the song’s bridge elevates it, culminating in what is arguably Drake’s most impactful punchline moment. This track exemplifies how contemporary rap songwriting often prioritizes a singular, catchy melody, upon which the song’s success hinges. “God’s Plan” undeniably struck a chord, becoming one of Drake’s most commercially successful and popular songs.
25. Ignant Shit (feat. Lil Wayne) (2009)
“Ignant Shit,” from the breakthrough mixtape So Far Gone, showcases Drake’s audacious confidence in his early career. Sampling a Jay-Z beat that itself sampled the Notorious B.I.G., Drake boldly steps into the spotlight. His verses, alongside a lengthy and equally engaging contribution from Lil Wayne, demonstrate a breezy swagger that belies his then-relative newcomer status. While Drake’s lyrical complexity and flow would evolve, So Far Gone tracks like “Ignant Shit,” “Successful,” and “Say What’s Real” are captivating for their raw energy and palpable hunger for success, marking the beginning of Drake’s journey to becoming a popular songs icon.
24. From Time (feat. Jhené Aiko) (2013)
Drake excels when he delves into personal narratives, moving beyond generalized boasts or vague grievances. “From Time,” featuring Jhené Aiko, exemplifies this strength. He gets personal, exploring relationships with family and past loves, even name-dropping “Courtney from Hooters on Peachtree,” creating a memorable pop culture moment. Aiko’s exquisite chorus further enhances the song’s emotional depth. Tracks like “March 14,” which details his relationship with his son, share this intimate and revealing style, solidifying Drake’s ability to connect through vulnerability in his popular songs.
23. Mob Ties (2018)
“Mob Ties” presents a darker, more menacing side of Drake, albeit one that might be more performative than factual. Lines about “Louis bags in exchange for body bags” and connections to the mob create an image of simmering resentment and implied violence. While Drake’s actual involvement in criminal activities is questionable (and likely nonexistent), the track effectively conveys a sense of simmering aggression and a willingness to project a tougher persona, adding another layer to his musical character in his popular songs.
22. Wants and Needs (feat. Lil Baby) (2021)
“Wants and Needs” demonstrates Drake’s mastery of Atlanta trap rhythms while maintaining his distinct artistic voice. The track opens with a verse that feels almost off-beat before landing squarely and triumphantly within the triplet-heavy production. The unexpected shift into a captivating chorus showcases Drake’s skill in manipulating emotional temperature within a song, leaving the listener to decipher whether the change is towards warmth or coldness. This complexity and rhythmic command contribute to the track’s appeal as one of Drake’s popular songs in the trap genre.
21. Blem (2017)
Drake’s forays into dancehall-influenced music have been met with mixed reactions, with some criticizing his appropriation of Caribbean slang and rhythms. However, “Blem” showcases his undeniable talent for navigating these sonic landscapes. The production is far from a simple imitation, creating a unique and watery soundscape. Drake’s melodic choices are strong, and he even manages to use slang like “wasteman” with a degree of credibility within the song’s context. “Blem” stands as an example of Drake’s successful, if sometimes debated, engagement with global music styles in his popular songs.
20. Energy (2015)
“Energy” crackles with paranoia and confrontation. Opening with the sound of gunfire, the hard-hitting trap beat sets the stage for Drake to address the “vampiric forces” in his life. His sneering observations about superficial encounters, such as women showing him their social media feeds after borrowing his Wi-Fi, are delivered with a biting humor. “Energy” captures a sense of frustration and the burden of fame, making it a relatable and popular song for those navigating similar pressures, albeit on a different scale.
19. Ice Melts (feat. Young Thug) (2017)
“Ice Melts,” produced by Supah Mario and SL, benefits greatly from a Young Thug chorus created during his creatively fertile “Jeffrey” era. Thug’s contribution adds a whimsical, almost ethereal quality to the track. Drake adopts the persona of a patient lover, waiting for his potential partner to move on from past relationships. The underlying humor lies in Drake’s well-established persona as someone who is anything but patient in romantic pursuits, creating a playful irony within this popular song.
18. Find Your Love (2010)
“Find Your Love” marks Drake’s purest foray into pop territory and the first of his many UK Top 40 hits. Another track with a dancehall-adjacent beat, it possesses a universal pop appeal, almost reminiscent of a boy band anthem. The chorus melody is impeccably crafted, transforming hopeful longing into determined conviction. “Find Your Love” showcases Drake’s ability to create undeniably catchy and broadly appealing popular songs that transcend genre boundaries.
17. Marvin’s Room (2011)
The artwork for Take Care, Drake’s second album, became almost a self-aware parody of the “sophomore slump” album cover – depicting fame’s disillusionment with Drake gazing forlornly at a gold goblet. “Marvin’s Room” embodies this melancholic theme in its rawest form. It’s a late-night confessional, sketching a picture of empty encounters and emotional detachment as Drake attempts to connect with a woman, but perhaps without genuine intent. The song’s chords are as numb as the narrator, and the subtly sinister chorus melody lingers, creating a uniquely unsettling and popular song within Drake’s discography.
16. Worst Behaviour (2013)
Rap blogger Big Ghost’s tongue-in-cheek nickname for Drake, “Yung Garnier Fructis,” highlighting his perceived “softness,” underscores the occasional disconnect when Drake attempts a harder edge. However, “Worst Behaviour” transcends any such criticisms. The anthemic track, with its aggressive, stop-start delivery and memorable lines like “Remember? Motherfucker?“, possesses an unhinged energy. It’s a moment where Drake’s attempt at aggression feels genuinely impactful, contributing to its status as a popular and powerful song.
15. One Dance (feat. Kyla & Wizkid) (2016)
Drake’s global smash hit, “One Dance,” not only topped charts worldwide but also significantly boosted the career of UK artist Kyla, whose track “Do You Mind?” is sampled. Slowing down Kyla’s UK funky track to a dancehall tempo, “One Dance” retains its sultry vibe. It’s a strong contender for the ultimate “gun fingers” anthem in pop music, alongside M.I.A.’s “Paper Planes,” and undeniably one of Drake’s most popular songs due to its infectious rhythm and global appeal.
14. Take Care (feat. Rihanna) (2011)
Drake’s appreciation for UK music is evident in his collaborations with artists like Giggs, Sampha, and Jamie xx. “Take Care” directly samples Jamie xx’s remix of Gil Scott-Heron’s “I’ll Take Care of You,” giving the already poignant song another layer of emotional resonance. Rihanna’s take on Scott-Heron’s chorus is wise and comforting, creating a sense of genuine tenderness. Drake seamlessly transitions between rapping and singing, mirroring the emotional push and pull of the relationship dynamic depicted in this deeply moving and popular song.
13. Feel No Ways (2016)
The production on “Feel No Ways,” courtesy of Majid Jordan, evokes a nostalgic yet otherworldly atmosphere, reminiscent of Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis filtered through a dreamlike haze. A ghostly Malcolm McLaren sample adds an intriguing layer of ambiguity – is it a warning or a celebration? The song is rich with vocal melodies, blurring the traditional verse-chorus structure. Drake’s line at 1:50, expressing a profound sense of searching, is particularly striking, contributing to the song’s haunting beauty and popularity among Drake’s deeper cuts.
12. Controlla (2016)
“Controlla” is arguably Drake’s best pure dancehall track. The producers expertly complicate the Caribbean rhythm with intricate trap percussion, creating a captivating sonic texture. Drake’s delivery of lines like “I think I’d lie for you / I think I’d die for you” exhibits a jazz-like freedom before seamlessly locking back into the song’s rhythmic groove. Despite some debate about the authenticity of his Jamaican patois, “Controlla” remains a subtly sexy and undeniably popular song due to its infectious rhythm and melodic charm.
11. In My Feelings (2018)
While Drake’s later attempt to create a viral dance craze with “Toosie Slide” felt forced, “In My Feelings” organically generated one of social media’s most joyous dance challenges, popularized by Shiggy. The song itself is classic Drake, featuring his signature melancholic yet relatable lyrics set against a vibrant beat that evokes the energy of a Miami bass party. “In My Feelings” showcases Drake’s ability to tap into cultural moments and create undeniably popular songs that resonate on multiple levels.
10. The Ride (2011)
“The Ride” features one of the most beautiful and atmospheric productions in Drake’s entire catalog. Layers of cooing vocals from The Weeknd create a luxurious backdrop against the song’s fitful bass and percussion. Drake’s often-used “me against the world” persona, which can sometimes be grating, is rendered deeply affecting against this sonic softness, charged with a nihilistic energy. The song’s eventual turn towards celebrating wealth and fame rings hollow after the preceding journey through excess and a disturbing image of plastic surgery, making “The Ride” a complex and compelling, if less overtly popular, song in Drake’s discography.
9. Fancy (feat. T.I. & Swizz Beatz) (2010)
When Drake isn’t exploring darker themes, he often excels at capturing the pre-party anticipation of a night out, blending romantic drama with tequila-fueled energy. “Fancy,” featuring T.I. and Swizz Beatz, is the high point of his debut album in this vein. It’s about the excitement of getting ready, with Drake appraising his girlfriend’s styling choices over a celestial Swizz Beatz beat. “Fancy” perfectly encapsulates the feeling of pre-night-out excitement, making it a popular song for those moments of anticipation.
8. Started From the Bottom (2013)
The extent of Drake’s “bottom” has been debated, given his teenage fame on Degrassi Junior High. However, by his own account, his childhood had financial instability, and in any case, his current fame is far removed from any semblance of normalcy. “Started From the Bottom” charts this ascent with minimalist production and a near-monotone chorus that is subtly mournful yet undeniably infectious. It’s an anthem of self-made success, even with the caveats, making it a motivational and popular song in Drake’s repertoire.
7. Laugh Now Cry Later (feat. Lil Durk) (2020)
Following the lukewarm reception of Dark Lane Demo Tapes, “Laugh Now Cry Later” quelled any concerns about Drake’s creative decline. This single is joyously defiant, filled with thinly veiled jabs at Kanye West, most notably the line about “closeable Gap,” referencing West’s design partnership with the brand. “Laugh Now Cry Later” is a breezy, confident, and subtly combative track, showcasing Drake’s ability to remain culturally relevant and create popular songs even amidst personal and industry rivalries.
6. Know Yourself (2015)
Every rapper needs a civic anthem, and Drake, hailing from Toronto, a city previously lacking a major rap figurehead, delivered a defining one with “Know Yourself.” The song recounts his early years in Toronto (“way before hashtags”) over a trudging beat, culminating in the explosive chorus, “I was runnin’ through the Six with my woes.” “Know Yourself” is a hometown pride anthem and a live show highlight, solidifying its place as one of Drake’s most popular songs, particularly in Toronto.
5. Portland (feat. Quavo & Travis Scott) (2017)
“Portland” opens with a line that encapsulates Drake’s often-polarizing persona: scolding his girlfriend for slow text responses while mentioning another girlfriend. This blend of cockiness and playful self-awareness is a key element of his appeal and criticism. Set against a whimsical flute riff by Murda Beatz, the track becomes a quintessential “vibe.” “Portland” embodies the nebulous concept of a mood-setting track, making it a popular song for its effortless cool and catchy melody.
4. Hotline Bling (2015)
Sampling Timmy Thomas’s 1972 ballad “Why Can’t We Live Together?”, a song of pacifist longing, Drake ironically sped it up for a track about a booty call in “Hotline Bling.” Despite the potentially cynical premise, the result was undeniably brilliant. The song became a defining anthem for Drake, showcasing his charisma. While the lyrics are arguably jealous and even slut-shaming, the song captures a poignant sense of fleeting lust. “Hotline Bling” is a testament to Drake’s ability to transform potentially problematic themes into incredibly popular songs.
3. Hold On, We’re Going Home (feat. Majid Jordan) (2013)
Nothing Was the Same, Drake’s third album, continued the themes of paranoia and introspection from Take Care, but “Hold On, We’re Going Home” offered a return to the boyish romanticism of his early work. Lines like “I want your hot love and emotion, endlessly” might seem simplistic on paper, but Drake’s sincerity sells them. The song is pure pop perfection, ideal for carefree dancing and embodies a sense of uncomplicated joy, making it one of Drake’s most enduringly popular songs for its feel-good vibe.
2. Child’s Play (2016)
Beneath the surface of Drake’s often-brooding persona lies a sharp sense of humor, occasionally surfacing in his music. “Child’s Play” is a prime example. A night out at the Cheesecake Factory, a perfectly self-deprecating detail, is derailed by arguments with a girlfriend who also borrows his Bentley to buy tampons. Lines like “Don’t make me give you back to the hood!” delivered in a parental tone, highlight the self-created web of “daddy issues.” The high-energy New Orleans bounce-influenced beat propels this screwball comedy of a song, making “Child’s Play” a uniquely funny and popular song in Drake’s catalog.
1. Nice For What (2018)
“Nice For What” tops this list as Drake’s most essential popular song. It’s a masterclass in sampling, seamlessly blending bounce artist Big Freedia with a pitched-up Lauryn Hill sample, courtesy of Murda Beatz. The result is an exhilarating and empowering club track celebrating female empowerment and the joy of going out. Drake acts as a motivational speaker, urging women to disregard social media pressures and embrace real-world connections. “Nice For What” is a fraternal anthem, showcasing Drake in a rare non-lustful and non-jaded light. Despite his immense wealth, the song resonates because it captures the universally relatable feeling of Friday night freedom after payday, solidifying “Nice For What” as Drake’s ultimate popular song.
