It’s a big week for Drake (I imagine every week is a big week for Drake, but this in particular feels bigger). The most memorable sight of a historic Toronto Raptors comeback Tuesday may end up being Drake clapping in Rodney Stuckey’s grill, after the Pacers guard somehow ended up in his lap. More recently, Drake’s must anticipated album, Views, dropped early Friday morning.
It’s no secret Drake is a sports fan, and frequently litters his music with sports references. Last year, I broke down the lyrics from “If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late,” where former Raptor Lou Williams was referenced.
On his latest album, Drake’s alludes to a former Raptor icon, among other notable athletes. Here’s a breakdown of all the sports references on Views.
Track #2 – “9”
“MJ in every way, I just don’t fade away.”
Drake is referring to the GOAT, Michael Jordan, who is widely regarded as the greatest baller ever. Jordan’s longevity is part of what made him special, and we can say the same goes for Drake, who’s been in the game for ten(!) years now. He isn’t just a one trick pony, much like MJ, who was constantly finding new ways to terrorize his opponents.
Track #6 – “Weston Road Flows”
“Shout out to KD, we relate we get the same attention. It’s rainin’ money Oklahoma City Thunder / the most successful rapper, 35 and under.”
This is the first of two references on WRF, where Drake references Thunder superstar Kevin Durant. These are arguably the two most famous celebrities in their respective cities, but let’s hold up on that money line, Drizzy. OKC is in a predicament, because Durant’s about to be a free agent, and there are rumblings that he’s ready to explore free agency. Now, this may be another tactical move by Drake, who was fined $25,000 by the NBA for mentioning Durant’s name at OVO fest in 2014.
If KD ends up in Toronto (slim, I know), the team should put Drake’s face on their logo.
“Been flowin’ stupid since Vince Carter was on some through legs arm in the hoop s**t.”
Vince Carter shut down the dunk competition in 2000, in what was arguably the best display of dunks by any one person, ever. Drake’s first musical accolades come in 2006, with his self-released mixtape, so it’s hard to take this line for truth, unless there’s a vault of 14-year-old Drake tracks somewhere. He probably lost it on his Blackberry with the side scroll. Still, shout out Vince Carter.
Track #12 – “One Dance”
“OT OT, there’s never much love when we go OT.”
Not exactly a sports reference, because OT in this sense stands for out of town, but Drake surely knows how painful overtime can be for writers on a deadline, or anchors patiently waiting in the studio for their show to start. Imagine if Tuesday’s Raptors game went to OT. Thanks, Drizzy.
Track #19 – “Views”
“Yeah, you feel the pressure man, I know the pressure. And my wifey is a spice like I’m David Beckham.”
David Beckham is more than an underwear model. He, at one time, was a fantastic soccer player. He married former Spice Girl Victoria, aka Posh Spice. David Beckham is also very handsome. I am a male, and hate David Beckham.
“Now me and Kobe doings shots the night before the game.”
Look, I know Drake has been planning this album for a while. Two years, even. But this is a miss, because Kobe, at the time of the albums release, is a retired NBA player. He’s really not playing any more games, except that of life. Let’s talk about the line for a second though. Kobe just never seemed like the type of guy who would, in any way, tamper his body before any game. But as a member of the US Olympic team in 2012, rumours have it that Kobe challenged volunteers to a drinking contest, and ordered shots of gin, brandy and tequila. Needless to say, he won, while team US beat Nigeria 156-73 in their next game. If Drake’s instead referencing NBA jump shots, then he clearly gave up too soon.
